Hertz Zurich Airport Damage-Charge Scam: CHF 900 Bill Without Evidence
We rented a van from Hertz at Zurich Airport in July 2026. The vehicle had fewer than 7,000 kilometres but was already covered in scratches and other marks. Hertz carried out a detailed inspection when handing it over, precisely because there was so much pre-existing damage.
We returned the van without causing any new damage. At drop-off, the Hertz employee told us that everything was fine. No damage was identified, no concern was raised and no proper inspection was carried out with us present.
Hertz then charged us more than CHF 900 for alleged damage. The original claim included no photographs, no explanation of what had supposedly been damaged and no evidence connecting any damage to our rental. It was simply an amount they expected us to accept.
We immediately disputed the charge and demanded evidence. Despite our protest, Hertz went ahead and took the money from our card.
Only after we challenged them did Hertz provide photographs. Those photographs were extremely pixelated and did not credibly establish what the alleged damage was, when it occurred or that we had caused it.
A nearly new van with fewer than 7,000 kilometres does not become covered in scratches by accident. Combined with the many reviews from customers reporting unexplained damage claims and random charges after returning vehicles at Hertz Zurich Airport, this points to a repeated practice rather than an isolated mistake.
I consider this a scam: charge the customer after they have left, provide no evidence, take the money even after the customer disputes the claim, and then send unusable photographs only when challenged.
Hertz has refused to collaborate or provide credible evidence. Lawyers are now involved, and the matter will have to proceed to litigation.
Anyone who has experienced something similar at Hertz Zurich Airport is welcome to contact me. Evidence from other affected customers may help demonstrate that this is a recurring practice rather than an isolated incident.
Do not rent from Hertz Zurich Airport. Anyone who does should photograph and film every centimetre of the vehicle, including the roof, wheels, bumpers and lower panels, and insist on written confirmation at drop-off. Do not rely on an employee telling you that everything is fine.
This practice is dishonest, abusive and completely unacceptable.