Hertz Car Hire Sydney, 2 days, 72 KMs, $646 charge

[Bindibuys]

Add another to that list that will not use Hertz again.
2 hour wait at Glasgow airport end of May this year, as no car available, (made my booking months in advance) they had to send staff into the city office to bring cars back to airport.
Husband tears wall of tyre, 1 hour detour drive (using one of those mini spare tyres) to go to their "prefered" tyre shops.
$663.71 bill on my credit card for 1 tyre. Not happy Jan.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Husband tears wall of tyre, 1 hour detour drive (using one of those mini spare tyres) to go to their "prefered" tyre shops.
$663.71 bill on my credit card for 1 tyre. Not happy Jan.

Which makes me wonder, do we have to take a vehicle to their nominated rip off shop? What's wrong with just getting a new one from any tyre retailer and not mention it (make claim at a later date if necessary). Also, how many of you check the spare tyre before driving away......I must admit, I've never done so because I've never actually thought about it. I do recall renting a vehicle in London many years ago where we had to pay extra to get a spare!

 

[OATEK]

I have hired cars from National and Europcar in UK, and found they were picked up at same depot. But out of 5 UK rentals in recent times have had no issues and had good cars.

Did a 1 day rental from Lille to visit the place where Grandfather wounded and his brother killed in 1917. First time on wrong side of road, hit some rough patches, and with all the emotional stuff thought I probably returned it in worse condition than I took it. But Avis crew, with little English were charming, took a cursory look and patted me on the back. You can have good experiences.

P.S. Have never taken photos but might just do so in HBA in a week or so.

 

[RAM]

Which makes me wonder, do we have to take a vehicle to their nominated rip off shop? What's wrong with just getting a new one from any tyre retailer and not mention it (make claim at a later date if necessary). Also, how many of you check the spare tyre before driving away......I must admit, I've never done so because I've never actually thought about it. I do recall renting a vehicle in London many years ago where we had to pay extra to get a spare!

I forgot that and a couple of other do before driving:

* Check to see if spare wheel (and if properly inflated) or puncture repair kit is in the car.
* Check to see if all tools are there (jack, handle, hub lever - if mentioned in car manual)
* Car manual

It would be close to 1 out of two hires in the UK that at least one if not two items from that list are missing. Most often it has been the jack.

Avis at OOL, new high optioned Cruze, no hand brake (no I'm not saying check for a handbrake!) after teens killing themselves at my inability to drive a 'modern' car found in the car manual that in this model they have a hand brake button.

FWIW a hand brake button makes a hill start very challenging as it just has on/off with nothing in between.

There is much to be said in favour of dinosaurs.

 

[AdMEL]

Add another to that list that will not use Hertz again.
2 hour wait at Glasgow airport end of May this year, as no car available, (made my booking months in advance) they had to send staff into the city office to bring cars back to airport.
Husband tears wall of tyre, 1 hour detour drive (using one of those mini spare tyres) to go to their "prefered" tyre shops.
$663.71 bill on my credit card for 1 tyre. Not happy Jan.

Which makes me wonder, do we have to take a vehicle to their nominated rip off shop? What's wrong with just getting a new one from any tyre retailer and not mention it (make claim at a later date if necessary). Also, how many of you check the spare tyre before driving away......I must admit, I've never done so because I've never actually thought about it. I do recall renting a vehicle in London many years ago where we had to pay extra to get a spare!

