I wonder how often some of these hire companies charge customers for the same damage that never gets put right. You get a string of customers who all take out the extra insurance so you can't make them pay for the damage. The next poor Joe who comes along who can't afford the extra cover then gets charged for the damage caused when the others have been driving the vehicle before him. Don't bother getting the damage repaired then you can also charge the next customer with no cover. Simples ! I've had hire cars (through work luckily- so there's never really a problem) and have been given the same car with odd weeks in between and those minor scratches and dents that were there some weeks ago are still there !