Legal Advice on Car and Rental Damage

Questioner

Good afternoon, My name is Bart Naastepad. I have a question. My son rented a van for his move. He signed a contract with a €700 deductible and a €250 deposit. The bus was walked around using a system that records any damage. Upon returning the bus, damage to a bumper was found. My son claims he didn't damage it, and moreover, that area wasn't checked during the walk around the bus. I called the company and they indicated that the deductible will be charged. Is there anything legally that can be done about this? I have the impression that the damage was already present before the rental and that's why it was overlooked. Shouldn't the rental company provide more evidence, such as photos, or are they not required to? It seems a bit like my son's word against the rental company's.

Questioner

As I understand it, the rental company has complete proof: a signed, approved recording of the van's condition upon pickup (without mention of the damage in question) and damage upon return that, according to the approved recording, wasn't present before. Therefore, it's entirely up to your son to prove otherwise, that the damage was already present. Perhaps photos or videos documenting the moving adventure could provide some insight?