Interestingly, I noted that Hertz now have this list of what appears to be fixed charges for tyre and windscreen repairs and replacement in Australia on their website:

3. Glass and Tyre Damage Cover


Will cover any glass and/or tyre damage including the following -

• Tyre/Windscreen replacement
• Windscreen chips
• Any glass

1.1 Windscreen replacement
Vehicle type	Metro	Country	Remote
2WD	$187 (excluding GST)	$267 (excluding GST)	$347 (excluding GST)
4WD	$167 (excluding GST)	$247 (excluding GST)	$327 (excluding GST)
Prestige Collection	$482 (excluding GST)	$562 (excluding GST)	$642 (excluding GST)
1.2 Windscreen repair
Vehicle type	Metro	Country	Remote
2WD	$49 (excluding GST)	$49 (excluding GST)	$49 (excluding GST)
4WD	$49 (excluding GST)	$49 (excluding GST)	$49 (excluding GST)
Prestige Collection	$49 (excluding GST)	$49 (excluding GST)	$49 (excluding GST)
2.1 Tyre replacement
Vehicle type	Metro	Country	Remote
2WD	$104 (excluding GST)	$104 (excluding GST)	$150 (excluding GST)
4WD	$147 (excluding GST)	$147 (excluding GST)	$233 (excluding GST)
Prestige Collection	$214 (excluding GST)	$214 (excluding GST)	$250 (excluding GST)
2.2 Tyre repair
Vehicle type	Metro	Country	Remote
2WD	$30 (excluding GST)	$30 (excluding GST)	$30 (excluding GST)
4WD	$30 (excluding GST)	$30 (excluding GST)	$30 (excluding GST)
Prestige Collection	$30 (excluding GST)	$30 (excluding GST)	$30 (excluding GST)

Looking at those charges, many appear particularly cheap (i.e. in the customer's favour), for example:

1. Replacement windscreen, 2WD, metro, $167 - no way you'll get a windscreen in a new car replaced that cheaply! Work colleague recently replaced a windscreen in a Subaru Forrester and it cost nearly $500, which I think would be pretty standard for any new car.

2. Replacement tyres, all types - no way you'll get them for those prices! For example, a replacement tyre for a Commodore SV6 is approx. $350-400, not $104! Great deal if you wreck an SV6 tyre and they only charge you $104!

Repairs of both appear about right.

I never check whether there is a spare, or the equipment to change the tyre! Have only had to change to a spare once in an Avis Pajero in the Flinders Ranges - luckily everything was there!

I have hired cars from National and Europcar in UK, and found they were picked up at same depot. But out of 5 UK rentals in recent times have had no issues and had good cars.

Did a 1 day rental from Lille to visit the place where Grandfather wounded and his brother killed in 1917. First time on wrong side of road, hit some rough patches, and with all the emotional stuff thought I probably returned it in worse condition than I took it. But Avis crew, with little English were charming, took a cursory look and patted me on the back. You can have good experiences.

P.S. Have never taken photos but might just do so in HBA in a week or so.

I forgot that and a couple of other do before driving:

* Check to see if spare wheel (and if properly inflated) or puncture repair kit is in the car.
* Check to see if all tools are there (jack, handle, hub lever - if mentioned in car manual)
* Car manual

It would be close to 1 out of two hires in the UK that at least one if not two items from that list are missing. Most often it has been the jack.

Avis at OOL, new high optioned Cruze, no hand brake (no I'm not saying check for a handbrake!) after teens killing themselves at my inability to drive a 'modern' car found in the car manual that in this model they have a hand brake button.

FWIW a hand brake button makes a hill start very challenging as it just has on/off with nothing in between.

There is much to be said in favour of dinosaurs.

With regard to the electric park brake, many new cars have them, including all Commodores and all Audis. In the case of the Commodore, it has an automatic off feature if you forget and for hill starts. I wouldn't be surprised if the Cruze works the same way. Anyway, wouldn't the Cruze have been an auto? I've never heard of Cruze manual rentals! If an auto, hill start should not be an issue!

 

[Aussie_flyer]

I'm pretty sure the newer hyundai's have them too, like the i40 etc

 

[RAM]

I'm pretty sure the newer hyundai's have them too, like the i40 etc

There is nothing wrong with dinosaurs!

Had a great car for 22 years, manual, semi-sports, dearest repair 4 new platinum spark plugs, AND it had A HANDBRAKE!

