If you have ever wondered what happens when an unauthorized driver damages a rental vehicle that was rented by someone else, one answer may be found in an experience which was relayed anonymously by a reader of The Gate With Brian Cohen.
What Happens When an Unauthorized Driver Damages a Rental Vehicle
The reader — whose name was redacted because he or she wishes not to have his or her identity revealed — received the following communication from the customer service department of Hertz Corporation:
Dear Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx,
We are happy to review and assist you with your concerns. We’re doing our best to provide the best customer service possible.
I sincerely regret hearing about your rental privilege status. Our records indicate you were placed on suspension due to allowing an unauthorized driver to operate the vehicle, resulting in damage or theft of the vehicle. As a result, you have been placed on indefinite suspension and will no longer be able to rent from Hertz, Dollar, or Thrifty. Although this is not the preferred resolution, I hope that you will understand our position on this matter.
Thank you for being a Hertz Gold member. Your business is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Xxxxxx X.
Hertz Customer Services
https://www.hertz.com
Final Boarding Call
Allowing a person who is not authorized to drive a vehicle which you rent is not a good idea because it violates the contract to which you agreed with the rental car company. Think twice before doing so.
What was not revealed was exactly what happened that caused the rental vehicle to be damaged; how much damage was caused; the final cost that the renter of the vehicle was required to pay; and whether the rental vehicle was considered totaled and therefore could not even be repaired.
Remember that basically three major rental car companies control the vast majority of the rental car market in the United States; so if you are suspended indefinitely by one of the companies, you are likely suspended by the others as well.
All photographs ©2020 and ©2022 by Brian Cohen.
