Introduction
Hey there — it looks like you’ve found our blog. Here at Chiriqui Car Rentals, we’ve got lots of articles detailing all the information you need to know about renting a car in Panama. In this article, we’ll be talking about the car rental disputes and charges you may encounter when renting a car in Panama. Although everyone hopes to avoid a situation like this, it’s always good to be prepared and know how to handle these events. We’ll explain a step-by-step process for these situations and provide a list of helpful preventative measures you can take beforehand.
If you are traveling in Panama via a rental car, you will be well informed ahead of time for any unforeseen events. And if you're currently experiencing and working through a car rental dispute, we hope this article helps you out. As always, if you have any more questions, give us a shout through our contact page; we’re always happy to help.
What are Car Rental Disputes?
A common car rental issue that renters face is when the rental agency charges you more or withholds the safety deposit, citing a reason that you don’t agree with. This may be damage to the rental car or possibly even smaller disputes over things like mileage being too high or other smaller fees. It’s possible you feel that you were overcharged unnecessarily. In some cases, that could be true, but in others, the charges may be justified. If damage is caused while you are in possession of the car, it is your responsibility. Some companies withhold the safety deposit or they may add an additional charge to your base price when damage is incurred.
How to Resolve Car Rental Disputes over Damages and Charges
Review your Rental Agreement
We cannot overemphasize the importance of this step when talking about car rental disputes. You must be aware of the terms and conditions to which you have agreed. Important details to check here are the safety deposit and the procedures for returning the deposit, the deductible (or how much of the cost of repair for third-party damage you could be responsible for), and smaller restrictions that, if not followed, can trigger extra charges. This includes things like mileage restrictions and age restrictions.
Got questions about car rental insurance? Check out our article How to Choose the Right Panama Car Rental Insurance.
Communicate in Person
To avoid car rental disputes when returning the vehicle, check your receipt and review all charges to be sure you are not overcharged. It’s much easier and better to do this before you leave so you can ask any questions. Ask the agent to break down all the fees so you can see what is added to the final cost.
If communicating in person isn’t possible, contact them as soon as possible. The sooner you address any concerns, the more likely you'll resolve them without complications.