Hertz chaged another 30 euro, 2 weeks after return?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Toronto, Ont., Canada
Programs: Aeroplan; Marriott Platinum; IHG Platinum; Best Western Diamond
Posts: 2,154
Hertz chaged another 30 euro, 2 weeks after return?
I rented a car for a week in Germany. Picked up from Berlin train stn and returned at Frankfurt airport. At the time of return on Sept. 18, they gave me a receipt that was as per original rental condition.
I just checked my Chase Marriott visa and saw a charge of 29.75 euro on Oct. 4 ?!? It's from the same merchant:
HERTZ AUTOVERMIETUNG G
ESCHBORN,
We didn't get any parking ticket or speeding ticket or anything. Drove carefully, no damage, no issue.
What could this charge be? I'm afraid if I call Hertz's N. America number, they may ask me to call Germany to find out. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
I just checked my Chase Marriott visa and saw a charge of 29.75 euro on Oct. 4 ?!? It's from the same merchant:
HERTZ AUTOVERMIETUNG G
ESCHBORN,
We didn't get any parking ticket or speeding ticket or anything. Drove carefully, no damage, no issue.
What could this charge be? I'm afraid if I call Hertz's N. America number, they may ask me to call Germany to find out. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,552
EUR29.75 is the amount of Hertz's administration fee for any issues such as traffic or parking offences
If you contact Hertz Germany, it should be able to explain the exact details for which the charge relates
If you contact Hertz Germany, it should be able to explain the exact details for which the charge relates
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Toronto, Ont., Canada
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Posts: 2,154
I did email to Hertz to ask. Hope they'll respond.
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,552
The quickest ans surest way to find out will be just to pick up the telephone and ask
#7
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: YTZ
Programs: Hertz & Avis PC; National EE; SPG & Hilton Gold; AC 35K (yawn)
Posts: 5,921
Likely a speed camera or you entered a restricted area of some sort. Where I usually drive (Netherlands) the authorities bill the car owner, not the driver, so Hertz bills me the actual ticket price at the same time. Sounds like Germany may be different and the fine is to the driver.
If it is like Italy, you will receive correspondence from the authorities sometime soon.
If it is like Italy, you will receive correspondence from the authorities sometime soon.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Toronto, Ont., Canada
Programs: Aeroplan; Marriott Platinum; IHG Platinum; Best Western Diamond
Posts: 2,154
I'll try to call in coming days, but their business hours is when I'm sleeping.
No response to my email yet, but got a letter today, in German. I typed in the part of the explanation, and used google translation to get:
"As a result of their rent, they were subject to an irregularity. In accordance with our rental conditions, you will be charged for a fee which is independent of the amount of the bus service."
No response to my email yet, but got a letter today, in German. I typed in the part of the explanation, and used google translation to get:
"As a result of their rent, they were subject to an irregularity. In accordance with our rental conditions, you will be charged for a fee which is independent of the amount of the bus service."
#9
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: London
Posts: 1,546
I think that just highlights the limitations of google translate. I'd find a German speaker and have them explain it to you.
#10
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Bristol, UK
Programs: Hertz Presidents Circle; SPG Lifetime Platinum; Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 658
As others have said, you have so far received the admin fee, which is Hertz' "costs" in passing details of the driver to the relevant authority. Depending on what offence it is, you may hear directly or as you are non-native, you may hear nothing more.
Be warned that ignoring anything significant in Germany could make it interesting for you were you ever to return, as you will be challenged at immigration.
Be warned that ignoring anything significant in Germany could make it interesting for you were you ever to return, as you will be challenged at immigration.
#11
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 8
If you post the letter (or the explanation) in German I can try to translate it for you...
#12
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Gloucestershire
Programs: BA Gold (ex-GGL, maybe future Silver), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,197
I'll try to call in coming days, but their business hours is when I'm sleeping.
No response to my email yet, but got a letter today, in German. I typed in the part of the explanation, and used google translation to get:
"As a result of their rent, they were subject to an irregularity. In accordance with our rental conditions, you will be charged for a fee which is independent of the amount of the bus service."
No response to my email yet, but got a letter today, in German. I typed in the part of the explanation, and used google translation to get:
"As a result of their rent, they were subject to an irregularity. In accordance with our rental conditions, you will be charged for a fee which is independent of the amount of the bus service."
#13
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: AMS
Programs: Delta Skymiles - Platinum; Hertz - President's Circle; Expedia - Gold
Posts: 473
In Germany Hertz charges a one-way fee (payable at the return location).
This is either the one-way fee or the bogus fee they bill for supplying the authorities in case of a speed camera (or a parking ticket) violation - you will get that letter in the mail much later
This is either the one-way fee or the bogus fee they bill for supplying the authorities in case of a speed camera (or a parking ticket) violation - you will get that letter in the mail much later
#14
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,552
There is nothing 'bogus' about the administration fee for replying to the authorities.
#15
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: AMS
Programs: Delta Skymiles - Platinum; Hertz - President's Circle; Expedia - Gold
Posts: 473
The actual reporting to authorities costs maybe one euro to the rental company, including postage.
It is okay when applied to a one-time customer, but it devalues Hertz brand in the eyes of loyal customers - and for what, a measly 30 euros?
Quite often, the speeding fine itself is less than the Hertz charge.