What Hertz offers in New York and where to find locations

Hertz operates rental locations throughout New York City and the surrounding region, with counters at major airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark), in Manhattan, and in outer boroughs. You can reserve a vehicle online at hertz.com, by phone at 1-800-654-3131, or at any staffed location. Hertz offers economy cars, SUVs, vans, and luxury vehicles, with daily rates that vary by vehicle class, season, and how far in advance you book.

The company's New York locations typically operate extended hours, especially at airport terminals where you can pick up or return a car 24 hours a day. Off-airport locations in Manhattan and other neighborhoods have standard business hours, usually opening around 7 a.m. and closing between 5 and 7 p.m. If you need a car outside those hours at a non-airport location, you can arrange after-hours pickup or return through Hertz's website or by calling ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Hertz has locations at all three major New York area airports and throughout Manhattan and the outer boroughs, with 24-hour service at airport counters.
  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance or the option to purchase Hertz's coverage before you can rent.
  • Rates depend on the vehicle type, rental dates, and how far ahead you book, so comparing prices on hertz.com against other rental companies can save money.
  • Hertz charges additional fees for drivers under 25, extra drivers, tolls on New York highways, and fuel if you don't return the car with a full tank.
  • If you have a problem with your rental or need to modify your reservation, contact Hertz directly rather than relying on third-party booking sites.

Documents and requirements you need before renting

To rent from Hertz in New York, you must present a valid driver's license (a U.S. state license, military ID, or passport from an may be able to access country). The license must not be expired and must have a photo. Hertz will not accept a learner's permit or a license suspended for traffic violations.

You also need a credit card in your own name at the time of rental. Hertz uses the card to place a hold for the rental cost plus a security deposit, typically $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle. The card is not charged until you return the car and the final bill is calculated. Debit cards are generally not accepted for the initial hold, though some locations may make exceptions—call ahead if you plan to use a debit card.

Proof of insurance is required. You can show your own auto insurance card, or you can purchase coverage from Hertz at the rental counter. If you use your personal insurance, bring the actual card or a printed declaration page showing your name, policy number, and coverage limits. Hertz's insurance options include collision damage waiver (CDW), liability coverage, and personal effects coverage; costs vary but typically run $15 to $30 per day.

Age restrictions and additional driver fees

Drivers must be at least 21 years old to rent from Hertz in New York. Drivers under 25 pay a daily surcharge, usually $15 to $25 per day, in addition to the base rental rate. This fee applies to anyone between 21 and 24 and is non-negotiable across all Hertz locations.

If you want to add a second driver to the rental agreement, Hertz charges a fee of roughly $10 to $15 per day for each additional driver. The additional driver must also present a valid driver's license and meet the age requirement. You can add drivers at the time of rental or call Hertz ahead of time to add them to your reservation.

Toll charges and fuel policies in the New York area

New York's toll roads—including the Major Deegan Expressway, the Bruckner Expressway, and bridges and tunnels operated by the MTA and Port Authority—charge tolls that you are responsible for paying. Hertz offers an optional toll pass service that automatically charges tolls to your rental agreement instead of requiring you to pay cash at toll booths. The toll pass typically costs $5 to $10 per day plus the actual toll charges. If you decline the toll pass and pay tolls yourself, keep your receipts in case you need to dispute charges later.

Hertz requires you to return the car with a full tank of fuel. If you return it with less than a full tank, Hertz will charge you for a refill at a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than local gas station prices—often $5 to $8 per gallon depending on fuel costs at the time. You can prepay for a full tank of fuel when you pick up the car at a discounted rate, which locks in the price and means you don't have to refuel before returning the vehicle. Compare the prepay price to the per-gallon refill rate at the counter to decide which option makes sense for your trip.

How to book online versus at the counter

Booking online at hertz.com before your trip lets you lock in a rate, choose your specific vehicle class, and add options like extra drivers or insurance coverage. Online reservations also let you compare prices across different pickup and return dates and locations. You can modify or cancel most reservations online up to 24 hours before pickup without penalty, though rates and cancellation terms vary by booking type.

