Why Did Hertz Charge Me $200 Extra?
Hertz often places an authorization hold on your payment method that includes an additional amount, typically around $200, to cover potential extra costs that may arise during your car rental period. This is a standard practice to ensure that any unforeseen charges can be covered.
Understanding Hertz's Authorization Holds
When you rent a car from Hertz, a temporary hold is placed on your credit or debit card. This hold is designed to cover the estimated cost of your rental agreement, plus an additional sum. This additional sum, frequently around $200, is not an extra charge for the rental itself but rather a security deposit to account for any costs beyond the basic rental fee.
It's crucial to understand that these funds are not immediately available for your personal use until this hold is released by Hertz. This ensures that the rental company has sufficient coverage for any incidentals that may occur.
What Do These "Additional Costs" Cover?
The "potential additional costs" that the $200 authorization hold is designed to cover can include various fees and charges that might accumulate during your rental. These are common reasons why the final bill might exceed the initial estimated rental cost:
- Fuel Charges: If you return the vehicle with less fuel than when you picked it up, Hertz will charge you for the fuel needed to refill the tank, often at a premium rate.
- Late Return Fees: Returning the car later than the agreed-upon time can incur hourly or daily late fees.
- Mileage Overages: If your rental agreement has a mileage limit, exceeding that limit will result in additional per-mile charges.
- Damage or Cleaning Fees: Charges for new damage to the vehicle or for excessive cleaning required due to the car's condition upon return (e.g., smoking, pet hair).
- Toll Charges: If you use toll roads and haven't opted for a toll pass program, Hertz will typically bill you for the tolls plus an administrative fee.
- Additional Driver Fees: If you add more drivers to the rental agreement, there's usually a daily fee for each extra driver.
- Upgrades or Add-ons: Last-minute upgrades to a larger vehicle or adding optional equipment like GPS, child seats, or roadside assistance packages can increase your total.
When Will the Hold Be Released?
The authorization hold, including the additional $200, is typically released shortly after you return the vehicle and the final charges for your rental are processed. The exact time it takes for the funds to become available in your account can vary depending on your bank or credit card company's processing times. It often takes 3-10 business days for the hold to disappear from your statement.
If you have questions about specific charges or the release of your hold, it's always best to review your rental agreement and contact Hertz's customer service directly. For more details on payment policies, you can refer to resources like Hertz's official guide on How to Pay for Your Car Rental.
