What Hertz is and how to rent from them

Hertz is a car rental company with locations at airports, downtown areas, and some neighborhoods across the United States and internationally. You reserve a vehicle online, by phone, or at a location, provide a driver's license and payment method, and pick up the car for a set number of days. When you return it, you pay for the rental period plus any add-ons like insurance, fuel upgrades, or tolls you used.

Hertz operates differently from peer-to-peer rental services or traditional dealerships. You are renting from a company that owns a fleet of vehicles, not from an individual owner. The rental agreement you sign spells out what you owe if the car is damaged, what mileage limits explore, and what happens if you return it late.

The company emerged from bankruptcy in 2020 and has been rebuilding its fleet and locations since then. If you have used Hertz before, availability and vehicle selection may differ from what you remember, depending on your location and the time you book.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance or the option to buy Hertz's coverage before you can pick up a car.
  • The base rental price covers the vehicle and mileage (unlimited on most Hertz rentals), but fuel, tolls, parking, and damage are separate charges that can add significantly to your bill.
  • Hertz's damage waiver and liability coverage are optional but recommended; your personal auto insurance or credit card may cover rentals, so check before you buy theirs.
  • Late returns are charged at a daily rate that is often higher than the original rental rate, and the company charges per day, not per hour, so returning a car even one hour late costs a full day's fee.
  • Reservation cancellation policies vary by rate type, so read the terms when you book to know whether you can cancel free or will lose your money.

How to book a Hertz rental and what information you need

Start at Hertz.com or call 1-800-654-3131 to search for cars in your location and dates. You will enter your pickup location, return location, and dates, and the site will show available vehicle classes and prices. Hertz groups cars by size and type — economy, compact, midsize, full-size, SUV, and premium — rather than by specific model, so you may not know the exact car until you arrive.

To complete a reservation, you need your driver's license number, the name and address it shows, and a credit card in your name. Hertz will place a hold on the card for the rental amount plus a damage deposit (usually $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle class). You will also need to choose whether to accept Hertz's insurance or decline it and use your own coverage.

After you book, Hertz will send a confirmation email with your reservation number, pickup time, location address, and the rate breakdown. Save this email or take a screenshot — you will need the confirmation number at the counter. If your plans change, log into your Hertz account or call the number on your confirmation to modify or cancel before your pickup date.

Insurance, damage waivers, and what happens if the car is damaged

Hertz offers a damage waiver (sometimes called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) that limits what you owe if the rental car is damaged or stolen. Without it, you are responsible for the full repair cost or replacement value. The waiver costs roughly $15 to $30 per day depending on the vehicle and location, and it usually has a deductible of $0 to $3,500.

Before you buy Hertz's waiver, check whether your own auto insurance covers rental cars — many policies do. Also check your credit card's rental car coverage; some premium cards (American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and others) include rental damage protection if you charge the full rental to that card. If either covers you, you may not need Hertz's waiver. If neither covers you and you decline the waiver, you are financially responsible for any damage to the car.

When you pick up the car, the agent will walk you around the vehicle and note any existing dents, scratches, or damage on the rental agreement. Take photos or video of the car's condition before you drive away — this protects you if Hertz later claims you caused damage you did not. When you return the car, the agent will inspect it again. If there is new damage, Hertz will either charge you directly or bill your credit card after you leave.

Damage claims can take weeks to process. If Hertz charges you and you believe the damage was pre-existing or not your fault, contact Hertz customer service with your photos and the rental agreement. Disputes over damage are common, and documentation is your only defense.

Fuel, mileage, tolls, and other charges that add to your bill

Most Hertz rentals include unlimited mileage, so you do not pay per mile. However, fuel is your responsibility. You have two options: prepay for a full tank when you book (Hertz charges a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than a gas station), or return the car with a full tank yourself and pay nothing extra. If you return the car with less than a full tank and did not prepay, Hertz will charge you for the missing fuel at a premium rate — often $6 to $8 per gallon depending on location.

The smartest approach is to return the car with a full tank. Fill up at a gas station near the return location before you drop it off, and keep your receipt in case there is a dispute.

