Loyal Hertz customers are facing financial shockwaves as the rental giant slaps them with hefty bills for minuscule vehicle damage – despite purchasing comprehensive insurance coverage.
The Fine Print Nightmare
Dozens of British travellers have come forward with alarming stories of being charged hundreds of pounds for damage they insist was either pre-existing or too minor to warrant such excessive fees. The complaints centre around Hertz's controversial damage handling process, where customers are being pursued for payments long after returning their vehicles.
Insurance That Isn't What It Seems
Most victims had purchased Hertz's own Damage Waiver supplement, believing it provided full protection against unexpected repair costs. However, customers are discovering that this coverage contains loopholes allowing the company to pursue them for what they deem "excessive wear and tear" or damage not reported at rental pickup.
The Typical Horror Stories
- One customer was charged £360 for a 2cm scratch discovered weeks after vehicle return
- Another received a £410 bill for minor bumper scuffs despite thorough inspection at drop-off
- Multiple reports of charges being applied months later, leaving customers unable to contest claims effectively
Consumer Rights Experts Sound Alarm
Industry watchdogs are expressing serious concerns about Hertz's practices. "This appears to be a systematic approach to generating revenue from customers who believed they were fully protected," noted one consumer rights advocate. "The delay in notification and aggressive pursuit of minor damages raises serious questions about fairness."
How to Protect Yourself
- Document every existing scratch and dent with timestamped photos before leaving rental lot
- Ensure staff sign off on vehicle condition reports with specific damage noted
- Consider third-party rental excess insurance for additional protection
- Challenge any delayed damage claims vigorously, requesting full evidence
The pattern of complaints suggests this is not isolated to particular locations but represents a concerning company-wide approach to customer charges. Hertz maintains that all damage claims are legitimate and properly investigated, but affected customers tell a very different story.
