Repair costs of Damaged Rental Car

# 7 for May 22, 2002

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on May 21, 2002:

From: Kelvan Quah [Email User]

RE: Repair costs of Damaged Rental Car

Dear Sir/Madam I rented a car, SCU 3603U, from Siang Hock Corporation Pte Ltd in August 1999 for my mother's usage.

Unfortunately, she met with an accident with a Mercedes, SCK 8639L. I then went to their authorised

workshop, Motor & Carriage General Repairs & Parts Pte Ltd, at Blk 5033, Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2,

#01-251/253 to witness the degree of damages incurred for the rented car. I saw that the left front tyre

was slightly tilted inside and the left mudguard was damaged. Recently, Siang Hock Company sent me a company letter demanding for the repair costs and the loss of usage which amounts up to $10104.99 and $1467.75 respectively. I was very shocked when I saw the

exorbitant prices. Besides, when I enquired from the company why wasn't the car covered under insurance,

they merely brushed me off by saying that the insurance did not cover since the I (the hirer), was

not the person who drove the vehicle. I was surprised as I believed that most new cars would be under

comprehensive insurance coverage especially for rental cars where the risk of meeting with accidents are much higher. Next, I realised that the bill I received had a lot of irrelevant items being replaced or damaged. I'm aware that the car had damages in the lower front part, however items like radiator, front bonnet, rear door etc was listed among the description of repairs. I find it totally unneccessary for the company to repair all these items which was irrelevant to the damages occurred. Also, the company charged me $3310 solely for the labour costs. I'm a junior civil servant who doesn't earn much and I could never be able to afford the exorbitant repairs

claim. Furthermore, I cannot afford to be sued bankrupt as this would end my career as a civil

servant. Though I'm definitely willing to pay for the damages incurred by my mother, I hope to pay the

justified and fair amount of claim. Thank you for your time to look into my case and I look forward to your reply and actions.