What Hertz is and how to rent from them

Hertz is a car rental company with locations at airports, in city centers, and at neighborhood branches across the United States. You reserve a vehicle online, by phone, or at a counter, pay a daily or weekly rate, and return it to a Hertz location when you're done. The rental period can be as short as a few hours or as long as several months, though daily rates drop significantly if you rent for a week or longer.

To rent from Hertz, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Some renters use their personal auto insurance; others buy coverage directly from Hertz. The rental agreement spells out what happens if you damage the car, how much fuel you owe when you return it, and any fees for late return or extra mileage.

Key Takeaways

  • Hertz charges a daily rate that decreases per day if you rent for a week or longer, plus taxes and facility fees that vary by location.
  • You can bring your own insurance or buy a damage waiver and liability coverage from Hertz, but you cannot rent without proof of coverage.
  • Fuel charges depend on how you handle the tank: prepay for a full tank at a discounted rate, return it full at market price, or pay Hertz's per-gallon rate for whatever you used.
  • Late returns, extra mileage, and damage claims are handled through your rental agreement and can add hundreds of dollars to your final bill.
  • Hertz has locations at most major airports and in many city centers, so pickup and return logistics depend on which branch you choose.

Daily rates and how weekly discounts work

Hertz publishes a base daily rate that changes by vehicle class, location, and season. A compact car in a major city during peak travel season costs more than the same car in a smaller market during winter. The company also adjusts rates based on demand—if many people are renting that day, prices go up.

Weekly rentals (seven consecutive days) typically cost less per day than renting for seven individual days. A compact car might cost $50 per day if you rent for one day, but $35 per day if you commit to a week. Monthly rentals follow the same pattern: the per-day cost drops further. Always compare the total cost of a weekly rate against seven daily rates before you book, because the discount is not automatic—you have to select the weekly option when you reserve.

The base rate does not include taxes, airport facility fees, or local surcharges. These add 15 to 30 percent to your bill depending on where you pick up the car. A rental quoted at $200 before taxes can easily become $250 or more after fees are applied.

Insurance and damage coverage options

Hertz requires proof that the rental car is insured before you drive off the lot. You have three paths: use your personal auto insurance, buy a damage waiver from Hertz, or use a credit card that covers rental cars.

Your personal auto insurance may already cover rental cars, but you need to confirm this with your insurer before you rent. Some policies exclude rentals, and some cover only collision damage, not liability. If your policy does cover rentals, you typically pay your normal deductible (often $500 to $1,000) if damage occurs. Hertz will not let you leave without proof—bring a copy of your policy or a letter from your insurer stating that rental cars are covered.

If you do not have coverage through your own policy, Hertz sells a damage waiver (also called a loss damage waiver or LDW) that removes your financial responsibility for collision damage to the rental car. This costs $15 to $30 per day depending on the vehicle and location. Hertz also sells liability coverage (supplemental liability protection, or SLP) that covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. This typically costs $10 to $15 per day. Both are optional add-ons, but if you have no other coverage, buying them protects you from a large bill if an accident occurs.

Credit cards from American Express, Visa, and Mastercard often include rental car coverage if you charge the rental to that card. This coverage usually applies only if you decline Hertz's damage waiver. Check your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer to confirm what is covered and what your deductible is.

Fuel charges and how to avoid overpaying

Hertz offers three fuel options at the time of rental. Understanding the difference can save you $20 to $40 on a week-long rental.

Prepay for a full tank: You pay Hertz's per-gallon rate upfront for a full tank, usually $0.50 to $1.00 more per gallon than the local market price. You return the car empty or with any fuel left in it—Hertz does not refund unused fuel. This option makes sense only if you know you will use nearly all of the tank and want to avoid the hassle of finding a gas station before return.

Return the car full: You keep the tank full yourself by refueling at a gas station before you return the car. Hertz charges you nothing for fuel. This is almost always the cheapest option because you pay the market price at the pump, not Hertz's markup. The catch is that you have to find a gas station near the return location, and if you return the car even slightly less than full, Hertz charges you their per-gallon rate for the missing fuel.

