Hertz phone numbers and hours

Hertz operates a central reservations line at 1-800-654-3131 for customers in the United States. This number handles new bookings, changes to existing reservations, and general questions about rates and vehicle availability. The line is open seven days a week, typically from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time, though hours may vary by season.

If you are already at a Hertz location and need when ready information, you can call the specific rental location directly. Hertz publishes location phone numbers on its website — search for the airport or city where you rented, and the local number appears in the location details. Local branches often answer faster than the central line during peak rental hours.

For roadside emergencies — a breakdown, accident, or lockout while driving a Hertz vehicle — call the roadside information number printed on your rental agreement or key tag. This is a separate line from reservations and connects you to emergency support 24 hours a day.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Hertz reservations number is 1-800-654-3131, open seven days a week from roughly 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time.
  • Calling your specific rental location directly often gets you faster service than the central line, especially during busy hours.
  • Roadside emergencies have a separate 24-hour number printed on your rental agreement or key tag.
  • Email and online chat are available through the Hertz website but typically take longer than phone contact for urgent issues.
  • International renters should use the country-specific number listed on their confirmation email rather than the U.S. line.

Email and online chat options

Hertz does not publish a single customer service email address on its main website. Instead, the company directs most email inquiries through its online contact form at hertz.com. You fill in your name, email, phone number, and a description of your issue, then submit. Response times typically range from 24 to 48 hours, though during peak travel seasons the wait can extend longer.

Live chat is available through the Hertz website during business hours. Look for the chat icon in the lower right corner of hertz.com. Chat agents can answer questions about rates, vehicle types, and reservation changes, but cannot process refunds or handle disputes — those require phone contact or a formal written request.

For billing disputes, damage claims, or complaints about a rental, email is often the better choice because it creates a written record. Keep copies of all correspondence and include your reservation number in every message.

Contacting Hertz about a specific reservation

If you have an existing reservation and need to modify it, have your confirmation number ready before you call. The confirmation number appears in your booking confirmation email and on any printed itinerary. With this number, a Hertz agent can pull up your reservation in seconds and make changes to dates, vehicle type, or pickup location.

Common changes — extending a rental, switching to a different car class, or adding a driver — can usually be handled in a single call. Some changes may incur additional charges, and the agent will quote the new total before finalizing anything. If you are within 24 hours of your pickup, call the specific location rather than the central line, as they have more flexibility to accommodate last-minute requests.

Cancellations depend on your rate type. Most standard rates allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup. Premium or prepaid rates may have stricter terms. The agent will confirm your cancellation policy when you call.

International and airport-specific contact numbers

Hertz operates in more than 150 countries, and many have dedicated local phone lines. If you are renting outside the United States, your confirmation email will include the country-specific number to call. Using the local number is almost always faster than trying to reach the U.S. line.

Major U.S. airports have Hertz counters with direct phone lines. If you are picking up or returning a vehicle at an airport, the airport's main information line can connect you to the Hertz counter, or you can search "Hertz [airport code]" online to find the location's direct number. Airport locations often have longer hours than off-airport branches.

What to have ready before you call

Gather these items before contacting Hertz: your confirmation number (from your booking email), your driver's license number, and the phone number associated with your reservation. If you are calling about a damage claim or billing issue, also have photos, receipts, or the rental agreement handy.

For roadside emergencies, have your rental agreement or key tag visible so you can read the vehicle identification number (VIN) and your rental location to the agent. This speeds up dispatch and ensures the right help is sent to the right place.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member support

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members have access to a dedicated phone line: 1-800-654-2200. This line typically has shorter wait times than the main reservations line and connects you to agents trained on member benefits and elite perks. Gold members also receive priority handling for changes and complaints.

If you are a Gold member and have a problem with a rental, mentioning your membership status when you call can sometimes expedite resolution. Gold members can also request to speak with a supervisor more easily than non-members if a standard agent cannot resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reach a Hertz agent by phone?

Wait times vary by time of day and season. Early morning (before 9 a.m.) and late evening (after 7 p.m.) typically have shorter queues. Peak travel seasons (summer, holidays) can mean 15 to 30 minute waits. Calling a specific location instead of the central line usually cuts wait time in half.

Can I cancel my Hertz reservation over the phone?

Yes. Call 1-800-654-3131 with your confirmation number, and an agent will process the cancellation. Whether you receive a refund depends on your rate type — standard rates usually refund in full if cancelled 24 hours before pickup, while prepaid rates may have penalties. The agent will explain your specific terms before finalizing the cancellation.

What if I need to report damage to my rental car?

Report damage when ready to the Hertz location where you rented. If you are still at the location, tell the agent before you leave — they will document it on the spot. If you discover damage after leaving, call the location as soon as possible and follow up with a written email to Hertz including photos and your reservation number. This creates a record and protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage.

Is there a Hertz customer service number for complaints?

Complaints can be filed by phone (1-800-654-3131), email through hertz.com, or in writing to Hertz corporate. For serious complaints, email is best because it creates a timestamped record. Include your reservation number, the date and location of the rental, and a detailed description of the issue. Hertz typically responds to formal complaints within 5 to 10 business days.