What Hertz is and how to rent from them

Hertz is one of the largest car rental companies in the United States, with locations at most major airports and in city centres. You reserve a vehicle online, by phone, or in person; pick it up at your chosen location; and return it at the same place or a different one. You pay a daily rate plus fuel, insurance, and any fees for extra services like GPS or additional drivers.

The rental agreement is a contract between you and Hertz. You are responsible for the vehicle from pickup until return, which means damage, fuel, and late fees fall on you unless you have purchased their damage waiver or your own insurance covers it. Understanding what you are paying for before you sign is the difference between a straightforward rental and an unexpected bill.

Key Takeaways

  • Hertz charges a daily rate, a fuel charge (either prepay or pay-as-you-go), and a damage waiver if you want to limit your liability for accidents.
  • Your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental cars, so check your policy before buying Hertz's damage waiver.
  • You must be at least 21 years old to rent from Hertz, and drivers under 25 typically pay a daily surcharge.
  • Returning the car late, with damage, or with less fuel than you picked it up with will result in charges on top of your rental rate.
  • Hertz locations vary in hours and services, so confirm your pickup and return location details before you arrive.

Daily rates, fuel, and damage waivers

Hertz publishes daily rates on their website, but the final price depends on the car class, the rental dates, the location, and current demand. A compact car might cost $40 per day one week and $80 the next. When you search for a rental, the quote shows the total cost including taxes and fees, so you see the real number before you commit.

Fuel is handled two ways. You can prepay for a full tank at Hertz's pump price (usually higher than a gas station) and return the car empty, or you can return it with the same fuel level you picked it up with and pay Hertz's per-gallon rate for what you used. Prepay is simpler if you know you will use most of a tank; the per-gallon option is cheaper if you drive very little.

The damage waiver (also called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) limits your financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen. Without it, you are liable for the full repair cost or replacement value. With it, you typically pay a daily fee (usually $15 to $30) and a deductible (often $0 to $1,500) if damage occurs. Before you buy Hertz's waiver, check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card rental coverage already protects you—many do, and buying duplicate coverage wastes money.

Age requirements and young driver surcharges

You must be at least 21 years old to rent from Hertz. Drivers aged 21 to 24 are charged an additional daily fee, usually $15 to $25 per day, because Hertz considers them higher risk. Some car classes (sports cars, luxury vehicles) have a minimum age of 25 or higher, and the surcharge increases for those vehicles.

If you are under 25, factor the surcharge into your total cost when comparing rental companies. Some competitors charge less for young drivers, and the difference can add up over a week-long rental. You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name to complete the rental.

What happens at pickup and return

At pickup, a Hertz agent will walk you through the rental agreement, show you the vehicle's condition, and explain fuel and damage policies. You will inspect the car together—note any existing damage on the contract so you are not charged for it later. Take photos of the car's exterior and interior if you want a record. The agent will explain how to operate the vehicle, where the fuel door is, and what to do if you have a breakdown.

At return, Hertz will inspect the car for damage, check the fuel level, and calculate your final bill. If you return the car late, you will be charged for the extra time—usually at the daily rate, but sometimes at a higher hourly rate depending on how late you are. If the fuel tank is not at the level you picked it up with, Hertz will charge you for the missing fuel at their per-gallon rate, which is always higher than a gas station.

Damage discovered after you return the car may result in a bill sent to you weeks later. This is why the inspection at return matters: if you disagree with a damage charge, you have a better case if you documented the car's condition when you picked it up.

Insurance and liability

Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, but only if your policy includes rental coverage—not all do. Check your policy or call your insurer before you rent. If you have coverage, you typically pay your normal deductible if the rental car is damaged, not Hertz's deductible.

Credit card rental coverage is common with premium cards (American Express, Visa Signature, Mastercard Black). This coverage is secondary, meaning it pays after your personal insurance, or it covers you if you have no personal insurance. Read your card's terms to understand what is and is not covered—some exclude certain car types or countries.

If you have no personal insurance and no credit card coverage, Hertz's damage waiver is your only protection. The cost is high, but so is the risk of paying thousands for a repair you did not cause but are legally liable for.

Additional fees and charges to watch for

Beyond the daily rate and fuel, Hertz charges for several optional and mandatory services. GPS rental is typically $10 to $15 per day if you do not use your phone's navigation. An additional driver costs $10 to $15 per day. Tolls and parking tickets incurred during your rental are billed to your credit card after you return the car, sometimes weeks later.

If you return the car to a different location than you picked it up, a one-way fee applies—this can be $50 to $200 or more depending on the distance. Some locations charge a facility fee (a few dollars per day) on top of the rental rate. Always check the full quote before you book, because these add-ons change the total cost significantly.

Late returns are charged at the daily rate if you are less than 24 hours late, or as a new day's rental if you are more than 24 hours late. If you know you will be late, call Hertz and extend the rental—it is usually cheaper than paying the late fee.

How to find and book a Hertz rental

Hertz has a website (hertz.com) where you enter your pickup location, dates, and time. The site shows available car classes and the total price. You can also call Hertz directly or book through a travel website like Kayak or Expedia, which sometimes show different prices or promotions. Compare the Hertz website price with third-party sites—occasionally one is cheaper, but the rental agreement is the same regardless of where you book.

When you book, you will need your driver's license number, a credit card, and your email address. Hertz will send you a confirmation with your reservation number, pickup location, and address. Save this—you will need it at pickup. If your plans change, you can modify or cancel the reservation online or by phone, though cancellation policies vary by rate type.

Hertz locations are open during standard business hours at most city locations, but airport locations often have extended hours. Confirm your pickup and return times before you arrive, because arriving outside business hours may mean a wait or an inability to complete your rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy Hertz's damage waiver if I have auto insurance?

Not necessarily. If your personal auto insurance covers rental cars, you are already protected and buying Hertz's waiver duplicates that coverage. Call your insurer to confirm rental coverage is included. If you have no personal insurance, Hertz's waiver is your only protection against repair costs.

What happens if I return the car with damage I did not cause?

You are liable for all damage to the vehicle during your rental, regardless of fault. If you have a damage waiver or insurance, the claim goes through that. If you do not, you pay for repairs. This is why inspecting the car at pickup and documenting existing damage is critical.

Can I return a Hertz rental to a different location than I picked it up?

Yes, but a one-way fee applies. The fee depends on the distance and the locations involved. Check the one-way fee when you book, because it can add significantly to your total cost. Some locations charge more than others.

What if I am under 25 and want to rent from Hertz?

You can rent if you are at least 21, but Hertz charges a daily surcharge (usually $15 to $25) for drivers aged 21 to 24. Some car classes require a higher minimum age. Factor the surcharge into your cost comparison with other rental companies.

How do I dispute a damage charge after I return the car?

Contact Hertz customer service with your reservation number and photos or documentation of the car's condition at pickup. If you documented damage on the rental agreement at pickup, you have a stronger case. Hertz will review the claim, but the burden is on you to prove the damage existed before your rental.