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PhrasesRenting a CarHo trovato un graffio sulla macchina. Dove lo segnalo?
B1

Ho trovato un graffio sulla macchina. Dove lo segnalo?

I found a scratch on the car. Where do I report it?

Pronunciation

graf-FIO — stress on second syllable. se-GNA-lo — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

When you discover damage on the rental car that was not documented when you picked it up.

What it means

'Graffio' (scratch) is a surface mark. 'Ammaccatura' (dent) is a deeper impact. 'Segnalare' (to report). Reporting any undocumented damage immediately is essential — otherwise you may be charged for it at return even if you didn't cause it. Always photograph and report before driving away.

Variations

Questo danno era già lì quando ho ritirato la macchina.

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

Refer to your photos and the original inspection sheet

Non ho causato io questo danno.

I did not cause this damage.

Be clear and firm — show your photographic evidence

Il danno non era segnalato sul modulo di ritiro.

The damage was not noted on the pick-up form.

This is the key fact in a dispute

Mini Dialogue

— Ho trovato un graffio sulla macchina. Dove lo segnalo? — Al banco del noleggio. Lo aggiungiamo al contratto così non viene addebitato a lei. — Ho una foto del ritiro che mostra che non c'era. — Perfetto. Porti la foto — risolviamo subito.

— I found a scratch on the car. Where do I report it? — At the rental desk. We'll add it to the contract so it won't be charged to you. — I have a pick-up photo showing it wasn't there. — Perfect. Bring the photo — we'll resolve it right away.

Cultural Note

Rental car damage disputes are far easier to resolve when you have timestamped photographic evidence. Take photos in good lighting of every panel, including the roof and underneath the bumpers. Note the mileage and fuel level. Some rental companies in Italy have been known to claim spurious damage from previous renters — photographic evidence is your best protection.