Damage Policy
This Damage Policy explains the responsibilities, charges, and procedures related to vehicle damage during your car rental period. By confirming your reservation, you agree to comply with the terms outlined below. Damage-related charges depend on vehicle condition, rental duration, coverage selected, and supplier rules. All applicable fees will be assessed at vehicle return or once damage is verified.
1. Pre-Rental Vehicle Inspection
Before leaving the pickup location, renters must inspect the vehicle and report any existing damage such as scratches, dents, windshield chips, or interior issues. Failure to report pre-existing damage may result in responsibility for repair costs identified upon return.
2. Damage During Rental Period
Any damage occurring during the rental period—including body damage, glass damage, tire damage, undercarriage issues, or interior damage—is the renter’s responsibility unless valid coverage has been purchased. All incidents must be reported immediately.
3. Accident or Collision Reporting
In the event of an accident, theft, or vandalism, the renter must notify local authorities (where required) and inform the rental provider as soon as possible. A police report or incident report may be mandatory to process claims or insurance coverage.
4. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
If Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or similar coverage is purchased, renter liability for vehicle damage may be reduced or limited, subject to deductible amounts and policy terms. CDW does not cover all damages and may exclude negligence or prohibited vehicle use.
5. Damage Assessment & Repair Costs
All damages are assessed by the rental provider after vehicle return. Repair costs may include parts, labor, administrative fees, towing charges, and loss-of-use charges while the vehicle is unavailable. Estimates are determined by the supplier and are final.
6. Tire, Windshield & Undercarriage Damage
Damage to tires, wheels, windshields, mirrors, and undercarriage may not be fully covered under standard insurance plans. Replacement or repair costs for these items may be charged directly to the renter.
7. Interior Damage & Cleaning Charges
Excessive interior damage including stains, burns, odors, pet hair, spills, or smoking residue may result in cleaning or restoration charges. Fees typically range from $50 to $250 depending on severity.
8. Loss of Use Charges
If damage renders the vehicle unavailable for rental, loss-of-use fees may apply. These charges compensate for revenue lost while the vehicle is under repair and are calculated based on daily rental rates.
9. Unauthorized Repairs
Renters are not permitted to authorize repairs without prior written approval. Unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed and may result in additional administrative charges.
10. Negligent or Prohibited Use
Damage caused by reckless driving, off-road use, driving under the influence, unauthorized drivers, or violation of rental terms will void all coverage. In such cases, the renter is fully responsible for all associated costs.
11. Theft or Total Loss
In cases of vehicle theft or total loss, the renter may be responsible for the full vehicle value unless valid coverage applies. Keys must be returned, and all incident documentation must be provided.
12. Payment & Billing
Damage-related charges may be billed to the payment method on file, including security deposits, after vehicle inspection. Charges may appear after the rental period if damage assessment requires additional time.
13. Dispute Resolution
If you believe a damage charge has been applied in error, you may submit a dispute with supporting evidence within the timeframe specified by the rental provider. All disputes are reviewed in accordance with supplier policies.
14. Responsibility of the Renter
The primary renter is fully responsible for the vehicle and any authorized drivers during the rental period. Responsibility remains until the vehicle is returned, inspected, and formally checked in.
For clarification regarding damage coverage, inspection procedures, or charges, please contact TheTripTime customer support. Our team is available to assist you before, during, and after your rental.