 

[rogerkambah]

There is nothing wrong with dinosaurs!

Had a great car for 22 years, manual, semi-sports, dearest repair 4 new platinum spark plugs, AND it had A HANDBRAKE!

Honda?____

 

[markis10]

Which makes me wonder, do we have to take a vehicle to their nominated rip off shop? What's wrong with just getting a new one from any tyre retailer and not mention it (make claim at a later date if necessary). Also, how many of you check the spare tyre before driving away......I must admit, I've never done so because I've never actually thought about it. I do recall renting a vehicle in London many years ago where we had to pay extra to get a spare!

Often you will find the master damage record located in the cars spare tyre bay, as they check each time its returned.

 

[drron]

I picked up a rental today and didn't even check the thing or take a photo.
Of course someone else is paying.:shock:

 

[RAM]

Honda?____

Toyota Celica, 88 (sniff, sniff) died due to rust from when O'Briens replaced the windscreen, I saw the installer scratch the front pillar/bead (whatever is correct term) and pointed it out to him and he said he'd fix it with primer before he put the new windscreen in. Unfortunately phone rang inside house and by the time I got back the windscreen was in and siliconed in. I asked if he'd put the primer on and he said yes. He lied. Rust appeared at the exact spot within a few months, O'Briens denied all responsibility so I got rust repaired by a trusted guy and he warned me before doing it saying that whatever moisture has got into the pillar will most likely start a chain reaction over time. ONly do it if you like the car. After a couple of times him fixing it he showed me what to do.

17 year rearguard action before it took out the pillar beyond 6 monthly/annual operation. Motor still perfect, most comfortable drivers seat I've ever come across.

 

[docjames]

Which makes me wonder, do we have to take a vehicle to their nominated rip off shop? What's wrong with just getting a new one from any tyre retailer and not mention it (make claim at a later date if necessary). Also, how many of you check the spare tyre before driving away......I must admit, I've never done so because I've never actually thought about it. I do recall renting a vehicle in London many years ago where we had to pay extra to get a spare!

I know of someone who got a flat tyre (nail in tyre) and just took it to a tyre shop for a repair - $20 later, all done.

If he'd contacted <insert name of company> I wonder what the charge would have been??

 

[rogerkambah]

Toyota Celica, 88 (sniff, sniff) died due to rust from when O'Briens replaced the windscreen, I saw the installer scratch the front pillar/bead (whatever is correct term) and pointed it out to him and he said he'd fix it with primer before he put the new windscreen in. Unfortunately phone rang inside house and by the time I got back the windscreen was in and siliconed in. I asked if he'd put the primer on and he said yes. He lied. Rust appeared at the exact spot within a few months, O'Briens denied all responsibility so I got rust repaired by a trusted guy and he warned me before doing it saying that whatever moisture has got into the pillar will most likely start a chain reaction over time. ONly do it if you like the car. After a couple of times him fixing it he showed me what to do.

17 year rearguard action before it took out the pillar beyond 6 monthly/annual operation. Motor still perfect, most comfortable drivers seat I've ever come across.

Sorry to hear of your loss. We do get attached to cars that we have had for some time. My wife has a 20 yo Honda Integra that is just so reliable, and she still likes the look, (and handling on the CBR roundabouts).

(Sorry mods we're a bit OT.)

 

[rogerkambah]

Just changed my Hertz Sydney booking on October long W/E to Thrifty for a one way drive SYD-CBR. Price has lowered from $95 to $65 for Toyota Corolla. Hertz somehow had assessed the tax at $35+ on a $35.72 rental (+$25 dropoff).

While Thrifty daily rental is more at almost $40 the fees involved amount to just over $25, including tax of $3.99.

FWIW both bookings were made through airportrentals.com, who seem to be able to circumvent the exhorbitant one way dropoff/repositioning fees that most companies want for a 3hr drive from CBR/SYD.

