Hertz phone numbers and online contact methods
Hertz operates a central reservations line at 1-800-654-3131 for booking, changes, and general questions. This number works for calls within the United States and is staffed during business hours. If you are calling from outside the US, Hertz maintains country-specific numbers listed on their website under "Contact Us".
For issues with an active rental, you can also reach the location where you rented the vehicle directly. Most Hertz locations have their own phone numbers, which appear on your rental agreement and in your confirmation email. Calling the specific location often gets you faster resolution than the main line, especially for roadside emergencies or same-day problems.
Hertz also offers online contact through their website at hertz.com. You can submit a message through their customer service form, though response times typically run 24 to 48 hours. For urgent matters — a breakdown during your rental, a key locked in the car, or a billing dispute you need resolved before returning the vehicle — phone contact is faster.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-654-3131 for reservations, booking changes, and general customer service questions during business hours.
- Contact your specific rental location directly using the number on your rental agreement for faster help with active rental problems.
- Use the online contact form at hertz.com for non-urgent issues, but expect a response within 24 to 48 hours.
- Have your reservation number or rental agreement ready before calling, as it speeds up account lookup and issue resolution.
- For roadside emergencies during your rental, call the location number first; if you cannot reach them, use the main reservations line and ask for roadside information.
What information to have ready before you call
Hertz customer service representatives need specific details to pull up your account quickly. Gather your reservation confirmation number (sent in your booking email), your rental agreement number (on the paperwork you received at pickup), and the dates of your rental. If you are calling about a specific charge or problem, also have the date it occurred and any reference numbers from previous calls or emails.
If you are calling about damage to the vehicle, have photos ready if possible, along with the exact location and time you discovered the damage. For billing disputes, pull up your credit card or bank statement showing the charge. This preparation cuts call time in half and reduces the chance of being transferred between departments.
Handling damage claims and billing disputes
Damage claims and unexpected charges are the most common reasons renters contact Hertz after returning a vehicle. If Hertz charged you for damage you did not cause, call 1-800-654-3131 and ask to speak with the damage resolution team. Have your rental agreement, photos you took at pickup, and the damage invoice Hertz sent you.
Hertz typically sends damage notices by email within a few days of return. If you disagree with the charge, respond to that email when ready with your own photos and a written explanation. A phone call after you have sent written documentation usually moves the case forward faster than calling first. Keep copies of all emails and reference numbers for your records.
For billing disputes unrelated to damage — duplicate charges, incorrect rate, or fees you do not recognize — contact the main line and ask for the billing department. They can often reverse charges on the spot if the error is clear. If they refuse, ask for the dispute process in writing and request a supervisor review.
Roadside information and emergency contact during a rental
If your rental breaks down, you get a flat tire, or you lock yourself out of the car, call the Hertz location where you rented the vehicle first. Most locations have 24-hour emergency support lines even if their main desk is closed. The location staff can dispatch roadside help or arrange a replacement vehicle faster than the central line.
If you cannot reach the location, call 1-800-654-3131 and tell the representative you need roadside information. They will connect you to Hertz's roadside partner (usually AAA or a similar service) or dispatch help directly. Have your rental agreement number and your exact location ready. Roadside service is included in most Hertz rentals at no extra charge, though some economy or promotional rates may exclude it — check your agreement before you rent.
Contacting Hertz about a reservation before pickup
If you need to change your pickup date, return date, vehicle type, or location before you arrive, call 1-800-654-3131 as soon as possible. Changes made more than 24 hours before pickup usually have no penalty, though your rate may change depending on availability and your rate type. Some promotional rates do not allow changes; check your confirmation email for the specific terms.
You can also make changes online through your Hertz account if you have one set up. Log in at hertz.com, find your reservation, and select "Modify Reservation". Online changes process when ready and show you the new total before you confirm. If the new rate is higher and you want to cancel instead, you can do that online as well, though refund may be able to access depends on your rate type.
Mailing address and written correspondence
For formal complaints, disputes you want documented in writing, or issues that phone and email have not resolved, Hertz accepts mail at their corporate office. The address varies by region and issue type — for example, damage disputes may go to a different department than billing disputes. Call 1-800-654-3131 and ask for the correct mailing address for your specific issue before sending anything.
When you mail a complaint or dispute, send it certified mail with return receipt requested. Include your reservation number, rental agreement number, dates of the rental, a clear description of the issue, and copies (not originals) of any supporting documents. Keep a copy for yourself. Hertz typically responds to written complaints within 10 to 15 business days.
Social media and escalation options
Hertz monitors customer complaints on Twitter and Facebook. If you have had no success through phone or email, posting a public message on their official accounts sometimes gets a faster response from their social media team. Tag @Hertz on Twitter or message their Facebook page. Do not post personal details like your full name or reservation number in a public post; use it to get a response, then move the conversation to direct message or email.
If you remain unsatisfied after contacting customer service, you can file a complaint with your state's attorney general office or the Better Business Bureau. These complaints do not resolve your issue directly, but they create a record and sometimes prompt Hertz to reconsider. For credit card charges you dispute, you can also file a chargeback with your credit card company, though this should be a last resort after you have exhausted Hertz's own dispute process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Hertz customer service available?
The main reservations line 1-800-654-3131 operates during standard business hours, typically 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time, seven days a week. Specific location numbers may have different hours. For emergencies during off-hours, call your rental location directly — most have 24-hour emergency support for active rentals.
Can I cancel my reservation by phone?
Yes. Call 1-800-654-3131 and provide your reservation number. Cancellation refund may be able to access depends on your rate type — some rates are non-refundable, while others allow cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup. The representative will tell you whether you get a refund before processing the cancellation.
How long does it take to get a response from Hertz email support?
Email responses typically arrive within 24 to 48 hours. For urgent issues, phone contact is faster. If you email about damage or a billing dispute, follow up with a phone call after 48 hours if you have not heard back.
What should I do if Hertz charged me for damage I reported at pickup?
Call the damage resolution team at 1-800-654-3131 with your rental agreement and any photos you took at pickup showing the damage was pre-existing. If you reported it in writing at the location, have that documentation ready. Hertz can often reverse charges if you can prove the damage was noted before you drove the vehicle.
Is roadside information included in all Hertz rentals?
Roadside information is included in most standard Hertz rentals at no extra charge. Some promotional rates or economy packages may exclude it. Check your rental agreement or confirmation email for the specific coverage. If you are unsure, call your rental location before pickup to confirm.