Not necessarily, which hire company was it? Europcar were recently under investigation by trading standards. Is it worth pursuing? Yes it is, contact them back and raise a complaint. Ask them to provide proof the vehicle has been repaired and evidence of the bill and the outlay paid.

They would be on a very sticky wicket if it was to end up in court and they did not have the above. They can and will argue that it was in the contract - and that is fine the argument is over quantum (that is if you did damage it) always take photos prior agreeing hire of every part of the car. A scratch through the paint on a bumper will and can easily cost £300, your argument is unless they have repaired it, they have not lost the money. They often do not repair it, and put the vehicle through auction end of lease.