[sjc]

Hi guys, new to forums in general... need some help. I rented a 2017 v40 d2 1.6 which had 350 miles on it and it broke down on me at 1200 miles. Went uphill then turned left onto a residential road at about 10mph and the car started making rattling noises and over revving, next thing I know it won't go into gear. Car was recovered to garage where head office is registered (Even though I was told it will go to Volvo dealership) and now the company is trying to charge 1200 quid for abusing and damaging clutch. I did not abuse it. I am not a mechanic or lawyer, I rent cars as a carer because it's cheaper than ownership or motability if you have an excess reimbursement policy. How can I prove it wasn't my fault seen as I have noticed some problems with car in question online... I told them about the whole warranty thing and how it is a fault and not abuse that lead to this. They're not having it. Help please.

If you are in the UK you could ask your local Citizens Advice Bureau if they can give you any consumer advice.
If the hire company think you have damaged the clutch then I would say it is up to them to prove it. The car had some miles on it when you hired it so I suppose it is possible that a previous driver could have damaged the clutch but unless someone seriously abused the car a clutch should not fail after 1200 miles.