What Hertz is and how their rental process works

Hertz is a car rental company with locations at airports, city centres, and some train stations across the United States and internationally. You reserve a vehicle online or by phone, pick it up at your chosen location, drive it for the rental period, and return it to either the same location or a different one if you choose a one-way rental. The company charges a daily rate plus mileage (if applicable to your plan), fuel, insurance, and any add-ons you select.

The rental agreement is a legal contract between you and Hertz that spells out what you're responsible for, what damage coverage applies, and what happens if you return the car late or with damage. Before you drive away, you'll inspect the vehicle together with a Hertz agent, who will note any existing scratches, dents, or mechanical issues. That inspection protects both you and the company—it's your proof that damage wasn't your fault.

Hertz operates under a franchise model in some locations, meaning the local business is licensed to use the Hertz name and system but may have slightly different policies or pricing. Most locations follow the same core procedures, but it's worth checking the specific location's terms when you book.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own or purchased from Hertz) to rent a vehicle.
  • The rental agreement includes damage liability, mileage limits, fuel policy, and late fees—read it before signing because you're legally bound by its terms.
  • Damage to the rental car is your financial responsibility unless you purchase collision or comprehensive coverage from Hertz or use coverage from your personal auto insurance or credit card.
  • Returning the car late, with damage, or on empty fuel will result in additional charges that can be substantial.
  • One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) cost more than round-trip rentals and may have additional drop-off fees.

What you need to bring and what documents matter

To rent from Hertz, you must present a valid driver's license (a state ID or passport for international visitors). The name on your license must match the name on the credit card you use to pay. Hertz will run a check on your driving record—they may decline to rent to you if you have recent serious violations or a suspended license.

You'll also need proof of insurance. This can be your own auto insurance policy (bring the card or a digital copy showing your policy number and coverage dates), or you can purchase insurance from Hertz at the rental counter. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, but not all policies do, and coverage limits vary. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage if you charge the full rental to that card—check with your card issuer before you book to know what's covered.

If you're under 25, Hertz may charge a young driver fee (typically $15 to $25 per day) and may restrict the types of vehicles available to you. Some locations have a minimum age of 21; others require you to be 25 for certain vehicle classes. Check the age policy at your specific location when you book.

Understanding damage liability and insurance options

When you sign the rental agreement, you're accepting financial responsibility for any damage to the vehicle during your rental period. This includes collisions, theft, vandalism, broken windows, and damage to the undercarriage from potholes or rough roads. Hertz will assess the damage when you return the car and charge you for repairs. If the damage is severe enough that the car can't be rented out while it's being fixed, you may also be charged for lost rental revenue.

Hertz offers two main damage coverage options at the rental counter: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). CDW covers damage from collisions; LDW covers collision, theft, and vandalism. Both come with a deductible (usually $0 to $1,000 depending on the vehicle class and your choices), meaning you pay that amount out of pocket if there's a claim. The daily cost of these waivers varies but typically ranges from $10 to $30 per day.

Before you buy Hertz's coverage, check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rental cars. If it does, you may not need to purchase Hertz's waiver—but confirm the coverage limits and deductible with your insurer first. Some policies exclude rental cars entirely, and some cover only the damage amount up to your vehicle's actual cash value, not the replacement cost of the rental.

Fuel, mileage, and late return charges

Hertz offers several fuel options. The most common is prepay fuel: you pay for a full tank upfront at the rental counter (at a per-gallon rate that's usually higher than gas station prices), and you return the car empty with no refund for unused fuel. The alternative is to return the car with a full tank yourself and pay nothing extra, or to return it partially full and pay Hertz's per-gallon rate for the fuel you used—this is almost always the most expensive option.

Mileage charges depend on your rental agreement. Some rentals include unlimited mileage; others charge per mile (typically $0.25 to $0.50 per mile). Check your reservation confirmation to see which applies to you. If you have a mileage limit and exceed it, you'll be charged for every mile over.