 

[DuncanM]

Was a reasonably regular renter of cars from Melbourne Airport Hertz (20 plus rentals I would estimate) although never again!

On 2 occasions I was running late for a flight when I dropped the car back and didn't have time to finalise the paperwork as I ran for the terminal! On both of these occasions I was later hit with damage charges, never had a problem on the other occasions when I hung around. Coincidence??.... I disputed one (a chipped windscreen) and they eventually admitted it was existing, but the other they maxed out my work expense card ($1,000 limit) by progressively charging it until it reached the limit. I didn't fight this one as I changed jobs about this time and didn't have much motivation to follow it up...

The franchise nature of the Hertz business definitely seems to encourage certain owners to take advantage where they can without a thought to the brand damage...

I agree with all the other posters about photos but would add windscreen to the list as the price for a replacement is incredible.

 

[tracman]

Hi,

I also hire cars frequently and am constantly amazed at the amount of undocumented damage. Recently at Sydney Airport I picked up a vehicle that had what was in my opinion insufficiently documented damage, and proceeded to amend the contract. Upon exit the Hertz rep told me that I could not make changes to the "contract" and proceeded to produce another damage report.
Over the years I have never taken out the CDW (and figured that if I did have a claim I would still be in front given the cost of car hire company insurance X days hire over time ), and to date have never had an issue, although I am pedantic about documenting damage. One of the challenges though is that often airport carparks are poorly lit and it is difficult to see all of the damage, I had an incident in Melbourne airport some years ago where I picked up a Hertz vehicle one evening and the next morning noticed quite a large dent in the bonnet (which had clearly been there for some time), and was not documented on the contract. I phoned Hertz and was told I would have to pay for the damage, a rapid escalation to a senior person resolved the issue.

It is a worry though that this industry has to be a cause for so much concern over small marks and scratches.

Nonetheless, the CDW has increased significantly and the number of items not covered by the "basic" insurance has now led me to taking out third party car hire excess cover (TripCover), which for around $25.00 covers fairly well everything for a weekend and gives the option of $300 or $0 excess.

Would be interested to hear from other members if they've had issues with the 3rd party insurance.

 

[klavdy]

The plot evolves!
Here's a cut & paste from AMEX regarding the Hertz Sydney Airport scammers , sounds like they knew the jig was up!

"We're writing to update you on the status of your billing enquiry with HERTZ AUSTRALIA PTY LTD in the amount of $ 646.45.

The merchant has not provided us with information required to resolve this matter. We’ve credited your account with the amount in question - the amount we previously suspended has been processed as a credit. You will see this adjustment on your upcoming statement. "

 

[AdMEL]

Was a reasonably regular renter of cars from Melbourne Airport Hertz (20 plus rentals I would estimate) although never again!

On 2 occasions I was running late for a flight when I dropped the car back and didn't have time to finalise the paperwork as I ran for the terminal! On both of these occasions I was later hit with damage charges, never had a problem on the other occasions when I hung around. Coincidence??.... I disputed one (a chipped windscreen) and they eventually admitted it was existing, but the other they maxed out my work expense card ($1,000 limit) by progressively charging it until it reached the limit. I didn't fight this one as I changed jobs about this time and didn't have much motivation to follow it up...

The franchise nature of the Hertz business definitely seems to encourage certain owners to take advantage where they can without a thought to the brand damage...

I agree with all the other posters about photos but would add windscreen to the list as the price for a replacement is incredible.

Whilst I've never had damge issues at Melbourne Airport Hertz, I've often had billing issues - primarily rental agreements with vastly overestimated charges, apparently due to their inability to print rental agreements prior to pick up time without adding the extra hours/day onto the estimated charges! Depsite every other Hertz location around the wokld being able to do it!


It should be noted that Hertz Melbourne Airport is corporate, not a franchise.

