Scratch on a rental car: What should you do?

5 min de lecture

Scratch on a rental car: What to do if your rental vehicle gets scratched? Costs, deposit, and tips to avoid charges

 

A scratch on a rental car can quickly become a source of stress for both the renter and the rental company. From damage assessment to repair costs and the impact on the security deposit, it’s essential to understand the rules in place. What are the potential charges for a scratch on a rental car? How is the deposit deduction calculated? And most importantly, how can you avoid these issues altogether? We explain everything you need to know to handle this situation effectively and minimize risks using a vehicle inspection app.

What is a scratch on a rental vehicle?

A scratch on a rental vehicle is a mark of varying depth left on the vehicle’s bodywork. It can be superficial, like a light scuff affecting only the clear coat, or deeper, reaching the paint or even the metal. This type of damage can result from brushing against a wall, impact with an object, or even vandalism, such as a key scratch on the body. Upon returning the vehicle, rental companies typically inspect these scratches to determine whether repairs are needed and if any charges will be applied to the renter.

Someone scratches a rental car: Who is responsible?

If someone scratches a rental car, responsibility depends on the circumstances of the damage. If the person responsible is identified—for example, in the case of an accident or vandalism caught on a security camera—they may be held accountable, and their insurance could cover the repairs. However, if the scratch is discovered without any witnesses or evidence, the renter is usually held responsible, as stated in the rental agreement. That’s why it’s crucial for the driver to report any scratches to the rental company immediately and, if possible, file a report with the authorities or the insurance provider to try to identify the culprit.

How much does a scratch on a rental car cost?

In the event of a scratch on a rental car, the cost depends on several factors, including the depth of the damage, the rental company’s policy, and the pricing scale applied. A superficial scratch may sometimes be considered normal wear and tear and not result in any charges. However, a deeper scratch requiring paint touch-ups or bodywork repairs can cost anywhere from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the extent of the damage. Some rental companies have a fixed pricing policy for scratches, while others require a repair estimate. In any case, these costs can be directly deducted from the renter’s security deposit.

How to calculate the security deposit for a rental car with a scratch?

The security deposit for a rental car with a scratch serves as a guarantee to cover the damage. When a vehicle is returned with a scratch, the rental company assesses the extent of the damage and refers to its pricing scale to estimate the repair cost. This amount may be directly deducted from the deposit if the rental agreement allows it. If the repair cost is lower than the deposit amount, only the necessary sum will be withheld. However, if the expenses exceed the deposit, the renter will have to pay the difference—unless they have insurance that covers such damages.

 

The myrentcar vehicle rental software automatically calculates the security deposit based on the contract terms and the rental company’s pricing policy. When a vehicle is returned with a scratch, myrentcar simplifies cost assessment by applying customized pricing grids. If a deduction is required, the amount is adjusted according to the estimated repair cost. Additionally, thanks to its integration with the Swikly solution, security deposits can be secured via an online pre-authorization before the rental begins, avoiding fund holds on the renter’s credit card. Our car rental business blog provides in-depth insights into the many features of myrentcar to help rental companies manage their operations efficiently.

How to repair a scratch on a rental car?

Repairing a scratch on a rental car depends on its depth and the extent of the damage. For superficial scratches that only affect the clear coat, a simple polish or touch-up pen may be enough to reduce their appearance. However, if the scratch reaches the paint or metal, a more extensive repair will be required, such as bodywork refinishing, sanding, and applying a new layer of paint. We recommend that car rental companies establish partnerships with specialized repair shops to ensure quick and cost-effective repairs.

How to prevent scratches on a rental car?

To prevent scratches on a rental car, it’s essential to educate drivers and conduct thorough vehicle inspections at both pickup and return. When a rental company raises awareness among its customers and promotes best practices—such as parking in secure areas and avoiding tight spaces—it helps reduce the risk of damage and lowers repair costs for its fleet. Additionally, the myrentpad app enables detailed car rental inventory directly from a smartphone or tablet, with photo capture, precise annotations, and electronic signatures to ensure the fleet remains in optimal condition.

 

By synchronizing the myrentpad inspection app with the myrentcar rental management software, each inspection is automatically stored within the associated rental contract, minimizing disputes. Comparing the vehicle’s condition before and after the rental allows companies to quickly identify new scratches and transparently apply any necessary charges during billing. These management solutions, combined with proactive driver awareness, help reduce financial losses and prevent situations where a renter reports having accidentally scratched a car.

Easily identify scratches with the myrentpad inspection app.

Lucas S

Lucas is an expert in vehicle rental and fleet management, passionate about cars and new mobility technologies. He has been supporting automotive and transportation professionals for several years.