What happens if you scratch a courtesy car in Australia depends on whether it is a repairer loan car or insurer-provided hire car from Hertz, Avis or Budget, but you will likely be charged. If you scratch a repairer-provided courtesy car, which is a free loan car from the smash repairer while your car is repaired, the repairer will inspect it on return. Minor scratches may be considered fair wear and tear if very small, but most repairers will charge you for repair because their cars are assets. A minor bumper scratch repair costs $300 to $600, a door scratch $400 to $800, and a scratched alloy wheel $120 to $250. Your loan agreement states excess of $1,500 to $3,000 for any damage, so you will be liable up to that amount, and repair cost will be deducted from credit card bond or invoiced. If you scratch an insurer-provided hire car, the rental company will charge you for repair plus administration fee of $50 to $100, and it will be deducted from your credit card bond. Their excess is $2,000 to $4,500, so even small scratch can result in large charge if you do not have excess reduction. If you purchased excess reduction for $20 to $35 per day, your excess may be reduced to $300 to $500, but some reductions exclude roof, underbody and wheel damage. You should immediately notify repairer or rental company, take photos, and do not try DIY repair without permission, as improper repair can increase cost. If scratch was not your fault and you can identify other driver, their insurance pays.
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