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

[IrishPete]

I always take out maximum LDW and get excess down as low as possible.

I would never rely on some credit card insurance policy for help with this.

That's your choice, and an expensive one on a cheap car rental. But ANZ Platinum specifically market their cards based on this insurance, so they'd be very unwise not to honour it.

 

[AdMEL]

Reading this thread has me thinking I am walking thru a mine field . I have a rental coming up in Italy (Venice ,Mestre ) with SIXT & I will be as careful as possible & am going to re-read my insurance coverage .

.

It does read like that! The reality is that these incidents are a small percentage, at least in Australia. In more than 100 rentals over the last few years, I've only ever had minor problems that have relatively easily been resolved in my favour. I almost never check the car before driving, nor take photos and many times it has turned out there is damage to the car significant enough that it should have been noted, but was not (it annoys me that some of the rental car companies/locations don't even bother noting any damage, instead leaving it up to the renter). The things I have had issues with (usually incorrect billing due to staff errors/incompetence), would still have occurred, even if I had taken photos. It probably helps that I'm a member of all the majors, though the worst billing error would not have occurred if I was not a member.

I have significantly damaged one car (reversed into a pole) and of course, paid the excess (reimbursed by Zurich under Westpac Black Card insurance).

From what I've read, Italy is one of the worst places in the world for car rental charges and scams, but a mate who almost never rents cars had no problems!

 

[AdMEL]

That's your choice, and an expensive one on a cheap car rental. But ANZ Platinum specifically market their cards based on this insurance, so they'd be very unwise not to honour it.

Agreed! Several years ago, a friend caused many thousands of dollars damage to a rental car and claimed under ANZ Car Rental Excess Cover and they paid the claim without too much hassle (took a few weeks).

As noted above, I have claimed on Zurich insurance provided by Westpac Black cards and they paid the claim in 4 weeks, most of which was waiting for my credit card statement to issue (they would not accept an internet banking transaction list print out).

Relying on Westpac and ANZ cards to cover the excess has saved me thousands over the years. It does take some time and effort to understand the policy (which is no different to any other insurance policy) and my understanding hasn't always been correct.

 

[Astroboi82]

Id suggest in future go through Avis, I always use them and never had a Problem, I hired an SV6 through them in Sydney earlier in the year.

I've just returned a Caprice to the airport @ Gold Coast in the last hour, no dramas, easy to deal with, car was like new !

 

[aussiejohn]

One of the things on my to do list has been to hire a car and do some travelling around the UK. But I have read so many horror stories about car rental problems in the last 5 years or so, that I just won't touch it now. As I have to travel on a budget, I cannot take the risk. Sadly, scammers have wrecked pretty much everything these days.

Once you get past the airline thieves with their charges, the hire car scammers and the hotel thieves with their charges, you then have to face the pickpockets and other scammers out on the streets. Travel is not as much fun as I remember years ago

 

[IrishPete]

One of the things on my to do list has been to hire a car and do some travelling around the UK. But I have read so many horror stories about car rental problems in the last 5 years or so, that I just won't touch it now. As I have to travel on a budget, I cannot take the risk. Sadly, scammers have wrecked pretty much everything these days.

Once you get past the airline thieves with their charges, the hire car scammers and the hotel thieves with their charges, you then have to face the pickpockets and other scammers out on the streets. Travel is not as much fun as I remember years ago

I saw pickpockets in Rome and Paris 25 years ago. Nothing changes.

I had a fine experience with Hertz at Prestwick Airport (near Glasgow) this year, and Europcar (I think) at Birmingham Airport last year. Both times I got a much better car than I booked, both times a really economical and powerful diesel car with SatNav. Budget this year at Dublin were OK. Last year's experience at Dublin Airport (Thrifty) not so good.

There's no reason to be put off travelling based on some people's (including my) bad experiences - just be sensibly careful.

Driving in the UK is much more tiring than here - the roads are narrower and busier, and the level of alertness required tires you out more quickly. I have found myself driving somewhat more aggressively since I got back! I learned to drive there, and drove in London for 8 years, so old habits clearly return easily!

 

[busissi]

How sad. I have lived and driven in multiple countries for over 50 years since age 15 in NZ and frankly Sydney is the worst. No discipline on multi lane highways or courtesy for that matter outside peak hours. UK with GPS is easy. Don't be discouraged.

With car hire just be careful and aware. A photo on a phone is easy and a sensible precaution, no cost, no pain.

 

[IrishPete]

How sad. I have lived and driven in multiple countries for over 50 years since age 15 in NZ and frankly Sydney is the worst. No discipline on multi lane highways or courtesy for that matter outside peak hours. UK with GPS is easy. Don't be discouraged.

