If you have damaged a rental car from Enterprise without Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage, here are the steps you should consider taking:
Assess the Damage: Check the extent of the damage and document it with photographs. This documentation may be important for filling out any reports or insurance claims.
Contact Enterprise: Notify the rental company as soon as possible about the damage. It is important to inform them immediately to avoid any potential penalties or additional charges.
Review Your Rental Agreement: Go through your rental contract to understand any terms or conditions relevant to damages. This will give you an insight into your liabilities and responsibilities.
Check Personal Auto Insurance: If you have personal auto insurance, contact your insurer to find out if your policy covers rental car damages. Many personal auto policies offer some form of coverage for rental vehicles.
Credit Card Benefits: If you used a credit card to rent the vehicle, contact your credit card company to see if they offer rental car damage protection. Some credit cards automatically provide this benefit, which could help cover the costs.
Pay for the Damages: If you do not have any insurance coverage or credit card benefits, you will likely be responsible for paying for the repair costs out-of-pocket. Obtain an estimate from Enterprise or a third-party repair shop approved by Enterprise.
Negotiate if Possible: Sometimes there might be room to negotiate repair costs or payment terms. It’s worth asking Enterprise if they can offer any assistance or flexibility.
Learn for the Future: Consider purchasing CDW or similar coverage with future rentals to avoid being in a similar situation again.
By taking these steps, you can better manage the situation and potentially mitigate some of the financial impact of the damage.
