Damage on Rental Van, Repair Quote Seems High

TheStabiloBoss on 14/03/2024 - 14:45

So my brother rented and damaged a rental van, frustratingly leaving a dent and scratch on the side about 30cm long across two panels.

They've come back with a quote on damage costs and it's about adding up to about $40 short of his excess (around $3200). In the quote breakdown they're charging almost $2100 for painting when there was no paint damage…

Obviously he's liable but just wondering, does anyone know any options to find out if they're fully taking the piss re the repair?

(full disclosure, I am not knowledgeable about car repair costs but it feels like a lot for a dent).

Automotive Car Rental

Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/03/2024 - 14:48
    +5

    insurance jobs are insanely high - but in this instance whats the alternative?

    • jv on 14/03/2024 - 15:01
      +21

      whats the alternative?

      take out full insurance before renting.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/03/2024 - 15:21
        +2

        i meant whats the alterative now they are in the situation…

        in a normal situation maybe they could convince the other party to allow assessment by another third party panel beater / dodgy handyman uncle that trades labour for slabs and pineapples.

        but yes, surely with prospect of such a high excess would have made sense to get a short term comprehensive insurance coverage.

  • ESEMCE on 14/03/2024 - 14:55
    +6

    It's scratched but there's no paint damage?

    • TheStabiloBoss on 14/03/2024 - 14:57
      -2

      Scratched probably isn't the right word. Dented along a thin line of the panel.

      • 2esc on 15/03/2024 - 08:36
        +6

        If its dented it will need repainting.

        Paintless dent removal doesnt work for most dents.

        • Extreme on 15/03/2024 - 09:46
          +9

          Absolutely nonsense.

          Paintless dent removal does work for most dents if the person performing the PDR is sufficiently skilled.

          • MrFrugalSpend on 15/03/2024 - 23:02
            -1

            @Extreme: a scratch though, sounds like an elongated gouge, not the sort of think normally paintless dent removed.

    • TheStabiloBoss on 14/03/2024 - 15:06
      +6

      All due respect, not related to the question I asked but thanks for your input.

      • iforgotmysocks on 14/03/2024 - 15:09
        -4

        Not jv but you’re very welcome

      • jv on 14/03/2024 - 15:10
        -5

        not related to the question

        yes it is…

        That's how it works… Nothing you can do about it… Read your contract that you signed.

        • Camelface on 16/03/2024 - 13:08
          +8

          You talk like you know everything - have some empathy my friend. You may not have made any mistakes in life or haven't made any bad decisions, but other people do, so please give some space.

          • normanwall on 17/03/2024 - 03:25
            +5

            @Camelface: JV will never change. They will continue to be rude like this (check comment history) and bold the words to add emphasis because they like to be pompous despite all the negative feedback.

        • Jackson on 16/03/2024 - 17:50

          You are within your rights to ask for a second quote and maybe even a 3rd.

    • Baysew on 14/03/2024 - 15:13
      +2

      Why didn't you your brother take out full insurance?

      That is very heavy on his brother.

      • jv on 14/03/2024 - 15:19
        -8

        That is very heavy on his brother.

        Nope….🚫

    • 6000SUX on 16/03/2024 - 13:58
      +2

      how is this helpful? whats the point?

    • rickdwp on 17/03/2024 - 01:03

      Full insurance that would cost at least 2k with excess anyway, and raised future premiums…..

      • jv on 17/03/2024 - 11:27
        -2

        I’m paying just over $400 for full comprehensive.

        The cost depends a lot on your driving record and where you live.

        • Camelface on 17/03/2024 - 13:32

          That's actually cheap. I pay just over $800 with $400 excess for a basic vehicle.

          • jv on 17/03/2024 - 13:46

            @Camelface: My excess is $750 if at fault.

            • clover on 21/03/2024 - 20:18

              @jv: Which company?

