Car rental firms claim for damages

[rmlsll]

At-fault accident. Rental firm's claim for damages (loss-of-use & diminished value) seem high, and a tacked-on fee of $250 for administrative costs seems arbitrary. How can I contest?

 

[army judge]

At-fault accident. Rental firm's claim for damages (loss-of-use & diminished value) seem high, and a tacked-on fee of $250 for administrative costs seems arbitrary. How can I contest?

Before you contest, COMPLETELY read your rental contract, especially the tiny print on the reverse side of the contract.
You can also read those terms and conditions of contract on the company's website.
You'll discover you agreed to all of those terms at the time you took possession of the rental vehicle.
There's no legal way to disavow that agreement now.

Why not just turn this over to your insurance company?
Otherwise, you're tilting at windmills, whistling Dixie as you stroll past the cemetery around 1:30AM if you think those clever car rental folks are knocking off so much as one lousy US Dollar!
Not gonna happen, friend.

You might want to quibble why the accident is your fault, 100%.
You might not be at fault.
Or, your fault was only 25% contributory to the damages incurred.
If you've simply received a citation and even plead guilty, that doesn't translate into you being civilly liable.
I suggest you discuss this with a lawyer or three in your county.
The initial consultation is often free of charge.