What Hertz offers through Uber's rental platform

Hertz is one of several car rental companies available through Uber's rental marketplace. When you book a Hertz vehicle through Uber, you are renting directly from Hertz — Uber is the platform connecting you to their inventory and handling the booking. Hertz sets the daily or weekly rate, handles the vehicle condition and insurance options, and manages the rental agreement you sign at pickup.

The rental process starts in the Uber app under the Uber Eats or Uber services section (exact location varies by app version and region). You enter your pickup location, desired dates, and vehicle type. Hertz locations near you appear with available cars and prices. You complete payment through Uber, then pick up the car at the Hertz location on your rental start date.

Hertz rental rates through Uber vary by location, season, and vehicle type. A compact car might cost $40 to $80 per day in one city and $60 to $100 in another. Weekly rates are typically lower per day than daily rates. Prices shown in the Uber app include the base rental cost; insurance, fuel options, and tolls are separate charges added at pickup or checkout.

Key Takeaways

  • Hertz vehicles booked through Uber are rented from Hertz directly, with Uber serving as the booking platform and payment processor.
  • You must be at least 21 years old (25 in some locations) and have a valid driver's license and credit card to rent from Hertz.
  • Rates vary by location and season, and the price shown in the Uber app does not include insurance, fuel charges, or tolls.
  • You pick up the car at a physical Hertz location on your rental start date and return it by the agreed time to avoid late fees.
  • Hertz offers its own insurance options at pickup, and your personal auto insurance or credit card may also cover rental vehicles depending on your policy.

Age, license, and payment requirements

Hertz requires you to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle, though drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge (usually $15 to $25 per day). Some vehicle types, such as premium or specialty cars, have a minimum age of 25. You must present a valid driver's license at pickup — an expired license will not be accepted, even if you have a renewal notice.

A credit card in your name is required to complete the rental. Hertz uses the credit card to place a hold for the rental cost plus a damage deposit (typically $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle). Debit cards are not accepted for the hold, though some locations may accept them for payment if you also provide a credit card for the hold. The hold is released when you return the vehicle in good condition.

You must also provide proof of insurance at pickup. This can be your personal auto insurance card, a credit card that covers rental vehicles (check your card's benefits), or Hertz's own insurance products purchased at pickup. Without proof of coverage, Hertz will require you to purchase their Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver product before you can take the vehicle.

How pricing and fees work

The daily or weekly rate shown in the Uber app is the base rental cost. This price is locked in when you book through Uber and does not change if you extend the rental later. However, several charges are added at pickup or when you return the vehicle.

Insurance is the largest variable cost. Hertz offers a Damage Waiver (typically $15 to $30 per day) that reduces your liability if the car is damaged. A Loss Damage Waiver (usually $20 to $35 per day) covers theft as well. If you decline Hertz insurance and have an accident, you are responsible for repair costs up to the vehicle's value. Your personal auto insurance or credit card rental coverage may cover these costs, but you will need to file a claim with them after returning the car.

Fuel charges depend on the plan you choose at pickup. A full-to-full plan means you pay for a full tank of gas upfront and return the car empty — you keep any unused fuel. A full-to-empty plan charges you for a full tank whether you use it or not. A prepaid fuel plan lets you buy fuel in advance at a set price per gallon, usually higher than market rates. Tolls, parking fees, and traffic violation fines are charged to your credit card after the rental ends.

Pickup, return, and extension policies

You pick up your rental car at the Hertz location you selected when booking. Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. The Hertz agent will inspect the vehicle with you, note any existing damage on the rental agreement, and explain the fuel and insurance options. This inspection protects you by documenting the car's condition before you drive it.

Return the car by the time and date specified in your rental agreement. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate depending on how late you are. A car due at 5 p.m. that is returned at 5:30 p.m. may be charged a partial day rate; a return at 8 p.m. may be charged a full additional day. Hertz locations have varying grace periods — some allow 29 minutes free, others charge when ready. Check your agreement for the specific policy at your location.

To extend a rental, contact Hertz directly by phone or visit the location before your return time. Extensions are subject to availability and may be charged at a higher rate than your original booking. Extending through Hertz directly is faster than canceling the Uber booking and making a new one.