              • jv on 21/03/2024 - 22:45

                @clover: I switched from Budget Direct to AAMI

  • Boioioioi on 14/03/2024 - 15:09
    +12

    Lesson here is to take out full insurance in the future - you damage the car, expect to be paying the excess cost

  • Dollar General on 14/03/2024 - 15:14

    Take the quote to another panel beater and see what they say

    • TheStabiloBoss on 14/03/2024 - 15:19
      +1

      Yeah I was thinking this would be a good option, just not sure what you'd actually do with it afterwards if they say it's a big discrepancy

      • Dollar General on 14/03/2024 - 15:33
        +5

        You can negotiate it down if there’s a decent discrepancy. It would still be cheaper for them to negotiate than litigate

        • TheStabiloBoss on 14/03/2024 - 15:42
          +1

          Gotcha, might see if this is a viable option 👍

        • pjetson on 14/03/2024 - 15:53
          +5

          It would still be cheaper for them to negotiate than litigate

          They won't litigate, they'll just charge the credit card that was used for the hire.

      • banana365 on 15/03/2024 - 18:51
        +1

        Terrible idea. Another repair place will want to see the vehicle before giving a quote. Are you willing to hire the vehicle for another day to be told "yeah, our price is about the same"? Do you expect the hire company not to also charge you for loss of income due to their asset being unavailable?

      • MrFrugalSpend on 15/03/2024 - 23:09
        +6

        easy, if you get a lower cost, tell them that is the repair cost and that is all you are willing to pay for it, otherwise you can't pay and they'd have to take legal action which would cost them more. Empty and block the credit card, reduce the limit, report it stolen, or whatever you can to make it harder for them to recover more.

        Let's say you get a quote for $1560 and they are at $3160 - you offer to settle for a rounded up amount - say $1600.
        If you can prove that it covers their damages and they pursue you for $3160, if you have formally offered to settle for $1600, and you went to Small Claims Court / QCAT or whatever - and you presented your quote and the offer to settle for above that quote, it would likely be decided that is reasonable.

        You can then ask for costs of your attendance to be deducted for stuffing you around when you made a reasonable offer to settle and would likely get it discounted accordingly.
        That's how costs orders work. However the other way around, if you offer too low and it is deemed higher, you could get charged extra for not accepting a reasonable offer. It is always a good idea to make documented offers to settle (provided you make the offer without prejudice or admission of guilt to resolve it in full - i.e. on condition they agree in writing that it settles the matter and no further amount will be payable) because judges take that into consideration when the other party has not taken opportunity to resolve it and waste everyone's time and money fighting about it.

        Most small legal disputes are won on a protracted back and forth which each side slightly increasing their offer (or vice versa) to close the gap, and then taking steps to make the other party think that's the final offer and they will take it to court or whatever if they don't accept - almost always a bluff. Most small matters never see a court room as it is way too costly. Whoever has control of the gold has the most power. If they can charge your card and take your money, your negotiating power is diminished. If they need you to transfer it to them, it's much higher because they will be motivated to get you to agree and pay them.

        • matt_will_fix_it on 16/03/2024 - 06:52

          Even if you find a lower quote, the hire company can still demand lost rental for the period the vehicle is been repaired.

          • shreav on 16/03/2024 - 07:45

            @matt_will_fix_it: Wow is that really a thing?

          • ol mate on 17/03/2024 - 03:09
            +1

            @matt_will_fix_it: You can ask for proof of fleet utilisation (i.e. for them to prove that the damaged vehicle would’ve actually been rented during the repair period), or if the vehicle is drivable and roadworthy, that they could’ve waited for a period where it was not utilised to do the repairs.

    • argamond on 16/03/2024 - 18:31

      Also remember to rent out the van for the amount of days it takes to repair it

  • OZBMate8911 on 14/03/2024 - 15:17
    +8

    Depending on where the dent is they may need to weld plugs onto the bodywork to pull the dent out. This would then necessitate painting.

    IANAPB, just stating there could be a legitimate reason why it necessitates paint.

    • TheStabiloBoss on 14/03/2024 - 15:21
      +1

      I see, that would make sense. It's smack bang in the middle of the side. Thanks for the suggestion 👍

      • BartholemewH on 16/03/2024 - 19:28

        It may also need one/two door skins, which are the outer pressed metal parts of the door. They drill out and remove the old skin, weld the new skin onto the frame and prep/paint.

        Edit: The quote should be itemised. If not, insist on it.

  • AustriaBargain on 14/03/2024 - 15:22
    +4

    Your bother should have paid professional movers, would have been cheaper, faster, and hassle free. Or just get the insurance.

    • TheStabiloBoss on 14/03/2024 - 15:25
      -1

      Thanks.

