Some $0.02 on each issue (not worth much, maybe a penny for each issue):

a) The bogus damage claim: I've rented 100s of times with Hertz and never had this problem except once, in California. Anecdotal evidence suggests to me that California has more of a problem with this type of stuff. And some parts of Europe.

b) The photo ticket: Mine was photo radar. I was speeding. Fast.

Hertz didn't pay the ticket, but they did give the law my information, and 18 months later I was mailed a blurry photograph that would never hold up in court.

At court I approached the officer (acting as state's attorney) and told him I was going to ask for the charges to be dismissed based on the quality of the photo.

He said, "I wish they wouldn't send out those poor quality scans," and proceeded to show me a very clear photo of yours truly.

I immediately realized and admitted I didn't have a case. He appreciated my forthrightness and we started discussing photo radar technology (the older systems are 35mm that get scanned, poorly as in my case, the new systems are all digital).

He then offered to reduce the ticket to the minimum allowed by law. I accepted. The judge seemed a bit stunned, and said, "Mr. Rut Dog, you drive a good bargain." A $500 fine was reduced to $100.

I was just honest, reasonable, and friendly. It can go a long way in court.