When you used to rent a car, more than likely it was a newer model with only a few defects. There might be a scratch or ding but the rental car agency would be sure to note those on your rental agreement so that any new scratches could be documented, resulting in a charge for the company to return the car to its pristine condition.
Once cars got older, they were sold or relegated to lower-tier companies willing to rent cars that “showed some age.”
The only exception to this was when we rented a car in Iceland. They weren’t worried about a ding or dent but sold us insurance for tire and windshield damage because it was common to have several flats or a smashed window over the course of a rental.
However, things are not usual in 2022. Rental car companies are strapped for vehicles. They sold excess cars during the pandemic and have found it hard to replenish fleets because of the lingering supply chain issues plaguing car manufacturers.
Our recent rental was a 2019 Ford Fusion Hybrid. To put it kindly, the car had seen better days. There was no effort by the rental car company to document the prior damages to the car. We tried to document the defects in case we were blamed for the damages. Fortunately, digital pictures are inexpensive.
Obviously, some of the marks were simply bug guts that were not removed after the prior rental. I live in Florida and I’m no stranger to driving through an insect swarm at high speed on the interstate. But the scuffs, dings and peeled paint are more than normal wear and tear and they could blame anyone who rented this car before or after us.
At least I know they won’t be blaming me for the damages.
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