I had a very bad experience recently. The car I had taken on rent suffered scratches on the doors. Over the weekend while the car was with me, I went to some garages and they told me that they could fix the dent and the fresh paint for 150 quid. I decided that it was best to report to Enterprise since you would prefer to get it done from your approved garages. The branch charged me £ 1000 excess and said that would take 3 weeks to settle invoices and refund the amount after deducting repair cost and other charges. Also, I was told that I would be shown the estimates for the cost of repair and that it would be a transparent process. The branch also gave me the number of the garage where it was to be sent for repair. I contacted the garage and they told me that the estimates were sent to Enterprise. While the garage told me that they can't disclose the amount, the Enterprise branch and Enterprise accidents claims department said that they havn't received the invoice. After 3 weeks when I again up their accident claims cell, they told me that the cost of repairs was over £900 and accounting for handling and other charges I was liable to pay about £ 1050 quid. That's a RIP-OFF. By my estimates and allowing enough margin to get it done from a enterprise class garage, all put together should not have crossed £ 250- 300. Extremely disappointed with the whole process. The lady on the phone told me that I could get a competitive quote and contest the claim. Now with the car repaired, how on earth can I get a competitive quote from other garages. A month after the overcharge, I am still awaiting repair charge details.

Since being 'done' £45 for a stone chip to the windscreen of a commercial van, I have entered into correspondence with a very aggressive well known national car & van hire company. We know that the branch concerned encourages its staff to under estimate the damage at the time of collection then makes charges accordingly to the unsuspecting innocent hirer on return if they havnt taken out the extra insurance demanded at the start. This is confirmed by an ex member of staff. The little market research I have conducted through friends and relatives shows a seedy world of opportunism and low level fraud and I am reluctant to let them get away with this. I am hoping to compile enough information to get a campaign going. Any of your experiences are warmly welcomed herbertchip