2.0
I am writing to express my absolute outrage and disgust at the disgraceful treatment I have received from Hertz Hungary. For many years, I have rented vehicles in Budapest, often from smaller loca l rental companies. Unfortunately, I have repeatedly encountered questionable practices and attempts to impose unjustified charges on customers. This time, for the very first time, I deliberately chose Hertz because I believed that a major international company with a worldwide reputation would operate with honesty, professionalism, integrity, and respect for its customers. I could not have been more disappointed. Instead of the service and professionalism I expected, I experienced a series of unacceptable incidents, culminating in what appears to me to be a completely unjustified and potentially fraudulent damage charge. I intend to pursue this matter to the fullest extent necessary. 1. AN UNSAFE VEHICLE PROVIDED AT COLLECTION On Monday, October 19, 2026, at approximately 8:00 AM, I arrived at Hertz Budapest to collect the premium luxury vehicle I had booked and paid for. Instead of receiving a proper handover, I was simply given the keys and directed to a parking location. No representative accompanied me to inspect the vehicle. After locating the vehicle and loading all my belongings, I entered the driver's seat and discovered a massive crack extending across almost the entire front windshield. I immediately returned to the office and reported the damage. A Hertz representative came to inspect the vehicle and made the astonishing claim that because the vehicle had been cleaned, it was suitable for use. SINCE WHEN DOES A CLEAN VEHICLE MEAN A SAFE VEHICLE? I categorically refused to place myself or my family in danger by driving a vehicle with such extensive windshield damage. Only after my insistence did your company agree to replace the vehicle. 2. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE VEHICLE CATEGORY I PAID FOR After wasting more than an hour at the airport, your representatives informed me that they could not provide the premium luxury vehicle I had reserved. Instead, I was given an ordinary sedan. I PAID FOR A PREMIUM LUXURY VEHICLE. I DID NOT RECEIVE WHAT I PAID FOR. This was a clear failure to provide the contracted vehicle category. The unnecessary delay also disrupted the beginning of my trip and caused significant inconvenience. I demand reimbursement of the applicable price difference and appropriate compensation for this failure. 3. SERIOUS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE FUEL LEVEL When I collected the replacement vehicle, the dashboard displayed an estimated remaining driving range of approximately 820 kilometers. Before returning the vehicle, I refueled at a gas station near the Hertz location. After refueling, the vehicle displayed approximately 1,050 kilometers of estimated remaining range. While driving-range estimates can vary depending on driving conditions, this discrepancy raises serious questions regarding whether the fuel tank was completely full when I received the vehicle. I demand documentation of the fuel level recorded at collection. 4. ATTEMPT TO SELL UNNECESSARY ADDITIONAL INSURANCE At the rental desk, your representative immediately claimed that I had no insurance coverage and suggested that I needed to purchase additional insurance. I explained that I had already purchased comprehensive insurance protection through the booking provider. After I challenged this assertion, the representative proceeded without further objection. This left me with the strong impression that Hertz was attempting to sell me approximately USD 300 in additional insurance that I did not require. This practice raises serious concerns about transparency and fair treatment of customers. 5. VEHICLE RETURN – NO DAMAGE REPORTED On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at approximately 8:00 PM, I returned the vehicle to Hertz. Before handing over the keys, I personally recorded a video documenting the vehicle's condition. A Hertz representative approached, took the keys, inspected the vehicle, and informed me that everything was fine. No damage was mentioned. No issue involving the underside of the vehicle was identified. No objection was raised regarding the vehicle's condition. During my rental, I was not involved in any accident or incident that would explain the alleged damage. I have been driving for almost 30 years and have never been involved in an accident. LESS THAN 12 HOURS AFTER RETURNING THE VEHICLE, I RECEIVED AN UNEXPECTED DAMAGE CLAIM. You suddenly alleged that some component underneath the vehicle was damaged or had become I was then presented with a substantial financial demand. I find the timing and circumstances of this allegation extremely suspicious. 6. THE MOST SERIOUS QUESTION: WHERE IS YOUR PRE-RENTAL EVIDENCE? This is the central issue of my complaint. Your company documented the vehicle's exterior condition before the rental and after its return. However, the return documentation includes a photograph of an allegeReviewed 23 Oct 2026
review from![kayak]()
8.0
I did not receive the car I booked, and I understand the logistical part. The vehicle quickly consumed fuel which was bothersome but being the only available car I had no choice due to time. BTW the purpose of my rental was to enjoy a leisurely drive and take in the scenery so there was no need to use excessive speed that would typically consume more. I also had to keep a watchful eye on the passenger front tire as the dash display indicated a problem off and on. Probably an issue with the TPMS. I will use your service again with the.hope of receiving the car I requestReviewed 23 Oct 2026
review from![kayak]()
10.0
I would recommend Hertz. My rental I ordered was not available so they called me a week before to tell me and offer me another rental. Both the pick up and drop off process was very easy. I was there the most 10 minutes. Very efficient and time saving. It was a very nice and pleasant experience!!Reviewed 18 Oct 2026
review from![kayak]()
2.0
I booked the car online via kayak when I turned up to pick the car up they had the booking details but advise me it wasn’t paid for Consequently, I had to pay three times the amount that you advised and was invoiced after I paid and returned the car the amount of $600 I would like an explanation from hertz and kayak how this happened as when I booked it. It was a total of $210. I would like someone to get in touch with me regarding this and I am seeking compensation and a refund of the difference.Reviewed 17 Oct 2026
review from![kayak]()
