WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Hertz amended its car rental agreement to stipulate that all renters are responsible for protecting vehicles from acts of nature, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, according to a Travel Weekly report. Previously, Hertz #1 Club Gold frequent renters were excluded from the requirement, but were “brought in line” at the beginning of the year to ensure that the policy is consistent across the company and with general industry practices.

According to the report, Richard Broome, Hertz’s vice president, corporate affairs said the change was not triggered by last year’s record-breaking hurricane season, but reflects Hertz’s contention that renters are in a better position to protect rented vehicles. Broome also added that Hertz sent notices to its frequent renters in December informing them of the change in the rental agreement.