Hi,

I also hire cars frequently and am constantly amazed at the amount of undocumented damage. Recently at Sydney Airport I picked up a vehicle that had what was in my opinion insufficiently documented damage, and proceeded to amend the contract. Upon exit the Hertz rep told me that I could not make changes to the "contract" and proceeded to produce another damage report.
Over the years I have never taken out the CDW (and figured that if I did have a claim I would still be in front given the cost of car hire company insurance X days hire over time ), and to date have never had an issue, although I am pedantic about documenting damage. One of the challenges though is that often airport carparks are poorly lit and it is difficult to see all of the damage, I had an incident in Melbourne airport some years ago where I picked up a Hertz vehicle one evening and the next morning noticed quite a large dent in the bonnet (which had clearly been there for some time), and was not documented on the contract. I phoned Hertz and was told I would have to pay for the damage, a rapid escalation to a senior person resolved the issue.

It is a worry though that this industry has to be a cause for so much concern over small marks and scratches.

Nonetheless, the CDW has increased significantly and the number of items not covered by the "basic" insurance has now led me to taking out third party car hire excess cover (TripCover), which for around $25.00 covers fairly well everything for a weekend and gives the option of $300 or $0 excess.

Would be interested to hear from other members if they've had issues with the 3rd party insurance.

It should be noted that all car rentals in Australia inlude CDW by law - there is just a large excess (now $4,000 +++ for Hertz). I think what you are referring to is excess reduction (though Eurpocar do call it CDW in Australia, just to confuse the issue!).

Thanks for mentioning TripCover - didn't know they existed, but should come in handy! Great that they cover overhead and undercarriage damage that car rental company waiver does not (though the $4,000 cover they provide will not cover much overhead or undercariage damage!)

 

[drron]

I know of someone who got a flat tyre (nail in tyre) and just took it to a tyre shop for a repair - $20 later, all done.

If he'd contacted <insert name of company> I wonder what the charge would have been??

Hand up.I have actually done this in Tasmania.we were staying at Tarraleah and were on the way to Derwent Bridge with the intent of a cruise on Lake St.Clair.Got a puncture.rang the RACT as the ford only came with the temporary spare.Told the only place for miles around would be a servo at Derwent Bridge.Got there and the fellow says you're out of luck all the patches have been used.Asked how was I going to get it repaired.he said you might be lucky with pete at the General store in Bronte Park.Got there and Pete had gone fishing.Now desperate.Mrs Pete says you might try Jim up that road over there.he is a mechanic.just go until you see an old red Toyota-that's Jim's place.
Well Jim was 85.but he had it fixed in 5 minutes and only charged $5.Must have had a lot on my mind as it went completely out of my head when I returned the car to DPO.
The culprit was also a nail.

 

[Ultimobo]

In general, if you are an ANZ Platinum/Black holder then that is enough to provide for excess cover.

More on this - Subject to Australian residency requirements, if you are an ANZ Platinum or Black Credit card holder (Primary or Supplementary) you don't have to even pay with the card to be eligible for up to $5k Excess cover on Domestic rentals:
http://www.anz.com/resources/1/e/1e...mium-cards-insurances.pdf?MOD=AJPERES#page=54

There's some more to it, so read and understand the PDF linked above.

thanks for suggestion - but our home was broken into and handbag stolen, reported next day to stop cards - we then found balance of funds was withdrawn from her account via a Canberra ATM some days later - WTF !?!?!? - ANZ asserted it must have been her as it was a 'legal' transaction - we got witness statements from 4 guests saying she was in Sydney at the time of the transaction -

we figured the thieves had walked into Canberra branch, said 'oh I've found my card - can you unblock it and give me a new PIN ?' and 16yo ANZ teller had gone 'sure !' - then they walked outside, checked the balance, then withdrew the balance of $800 from the ATM -

we had to fight the ANZ with the ombudsman to get our money back - so - once burned - I don't think I'll be doing business with the ANZ :evil: - ever again - thanks anyway.