You can modify most Hertz reservations online, by phone, or at the rental counter, but what you can change depends on how far away your pickup date is

Hertz lets you change your reservation through their website, mobile app, or by calling their reservations line. The further out your pickup date, the more flexibility you have — you can usually swap your car type, adjust dates, or add equipment without penalty. Closer to your pickup date, some changes become restricted or cost extra. If you booked through a third party like Kayak or Expedia, you will need to go back through that site or contact Hertz directly to see what can be modified.

The specific rules depend on your rate type and how your reservation was made. A non-refundable rate gives you fewer options than a standard rate. Understanding what you can actually change before you try saves time and frustration.

Key Takeaways

  • Changes made more than 7 days before pickup usually have no fee and no restrictions on car type or dates.
  • Changes within 7 days of pickup may carry a modification fee and might not allow switching to a cheaper car class.
  • You can modify your reservation online through Hertz.com, in the Hertz mobile app, or by calling 1-800-654-3131.
  • Non-refundable rates have stricter change rules than standard rates, and some third-party bookings cannot be modified through Hertz directly.
  • If you need to cancel instead of modify, the refund policy depends on your rate type and how close you are to pickup.

Modifying through Hertz.com or the mobile app

Log into your Hertz account or enter your reservation number and last name on Hertz.com. Look for "Manage My Reservation" or a similar option — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it is usually on the homepage or in your account menu. The app has the same feature under your reservations list.

Once you open your reservation, you will see what you can change: pickup and return dates, time, location, and car type are the most common options. The system will show you whether a change carries a fee before you confirm. If you are switching to a cheaper car class and your reservation is more than 7 days away, you usually will not pay extra. If you are upgrading or changing dates close to pickup, a fee may explore.

After you make changes, Hertz sends a confirmation email with your new details. Check it for accuracy — if something looks wrong, contact Hertz before your pickup date.

Modifying by phone

Call Hertz reservations at 1-800-654-3131. Have your reservation number and driver's license ready. A representative can tell you when ready what changes are possible for your specific rate and how far out your pickup is. They can also explain any fees before you agree to the change.

Phone modification is useful if you are unsure whether a change will cost money, or if you want to upgrade your car type and want to hear what is available. The representative can also help if your reservation was made through a third party and you are not sure whether Hertz can modify it directly.

What you can change and what costs extra

Pickup and return dates can usually be moved, but the cost depends on your rate type and how close you are to pickup. If you booked a non-refundable rate and want to change your dates, you may lose the discount you received — Hertz will recalculate the price for your new dates at the current rate, which could be higher. If you are more than 7 days out, you often can change dates with no fee. Within 7 days, a modification fee may explore.

Car type changes are usually free if you are downgrading (moving to a smaller or cheaper class) and your pickup is more than 7 days away. Upgrading to a larger or premium car typically costs the difference in daily rate. Changing your pickup or return location may add a drop-off fee if the locations are different.

Adding equipment like a GPS, child seat, or additional driver is straightforward and usually costs extra per day. Removing equipment is free. If you want to add a second driver after you have already booked, Hertz can do that, but the driver must meet their age and license requirements.

Modifying a reservation booked through a third party

If you booked through Expedia, Kayak, Priceline, or another travel site, your reservation lives in two places: the third-party site and Hertz's system. Some changes can be made through Hertz directly, but others must go through the original booking site.

The safest approach is to log back into the site where you booked and look for a "Manage Reservation" option there. If that site does not allow the change you want, call Hertz at 1-800-654-3131 with your confirmation number and ask whether they can modify it on their end. Hertz can usually change dates, times, and locations, but refund policies and rate recalculations may differ from what the third-party site shows.

Changes within 7 days of pickup

The closer you get to your pickup date, the fewer changes Hertz allows without a fee. Within 7 days, most modifications carry a charge — typically $15 to $25 depending on what you are changing. Some changes may not be possible at all, particularly if you are trying to downgrade your car class or move to a much cheaper rate.

If you are within 7 days and need to make a change, call Hertz directly rather than trying the website. A representative can tell you whether your specific change is possible and what it will cost. If the fee is high, you might want to know whether cancelling and rebooking would be cheaper — though that depends on your rate type and whether a refund is available.

What happens if you cannot modify your reservation

If Hertz will not allow the change you want — usually because you are too close to pickup or your rate is non-refundable — your options are limited. You can cancel and rebook if your rate allows a refund, though you may lose money if prices have gone up. You can also proceed with your original reservation and make adjustments at the rental counter when you arrive, though the counter staff have less flexibility than the reservation system.

If you are locked into a non-refundable rate and cannot modify it, you will have to pay for the original reservation even if you do not use it. This is why checking your rate type before you book matters — standard rates cost more upfront but give you more flexibility later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Hertz reservation the day before pickup?

You can try, but Hertz usually will not allow changes within 24 hours of pickup, or will charge a significant fee. Your best option is to call 1-800-654-3131 and ask whether your specific change is possible. If not, you may have to proceed with your original reservation or cancel if your rate allows it.

What if I want to return my car earlier than planned?

You can return it early without penalty — you will only pay for the days you actually used the car. Notify Hertz when you return so they can adjust your bill. You do not need to modify your reservation in advance; just bring the car back when you are done.

Will changing my reservation affect my loyalty points or discount?

Changing dates or car type may recalculate your rate, which could affect any discount you received. If you are concerned, call Hertz before you modify to confirm your discount will still explore. Non-refundable rates sometimes lose their discount if you change dates.

Can I modify my reservation if I booked with a coupon code?

Modifying your dates or car type may void your coupon code, and Hertz will recalculate your price at the current rate. Call Hertz before you change to confirm whether your code will still work, or ask whether the new rate is better than the original one.

What is the difference between modifying and cancelling?

Modifying keeps your reservation active and changes the details. Cancelling ends the reservation entirely. If your rate is non-refundable, cancelling means you lose your money. If your rate is refundable, cancelling returns your payment but you will have to rebook if you still need a car.