Hertz - Hertz rental in Italy - car burned to ashes

I thought you might be interested in our experience. We just returned from a stay in Italy. Rented a Renault from Hertz at Florence airport. My friend went into town to buy some milk. Upon exiting the store, he noticed smoke and a lot of people. Walked towads his vehicle and saw that it was in flames! The closest fire department was 1/2 hour away and by the time they arrived, there was absolutely nothing left of the vehicle. It burned up completely including the 2 car seats and strollers left inside. fortunately, no people were inside and no one was hurt. Hertz provided a new vehicle and said they will cover all expenses. But we had to drive to the airport to get the new vehicle. We will see if they actually make good on the expenses.

We will see if they actually make good on the expenses.

My money says they won't. What did the Fire Department say the cause of the fire was?

Yikes: I am glad you are all right. I too wonder what caused that fire. It engulfed the car pretty quickly.

Who knows what caused the fire?? Our italian isn't good enough to understand.

What insurance coverage did you have? I'm assuming that you went for the "Super" coverage.

Thank you for sharing your NOT so pleasant car rental experience. Fortunately all passengers were fine.
Please post the outcome as far as insurance coverage, out-of-pocket $ (hopefully none) etc...
We rented the last three trips to Italy, all from Hertz. All 3 times we got the VW Golf.

We went for the full insurance - maximum.Thank goodness. They were very fair. We have now been compensated for the 2 car seats, the 2 strollers and 2 days rental of the villa. We argued time lost on day 1 due to the fire, and day 2 to drive to Florence to pick up a new car. Fully compensated- thank you Hertz. ^

Thank you for sharing your NOT so pleasant car rental experience. Fortunately all passengers were fine.
Please post the outcome as far as insurance coverage, out-of-pocket $ (hopefully none) etc...
We rented the last three trips to Italy, all from Hertz. All 3 times we got the VW Golf.

We went for the full insurance - maximum.Thank goodness. They were very fair. We have now been compensated for the 2 car seats, the 2 strollers and 2 days rental of the villa. We argued time lost on day 1 due to the fire, and day 2 to drive to Florence to pick up a new car. Fully compensated- thank you Hertz. ^


Excellent--well done! I am glad that things worked out. Yep, it was a real pain during your vacation, but thankfully nobody was hurt. At least you have a great story to tell!! :)