Returned to DEN about 4 hours before it was due. One return customer was behind me (so site was not busy). Agent typed on his tablet seemingly longer than normal. I asked for a receipt. He said it would be e-mailed and confirmed my e-mail address. No problem.

I had 4 hours at DEN and checked my e-mail while in the lounge. Nothing. I checked the Hertz app. Vehicle still showed as unreturned (and this was two hours after it was due). Called the rep - offshore - and quite a phone/AI tree to get to her.

She stated that it was policy that returns take up to 48 hours to process to allow for inspections. In fact she could not see that the vehicle was returned. I expressed my concern, but she said she could do nothing for me.

I received a receipt about T+36 with the accurate return time. (Fortunately, I took pics of the vehicle at return.)

Is this a new practice for Hertz? I've rented from Avis and Sixt this year, albeit in Europe, and I don't recall this being an issue. I guess I'll wait for a printed receipt next time as it concerns me that a vehicle could be outside of my control for up to 48 hours.