With car hire just be careful and aware. A photo on a phone is easy and a sensible precaution, no cost, no pain.

Try driving in Canberra! No indicators. Ever. No, hang on, they indicate AFTER they've made the manoeuvre.

 

[busissi]

Canberra is a breeze! Wide roads, gutters, less road hazards and decent sign posting!

 

[IrishPete]

Canberra is a breeze! Wide roads, gutters, less road hazards and decent sign posting!

Canberra - the city that invented the "right turn permitted from left hand lane" roundabout...

 

[busissi]

Not permitted in Sydney drivers just do it!

 

[sumthinfornuthin]

I use AVIS never had a problem, not even a hint of a problem including in the USA

 

[Aussie_flyer]

I find uk driving so easy and enjoyable. Never had a problem hiring a car there

 

[Cossie]

Rented a car from Hertz in Sweden last year, received an email that they had given my details to the Swedish police as I had been caught speeding and they (the Swedish police) would be in touch with details of the fine and how to pay etc.

I was also charged an administration fee (about $50) as per the contract. Now there are speed cameras everywhere in some parts of Sweden and I thought I may have been caught when I was overtaking a slower car.

Fortunately they give you the details of where the speed camera was located and the time. Checked an online map. At the time (it was 01:00) I was over 200kms away snuggled up in my hotel bed.

Checked my contract details, they had the correct contract number, however the registration number was wrong.

Response was, "sorry we made a mistake". I was not happy that my details were given to the police. OK, so I am naive, however I really thought they would give me a voucher of some kind, as a good will gesture.

 

[RAM]

One of the things on my to do list has been to hire a car and do some travelling around the UK. But I have read so many horror stories about car rental problems in the last 5 years or so, that I just won't touch it now. As I have to travel on a budget, I cannot take the risk. Sadly, scammers have wrecked pretty much everything these days.

Once you get past the airline thieves with their charges, the hire car scammers and the hotel thieves with their charges, you then have to face the pickpockets and other scammers out on the streets. Travel is not as much fun as I remember years ago

These days the phrase "CAVEAT EMPTOR" has gained ever greater relevance.

However before you give up think of it like those fun times at school. If you did some revision & study you normally got better results in the exams to when you just turned up on the day with no preparation.

For many addicts (in a good way) of AFF much of the pleasure of travelling is in the detail. The more we delve into 'can I .....' the more fun we have and the anticipation of the travel/holiday becomes nearly as (or sometimes more) fun than the eventual journey. The 'thrill of the chase' etc etc.

Due diligence aka research is something that benefits you enormously. A few hours (OK dozens of hours for the seriously addicted) of looking, reading, preparing can resolve most issues.

Besides, some of us really enjoy saying "can I see the manager please."

The sites in the UK you can reach with a hire car are nearly limitless vs a bus etc. The small villages you come across and their attractions/history are worth the effort. The AA (UK) site is great for planning.

So don't give-in - PLAN.

 

[Sprucegoose]

There are thousands of car hires everyday without issues. Just be careful and over off the main points. Limit your credit card $. I have always won my encounters because of preparation.

Leaving Vegas I saw about 6 cameras Filming the car on exit. Easy to do here I would have thought

 

[Deleted member 29185]

This thread is a good read of woe for a damp Saturday!

I don't hire cars as frequently as some of you, but I hire enough to retain mid tier status with both Europcar and Hertz as well as a good number of Avis bookings each year. Apart from the well know PITA computer issues with both Hertz (don't bother trying to change your FFer number) and Europcar (I won't start about their odd platform), I can't say I've had any problems really. In fact, I've found Hertz at SYD domestic airport to be possibly the best of the Hertz' for a decent upgrade. Most Hertz outlets IME give poor or no upgrade. Only once in my life have I had trouble with a car rental mob thieving from me and that was Redspot who charged me for a tank of fuel (it was returned full to the brim) and 1/2 a day extra hire because according to them I returned it late (it was returned 2 hours early and I had my Ansett boarding passes to prove we were mid air half way between SYD and BNE at the time they insisted was the time I returned the car at SYD dom). That was about 12 or 13 years ago and Redspot has not, nor ever will, receive another cent from me, so who's the real loser there?

Avis in PER once gave me a vehicle with a big ding in a rear quarter panel, which I didn't notice (I didn't even look to be honest) but returned it in the same condition and nothing ever came of it so I assume they knew it was there, but Avis (PPP) can be a pain with renting you a vehicle without a full tank (they often relocate vehicles from Airlie and never top up the tanks) but a phone call to them has never seen them refuse to take a few bucks off the rental.

