Always photograph a rental car before taking it out of the lot, paying special attention to any dents, etc. Those pictures are very useful if there's a problem.

We photograph the car in the lot when we return it as well.

This is why I just buy the insurance. I know it costs more, buy at least I dont' have to worry about anything.

I can't believe how incredibly naive (that's assuming you're under 25; if not the operative word is STUPID) the poster was, to ASSUME the contract covered the damage. Doesn't <geobono> understand the meaning of the phrase, "buyer beware"? Whenever I've rented a car, no matter what time or weather impediments may otherwise arise, I inspect the car with a fine tooth comb and itemize even the least little paint smear.

You missed the point daveesl. I was not aware of the fines until 6 months after i returned the car. There was some camera that took a picture of the car. Therefore, it would have been impossible for me to pay the fine before leaving the country. I did not go through any barracades or obvious signs that indicated a restricted zone. It is something that requires local knowledge. The first i heard about any fines is AutoEuropa charge my credit card over $570. Like I said, it sure appears to be a scam.

Ok, then I jumped a bit too quick. Did you rent directly from Auto Europa or did you go through a broker like CRX or AutoEurope?

dave

Directly through AutoEuropa. I agreed to pay all the fines, but refuse to pay $250 in service charges. I offered to pay 25 euros in service charges. On the contract is states that the min. charge will be 25 euros that is a far cry from 180 euros.

Sorry, did not finish my reply. AutoEuropa rejected my offer to pay the 25 Euro service charge and is still battling to collect 100% of the 180 Euro service charge. That is more than the entire rental cost me. AutoEuropa was cheaper but there customer service and additional charges are awful. It was like pulling teeth trying to communicate with them. Another family member waited over 3 hours to pick up their car through AutoEuropa in Rome and they had three small children with him. Quite the nightmare.