Bird strike damage

[henry1]

Just returned the hire car today, last two days unused as picking up a Merc I bought to be a little more comfortable and help the wife's back problem. The hire guy said it's ok except for the dent in the bonnet, I looked and there was a depression I had not noticed then remembered driving back from the coast on Sunday evening and a thump and what I thought was a bird passing the windscreen, I was sure it had hit the passenger door pillar so that was where I looked when I got home and not a scratch, never even thought of the bonnet. Fixed charge of £716.67, £675.00 + £41.67 admin cost, it looks to me like it would push out but they have a fixed charge.
I have excess insurance on line with direct excess, anyone claimed from them, I have been hiring for 4 months with no problem and this was the last week of hiring, at least it wasn't the Zed sitting in the garage waiting for a good valet before going for sale.

 

[teamemmenracing]

hire cars ....... I use them a lot ......
always, always take all the insurances .......
I've heard many horror stories of huge bills for minor scrapes ......

 

[pvr]

I bought an annual "additional insurance" for next to nothing from a standard third party supplier, covers all rentals I do during the year.

 

[henry1]

Sent in my claim on Monday, got an e mail today, claim accepted full amount will be refunded to my bank so direct excess gets my praise for swift action, it cost £39.00 for 31 days cover

 

[Jaw]

Not 100% sure, but I was led to believe that there is no entitlement to a 'fixed charge' for damage legally, only their actual cost (which yes is usually the 'standard excess' they charge if it has to be through their insurance; but if it's minor they occasionally repair themselves and pocket the difference) - the only part that can be fixed is the admin fee which should account for down time and paperwork etc..

I have third party insurance too - I paid about 80 quid a year and it covered me for corvettes in the states, vans in australia, and corrollas in the uk. Wouldn't be without it!

 

[Longtallhowie]

I will be getting a lease car in a few months, can you use this kind of insurance for that also? And what kind of insurance is it called so I can search it?

Thanks