Thrifty Car Rental, Thifty tried to charge me for damages on a car we rented even after we pointed out damage to them prior to taking the car. Tulsa, Oklahoma

I have noticed that there are an increasing number of reports from consumers of different car rental companies with this same issue.

Recently when I rented a car I noticed that when we did the inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the car rental employee was very lax in marking each blemish/dent. Naturally I had to remind her to indicate each and every spot on the contract form before I would sign the contract and take the vehicle. We ended up having to walk around the car again while I pointed out the dents/scratches and other imperfections and she notated each one on the contract.

I don't know if the employees are encouraged to not mark the blemishes/dents and other damaged areas of the vehicles.I do know if it is not marked on the contract as existing prior to your rental, you will be charged for it. The written agreement will over ride your verbal notice to the attendent.

Is it fair? No. But it is what happens. Essentially you are in a contract dispute with the rental company. They have paperwork to "prove" you had the vehicle before it was damaged because you did not show it on the rental contract. Do you have anything in writing from the company to show that it was there before you took the car?

I'm not suggesting that Thrifty is right in any way. In fact, I think its a scam. The only way to protect yourself in the future is to make sure everything is on the contract before you take the vehicle. As to fixing this issue, be prepared to show something in writing in order to prevail. Good luck.