'I never heard a rock hit the windshield'

"I honestly have no idea when or how it happened." (Photo subject is a model.)

Dear Quentin,

I rented a car in Maryland for the weekend and, when I returned it, I discovered a chip that had turned into a small crack in the windshield. I honestly have no idea when or how it happened - I never heard a rock hit the windshield or noticed anything while I was driving.

I reported it when I returned the car, but I haven't heard anything from Hertz since then. I won't be filing a claim through my insurance because I have a $2,000 deductible. It's a chip that turned into about an eight-inch crack across the windshield, so it's pretty obvious.

Should I call Hertz and ask about it, or wait? I would have expected to receive a bill by now. Is there a chance I won't be charged? Also, I live in Florida, where windshield replacement is typically covered without a deductible, but does that matter if the rental was in Maryland?

The Driver

Related: My insurance company said my roof lost a few tiles. Loss adjusters found $10,000 in storm damage. How could this happen?

You can email The Moneyist with any financial and ethical questions at qfottrell@marketwatch.com. The Moneyist regrets he cannot reply to questions individually.

You reported the crack to Hertz when you returned the car, and they are now dealing with it.

Dear Driver,

Here are a few rules of life - and finance.

Don't listen at doors, don't worry about what other people say or think about you, and don't chase corporations offering them money when you have already done the right thing. They will contact you if they need you. You noticed a chip/crack in the windscreen. It may or may not have been there when you first rented the car. It may have gone unnoticed and gotten worse during the time you rented the car. You reported the crack to Hertz when you returned the car, and they are now dealing with it.

There are a few possibilities What's the what's happening with that crack. Hertz (HTZ) may have decided to handle the cost themselves, so if you don't hear back from them, don't sweat it. If you do hear back, you may be able to use your own insurance, depending on the terms of the policy, but you clearly don't want to tap your $2,000 deductible. If you paid for the rental car with a credit card that could come with its own insurance that would pay for the crack. Finally, you could pay directly.

Check to see whether your rental agreement contains a collision damage waiver $(CDW)$ or loss damage waiver (LDW). This is not an insurance policy, per se, it's an optional agreement that waives your financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen. It covers damage to the rental vehicle, not injuries or damage to other people or property. If you already have coverage through your personal auto insurance or a credit card, you may not need one.

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Credit-card policies

Many credit cards include free zero-deductible collision coverage, similar to CDW, as long as you pay for the rental with your card, according to Rick Steves, an Edmonds, Wash.-based travel expert. "If your car is damaged, your credit-card company will cover the costs," he writes on his website. "The downside: If you do end up in an accident, dealing with credit-card coverage can be more of a hassle than you'd encounter with the car-company CDW."

"Once you've confirmed your credit card's coverage, be sure to decline the CDW offered by your car-rental company. If you accept any coverage offered by the rental agency, you [may] automatically forego your credit-card coverage," Steves advises. And now a warning: "Be aware that, as far as some rental companies are concerned, by declining their CDW offer, you're technically liable for the full deductible, which can equal the cost of the car," he adds.

You have covered your bases. Don't call Hertz a second time to ask if they plan to charge you. They might do just that. You reported the damage as required, so you've done your part. Rental damage claims can take several weeks - or even a few months - to process, especially if the vehicle needs to be inspected or repaired. Keep your rental paperwork in your top drawer. If Hertz does decide you're responsible, believe me, they'll contact you.

If they want you to pay, you'll know soon enough.

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By emailing your questions to The Moneyist or posting your dilemmas on The Moneyist Facebook group, you agree to have them published anonymously on MarketWatch.

More columns from Quentin Fottrell:

'I've no idea how they got her number': My student-loan servicer called a friend after I missed a payment. Is that legal?

'I was shoveling sidewalks at 8 years old': I'm a 73-year-old boomer dad with two kids. Here's what I teach them about finance

'It's heartbreaking': My brother claimed Social Security at 70. He died from cancer after one payment. Why wait to claim?

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-Quentin Fottrell

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July 21, 2026 06:16 ET (10:16 GMT)

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