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Auto Insurance Claims/another rental car tire liability question

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Expert: - 9/21/2009


Question
Similar to your question about a low tire.  I rented a car from Dollar-Rent-A-Car one afternoon.  The next morning I noticed the tire was low.  I took the car back and they gave me another one with seemingly no problems.  Now, 3 months later, I have received an email from their collections department asking for $160, presumably for the cost of that tire.  I didn't even know the tire had to be replaced nor that the rental company was trying to collect from me for it.  Should I be liable for this?
Shaun

Answer
Hi Shaun,

This is hard to call. You are generally responsible for ANY damage that occurs to the vehicle while in your control. Unless you can prove that the tire was going flat before you took it, I think you will have to pay for the tire.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

Auto Insurance Claims

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Richard Hixenbaugh

Expertise

Auto insurance claims procedure, auto coverage, liability issues, auto damage questions, how to deal with the insurance company, loss of use and diminished value.

Experience

I have been involved in the insurance industry for over 25 years. I have experience in underwriting, sales, claims adjusting, auto damage estimating, auto value appraising and diminished value appraising. I have testified as an expert witness over 35 times.

Organizations
Society of Certified Auto Appraisers

Education/Credentials
Completed all required courses for the Florida Property-Casualty agents license and the Florida claims adjusters license. I have attended various courses on auto damage estmating, vehicle appraising and am ASE certified in collision damage analysis.

Past/Present Clients
My company has done work for consumers nationwide.

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