Tolls, parking fees, and traffic violations are charged separately. If you use a toll road, Hertz will bill your credit card for the toll plus an administrative fee (usually $2 to $5 per toll). If you get a parking ticket or speeding ticket while driving the rental, Hertz will notify you and you will owe the fine plus a processing fee. Some credit cards offer toll and parking reimbursement, so check your benefits before you rent.

Late returns and what they cost

Hertz charges by the day, not by the hour. If your reservation ends at 5 p.m. and you return the car at 5:30 p.m., you will be charged for a full extra day at the daily rate. If you return it the next morning, that is two extra days. Late fees are often higher than the original daily rate — sometimes 1.5 to 2 times the rate you paid for the first days.

If you know you will be late, call Hertz as soon as possible. Sometimes the company can extend your reservation at the original rate rather than charging the higher late fee. If you do not call and just return the car late, you will have no recourse for the extra charges.

Plan to return your car with time to spare. If you are flying out, return the car at least an hour before your flight. If you are returning to a downtown location, account for traffic and parking time.

Cancellation policies and how to modify or cancel a reservation

Hertz offers different rate types, and cancellation rules depend on which one you booked. Some rates are fully refundable if you cancel before a certain date (often 24 to 48 hours before pickup); others are non-refundable no matter when you cancel. When you book, the confirmation email will state the cancellation policy for your specific rate.

To cancel or modify a reservation, log into your Hertz account at Hertz.com, enter your confirmation number, or call 1-800-654-3131. If you cancel a refundable rate before the important date, the charge will be removed from your credit card within a few business days. If you cancel a non-refundable rate, you will lose the money.

If your plans change after you have picked up the car, you can return it early, but you will not receive a refund for the unused days. Hertz charges for the full rental period you booked, even if you return it sooner.

Membership programs and loyalty discounts

Hertz offers Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, a free membership program that gives you benefits like faster check-in, a choice of vehicle within your reserved class, and discounts on future rentals. You can join at Hertz.com or at a rental counter, and there is no cost to enroll. Members earn points on each rental that can be redeemed for free rental days or upgrades.

If you rent frequently for business, a corporate account may offer additional discounts. Ask your employer whether they have a Hertz corporate agreement, or contact Hertz's corporate sales team to set one up.

Discount codes from AAA, AARP, military organizations, or credit card companies can lower the base rental rate. Always search for a code before you book, and enter it during checkout to see the discounted price.

What to do if there is a problem with your rental

If the car breaks down or has a mechanical problem during your rental, call the Hertz roadside information number on your rental agreement or the key card. Hertz will either send a mechanic or arrange a replacement vehicle. You are not responsible for the cost of repairs or the replacement car.

If you have a dispute about charges on your bill — damage you did not cause, a toll you did not incur, or a fuel charge you believe is wrong — contact Hertz customer service at 1-800-654-3131 or through your online account. Explain the issue and provide any documentation (photos, receipts, toll records). Hertz will investigate and may reverse the charge if you have evidence.

If you rented the car using a credit card that offers rental car protection, you can also file a claim with the credit card company if Hertz's resolution is unsatisfactory. Keep all documentation from the rental — the agreement, photos, receipts, and any correspondence with Hertz.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but Hertz charges a young driver fee (usually $15 to $25 per day) for drivers under 25. Some vehicle classes may not be available to drivers under 21. Check the age restrictions when you search for your rental, as they vary by location.

What if I need to return the car to a different location than where I picked it up?

Hertz allows one-way rentals, but there is usually a drop-off fee that ranges from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the distance. Enter your return location when you search to see the fee before you book.

Can I add another driver to my rental?

Yes. At pickup, tell the agent you want to add an additional driver, and they will need that person's driver's license and signature on the agreement. There is usually no extra charge for an additional driver, but check your confirmation or ask at the counter.

What happens if I get into an accident with the rental car?

Call Hertz when ready and report the accident. If you have Hertz's damage waiver, your liability is limited to the deductible. If you do not have the waiver, you are responsible for repairs. Contact your insurance company or credit card company as well, as they may cover the damage. Do not admit fault or sign anything except the police report and Hertz's accident form.

Is there a fee if I return the car with less than a full tank?

Yes. If you did not prepay for fuel, Hertz will charge you for the missing fuel at a premium rate, usually $6 to $8 per gallon. It is cheaper to fill up at a gas station before you return the car.