I always have a multi-trip policy to cover the excess and never pay to reduce it and I've never had a problem (touch wood). I have a Europcar booked for Jan in AUH (E300 Merc) and the CDW is just 2000AED (approx. AU$600) so can't see any issues with using my TID policy for that as well.

 

[lovestotravel]

Notes to self:

1. Steer clear of Hertz in Sydney!

2. Never book a mystery car!

3. Don't expect to receive an X5 if booked!

I agree that Hertz Melbourne Downtown is generally pretty good, though the last time I rented from them my car was not ready and had to wait 15-20 min. Offered an upgrade though from a Corolla to a Hyundai Elantra or ix35 - declined both, as I dislike Hyundais. We'll see if how they are this weekend - booked Camry with an upgrade coupon to SV6.

Melbourne CBD Avis and Budget pretty good too. On the other hand, my experiences at Melb CBD Europcar and Thrifty have included some terrible service.

I'm looking forward to driving the new Mercedes C Class when Europcar get some.

1. YES!

2. Well unless you are just happy with any car/van, which it seems you are not

3. I guess it can happen to anyone but twice in 2 weeks and for a PC member, and spending 20-30 mins to get the issue fixed is not good enough


Mel Downtown have redeemed themselves with me lately with a triple upgrade on a longer rental

OH YES YES YES Europcar the the new C series! YES YES YES!!!!!!

 

[lovestotravel]

.

It does read like that! The reality is that these incidents are a small percentage, at least in Australia. In more than 100 rentals over the last few years, I've only ever had minor problems that have relatively easily been resolved in my favour. I almost never check the car before driving, nor take photos and many times it has turned out there is damage to the car significant enough that it should have been noted, but was not (it annoys me that some of the rental car companies/locations don't even bother noting any damage, instead leaving it up to the renter). The things I have had issues with (usually incorrect billing due to staff errors/incompetence), would still have occurred, even if I had taken photos. It probably helps that I'm a member of all the majors, though the worst billing error would not have occurred if I was not a member.

I have significantly damaged one car (reversed into a pole) and of course, paid the excess (reimbursed by Zurich under Westpac Black Card insurance).

From what I've read, Italy is one of the worst places in the world for car rental charges and scams, but a mate who almost never rents cars had no problems!

Agree 100%

I have rented hundreds of time and only had a very small amount of problems, but it's annoying when they happen. It's more the service recovery that I am interested in, as everyone makes mistakes

VA - Have no idea about service recovery
QF - Always looked after me before I have needed to ask
Hertz - Pathetic at SYD airport
Europcar - No issues so N/A

Italy - Well Hertz actually stuffed me around there, sorry no auto cars here (even though I had requested an Auto) so had to taxi it to the airport (they did pay for the taxi)

But arriving at the Airport location, they claimed no cars as well to start with, then played the "no speak English" routine for a but until I just shoved my Passport, booking confirmation, note from the previous Hertz location, my PC Hertz card and just smiled.

Eventually got a fully loaded C220 Wagon

UK and Switzerland- Hertz have been great with upgrades to C250's and BMW M5's

 

[AdMEL]

1. YES!

2. Well unless you are just happy with any car/van, which it seems you are not

3. I guess it can happen to anyone but twice in 2 weeks and for a PC member, and spending 20-30 mins to get the issue fixed is not good enough


Mel Downtown have redeemed themselves with me lately with a triple upgrade on a longer rental

OH YES YES YES Europcar the the new C series! YES YES YES!!!!!!

Definitely not happy with just any car!

Unfortunately Hertz Melbourne Downtown let me down again last weekend - paperwork/car not ready and very disorganised when I arrived. Gold desk rep was serving someone else, so called someone to help (there was queue forming) who told me paperwork not ready, asked when I had reserved (several days prior, but 2 hours used to be sufficient), then apologised and said he would upgrade car, then came back a few min. later with agreement for Camry! Ignored both his offer and the coupon in my booking! When I told him I didn't want the Camry, wanted SV6, other rep took over and said they don't have any and anyway not entitled to it but I pointed out upgrade coupon in booking (same rep as last time who offered to upgrade but this time didn't want to), so asked for the dirty returned VW Passat Diesel I had spied. After several min of discussion, was given it only to be given agreement for 4 times the price! Lucky I checked just before driving off! As he was amending agreement to correct rate, someone else was swapping X3 for SV6 that was parked out the front! Took VW, but swapped it for an SV6 at the airport later that day, as the tyre pressure sensor was faulty and the light on the dash came on and stayed on, then all the audio shut down to be replaced by a high pitched squealing buzzer that could not be switched off, whilst driving on the Calder highway at 110kmh! Got it to shut up when I stopped to check tyre pressure which was fine! Not impressed!

Do you know if Europcar are getting any new C Class soon?