Hertz Cracked Windshield Policy In Detail

One problem we always want to avoid, driving a rental car, is damaging it.

Because the repair charge and other secondary fees can easily grow wild.

Now, if you were to be in a situation where your rental car windshield gets a crack…what happens next?

This blog post will explain Hertz’s policy on cracked windshields in easy, straightforward language.

We’ll help you understand what your options are and how to deal with the situation.

Insurance: Are You Covered?

Hertz offers a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), which is not an insurance policy, but it can act like one.

When you opt for the LDW, you essentially have no financial responsibility for loss or damage to the rental car, including the windshield.

This coverage is active 24/7, even when you’re not using the car.

Importantly, with LDW, you don’t need to file a claim with your personal auto insurance, which means no deductible fees for you and no potential increase in your insurance rates due to the damage claim.

In simple terms, if you have LDW and the windshield of your Hertz rental car cracks, Hertz waives all responsibility for the repair costs, regardless of who is at fault.

However, it’s important to consider your own car insurance policy too.

The extent to which your personal insurance covers rental cars, including windshield damage, can vary depending on where you live and the type of policy you have.

One good example of a policy that applies to windshield damage is comprehensive coverage.

Editors Note:  Comprehensive coverage, which is optional, typically covers damage to your car from factors other than a collision, such as vandalism, natural disasters, or fire. It may help pay to repair or replace your windshield if it’s cracked or shattered by a rock.

In some cases, you may still be responsible for a deductible, and there’s a possibility that your premiums could increase after a damage claim.

Therefore, it’s advisable to check your own insurance policy before deciding whether to opt for Hertz’s LDW.

It’s also important to note that in specific states, like California and Nevada, your responsibility for loss or damage to the car from vandalism unrelated to theft will not exceed a certain amount, and in Illinois, your responsibility for loss or damage related to theft is limited unless the theft results from your fault.

What to do If you Have a Crack Windshield

When it comes to repairing a cracked windshield on a Hertz rental car, the process is straightforward but depends on a few factors.

If the damage to the windshield is minor, like a small chip, Hertz often offers an option to quickly resolve the issue at the time of returning the vehicle. This can be a simple and cost-effective solution.

But to be honest, this is not advisable, as car rental companies are notorious for adding extreme damage charges to little problems.

Imagine being charged $300 for a single scratch? Things I’ve personally seen.

In fact, personally, I always like to avoid taking car issues or damage to Hertz or any car rental company I use at a particular time unless I’m sure a policy I have with them covers the issue.

For instance, the Loss Damage Waiver.

Generally, if you have purchased Hertz’s Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), you typically won’t need to worry about the repair costs, as the LDW covers damage to the rental vehicle.

But if you declined Hertz’s optional insurance and are relying on your personal car insurance or a third-party insurer, you’ll need to check with them about the coverage for such damages.

Now, if you did purchase Hertz’s Loss Damage Waiver here are steps to take:

• Immediate Reporting: Inform Hertz about the cracked windshield as soon as possible. The LDW covers various types of damage, including windshield damage, so it’s important to notify them to start the process.
• Repair Process: Hertz will guide you on the next steps for the repair. They may either arrange for the repair themselves or direct you to an approved service provider. The LDW covers not just the damage but also related costs like towing or storage fees if they are necessary.

What If You Can’t Drive the Car Due to the Crack?

If you’re driving a rental car and the windshield gets so badly cracked that you can’t see properly, it’s important to stop driving immediately.

Safety should always come first. In such a situation, here’s a general approach to consider, especially if you’re concerned about potential high charges from the rental company for minor damages.

1. Stop Safely: Find a safe place to pull over. Driving with a significantly cracked windshield can be dangerous and might even be against the law.
2. Contact Roadside Assistance: If your rental agreement includes roadside assistance, it’s wise to use this service. They can help you by either fixing the minor issue on the spot or towing the car to a safe location. If roadside assistance isn’t included in your rental agreement, you may still call them, but be aware there could be a charge.
3. Inform the Rental Company: If you have no contact for third party road side assistance and you’re in a bad location you may want to notify Hertz about the situation. Explain that the car is not safe to drive due to the extent of the windshield damage. It’s important to be clear and factual about the issue to avoid misunderstandings.
4. Document the Damage: Take photos of the damaged windshield and any other relevant details. This can be helpful for your records and any discussions with the rental company or insurance providers.

The Cost Of Repairing It Yourself

Repairing a cracked windshield on a Hertz rental car can vary in cost depending on several factors. Generally, the cost for replacing a windshield at Hertz can range from $150 to $1000.

This cost is influenced by the type of vehicle you’ve rented, the level and type of damage to the windshield, and the location where you rented the vehicle.

For example, luxury vehicles or sports cars usually have more expensive windshields compared to standard sedans or compact cars.

Also, if the windshield is rare or not readily available, this could increase the cost.

It’s always a good idea to contact Hertz directly or consult with a professional auto glass repair service for an accurate estimate of the replacement cost.