National Car Rental review: vehicle damage

I rent vehicles from National Car frequently because I travel extensively for work and they are my favorite rental company, I am even an Emerald customer. In May, I chose to rent the Nissan Maxima, upon leaving the parking garage, I gave my phone to the woman in the booth to scan (Emerald Checkout) as well as my driver's license. When I returned the vehicle, it was in the same condition as when I rented it. Upon return, a manager was on duty inspecting cars and she said they found a "small scratch" on the side of the vehicle and that the vehicle would be non-rentable due to the damage and that I would have to fill out a statement at customer service. I told the woman that nobody inspected the vehicle, nor did anyone inquire about the condition of the vehicle prior to taking possession. I was told by the man checking my car in that it is only a "small scratch" and that the statement is simply a formality for their records. I completed the statement stating that the National Car rental employee did not notate any damage done to the car prior to my possession.

30 days elapse, and I get a statement stating they have tried to contact me numerous times (they did not by phone or email) and that my bill due is over $1, 000, they included fees for the vehicle not being rented. However, when I look at my rental statement, and I look at the quote from the damage company, there's nearly 200 miles (half way to LA) placed on the vehicle from the time I returned it to the time it was inspected by the body shop. How does anybody know what damage was on the vehicle before I rented it, after, and in the 200 miles it was driven AFTER I returned it?

If National Car is not going to physically inspect, ask customers to inspect vehicles or maintain time stamped photos before and after, how can they be sure when damage occurred? They have not proved who caused the damage, only that damage has occurred and I'm who they want to pay.

I am left wondering if National Car Rental is renting the vehicle out while damaged and pinning claims on innocent people.