      • jv on 14/03/2024 - 15:28
        +5

        double standards…

    • Muzeeb on 14/03/2024 - 16:21
      +8

      Until they break the garage door mechanism.

      • Jackson on 16/03/2024 - 17:53

        Or rack off with your dads tools and a couple of xbox controllers #junkies

  • Baysew on 14/03/2024 - 15:23
    +7

    Without even seeing the damage, I'm sure it will just buff out.

  • dogboy on 14/03/2024 - 15:26
    +9

    If you ever damage a rental, get it repaired yourself before returning it. Otherwise they will sting you a ridiculous amount.

    • Euphemistic on 14/03/2024 - 18:27
      +13

      Good call.

      OP: Hello, rental company. Id like to extend my rental period by… seven weeks please.
      Rental: sure no problem. That will be $(more than the repair cost) extra.
      OP: Thanks. Ill have it back in tip top condition
      Rental: why are you pointing that out?
      OP: …..

      • GordonD on 14/03/2024 - 19:15
        +21

        Id like to extend my rental period by… seven weeks please.

        And that's why rental companies rip you off for repair costs. Because it costs them not just the cost of fixing the vehicle, but also the loss of revenue while its out of action. From the minute you return it to them damaged, to when they can get it booked in to get repaired, to when its fixed, they can't rent it out and get rental on it. They're not interested in the cheapest repairer, they want the one that can fix it immediately.

        • jackspratt on 15/03/2024 - 14:45
          +4

          My experience with rental companies is that they don't bother to get small stuff (such as was the OP seems to be talking about) repaired.

          EDIT - I see this point is also made several times further down in the thread.

  • toocheep on 14/03/2024 - 15:31
    +2

    If this was paid for by credit card, some have rental vehicle excess insurance.

    • TheStabiloBoss on 14/03/2024 - 15:38
      +1

      Ah, alas it was not. Good tip though 👍

  • SnowDragon on 14/03/2024 - 15:45

    Can't really give any advice, but I had something similar happen last year https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/821729. About a 20-30cm dent on a pantech side.

    Have they given a breakdown in costs similar to what I got?

    • TheStabiloBoss on 14/03/2024 - 15:56

      Almost identical accident wise. Their quote is quite hard to understand but it's as follows:
      - Interior trims + Hardware $170
      - Repair R/H SIDE ASSY $850
      - Paint $2140
      - New decal $380

      The excess was $1100 but there's an extra $2000 if the driver is at fault.

      • SnowDragon on 14/03/2024 - 16:01

        My truck had a livery/logo on the side - hence why it didn't need painting.
        Didn't get charged for a replacement one as well - looking online they were quite expensive.

  • m a c9 on 14/03/2024 - 15:55

    Any pictures?

    I was involved in a not-at-fault accident sometime last year - it was very minimal. Paint damage to the quarter and bumper panel on driver's side, less than the size of your pinky nail.

    If it wasn't a brand new car and it was a few years old I would've probably just gone on with it but it was a week old and he hit me. So I went to get a quote - expected $500-$600 tops (not a very knowledgable car person obviously) but got $2.5-$3k quote. I was a bit shocked so I took it to another shop near my work and they quoted very similarly.

    I'm told it's because he hit two panels, they have to obviously charge to remove and work on both - prep, paint, clear coat, plus blending the panel as well.

    It's not 100% the same scenario but just chipped in to let you know the repair costs are always, always far more excessive when you're at fault.

    • TheStabiloBoss on 14/03/2024 - 16:04
      +1

      That's quite interesting, that does make sense with the two panels which might help explain it.

      This is what we're working with: https://i.postimg.cc/j5Z5rXRk/Damage.jpg

      • Muzeeb on 14/03/2024 - 16:24
        +1

        Why would you think this would need paint?

        Creased panels don't just pop out.

        • TheStabiloBoss on 14/03/2024 - 16:32

          On the face of it it doesn't seem lime it does. But as others have said, maybe it flaked off, maybe it was ripped into during the repair.

          • mapax on 14/03/2024 - 16:41
            +4

            @TheStabiloBoss: It’s a huge job to fix that properly, it’s not just a simple dent. A lot of panel beaters won’t even fix creased panels these days, they replace the whole thing.

