Complaint Review: National Rental Car Agency-Sidney British Columbia

Rented a mid-sized car from National Rental Car Agency in Sidney, British Columbia. It was a day rental with the purpose of touring Vancouver Island from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The car agent indicated the National lot would close at 2:30 but my car could be dropped off outside of the gate once I arrived back in Sidney. My keys could be left inside a drop box that was located just outside of the fence.

Two days after the car was dropped off, an employee called me to say that substantial damage had been done to the passenger side door. He indicated to me that I was responsible for the $1,000 worth of damages. After a back and forth discussion, he explained to me that unless I could prove that the car was dropped off in perfect condition, the $1,000 charge would remain.

So to clarify, National closed their doors at 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon. They instructed me to drop the car off at 5:00 in the cul de sac in front of the agency. Even though I did every thing they asked and dropped the car off in perfect, let me repeat, perfect condition, they're trying to hold me responsible for damage that was done to the vehicle after I had dropped it off.

Also, conveniently enough, no cameras are positioned on the outside lot. These guys are trying to play me for a fool and National's headquarters wants nothing to do with it. I'm frustrated beyond belief since the entire intent of this trip was to catch the morning ferry to Vancouver Island, rent a car for half of the day, then return the vehicle at night and head home. I upheld my end of the bargain, now it's their turn to show some class and responsibility.

Bryant
Anacortes, Washington
U.S.A.