Originally Posted by
TravelinSperry
I don't see how Hertz can come back to you and say you damaged it if they drove off. Could've happened on their lot after they drove off. Still - if they never rented it again, it could be a future issue. But once they rent the car again to someone else, I'd say you're clear. To find out, call Hertz and tell them you left something in the car (a charger, for example). Then provide them the license info and ask them to search. See if the car is "on rent" or on lot. If the 800# won't tell you - go into a Hertz location (they can see whether the car is currently being rented or not). If it's rented they'll tell you they'll search the car upon return. Thank them and leave (or hang up). If it's rented - then I'd say it's all done and I wouldnt file with Chase.
Hertz certainly can come back and try to pursue you for damages even after they re-rented the car. It happened to me once for hail damage as I mentioned in an my post above and there are many more examples online of people receiving demand letters weeks or months after they rented the car. Here's an article in the Seattle Times about a damage claim received 15 months after the rental:
Hertz Slaps on Damage Charge/
me4tux can try claiming ignorance, but I find it unlikely that $3K in damages will be missed for long. Either another Hertz employee or perhaps the next renter doing a walk around before leaving the lot will spot it.