            • TheStabiloBoss on 14/03/2024 - 16:45
              +1

              @mapax: Right, I see. It's a deceptive looking bit of damage to the untrained eye!

      • trapper on 14/03/2024 - 17:59
        +11

        When you rent a vehicle and it's covered in dents, well every one of those dents cost someone their excess, and none of them were ever repaired.

        I would bet if you see this vehicle again in a year the panel will still look exactly like that.

        Doesn't get your brother off the hook for paying though.

        • Mistredo on 14/03/2024 - 21:12

          It isn't economical for the rental companies to repair it. They can't rent it while it is being repaired, and it will be damaged in short time again.

        • 91rs on 15/03/2024 - 18:04

          Sure but when they sell the vehicle they also take a hit on the price given the damage done by others, they're just trying to offset their losses.
          Not surprised they are charging that given the crease, that's a lot more work and won't just pop out, there will be a lot of respray.
          You could take the pics and send to a couple smash repair places and get some estimates and then go back to the rental company though.

      • rickdwp on 17/03/2024 - 01:01
        -2

        Look tbh thats a $1,000 repair job at an independent panel shop IF you can get in before xmas. But you can not paintless repair that, and $3,000 is pretty reasonable for a big autobody shop prioritizing work.

  • Drakesy on 14/03/2024 - 16:07
    • costs for not being able to rent the van out.

    If you didn't reduce the excess i'd take it on the chin.

    Panel beating these days is horrendous. Admittedly the damage isnt to paint, however if they get a dent repairer it may flake off.

    But yeah, whats the alternative, unfortunately it doesn't look good.

    • TheStabiloBoss on 14/03/2024 - 16:29

      Yeah good point, just hard tell what's excessive and what's not from their quotes. The inability to rent it out was about $280 by their calculations, which is fine.

      Annoyingly the excess was reduced from $5000 to $1100 but they have an at fault damage waiver that knocks it back up $2000 more.

      • Drakesy on 14/03/2024 - 16:54
        +1

        an at fault damage waiver that knocks it back up $2000 more.

        What a load of sh1t. scumbag rental companies. So you'd still be out of pocket $1100 if not at fault?!

        • j0hnd0e on 16/03/2024 - 08:43
          +1

          Rental car companies usually have different insurance levels which can bring the excess to zero, its not their fault el-cheapo wants to save a few bucks by not paying for the zero excess package.

          • Drakesy on 16/03/2024 - 10:52

            @j0hnd0e: Its more why should someone be out of pocket if they didnt cause a crash

            • j0hnd0e on 16/03/2024 - 11:11
              -1

              @Drakesy: OP's 'brother' caused the damage - he's at fault.

              • SpainKing on 16/03/2024 - 12:27

                @j0hnd0e: That's not what Drakesy was asking though. He's asking why is the onus of repayment on the person that rented the vehicle, even when they weren't the cause of the damage (like if you were stopped at a red and got rear-ended)

              • Drakesy on 16/03/2024 - 13:22
                -1

                @j0hnd0e: I know, but its the fact that theres a clause that they can charge even if not at fault as @spainking said

                • j0hnd0e on 16/03/2024 - 19:53

                  @Drakesy: They will charge you the excess but if the third party at fault settles the claim, the excess will be refunded. This is the norm for most big rental companies.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 14/03/2024 - 17:02
    +1

    Sneak into the rental depot after hours, remove the panels, take to your trusty backyard shop, return and reinstall. When the rental place next contacts you say "What damage?"

  • c64 on 14/03/2024 - 17:29

    you are getting ripped off, mate. a small suction cup, some hot water and they'll pop right out and bob's your uncle, she'll be right to go

    • lilyesp on 16/03/2024 - 16:30

      Maybe he should have done this prior to giving the van back

  • Brian McGee on 14/03/2024 - 17:41
    +4

    Most likely they will not repair it or if they do it'll be a paintless dent removal for a few $hundred.
    No way are they going to replace 2 panels and paint the side for (i assume) a white box on wheels that'll get bumped again next week.

  • trapper on 14/03/2024 - 17:55

    When you rent a vehicle, the excess you have is essentially exactly what you'll be paying for any kind of damage you do.

    You can either accept this, pay the extra to reduce it, or obtain third-party rental excess insurance.

