Este arañazo ya estaba cuando recogí el coche.
graf-FIO — stress on second syllable. ri-ti-RA-to — stress on third syllable.
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.
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.
È segnato nel contratto di noleggio.
Está anotado en el contrato de alquiler.
Contratto di noleggio (rental contract) — the pre-existing damage should be documented
Ho fatto le foto prima di partire.
Hice fotos antes de salir.
Key advice — always photograph the car before driving away
Voglio parlare con il responsabile.
Quiero hablar con el responsable.
Un responsabile (a manager) — escalate if the dispute is not resolved
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.