Budget renter recovers deleted pickup photos to fight $604 bill for preexisting windshield damage

Nearly a month after returning a rental car, one driver was left scrambling to prove they hadn't destroyed the car's windshield.

The Budget renter shared their experience with Reddit's r/MildlyInfuriating community.

Here's what to know

A Budget renter was left scrambling to recover deleted photographs after receiving a bill for windshield damage 27 days after returning the car.

In the Reddit thread , the original poster included both the Budget bill for $604 claiming that the windshield was damaged alongside a previously deleted (but recovered) photo of the windshield with scratches and cracks already present.

Believing the rental was behind them, the renter had deleted the photographs while clearing their phone's photo gallery. Thankfully, though, after receiving the bill weeks later, they recovered them.

OP wrote, "Salesman was being super pushy on the extra insurance, guess they try to get their money by any means."

Other commenters shared their own experiences with disputed rental charges. One wrote , "I had a similar situation returning my rental in Seattle. They said it was excessively dirty and I know for a fact it was not. I called them and explained they were wrong and they just reverse[d] the charge with no issue. I kind of felt like they just try to charge it and see who fights it."

Another user added , "Sixt tried to get me for smoking in the car, $300 fee. Nobody smoked in the car." A third explained that "Same thing happened to me. The rental was from September and I got the letter two days later… I also have photos."

A commenter explained that AI technology may be making the situation worse, writing, "Hertz is testing AI-powered camera systems that scan cars as they leave and are returned. They're sending bills for minor body repairs that are normal wear and tear."

Where can I learn more?

Other customers have also pushed back on unexpected bills and the evidence used to support damage claims.

• A Texas couple returned their Dollar rental, then received a $3,656 bill .

• An Airbnb guest challenged a damage claim backed by a photograph of a toilet.

• A New York lawsuit alleges Allstate underpaid rental reimbursement despite setting Enterprise's rate.

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