  • TurboTortoise on 14/03/2024 - 18:04

    Yes agree with @Brian McGee it is likely they wont repair it but it doesnt stop them claiming the cost from you. Its a key way rental car companies get a return on the car.

  • JimmyF on 14/03/2024 - 18:47
    -1

    In the quote breakdown they're charging almost $2100 for painting when there was no paint damage…

    How do you see them removing the dent then? Normally its popped out, then filled, sanded and then GASP painted to match……

    So my brother rented and damaged a rental van, frustratingly leaving a dent and scratch on the side about 30cm long across two panels.

    Pictures?

  • AndyC1 on 14/03/2024 - 19:23

    How do you have a scratch "when there was no paint damage…"… Magic????

  • kanter on 15/03/2024 - 10:37
    +1

    The picture helps. They will have to sand the area off, weld rods to pull the dent out, bog over it to make it smooth, paint over it and a wider area to ensure the colour difference is unnoticeable (because there is always a colour difference so it needs to be blended)
    So, unfortunately it does cost a bit

  • lechuck123 on 15/03/2024 - 18:18

    I don't suppose he paid on a credit card that provides cover for this? For example my ANZ credit card covers a few thousand to cover the excess when hiring a rental car in Australia. You need to pay for the car with the credit card though.

    • yabol on 15/03/2024 - 23:17

      I think these insurances don't cover vans/trucks etc.

  • gromit on 15/03/2024 - 19:55
    +1

    If he has insurance and hence an excess why would you care what it costs to repair, he pays the excess and moves on regardless as while the dent repair might only cost that, being off the road will cost them considerably more.

  • Seaeagles on 15/03/2024 - 21:25
    +1

    The quote might seem excessive and probably is but the figure isn't just the repair cost.
    If the car is in for repairs 4 day they will add the lost revenue into the final cost.

    To late now but always take out the $0 excess option, yes its expensive but nowhere as the repairs.

  • rlf on 16/03/2024 - 03:19
    -3

    Just don't pay. Say you're more than happy to pay when they send a reasonable and fair bill.

    They're scumbags running up an insurance tab.

  • Sinnerator on 16/03/2024 - 08:30
    +1

    ask rental company to get another quote as you feel this is unreasonable
    worst they can say is no

  • Hangryuman on 16/03/2024 - 11:17
    +1

    a neighbour backed into a post or something causing a small pushed in dent (maybe 20cm diameter) in a back side panel behind the rear door of his Hyundai hatch

    he told me the repairer said this was the most difficult and expensive place to repair and that it was gonna cost $8K - I think he was covered by insurance so didn't argue except he didn't have his car for the week or three or more his car was in being fixed.

    so for a major scratch $3.5K sounds ganz normale

  • snirodha on 16/03/2024 - 12:55
    +2

    Dude what are you smoking ? Based on your picture it is not small at all and it is 2 panels. What they quoted is very reasonable. And do remember loss of rental income which they havent add up until they fix this damage.

  • blorx on 16/03/2024 - 17:59

    Rental van - Lisa needs braces

  • Tiredman on 16/03/2024 - 18:17
    +1

    would've given pdr a try before returning the car

  • p1 ama on 16/03/2024 - 19:46

    They've come back with a quote on damage costs and it's about adding up to about $40 short of his excess (around $3200).

    You should always assume that the excess is what you would typically pay when you have any sort of accident whilst driving a rental. If you choose to not get a lower excess or get the excess waiver option, then that is on you. If you can't afford to pay the excess, you can't afford to rent the car.

    In the quote breakdown they're charging almost $2100 for painting when there was no paint damage…

    How are you saying that there was a 30cm scratch and now you're saying no paint damage? What is a scratch if not paint damage?

    Obviously he's liable but just wondering, does anyone know any options to find out if they're fully taking the piss re the repair?

    Sure, take some photos and hit up some local panel beaters.

    (full disclosure, I am not knowledgeable about car repair costs but it feels like a lot for a dent).

    You seem to have a lot of strong and unsubstantiated opinions for someone who is admittedly not an expert.

    At the end of the day, they are the ones who will have to extract money out of you. So if you really feel that it is unreasonable, you don't need to pay. You can try your chances and have it heard in court. You may win, you may lose. If you lose, you may end up paying much more (legal costs…etc.).

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