Some serious help please!

[ChisJo]

I posted this on transportation too, but thought I would try here as well. 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!

 

[DisFan2]

First off, I would ask to speak to whomever is in charge at that location. I would want to know:

1) Why I was only finding out about this now (i.e. 2 mo. later)?
2) Will they send me an appraisal of the damage? (I would insist on this)
3) What is the date of the appraisal?
4) What was the odometer reading on the appraisal (and how does that compare with the odo. reading when you returned the vehicle)?
5) What evidence are they relying on that indicates that you damaged the vehicle?
6) Isn't it possible that the valet and/or whomever drove it to the central area damaged it? If not, why not?

The bottom line (from my perspective) is that what you will say is that you returned the car in the same condition in which you rented it. I think it is for them to prove otherwise. Having said that, if the date on the appraisal and mileage on the vehicle match up with your rental information, even if #6 is a possibility it will be a little tougher for you to deny responsibility. If #3 and/or #4 are missing, I think they have no leg to stand on.

Did you receive anything from the valet when they took the car back that would indicate the condition or the mileage?

 

[ChisJo]

Did you receive anything from the valet when they took the car back that would indicate the condition or the mileage?

No - I got nothing back from valet, and that may have been my saving grace actually. My husband called Hertz today and after the conversation, they said they would absolve all of the cost of the repair. It seemed a little too easy, but hey, thats ok with me!

 

[stacopp]

I had the same experience with Enterprise last year. Thank goodness your husband called and got it all sorted out; same thing when I called- all was forgotten.