Before you drive your hire car away a member of staff should show you the car and point out any damage or wear and tear that is already on the car. If they don't offer to do so insist they do.
During this inspection inform the member of staff that you will film the inspection on your cell phone. They should not object, if they do inform them that this will not only protect you but them.
Be sure to point out, film and take pictures of any damage or marks on the car. Also film the member of staff verbally agreeing that this damage already exists.
Consequences can be charging you with car theft.
"Damage Waiver".
That's your Collision Damage Waiver -- the insurance you purchased on the rental when you rented it.
No, you can not purchase CDW fro a rental from an insurance company. It has to be purchased through the rental agent. CDW stands for collision damage waiver.
Yes they can!
If you purchased the rental company's insurance option then the rental company's insurance is responsible. If you did not purchase the insurance option, then YOUR insurance is responsible.
The forthcoming insurance companies offer collision insurances: Insurance4CarHire, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Rental Cars and the Collision Damage Waiver, etc.
The convertible top is considered part of the car, and damage to it would fall under the same category as any other damage to the vehicle. Whether or not the damage is your fault is another matter to be settled between you, the rental company, and the insurance companies involved.
Unless you purchased insurance at the time of the rental, you are responsible to use your own insurance to pay for the damage. This applies primarily to the large rental companies (enterprise, hertz, etc) It varies from State to State. Each state sets it's laws to what is the rental cars responsibility.
Nothing can prevent you from giving notice to a tenant of eviction. If you do not comply with the law, the law does not work.
The insurance company will take care of your damage,
all preexisting damage