Pay as you go: You return the car with whatever fuel is left, and Hertz charges you their per-gallon rate for what you used. This rate is typically $1.50 to $2.50 per gallon—well above the market price. Use this option only if you have no other choice.

Late returns, mileage, and damage claims

Your rental agreement specifies the return date and time. If you return the car late, Hertz charges a late fee that varies by how late you are. An hour or two over might cost $25 to $50; returning the car a full day late can cost another full day's rental rate or more. Always confirm the exact return time when you pick up the car, and plan to return it 15 minutes early to avoid disputes.

Most Hertz rentals come with unlimited mileage, but some discounted rates or specialty vehicles have mileage caps. If your rental includes a mileage limit and you exceed it, you pay a per-mile charge (typically $0.25 to $0.50 per mile) for every mile over the limit. A 200-mile overage can add $50 to $100 to your bill. Check your rental agreement before you drive to confirm whether mileage is unlimited.

If you damage the car, Hertz documents the damage with photos and estimates the repair cost. If you bought a damage waiver, Hertz absorbs the cost. If you did not, you pay the full repair bill, which can range from a few hundred dollars for a dent to several thousand for major collision damage. Hertz may also charge you for loss of use—the revenue they lose while the car is being repaired—which can add another $50 to $100 per day.

Pickup and return locations

Hertz has counters at most major U.S. airports, which is convenient but often comes with higher facility fees. City center locations and neighborhood branches typically charge lower fees and sometimes offer better rates. If you are flying into a city, compare the cost of renting at the airport against renting at a downtown location and taking a taxi or rideshare to get there—the savings on facility fees can offset the transportation cost.

You can pick up a car at one Hertz location and return it to another, but this usually costs extra. A one-way rental fee applies, and it can be $50 to $200 or more depending on the distance. If you need to move between cities, compare the one-way rental cost against renting separate cars at each location or using a different transportation method.

How to find current rates and book

Hertz publishes rates on its website (hertz.com) and through third-party booking sites like Kayak, Expedia, and Autoslash. Rates vary by site because some sites have negotiated discounts or promotions. Always check at least two sources before you book. Third-party sites sometimes show lower rates, but read the cancellation policy carefully—some have stricter rules than booking directly with Hertz.

When you search for a rental, specify the pickup location, return location, dates, and vehicle type. The search results show the total cost including taxes and fees, so you can compare apples to apples. Many sites let you filter by vehicle size, transmission type, and features like GPS or child seats. Book as far in advance as you can if you are traveling during peak season (summer, holidays, spring break), because rates rise as the travel date approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a Hertz car if I am under 25?

Yes, but Hertz charges a young driver fee (typically $15 to $25 per day) for drivers under 25. Some locations have a minimum age of 20; others require you to be 18. Call the specific location where you plan to pick up the car to confirm their age policy and the fee amount.

What happens if I return the car damaged?

Hertz documents the damage with photos and sends you an estimate for repairs. If you bought a damage waiver, you owe nothing. If you did not, you pay the full repair cost plus any loss-of-use fees. Hertz may also charge you for diminished value if the car's resale value drops because of the damage.

Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer?

Yes. Call Hertz or visit the location where you rented the car and ask to extend the rental. You pay the daily rate for the additional days, plus any applicable taxes and fees. Extending early (before your return date) usually costs less than extending on the day you return, because rates may have changed.

Do I have to buy a GPS from Hertz?

No. Most rental cars have a built-in navigation system, or you can use your smartphone with Google Maps or Apple Maps. Hertz charges $15 to $20 per day for a portable GPS unit, which is not worth the cost if your phone works.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

Cancellation policies vary by rate type and booking source. Rates booked directly through Hertz are often refundable up to 24 hours before pickup; rates booked through third-party sites may have stricter rules. Check your confirmation email for the cancellation policy, or call Hertz to ask before you book.