Insurance options and what your existing coverage may include

Hertz offers two main insurance products at pickup. A Damage Waiver reduces your out-of-pocket cost if the car is damaged — you pay the daily waiver fee instead of repair costs, though you may still owe a deductible ($500 to $1,500 depending on the product). A Loss Damage Waiver covers both damage and theft, with similar deductibles. Neither product covers liability — damage you cause to other vehicles or property — so you need separate liability coverage through your personal insurance or credit card.

Your personal auto insurance may cover rental vehicles if your policy includes rental car coverage. Check your policy documents or call your insurer to confirm the coverage limits and deductible. Some policies cover only damage, not theft; others exclude rental cars entirely. If your policy does cover rentals, you can decline Hertz insurance and use your own coverage, saving the daily waiver fee.

Many credit cards offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit. American Express, Visa, and Mastercard products often include this; check your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer. Coverage typically applies only if you charge the entire rental to that card. Like personal auto insurance, credit card coverage varies — some cards cover damage only, others cover theft, and some exclude certain vehicle types or rental companies.

Cancellation and changes to your booking

Cancellation policies vary depending on the rate you booked. Standard rates often allow free cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before pickup; non-refundable rates do not. Check your Uber booking confirmation for the specific cancellation important date and refund terms. If you cancel within the allowed window, the charge is removed from your payment method within 3 to 5 business days.

To cancel, open the Uber app, find your Hertz booking, and select the cancellation option. You will see whether the cancellation is free or if a fee applies. Confirm the cancellation, and Hertz will receive notice. Do not straightforward skip the pickup — Hertz may charge your credit card for the full rental period if you do not cancel formally.

Changes to pickup or return dates, vehicle type, or location must be made through Hertz directly, usually by phone. Uber's app does not allow modifications after booking. Call the Hertz location where you booked or Hertz's main reservation line. Changes are subject to availability and may result in a price adjustment — you may owe more if rates have risen, or receive a credit if rates have fallen.

What to do if there is damage or a dispute

Inspect the vehicle thoroughly at pickup before you drive away. Open all doors, check for dents, scratches, and interior stains, and note anything on the rental agreement. Take photos of the car's condition if possible. This documentation protects you if Hertz later claims you caused damage you did not cause.

If you damage the car during the rental, report it to Hertz when ready. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. Hertz will assess the damage and charge your credit card according to your insurance coverage. If you purchased a Damage Waiver, you pay the daily waiver fee and any deductible; if you declined insurance, you pay the full repair cost. If you have personal auto insurance or credit card coverage, you can file a claim with them after the rental ends.

If Hertz charges you for damage you believe you did not cause, contact Hertz customer service with photos from pickup and your rental agreement. Disputes are typically resolved within 30 days. If you cannot reach agreement with Hertz, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company, which will investigate and may reverse the charge if you provide evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a Hertz rental through Uber if I do not have a credit card?

No. Hertz requires a credit card in your name to complete a rental because they need to place a hold for the rental cost and damage deposit. Debit cards cannot be used for the hold. You must have a valid credit card to rent from Hertz through Uber or any other channel.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late returns are charged at your daily rate or a higher hourly rate depending on how late you are and the Hertz location's policy. A 30-minute late return might be free or charged as a partial day; a return several hours late is typically charged as a full additional day. Check your rental agreement for the specific grace period and late fees at your location.

Do I need to buy Hertz insurance if I have my own auto insurance?

Not necessarily. If your personal auto insurance includes rental car coverage, you can decline Hertz insurance and use your own policy. However, you must have proof of coverage at pickup — your insurance card or a letter from your insurer confirming rental coverage. If you do not have coverage, Hertz will require you to purchase their insurance before you can take the vehicle.

Can I extend my rental after I pick up the car?

Yes. Contact Hertz directly by phone or visit the location before your return time to request an extension. Extensions are subject to availability and may be charged at a different rate than your original booking. Extending through Hertz is faster than canceling your Uber booking and making a new reservation.

What if Hertz charges me for damage I did not cause?

Report the charge to Hertz customer service with photos from pickup and your rental agreement showing the damage was not your responsibility. If Hertz does not reverse the charge, you can dispute it with your credit card company, which will investigate and may reverse the charge if you provide evidence of the pre-existing damage.