Renter Put on Hertz’s Do Not Rent List after Gun Left in Car
A Hertz customer returned his rental car to a Texas location and forgot his firearm in the car. Should Hertz reinstate his ability to rent?

While Castillo referred to the incident as a "careless and reckless" mistake, he apologized to Hertz and asked to be given a second chance.
Photo via Depositphotos.
A Texas man is trying to challenge Hertz after the rental car company placed him on the "Do Not Rent" list.
In January, Niebes Castillo, a truck driver, returned his rental vehicle to Hertz, but forgot to remove his handgun from the glove compartment. In a blog post from Elliot Advocacy — a consumer advocacy group Castillo approached for help — Castillo said that he was in a rush when he returned the vehicle.
After the gun was discovered, law enforcement was called to the scene. However, Castillo, who has a gun permit, was released after questioning. Yet, a few weeks later, he received an email from Hertz notifying him that he would no longer be allowed to rent from the company.
While Castillo referred to the incident as a "careless and reckless" mistake, he apologized to Hertz and asked to be given a second chance.
Elliot Advocacy looked into Hertz's rental agreement, and while it doesn't specifically prohibit firearms in its vehicles, it does forbid illegal activities being done in or with its vehicles. Further, a Texas law forbids leaving a firearm in a vehicle one doesn't control.
The advocacy group eventually declined to take up his case.
To read the full blog post, click here.
More Legal & Legislative

Government Affairs Executive Wins Leading Rental Car Industry Award
Robert Muhs started in the car rental industry with Avis Budget Group two years before the first International Car Rental Show.
Read More →
Using AI To Find Rental Car Damage
Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.
Read More →
Bandit Towing A Tough Road For Car Rental Companies
Operators often must spend far too much time and resources trying to recoup rental cars towed away and held hostage to outrageously high fees.
Read More →
Bandit Towing A Tough Road For Car Rental Companies
Operators often must spend far too much time and resources trying to recoup rental cars towed away and held hostage to outrageously high fees.
Read More →
ACRA: Spurring Car Rental Industry Success
The American Car Rental Association scored more access and influence in 2025 as it grows its services for car rental operators.
Read More →
AVOA Partners with AALA and NLC
The American Vehicle Owners Alliance (AVOA) recently announced its partnership with the American Automotive Leasing Association (AALA) and the National League of Cities (NLC).
Read More →
ACRA Takes Bold Strides On Capitol Hill
The American Car Rental Association’s annual legislative and lobbying event upped the face time with and access to members of Congress.
Read More →
Rental Car Leader Engages With Primary Industry Causes
Q&A Interview: Federal contracting, EV charging infrastructure, stolen vehicles, and policy advocacy drive an agenda for Carlos Bazan-Canabal that stretches beyond his car rental executive post.
Read More →
Get Ready: ICRS 2026 Open for Business and Call for Papers
The 30th anniversary International Car Rental Show heads to the Dallas area as it celebrates a legacy and pivots toward an industry marketplace and forum suited to the fourth decade ahead.
Read More →
Inside The Fight To Catch Rental Car Thieves
Recovering stolen rental vehicles requires foresight, cooperation, and a firm grasp of legal procedures with car renters.
Read More →
