This is not directly related to a MINI but the reason I got this rental is because of my MINI. I apologize in advance if this is in the wrong section but I wanted to ask the community here if you guys had some similar experience because I am quite worried. Anyway my MINI recently was getting some warranty work done in the dealer therefore it was either I was going to get a loaner car or they were going to rent a car (enterprise) for me. I could not get a loaner car because their policy says I have to be at least 21 years old which I am not (20 years old). My parents were not in town at the time, I go to a university in a different city therefore my parents were not able to take out a loaner. Second option was a rental car from Enterprise which I was able to rent a Hyundai Elantra. I had the car for about 2 days when the dealer finally called me that my MINI is ready to get picked up. The dealer told me to just go straight to the dealer and they will be the one to return the rental car. Now on the way to the dealer there was this truck with a bunch of different things in the back like a lawn mower, pieces of wood etc... There were 2 other cars in front of me before this truck when suddenly he decides to pull over on the shoulder for whatever reason so naturally I slowed down a little bit. This truck pulled over near an exit where I needed to go so I could not change lanes but rather just slow down. Anyway as soon as I pass him this piece of wood goes flying under my rental car and I hear it hit the undercarriage of my car. As soon as I got to the dealer I saw a little ding/dent on the side skirt (driver's side) as big as a quarter or maybe as big as the dollar coin (pretty rare). Any inputs? Thanks for reading.

 

Generally they do an inspection of the car before you drive it away, and again when you drop it off. They can bill you for the cost of the damages, although based on some of the chewed up wheels, tires and fenders I've seen on some rentals, I'm not sure how much your average rental place cares about little stuff like that. I wouldn't sweat it too much if I were you.

Do you happen to have a photo of the damage? It doesn't sound that bad.

 

Yes, post a pic. I'm with Danny, they may spot the damage (in which case you're on the hook), or they may not. In any event, I would return it at night...

 

Assuming that the damage was not there before and was actually caused by the debris...

Just turn the car in, if they make a claim then that is what you have insurance for.

 

Or just drive to a paintless dent repair....sounds like about a $100 dent..
Have it smoothed out...might not be noticed as more than a ding from a rock then...
Do the right thing...property got damaged that was in your care that you don't own...
Life sucks sometimes, even though then things are not your fault...
Take responsibility....
Be an adult...
Will be cheaper than getting caught and sent a bill...
And you can then sleep well....
Threads like this are WHY cars are not rented by many places to younger customers....
The belief that they have to try to "get away with it".....
Just man up...
Folks hate to hear it...
But crap happens....

 

Only one thing to do. Take responsibility....

 

Do you remember signing a document from Enterprise stating that you're off the hook if something happens to the rental car or did you turn in your insurance ID so that you'll have coverage through your own insurance.

If a damage is discovered, most likey, Enterprise will collect your deductible from you. Something similar to this happened to me before and was able to work it out and got my deductible back. The rental that I had was keyed from the front left fender to the rear quarter panel.

A good friend of mine works for Enterprise and advised me to write a letter addressed to the branch manager stressing that you weren't satisfied with the service and experience with their car. Three days later, I received a call that my cc account will be credited back and apologized for any inconvenience.

No this is on a case-by-case basis and I cannot guarantee similar results but it's worth a shot. Spend you money wisely on more important stuff…

Good luck on hope it works out.

 

They hardly even check for damage anymore. Rented a car this Summer for a week, no inspection before or after

 

x1

 

Rented a car a few years ago, it was dark when I picked it up, but we walked around in the parking garage.
Lo and behold, the next morning at my destination it looked like someone had stuck an ice pick in to the door. It was covered in grit, so it wasn't new, but I certainly hadn't done it. Took pics and was ready to battle it out. I turned it in, pointed out the damage and the gal shrugged her shoulders and checked the level of the gas tank.
Aka, don't worry about it.

 

I just want to thank you all for the comments! I called the dealer and told the service advisor about it and told me that the rental car company has not picked up the car yet from the dealer therefore he told me only time will tell. My service advisor said they will either call me about it or they might not even see it. I know technically it's my fault because of the contract but realistically it was an honest accident that I could have not prevented. Again, thank you guys for the comments and I will update you as soon as I get more information!