TObject

I disagree with this part. Searching for discount codes online and trying them before purchase is expected behavior. This is what thrifty shoppers do.

guv1976

Except that Hertz typically, at the time of pickup, asks the renter to sign or initial a section of the rental agreement to affirm that the renter is affiliated with the organization whose discount code is being used, and that the renter is entitled to use the code (or words to that effect).

Calum

I currently have a used ford focus for sale at $64,999 but one of you 'thrifty shoppers' can have it for a mere $14,999.

TObject

I smell a Robinson-Patman Act violation.

Calum

Wonder if the OP will ever get back to us with an update on how things are going?

aces_high

Yeah, I want to see how this ends as well. This is a perfect case study for code eligibility claims that many say would void the insurance. That said, I could not specify where it says so in the rental agreement and in which exact words. A good lawyer should be able to turn this around if the language is not clear. Once the code was accepted the car issued eligibility should no longer be relevant. It also appears that insurance is included at the rate and has been acquired, so I don't see how it can be legally be void. Again, a lawyer should be able to make Hertz responsible for eligibility verification at the time of rental. For all that matters, the customer may claim that he was an employee of IBM Japan at time of reservation, but since then has resigned. Nowhere does it say that he needs to amend his reservation to match his current status and under Japanese privacy law IBM Japan will not reveal information whether the said customer was their employee or not.

One other thing, international drivers get some sort of conditional mandatory insurance automatically applied to their rental. This is true to some states, and I am not sure what is the exact clause and whether it is applicable to long term residents.

Finally, I know it's too late for this, but always get a lawyer when you get into these situations. Call law firm right from scene of the accident and DO NOT post anything online, publish any pictures and admit any guilt or wrong doing. Frankly, when Hertz asked you for employee ID, you should have asked them exact purpose that they require it for.
Also, not sure why you went to contact another location.. There is a hotline number that you can call on your agreement.

Hope you find a way out of this... please keep us posted.

pkz

docbert

Yes and no.

Normally such claims are that using a code you're not eligible for will void CDW/LDW that is included in that rate. This is a different case as the CDW was paid for separately, at (what appears to be) the full market rate.

Voiding coverage that the renter was never eligible for is one thing, but voiding coverage that they paid for in good faith (for the coverage part, at least) is a very different situation.

ijgordon

So I'm curious - where would one find out what the requirements are for a renter to use a particular discount code? I.e., how does one know that one needs to be an employee of IBM? As opposed to, say, a friend or family member of an IBM employee, or even a customer. In fact, many discount codes are for customers (i.e., Costco, Amex, USAA).

In a related matter, there's a "great" IBM code with National/Enterprise, that includes LDW in the rate. Of course, depending upon the foregoing, may be an even worse idea to use that one compared to the Hertz IBM code.

MSPeconomist

If IBM doesn't tell its employees that the rate code can be given to friends and family and IBM doesn't publicize this deal for its customers, I would assume that the answer is no. An employee can of course ask their travel office. However, if you have to ask, the answer is very likely to be NO.

Dave Noble

The IBM codes are available for staff and contractors of IBM to use for business and/or personal travel. They are not available for use by others

IBM doesn't advertise its codes and are private corporate rates and not just general discount codes to be granted to all and sundry

cestmoi123

The onus is on the renter to determine if he is eligible. The renter is the one that makes the affirmative statement in the contract that he is eligible to use the code.

Really, it's pretty simple: if you're not sure if you're eligible to use the code, you probably aren't.

ijgordon

Great, well that all seems highly definitive, and I'm sure would hold up during legal proceedings (if one has a good lawyer!)

cestmoi123

It should hold up just fine. There's a contract where the renter says "I'm entitled to use code XYZ." The renter is making an affirmative statement of eligibility.

ijgordon

So now the renter gets to determine eligibility? Nice.