What Hertz Dream Cars is and who it's for
Hertz Dream Cars is Hertz's rental program for luxury and exotic vehicles — the kind of cars you see in magazines but don't own yourself. You rent them by the day or week through Hertz locations that carry these vehicles, pay a daily rate that reflects the car's value, and return it when your rental period ends. It's not a membership program or a subscription service; it's a straightforward rental transaction for high-end cars.
The program exists because some Hertz locations stock vehicles that cost far more than standard rental cars — Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and similar brands. Hertz handles the insurance, maintenance, and storage; you handle the driving and the rental fee. The cars are real vehicles you drive off the lot, not experiences you book through a third party.
People use Dream Cars for special occasions (a milestone birthday, an anniversary trip), to test-drive a car before buying it, or straightforward because they want to spend a weekend in a car they couldn't otherwise afford. You don't need to be wealthy to rent one — you need to meet Hertz's rental requirements and have the money for the daily rate.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz Dream Cars are rented through regular Hertz locations that stock luxury vehicles, not through a separate booking system or membership.
- Daily rates vary widely depending on the car, the location, and the season, and you should contact Hertz directly or check their website for current pricing on the specific vehicle you want.
- You must meet standard rental requirements: a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, a credit card for the deposit, and typically be at least 25 years old (age requirements vary by location and vehicle).
- The rental includes the car's insurance through Hertz, though you can decline it if your personal auto policy covers rentals — but read your policy first, as many don't cover exotic vehicles.
- Not all Hertz locations carry Dream Cars inventory, so you'll need to find a location near you that stocks the vehicle you want before you can book.
Finding a Hertz location that has Dream Cars inventory
Not every Hertz rental location carries exotic vehicles. Hertz Dream Cars are concentrated in major cities and tourist destinations where demand is higher and the company has dedicated staff to manage high-value inventory. Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, New York, and San Francisco typically have the largest selections, but you'll find Dream Cars at some locations in other cities as well.
Start by visiting Hertz's website and using their location finder. Search for the city or airport where you want to rent, then contact the location directly by phone to ask whether they have Dream Cars available and what vehicles they currently stock. This step is important because inventory changes; a location might have a Ferrari one month and none the next. A phone call takes five minutes and tells you whether the car you want is actually available before you spend time on the booking process.
If your nearest Hertz doesn't carry Dream Cars, you have two options: travel to a location that does, or look into other luxury rental companies in your area. Some independent luxury rental agencies operate in cities where Hertz doesn't stock exotic vehicles, though their pricing and terms will differ from Hertz.
How to book a Hertz Dream Car and what documents you'll need
Once you've confirmed that a location has the car you want, you can book through Hertz's website, by phone, or in person at the location. Online booking is usually fastest if the location allows it; phone booking lets you ask questions about the specific vehicle and any restrictions. When you book, you'll provide your rental dates, the vehicle you want, and your contact information.
At pickup, bring a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card in your name. Hertz will run a credit check and place a hold on your card for a deposit — this is not a charge, but a temporary hold to cover potential damage or fees. The deposit amount varies by vehicle; a high-end Ferrari will have a larger hold than a Porsche. You'll also sign a rental agreement that outlines the terms, mileage limits (if any), fuel policy, and damage liability.
Some locations require a second form of ID or proof of address. If you're under 25, some locations won't rent Dream Cars to you at all, while others charge a young driver surcharge. Call ahead to confirm the location's age policy for the specific vehicle you want.
Understanding the daily rate and what's included
Dream Cars daily rates start in the hundreds of dollars and can reach thousands, depending on the vehicle and the season. A Porsche 911 might rent for $300 to $500 per day; a Ferrari or Lamborghini could be $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Rates are higher during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays) and lower during slower periods. The only way to know the exact rate for the car and dates you want is to check Hertz's website or call the location.
The daily rate includes the vehicle, basic insurance through Hertz, and roadside information. It does not include fuel — you pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank, or you'll be charged for the missing fuel at Hertz's rate (which is typically higher than gas station prices). Some locations charge a mileage fee if you exceed a certain limit; others offer unlimited mileage. Ask about mileage terms when you book.
