Enterprise Rent a Car False damage claim Southampton Hampshire

I rented a car in Hampshire, UK. I picked it up on a cloudy rainy evening so any small marks or scratches could not be discerned on the initial inspection. I was concerned but the employee was complacent about the condition of the car.

I returned the car a week later, on a bright sunny day. Another employee made an extremely anal inspection and, after bending down really low, noticed two barely visible scuff marks that I had not noticed in the previous rainy days. The 'damage' was noted and the car was then washed for the next customer, whence the scuff marks disappeared as soon as the car became wet again, proving that that they were impossible to see on a rainy day.

I explained I was positive I did not damage the car and asked the employees to check previous records to see if this 'damage' is already documented. They said they picked up the car from another location prior to rental so they do not have their records. This strategy makes customers vulnerable to being charged for preexisting damage or unnoticed marks.

My £200 deposit is being witheld and I am being accused of 'damage' I never did. Too many other customers have had the same issue and are being charged for preexisting, barely visible marks called 'damage' upon return. I will not pay for 'damage' I did not cause, not even if insurance is to pay, and will take this up further.