Class Action: Consumer Improperly Billed for Car Damage Following Hertz Rental

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An Illinois consumer claims in a proposed class action that he was billed by Hertz for damage he was not responsible for following a car rental.

According to the case, which names as defendants The Hertz Corporation and Viking Billing Service, the plaintiff rented a car at San Francisco International Airport in February 2018. When he returned the vehicle, the suit says, no employee pointed out any damage or indicated that the man was responsible for any charges beyond the $43.82 rental payment.

Nevertheless, the following May, the case says, the plaintiff received a letter from Viking seeking to collect $1,303.70, and offering to settle for 80 percent of the purported amount due, for damage that allegedly took place during the February rental. The plaintiff says that after he disputed the obligation, he was sent as proof of Hertz’s damage claims a vehicle incident report that detailed the car’s condition and falsely indicated the man did not speak English during his visit. 

Further, the plaintiff argues that by waiting months to confront renters on alleged vehicle damage, Hertz has “exponentially increased the likelihood of mistake and fraud” while preventing consumers from timely contesting any damage claims with the original creditor.

Notably, the suit states that more than 90 complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau that allege Viking collects false damage claims on behalf of rental car companies.