Taxes and fees are added to the daily rate. These vary by location and can add 10 to 20 percent to your total cost. The rental agreement will show the full breakdown before you sign.
Insurance and liability when you rent a Dream Car
Hertz includes basic liability insurance in the Dream Cars rental. This covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. However, damage to the rental car itself is typically covered only if you purchase Hertz's damage waiver or if your personal auto insurance covers rentals.
Before you rent, check your personal auto insurance policy. Call your insurer and ask specifically whether your coverage extends to rental cars and whether it covers luxury or exotic vehicles. Many standard policies do cover rentals, but some exclude high-value vehicles or have lower coverage limits for rentals than for owned cars. If your policy doesn't cover the rental, or if you're uncomfortable with the coverage limit, you can purchase Hertz's damage waiver at the rental counter. This waiver typically costs $25 to $50 per day and removes your financial responsibility for most damage to the car.
Read the rental agreement carefully. It will specify what damage is covered, what your deductible is (if any), and what damage is not covered — for example, damage from racing, off-road driving, or mechanical failure caused by misuse. Exotic cars are sensitive machines; driving them outside their intended use can void coverage.
Mileage limits, fuel policy, and return conditions
Most Hertz Dream Cars come with either unlimited mileage or a daily mileage limit (often 100 to 150 miles per day). Exceeding the limit costs extra, usually $1 to $3 per mile. Confirm the mileage policy when you book so you know what you're paying for.
You pick up the car with a full tank of fuel and must return it with a full tank. If you return it with less fuel, Hertz will charge you for the missing amount at their fuel rate, which is significantly higher than what you'd pay at a gas station. Plan your route so you can refuel near the Hertz location before you return the car.
Return the car clean and in the condition you received it. Hertz will inspect it for damage, dents, scratches, and interior condition. Minor wear is expected, but anything beyond normal use may result in a damage charge. If you cause an accident or damage the car, report it to Hertz when ready — don't try to hide it. The damage will be discovered at return, and failing to report it can result in higher charges and potential fraud claims.
Age requirements and driver restrictions
Hertz's standard minimum rental age is 25, but some locations allow drivers as young as 21 with a surcharge. For Dream Cars specifically, age requirements are often stricter. Some locations won't rent exotic vehicles to anyone under 30, while others have no age restriction but require a larger deposit from younger drivers. This varies by location and vehicle, so call ahead to confirm.
You must have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record. Hertz will check your license status and may run a background check. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you won't be able to rent. If you have recent traffic violations or accidents, some locations may decline to rent you a Dream Car, or they may require a larger deposit.
Some locations restrict Dream Cars to drivers with a certain number of years of driving experience. This is less common but worth asking about when you call to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a Hertz Dream Car if my insurance doesn't cover rentals?
Yes. You can purchase Hertz's damage waiver at the rental counter, which covers most damage to the car. The waiver typically costs $25 to $50 per day and removes your financial responsibility for accidental damage. Read the waiver terms to understand what is and isn't covered.
What happens if I get into an accident with a Dream Car?
Stop, call the police if anyone is injured, and exchange information with the other driver. Then call Hertz when ready to report the accident. Hertz will file a claim with their insurance and may charge you a deductible if you didn't purchase their damage waiver. If you purchased the waiver, your out-of-pocket cost is usually limited to the deductible amount, which is typically $500 to $1,000.
Are there restrictions on where I can drive a Dream Car?
Most rental agreements allow you to drive within the continental United States and sometimes into Canada or Mexico, but you should confirm the geographic limits when you book. Some locations restrict Dream Cars from off-road driving, racing, or towing. Violating these restrictions can void your insurance coverage.
Can I extend my rental if I want to keep the car longer?
Yes, if the car is available. Call Hertz as soon as you know you need an extension. If the car is booked for another customer, you won't be able to extend. Extensions are charged at the same daily rate as your original rental.
What if the Dream Car I booked isn't available when I arrive for pickup?
Call Hertz when ready. They should offer you an alternative vehicle of similar or greater value, or they should cancel your reservation and refund any deposit. If you've already traveled to the location and the car isn't available, ask about compensation for the inconvenience, though Hertz is not obligated to provide it.