Shehu’s Blog

Accidents can happen even to the most careful drivers, especially when navigating new roads and unfamiliar areas. If you accidentally scratch your rental car in Albania, it is important to know the right steps to take and how it might affect your rental agreement.  Understanding the process in advance can help you stay calm, avoid unnecessary charges, and handle the situation properly.  In this guide, we explain everything you need to know if you damage a rental car during your trip in Albania. Immediate Steps To Take After Scratching A Rental Car If you notice a scratch on your rental car, the first thing to do is stay calm and assess the damage. Check the scratch carefully to understand if it is minor or if it caused deeper dents or structural issues. Next, take clear photos of the scratch from different angles, including close-ups and wider shots of the surrounding area. Documenting the damage immediately will help protect you when discussing the situation with the rental company. Do not attempt to fix the scratch yourself, as unauthorised repairs can sometimes cause bigger problems. Instead, contact the rental company as soon as possible to report the damage and ask for instructions. Follow the rental company’s guidance, which may include filling out an incident report or bringing the car in for inspection. Acting quickly and communicating clearly will often reduce misunderstandings and help settle the issue more easily. Who To Contact First: Rental Company Or Insurance? ​If you scratch a rental car in Albania, it's important to handle the situation promptly and correctly. The first step is to contact the rental company as soon as possible.  They will guide you on the necessary procedures, which may include completing an incident report and providing photographic evidence of the damage. Prompt communication can help in resolving the issue efficiently and may prevent additional charges.​ After informing the rental company, reach out to your personal auto insurance provider to report the incident. They will inform you about your coverage details, including deductibles and the claims process.  If you used a credit card that offers rental car insurance to pay for the rental, contact the credit card company to understand the coverage they provide and how to file a claim. It's important to note that credit card insurance often acts as secondary coverage, meaning it may cover costs not paid by your primary insurance. How Scratches Are Assessed And Documented When you return a rental car, the company will carefully inspect the vehicle for any new damage, including scratches. Small scratches that are considered normal wear and tear might not be charged, but deeper scratches or visible damage will usually be noted. The rental agent will check the car against the original inspection report you signed when picking up the vehicle. They will document any new scratches by taking photographs and filling out a damage report, which you will usually be asked to review and sign. If the scratch exceeds the size or severity allowed under ...