Understanding Hertz’s Post-Rental Incidents Charges Despite LDW Coverage

Have you received an unexpected charge from Hertz after a car rental incident caused by a third party, despite having Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) included in your rental? This can be a confusing and frustrating experience. Let's break down the possible reasons for this situation and what you can do about it.

Is It Really Hertz's Intent to Charge You?

There are a few reasons why Hertz might be trying to charge you despite having LDW included in your rental agreement. Here are the key areas to consider:

LDW Coverage Limitations

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is designed to cover damage to the rental vehicle in case of an accident, theft, or vandalism. However, it has its limitations. For instance, if you were driving the car in violation of the rental agreement (such as driving under the influence or without proper licensure), or if there were circumstances that voided the coverage, LDW may not apply. It's crucial to review your rental agreement carefully to understand the specific conditions under which LDW will cover damage.

Third-Party Liability

LDW typically does not cover damages if you are liable, even if a third party is at fault. In such cases, Hertz may seek to recover costs from you while they pursue reimbursement from the third party’s insurance. This is common practice in the car rental industry and highlights the importance of understanding the terms of your rental agreement and documentation of such incidents.

Insurance Claims Process

When an incident involves another party, Hertz may be following a standard protocol to assess damages and file claims. This could initially involve charging you a certain amount to cover assessed damages, with the intention of seeking reimbursement from the third party’s insurance. It’s important to remain patient during this process and gather all necessary documentation, including police reports, to support your case.

Damage Assessment

Hertz might have assessed the vehicle after the incident and determined that the damages exceed the coverage provided by LDW. This could be a legitimate reason for them to seek additional charges from you. However, it's still important to verify this assessment and gather evidence to support your side of the story.

Rental Agreement Terms

Review your rental agreement thoroughly. There may be specific clauses regarding damage liability and the responsibilities of the renter. Understanding these terms can help clarify why Hertz is charging you. It's beneficial to have a lawyer review your agreement to ensure you fully understand your rights and responsibilities.

If you believe the charge is unjustified, it's advisable to contact Hertz directly. Provide any documentation, such as police reports or third-party insurance information, to help clarify your position. Additionally, reviewing your personal auto insurance policy or credit card coverage may provide further protection or conflict resolution options.

Questions to Ask Hertz

Before you proceed, there are a few questions you should ask Hertz to clarify the situation:

Could you provide a detailed breakdown of the charges and explain why LDW does not cover the full amount? Can you share any evidence or documentation that supports the damage assessment? Do you have any notes or records of your conversation with a third-party insurance company? Is there any way to verify the extent of the damage and ensure it aligns with the charges?

Seek Professional Legal Advice

Hertz, like many car rental companies, has been known to 'double-dip' and seek additional charges in certain situations. Given this, seeking proper legal advice would be a prudent step to take. A lawyer can help you navigate the situation and provide guidance based on your specific circumstances.

Conclusion

Dealing with unexpected charges from Hertz after a car rental incident can be challenging. By understanding the limitations of LDW, the insurance claims process, and your rental agreement terms, you can better manage the situation. However, it is recommended that you seek professional legal advice to protect your interests and ensure a fair outcome.