Originally Posted by Cymro

Where are you going?

I've rented many times in Germany and would have no real concerns. Hertz in FRA is quite good in terms of cars and upgrades. It depends, of course, where you're going - there is a good and functional public transport network in the major cities but as you move away from that, things tail off, as you might expect.

DUS is grumpy and won't give you anything unless you beg, at which point they'll claim that whatever you gave you was an upgrade, whereas MUC is embarrassed if they don't save the very nicest car they can for you.

The amount of extra taxes and fees to pay will depend on where you're renting - US websites will generally quote the base rate only and then state all extra fees before checkout, whereas the German and Australian websites tend to have a higher base rate but are then all inclusive. Either way, expect a large (low four figure) deductible. Be aware, too, that German standards of maintenance are extremely high and you will be expected to pay for what you might consider minor issues.

Originally Posted by Richym99

Worth checking that Collision Damage Waiver is included in the rate. It might be included for hirers via the US site, but it seems that Hertz no longer provides this basic insurance for European hirers, despite most insurers believing that European hire car companies always include CDW (but with an excess of about €900 normally).

Hertz lists CDW as an add-on payable at the counter of (for me as a UK resident) £37.35 per day, with a further £30.48 per day to waive the €900 excess that you would still be liable for.