If you return the car after your agreed return time, Hertz charges a late fee. A few hours over may result in a partial-day charge; returning it the next day means you pay for an additional full day. Some locations charge an hourly rate for short overages. Check your agreement for the specific late fee structure at your location.

One-way rentals and drop-off fees

A one-way rental means you pick up the car at one location and return it to a different one—useful if you're driving from one city to another and don't need to go back. One-way rentals cost significantly more than round-trip rentals because Hertz has to move the vehicle back to a high-demand location or rebalance its fleet. You'll also pay a drop-off fee, which varies by distance and location but can range from $50 to several hundred dollars.

Some Hertz locations are busier than others, and returning a car to a less-busy location may cost more than returning it to an airport or city centre. When you book, the system will show you the total cost including the drop-off fee, so you can compare one-way versus round-trip pricing before you commit.

What happens if the car breaks down or you're in an accident

If the rental car breaks down while you're driving it, call the Hertz roadside information number (it's on your rental agreement and key tag). Hertz will arrange a tow or repair, and you'll typically be offered a replacement vehicle or reimbursement for a rental from another company while yours is being fixed. You're not responsible for mechanical failure—that's Hertz's liability, not yours.

If you're in an accident, stop safely, call the police if there's injury or significant damage, and get the other driver's information and insurance details. Then call Hertz when ready. Do not admit fault or sign anything except the police report. Hertz will guide you through their claims process. If you purchased their damage waiver, your claim goes through that coverage first; if not, the damage is your financial responsibility unless your personal insurance covers it.

Document everything: take photos of the accident scene, the other vehicle, and the damage to the rental car. Keep copies of the police report, the rental agreement, and any correspondence with Hertz. If the other driver's insurance is responsible, Hertz may pursue a claim against them on your behalf, but you're still liable to Hertz if that claim fails.

Cancellation, changes, and what to do if plans change

Cancellation and change policies vary depending on the rate you booked. Some rates are fully refundable if you cancel before a certain date; others charge a cancellation fee or are non-refundable. Check your confirmation email for the specific terms. If you need to modify your reservation (different dates, location, or vehicle class), you can usually do so online or by calling Hertz, but you may be charged a change fee or the difference in price if the new rental costs more.

If you need to extend your rental after you've picked up the car, call Hertz as soon as possible. They may be able to extend your reservation if the vehicle isn't already booked for another customer. If you can't reach them or extension isn't possible, returning the car late will trigger late fees, which are expensive—it's better to arrange an extension in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy insurance from Hertz, or can I use my own?

You don't have to buy Hertz's insurance if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars. Bring proof of your coverage to the rental counter. If you don't have coverage, you must either purchase Hertz's waiver or accept full financial responsibility for any damage to the vehicle.

What if I return the car with damage I didn't cause?

Report any damage you notice during the rental to Hertz when ready, before you return the car. When you return it, the agent will inspect it and compare the condition to the initial inspection report. If damage appears that wasn't documented at pickup, Hertz may charge you. If you believe the damage was pre-existing, dispute it in writing with photos and the original inspection report as proof.

Can I rent a car if I don't have a credit card?

Hertz requires a credit card in your name to complete the rental. Debit cards are not accepted as the primary payment method, though some locations may accept them as a secondary form of ID. Call your local Hertz location to ask about their specific policy.

What's the difference between a one-way rental and a round-trip rental?

A round-trip rental means you pick up and return the car to the same location. A one-way rental means you return it to a different location. One-way rentals cost more because of the drop-off fee and the distance Hertz has to move the vehicle. Compare the total price of both options when you book.

What happens if I'm in an accident and I didn't buy Hertz's damage waiver?

You're financially responsible for repairs to the rental car. Your personal auto insurance may cover it if your policy includes rental car coverage, but you'll pay your deductible. If you don't have coverage, you'll pay Hertz's repair bill directly. This is why checking your insurance before you rent is important.