Quick Summary
- Finding a dent after you have left the lot is stressful, but the key steps are simple: record clear evidence, contact the rental company quickly and keep everything in writing.
- Good photos and a calm explanation often make the difference between a smooth resolution and a damage bill you feel is unfair.
- Hola Car Rentals All Inclusive plus cover and clear inspection advice are designed to protect you from surprise charges as much as possible.
Spot a dent after leaving the lot? Start with photos
Maybe you noticed a small crease in the door while filling up, or a friend points out a scuff on the bumper after you reach the hotel. The first step is to treat the dent as potential damage from this rental until you can show otherwise, and to document it properly before the car is moved again.
Pull over somewhere safe and well lit, then take multiple photos from different angles, including close ups of the dent, wider shots that show the panel in context and one or two photos that clearly show the number plate. If you can see the odometer and fuel gauge in one of the shots that helps prove when they were taken.
Hola Car Rentals already encourages drivers to take thorough photos at pick up, and our guide on what to inspect and photograph at pick up is a great checklist to follow. Comparing those first photos with the new dent can show whether the mark was already there.
Contact the rental company straight away
Once you have photos, contact the rental company using the phone number on your agreement or app. Explain calmly that you have just noticed a dent, state exactly where and when you saw it, and ask the agent to note the issue on the booking. If the damage happened while driving, follow any accident procedures listed in your paperwork.
After the call, send a short email that repeats the details and attach a selection of the clearest images. Having a written record can be very helpful later, especially if the dent turns into a formal claim weeks after you return the vehicle.
If you are staying near a major airport location such as the Orlando Airport return lane, the agent may ask you to bring the car back so they can inspect it in person and, if necessary, swap you into a different vehicle.
Understand how you might be covered
Whether you will pay anything depends on what caused the dent and what level of cover you chose. If you booked through Hola Car Rentals with an All Inclusive plus rate, collision damage and theft are normally included with a clear excess, and maximum liability protection for other people is built into the package.
If the dent is small and classed as wear and tear, some suppliers will simply note it and send you back on the road with the same car. If it is larger, they may open a damage file and later charge you up to the agreed excess amount while they assess the cost of repair.
With Hola Car Rentals, the way excess and claims work is explained in advance, and on many routes we add perks such as free travel insurance and cashback on tolls. That will not stop all damage bills, but it does mean you are rarely dealing with fine print that you have never seen before.
Should you drive back or keep going?
If the car is safe and legal to drive, many renters choose to continue the journey and deal with the dent over the phone and email rather than interrupting a holiday. Others prefer to head straight back to the desk, especially if they are close to a hub like car rental at Miami Airport or a busy city branch.
What matters most is that you follow the process described in your agreement, report problems promptly and do not try to hide damage or repair it privately without approval. Quietly swapping bumpers at a local workshop may seem cheaper in the moment, but it can breach your contract and leave you with a bigger bill later.
If you are worried about returning a very damaged vehicle at night in an unfamiliar place, ask the supplier whether you can leave it in a secure parking area and complete the paperwork by phone or the next morning rather than driving when you feel unsafe.
FAQ
Will I automatically be charged if I report a dent? Not necessarily. Reporting damage promptly actually strengthens your position, because it shows you are acting in good faith. The supplier will decide whether to open a claim based on the size and location of the dent and on the cover you chose for the rental.
What if the company says the dent was not on the check out form? This is where photos from pick up are powerful. If your images clearly show the panel without damage at the start of the hire, it is more likely to be treated as new damage. If they show the dent already there, you can push back against any charge more confidently.
Can my insurance or credit card help? Yes. If a damage bill arrives, share the photos, the rental agreement and any emails with your personal insurer or the card provider that offers rental cover. They can explain whether your policy will reimburse some or all of the cost and may help you challenge unreasonable charges.
How do Hola Car Rentals bookings reduce the stress here? Our All Inclusive plus options aim to keep excesses low, show clearly how damage is handled and encourage thorough inspections with photo tips before you ever leave the lot. That means that if you do find a dent later, you have better evidence and clearer cover than many drivers who booked in a rush at the counter.
If you like the idea of strong protection, simple paperwork and helpful guidance when something unexpected happens, start your next trip with Hola Car Rentals and enjoy the drive knowing you are supported from the first photo to the final return.
