Phrases › Renting a Car › Questo graffio c'era già quando ho ritirato la macchina.

B2formal

Questo graffio c'era già quando ho ritirato la macchina.

This scratch was already there when I picked up the car.

Pronunciation

graf-FIO — stress on second syllable. ri-ti-RA-to — stress on third syllable.

When to use it

Say this at the return desk when the agent notices a scratch or damage that was pre-existing, to avoid being charged for damage you did not cause.

What it means

Questo graffio (this scratch) — graffio (scratch, masculine). C'era già (it was already there) — c'era (there was, imperfect of c'è). Quando ho ritirato la macchina (when I picked up the car) — passato prossimo of ritirare.

Variations

È segnato nel contratto di noleggio.

It is noted in the rental contract.

Contratto di noleggio (rental contract) — the pre-existing damage should be documented

Ho fatto le foto prima di partire.

I took photos before leaving.

Key advice — always photograph the car before driving away

Voglio parlare con il responsabile.

I want to speak to the manager.

Un responsabile (a manager) — escalate if the dispute is not resolved

Mini Dialogue

— Questo graffio c'era già quando ho ritirato la macchina. — Ne è sicuro? — Sì, guardi le foto che ho scattato al ritiro. Eccole sul telefono. — Capisco. Controlliamo il modulo di consegna. Ha ragione — era già segnato.

— This scratch was already there when I picked up the car. — Are you sure? — Yes, look at the photos I took at pick-up. Here they are on my phone. — I understand. Let us check the delivery form. You are right — it was already noted.

Cultural Note

Always photograph every panel of a rental car before driving off — Italian rental companies can be strict about pre-existing damage if it is not documented, and phone photos with timestamps are legally useful.

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