**Hertz Rental Windshield Damage Sparks Deductible Confusion**
A recent MarketWatch reader question has highlighted a common point of confusion for rental car customers: how much a renter can be charged for windshield damage. The reader, identified only as “Stu,” reported a cracked windshield on a Hertz rental car, stating they have a $2,000 deductible.
Stu noted that he never heard a rock hit the windshield, raising the question of whether he could be held financially responsible for the damage. The incident underscores the importance of understanding rental car insurance policies and damage liability.
When a rental car is returned with damage, the rental company typically charges the renter for the cost of repairs or replacement. This charge applies regardless of how the damage occurred, unless the renter has purchased a collision damage waiver or has insurance coverage from another source.
A deductible is the amount a renter must pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. If a renter has a $2,000 deductible and the windshield replacement costs $500, the renter would be responsible for the full cost of the repair, not the deductible.
Rental car companies like Hertz generally reserve the right to charge renters for any damage not covered by their insurance or waiver. A cracked windshield is considered damage, even if the cause—like a flying rock—is not immediately identifiable.
To avoid unexpected charges, renters should inspect the vehicle thoroughly before driving off and report any pre-existing damage to the rental company. Photographing the car’s condition can also serve as evidence in a dispute.
Ultimately, whether Hertz can charge Stu depends on the terms of his rental agreement, his chosen insurance coverage, and his credit card’s benefits. Relying solely on a high-deductible plan may not shield a renter from paying for smaller repairs like a windshield crack.