Booking at the counter on the day of rental means you pay whatever rate is available at that moment, which is often higher than advance rates. However, if you have a flexible schedule and can wait to see what vehicles are in stock, counter rates sometimes include last-minute discounts. Walk-up rentals also let you inspect the car before committing, though Hertz staff will note any existing damage on the rental agreement regardless of when you book.

Third-party booking sites like Kayak, Priceline, and Autoslash can show Hertz rates alongside competitors, but they sometimes display outdated pricing or cannot modify reservations directly. If you book through a third party and need to make changes, you may have to contact Hertz directly using your confirmation number rather than going through the booking site.

Damage assessment and what happens if you damage the car

When you pick up the car, a Hertz representative will walk around the vehicle and note any existing scratches, dents, or damage on the rental agreement. You should inspect the car yourself and point out any damage you see before signing. Take photos or video of the car's condition if possible, especially if you notice damage the staff member may have missed. This protects you from being charged for damage that existed before you rented the vehicle.

If you damage the car during your rental, you are responsible for repair costs unless you purchased collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage. CDW typically costs $15 to $30 per day and covers damage from accidents, vandalism, and theft. Without CDW, you pay the full repair bill, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars for major damage. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental car damage, so check your policy before purchasing Hertz's coverage.

When you return the car, Hertz staff will inspect it again and compare the condition to the pickup notes. If new damage is found, they will photograph it and provide you with a damage report. You will receive a final bill within a few days that includes any damage charges. If you dispute a charge, contact Hertz customer service with your photos and the damage report to request a review.

Returning the car and what to expect at checkout

Return the car to the same location where you picked it up unless you arranged a one-way rental to a different Hertz location. One-way rentals typically cost more than round-trip rentals, and the fee depends on the distance between locations. Return the car with a full tank of fuel, all personal items removed, and windows and doors closed. Hertz staff will inspect the vehicle, note the mileage and fuel level, and calculate your final bill.

Your final bill will include the base rental rate, any additional fees (young driver surcharge, extra drivers, insurance, tolls), fuel charges if you didn't return the car full, and any damage charges. The total will be charged to the credit card you provided at pickup. You will receive a receipt and a copy of the rental agreement. If you purchased optional coverage or added services, those will be itemized on the receipt.

If you rented through a third-party booking site, your receipt from Hertz may differ from the confirmation you received from the booking site. The Hertz receipt is the official record of what you paid and what services you used. Keep this receipt for your records and for any insurance claims or disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car from Hertz if I have an international driver's license?

Yes, Hertz accepts international driving permits (IDP) along with your passport, provided the IDP is valid and issued by your home country. The IDP must be accompanied by your original driver's license from your home country. If your home country's license is not in English, bring a certified English translation or an IDP to avoid confusion at the counter.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late returns are charged at the daily rate or hourly rate depending on how late you are. If you are more than an hour late, Hertz typically charges a full additional day's rental. Contact Hertz as soon as you realize you will be late so they can note it on your account. Some reservations include a grace period, so check your rental agreement for the exact policy.

Does Hertz allow you to drive the rental car outside New York State?

Yes, Hertz allows out-of-state driving to most U.S. locations without additional fees, though some restrictions explore. You cannot take a Hertz rental car to Canada or Mexico without prior written permission. If you plan to drive outside New York, tell the rental agent at pickup so they can note it on your agreement and may support your insurance coverage extends to those states.

Can I modify my reservation after I pick up the car?

You can contact Hertz to modify your return date or add services like extra drivers or insurance, but changes made after pickup may be subject to different rates or fees. Call Hertz directly using your reservation number rather than trying to modify through a third-party booking site. Changes are subject to vehicle availability and current pricing.

What should I do if the rental car breaks down while I'm driving?

Call Hertz roadside information at the number on your rental agreement or your rental confirmation. Hertz will arrange a tow or repair at no cost to you if the breakdown is due to a mechanical failure covered by the vehicle's warranty. If you caused the damage, you may be charged for repairs. Do not attempt major repairs yourself; wait for Hertz information to arrive.