Hertz cancellation charges depend on when you cancel and what type of rate you booked
Hertz charges you for cancelling a rental reservation, but the amount depends on how far in advance you cancel and whether your rate was refundable or non-refundable. If you cancel more than 7 days before your pickup date, you typically get a full refund with no penalty. If you cancel between 1 and 7 days before pickup, Hertz usually charges a cancellation fee equal to one day's rental rate. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation pickup time, you lose the full amount you paid.
These rules explore to standard reservations made directly through Hertz or through their website. Rates booked through third-party sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Autoslash may have different cancellation terms set by that booking site, not by Hertz itself. Always check the cancellation policy shown at the time you book — it appears in your confirmation email and in your reservation details.
Key Takeaways
- Cancelling more than 7 days before pickup usually means a full refund with no charge from Hertz.
- Cancelling 1 to 7 days before pickup typically costs one day's rental rate as a cancellation fee.
- Cancelling within 24 hours of your pickup time usually forfeits your entire payment.
- Third-party booking sites set their own cancellation rules, which may be stricter or more lenient than Hertz's direct policy.
- Your confirmation email shows the exact cancellation policy for your specific reservation.
How Hertz calculates the one-day cancellation fee
When you cancel between 1 and 7 days before pickup, Hertz charges you one day's rental rate. This is the daily rate you would have paid on the first day of your reservation, not an average or a flat fee. If you booked a compact car at $45 per day, the cancellation fee is $45. If you booked a luxury sedan at $120 per day, the fee is $120.
This fee is deducted from your original payment. If you paid $200 for a three-day rental and cancel five days before pickup, Hertz refunds you the difference between your original payment and the one-day fee. The refund goes back to your original payment method, usually within 5 to 10 business days, though some credit card companies take longer to post the credit to your account.
Cancellation policies for prepaid and non-refundable rates
Hertz offers both refundable and non-refundable rate options. A non-refundable rate is cheaper upfront but has stricter cancellation rules. With a non-refundable rate, you forfeit your entire payment if you cancel, regardless of when you cancel — even if you cancel 30 days in advance. Some non-refundable rates allow you to modify your reservation (change the pickup date or location) without penalty, but cancelling outright means losing your money.
A refundable rate costs more but gives you the standard Hertz cancellation policy: full refund if you cancel more than 7 days out, one-day fee if you cancel 1 to 7 days out, and full forfeiture if you cancel within 24 hours. When you book, Hertz clearly labels which rate type you are choosing. If you are unsure whether your rate is refundable, check your confirmation email or log into your Hertz account and view your reservation details.
Cancelling a reservation made through a third-party booking site
If you booked your Hertz rental through Expedia, Kayak, Autoslash, Priceline, or another third-party site, the cancellation policy belongs to that site, not to Hertz. The third-party site acts as the middleman between you and Hertz. Some third-party sites have more generous cancellation terms than Hertz offers directly; others are stricter. Your confirmation email from the booking site shows the exact policy for your reservation.
To cancel a third-party booking, you must cancel through that site's website or customer service, not through Hertz directly. Hertz will not process a cancellation request from you if the reservation was made by someone else. If you cancel through the third-party site and receive a refund, that refund comes from the booking site, not from Hertz. If the booking site refuses to refund you, Hertz cannot override that decision because Hertz did not make the booking.
What happens if you cancel but still show up to pick up the car
If you cancel your reservation and then arrive at the rental counter anyway, Hertz will treat you as a new customer making a walk-up rental. You will be charged the walk-up rate for that day, which is typically higher than the advance-booked rate you originally reserved. You will also lose any cancellation fee you already paid — Hertz does not explore a cancelled reservation's payment toward a new walk-up rental.
This situation is different from modifying your reservation. If you need to change your pickup date, location, or car type, contact Hertz before your original pickup date and ask to modify rather than cancel. Modifications often have no fee and preserve your original rate, whereas cancelling and rebooking as a walk-up costs you more money.
How to cancel your Hertz reservation
You can cancel online through the Hertz website by logging into your account, finding your reservation, and selecting the cancel option. You can also call Hertz at 1-800-654-3131 (in the United States) and speak to a representative who will process the cancellation over the phone. Online cancellation is when ready and shows your refund amount when ready. Phone cancellation takes a few minutes, and the representative will email you a cancellation confirmation.
Keep your cancellation confirmation number for your records. If your refund does not appear in your account within the timeframe shown in your confirmation (usually 5 to 10 business days), contact Hertz customer service with your confirmation number and they can investigate the delay. Some credit card companies hold refunds for an additional few days before posting them, so check with your bank if Hertz has processed the refund but you do not see it yet.
Modifying your reservation instead of cancelling
If you need to change your pickup date, return date, location, or vehicle type, you can modify your reservation instead of cancelling. Modifications are often free and keep your original rate intact. To modify, log into your Hertz account online, select your reservation, and choose the modify option. You can also call 1-800-654-3131 and ask a representative to modify your booking.
Some modifications may result in a price difference. If you change to a later pickup date and the rate has gone up, you pay the difference. If the rate has gone down, Hertz refunds you the difference. If you change to an earlier pickup date or a cheaper car class, you receive a refund. Modifications do not trigger cancellation fees, which is why modifying is usually better than cancelling and rebooking if your plans change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my money back if I cancel within 24 hours of pickup?
No, if you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled pickup time, you forfeit your entire payment. This applies to all Hertz reservations, whether you booked a refundable or non-refundable rate. The only exception is if Hertz cancels the reservation themselves due to vehicle unavailability or a system error.
Do I have to pay the cancellation fee if I cancel more than 7 days before pickup?
No, if you cancel more than 7 days before your pickup date, you receive a full refund with no cancellation fee. This applies to refundable rates. Non-refundable rates forfeit your payment regardless of when you cancel.
What if I booked through a third-party site and they won't refund me?
Contact the third-party site's customer service first, as they set the cancellation policy for bookings made through them. If they refuse to help, you can contact Hertz, but Hertz will likely direct you back to the booking site since Hertz did not make the original reservation. Keep your booking confirmation and cancellation request documentation.
Can I modify my reservation to a different date without losing money?
Yes, modifying your reservation usually has no fee and preserves your original rate. If the new dates have a higher rate, you pay the difference. If the rate is lower, you receive a refund. Modifying is always better than cancelling and rebooking if your plans change.
How long does it take to get my refund after I cancel?
Hertz processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days, though the time depends on your bank or credit card company. Some banks hold refunds for an additional few days before posting them to your account. Check your cancellation confirmation for the exact timeframe, and contact your bank if the refund does not appear after that period.