Hertz - Wrecked Car Do they Run Up Your Credit Card?

I am aware of many insurance options etc. but my question is what do rental car companies do to your credit card when you have had a major wreck.

Do they start charging it to the hilt for damages and fees or do they wait to see how your private insurance does first?

Could you declare your credit card lost to the credit card company just after an accident to prevent rental agency from running your card up?

Regards

If the damage is less than $200 and did not involve another party then you will be given an option to pay for the damage up front with no administrative fee (e.g. If you got a dent on the door because you were pushing a shopping cart and lost your balance then you can pay for this up front. However, if that dent was caused because another vehicle brushed up against the door then that will have to go through claims). If you choose to pay up front then they will bill your credit card and that will be the end of it. If you decline to do that or you deny the damage then you will fill out an vehicle incident report and it will be handled by Hertz Claims Management where various fees will apply. HCM will work with your insurance company but any portion not paid by your insurance will be your responsibility. I don't think they are allowed to charge your card at this point in time.

Like all other things, you can refuse to pay but they will report it and it will show up on your credit report. If the damage is significant then I would expect them to take you to court.

Thanks for the quick reply. I was just wondering if they can charge your card for anything more than your rental "without" your approval i.e. accident.

Thanks, Again.

I suspect the answer is going to vary by country.

In the UK it is normal that the rental company will 'pre-authorise' a charge of your expected rental amount plus the amount of damages you remain liable for (often £500 or £600). This means that you have - in effect - already agreed to a charge should you return the car with damage.

Security deposits are always pre-authorized but you usually can't use them for damage. I don't know about British laws but there are certain states within the US that limit a renter's responsibility but Hertz doesn't authorize to that amount. The deposits are mainly used for late charges or fees not relating to damage. I would charge people immediately for lost keys, towing charges, impound fees, etc... and those could be easily be $200-$500 but I couldn't charge $50 for a flat tire unless I had that person's signature admitting the damage and agreeing to pay up front.