I need some serious help!

[ChisJo]

2 months ago, I rented a car from Hertz from the Universal Royal Pacific Hotel. The car was in a rental lot mandated by the valet parking. If I wanted the car, they got it for me. When I returned the car, I just gave my keys to the valet attendant for him to return to the lot for me. The car was then taken to a central area (away from the hotel) for inspection of damage. Well, today, I received a letter stating that the car, which I had for 48 hours, sustained some damage of $800 to the front bumper and that I was to submit the amount immediately. However, I know for a fact that that damage was not there when I returned the car, nor did I cause it. Did I take any photos of the vehicle? No...however, I would be more than happy to pay for the damage had I caused it myself, but I didn't. I have not talked to Hertz as of yet. I did sign a waiver for damage (as I have insurance) and I also did not get an inspection done (like they do in the airports) before or after the vehicle was in and out of my possession. I am furious...and I feel that I am getting screwed. What can I do - if anything? Help please!

[rie'smom]

I would contact the agency at the RPR and the corporate headquarters. Send them an email instead of calling so that you have a record of contacting them.

[ChisJo]

well, today my husband called Hertz (I'm too nice, I wouldn't have firm enough!) and Hertz told my Husband that they are absolving all the costs! I thought it was a little too easy, but they didn't even put up a fight! But, it was resolved....I am a little shocked anyways.

[maddiesmom0116]

Originally Posted by ChisJo

well, today my husband called Hertz (I'm too nice, I wouldn't have firm enough!) and Hertz told my Husband that they are absolving all the costs! I thought it was a little too easy, but they didn't even put up a fight! But, it was resolved....I am a little shocked anyways.

I am glad this is all cleared up. It makes you wonder if it was really damaged or someone was trying to pull something. Enterprise did this to my company several times. They would tell us we could just drop off the cars and they would finish up the billing. We pulled our bills online to do expense reports and no problems. Well 6 months ago we found out they had been billing the office for several different damages like broken off windshield wipers etc.. that we knew were not damaged. A total of $1900 in these type of charges. We always stay now and check the car over and get signed documents that no damages were found.

[rie'smom]

Originally Posted by ChisJo

well, today my husband called Hertz (I'm too nice, I wouldn't have firm enough!) and Hertz told my Husband that they are absolving all the costs! I thought it was a little too easy, but they didn't even put up a fight! But, it was resolved....I am a little shocked anyways.

I'm so happy that it worked out for y'all!!!

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Thank goodness!
That is why I like renting with Alamo. I get my receipt showing paid in full no other charges due at the time I turn the car in.
I wonder then if they will try and seek damage payment from the person who had the car after you.

Originally Posted by ChisJo

well, today my husband called Hertz (I'm too nice, I wouldn't have firm enough!) and Hertz told my Husband that they are absolving all the costs! I thought it was a little too easy, but they didn't even put up a fight! But, it was resolved....I am a little shocked anyways.

[ChisJo]

Who knows....it just seems a little ridiculous that they went through all of that paperwork just to say, don't worry about it??? It was like there was some damage and they were sending the bill to whomever was dumb enough to pay it without looking further into it. On the letter they sent us, they said the day of offence was on July 5 - I didn't even rent it until that afternoon, and furthermore, how would they even know what day any offence would have taken place (and since none happened when i had the car, to even include this date as the date of offence is just dumb business practice). Anyways, I'm happy that this was resolved so quickly, but lesson learned....take LOTS of photos of the car when you return it, and make sure that it gets inspected by someone prior to handing any keys over.

[kentear]

I always walk around what ever car I am renting before I drive off the lot. If there is even a slight scratch on it, I go to the attendant and have them note it on the rental agreement. I know it probably seems extreme, but I have heard such horror stories about people having to pay for damage they didn't do that I'm just cautious I guess. Glad it worked out for you.

[rgf207]

I traveled a lot for work and rented about 2 cars per week. This happened to me about 10 times. The best was when I rented a car from Dollar in Los Angeles. I had the car for 36 hours. When I returned the car, they said I had caused damage to the rear bumper. There was a big gaping gash there that was completely rusted out. I took pictures of it. They tried to charge me $400. I told them that I had the car for 36 hours, it had not rained 1 drop and there was no possible way that the gash could have completely rusted out in 36 hours. It defied the laws of physics. Dollar's collection agency called me. I told them to contact my lawyer as I would not be paying. Dollar called me back in less than 5 minutes saying they reviewed my case and they absolved all charges.

[ChisJo]

Originally Posted by rgf207

I traveled a lot for work and rented about 2 cars per week. This happened to me about 10 times. The best was when I rented a car from Dollar in Los Angeles. I had the car for 36 hours. When I returned the car, they said I had caused damage to the rear bumper. There was a big gaping gash there that was completely rusted out. I took pictures of it. They tried to charge me $400. I told them that I had the car for 36 hours, it had not rained 1 drop and there was no possible way that the gash could have completely rusted out in 36 hours. It defied the laws of physics. Dollar's collection agency called me. I told them to contact my lawyer as I would not be paying. Dollar called me back in less than 5 minutes saying they reviewed my case and they absolved all charges.

Thats terrible....I learned a lesson from this though....take LOTS of pictures of the car, and make sure that someone is there to inspect the car with you at the beginning AND at the end.

[rgf207]

Originally Posted by ChisJo

Thats terrible....I learned a lesson from this though....take LOTS of pictures of the car, and make sure that someone is there to inspect the car with you at the beginning AND at the end.

Yea, it wasn't fun. Honestly I think some companies will attempt to get people to pay for damages when they know it wasn't caused by that customer. They take the chance that the customer will just pay and not ask any questions out of fear.

I figured I wasn't the first person they tried to pull that on and it makes me wonder if it worked for them before on that vehicle and they just take the money and not get the car fixed.