What Uber's Hertz partnership offers
Uber partnered with Hertz to let some drivers rent cars through Hertz instead of owning them outright. The program is called Uber Hertz, and it works by connecting Uber drivers to Hertz rental locations where they can rent vehicles on a weekly or daily basis. Hertz handles the rental agreement, insurance, and maintenance; Uber handles the driver matching and ride requests.
This is not a discount code or a special Uber membership. It is a direct rental arrangement between you and Hertz, with Hertz setting the rental rates and terms. Uber advertises the program to drivers who do not own a car but want to drive for Uber, and Hertz manages the fleet and paperwork on their end.
The partnership has existed in various forms since 2020, though availability, rental rates, and vehicle inventory change by location and over time. Not all Uber drivers use Hertz rentals, and not all cities have active Hertz rental programs tied to Uber.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Hertz is a rental agreement between you and Hertz, not a benefit provided by Uber itself.
- Rental rates, vehicle types, and insurance coverage are set by Hertz and vary by location and rental period.
- You must meet Hertz rental requirements (age, driver's license, credit card) in addition to Uber's driver standards.
- Hertz covers maintenance and roadside information on rental vehicles, but you are responsible for fuel and any damage beyond normal wear.
- Availability of Uber Hertz programs changes by city and season, so check with your local Hertz location or Uber driver support to confirm current options.
How rental rates and terms work
Hertz sets the weekly and daily rental rates for vehicles in the Uber Hertz program. These rates are not negotiated through Uber; you book and pay Hertz directly. Rates depend on the vehicle type, the rental location, the time of year, and current demand for rentals in your area.
A weekly rental typically costs less per day than a daily rental at the same location. Some Hertz locations offer discounts for multi-week rentals or loyalty programs, but these are Hertz policies, not Uber policies. You will see the full rental cost before you confirm the booking with Hertz.
The rental agreement includes insurance through Hertz, though the coverage level and deductible vary by location and rental type. You should review the insurance details in your rental agreement before you start driving, because you are responsible for any damage that exceeds the coverage or falls outside the policy terms.
Insurance and liability on a Hertz rental
Hertz provides physical damage insurance on the rental vehicle as part of the rental agreement. This covers damage to the car itself from accidents, theft, or vandalism. The deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket if there is damage) is set by Hertz and shown in your rental agreement.
Uber's insurance covers third-party liability — meaning damage or injury you cause to other people or their property while you are driving for Uber. This is separate from the Hertz physical damage coverage. Both policies work together: Hertz covers the car, Uber covers liability to others.
If you cause an accident, you report it to both Hertz and Uber. Hertz handles the damage claim on the rental vehicle; Uber's insurance handles any claims from the other party. You are responsible for the deductible on the Hertz policy if the damage is your fault.
Maintenance, fuel, and wear-and-tear
Hertz is responsible for scheduled maintenance on the rental vehicle — oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and repairs needed to keep the car safe and roadworthy. You do not pay for these services; they are included in your rental rate.
You are responsible for fuel. You must return the vehicle with a full tank, or Hertz will charge you for the fuel they add. Some Hertz locations offer a pre-paid fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront and return the car empty; check your rental agreement to see which option applies to you.
Hertz also covers roadside information — towing, lockouts, jump-starts, and flat tire service — at no extra cost to you. If your rental breaks down while you are driving for Uber, call Hertz roadside information and they will send help. You do not pay out of pocket for these services.
Normal wear and tear (worn tires, small dents, interior stains from regular use) is expected and not charged to you. Damage beyond normal wear — large dents, broken windows, interior damage from accidents — is your responsibility up to the deductible on your rental agreement.
Who can rent through Uber Hertz
To rent a car through Uber Hertz, you must meet both Hertz rental requirements and Uber driver requirements. Hertz requires you to be at least 21 years old (some locations require 25), have a valid driver's license, and have a credit card in your name. Hertz will run a background check and review your driving record.
Uber requires you to pass their driver screening, which includes a background check, driving record review, and vehicle inspection (if you were bringing your own car). Since you are renting through Hertz, Uber still screens you as a driver, but the vehicle inspection is handled by Hertz instead.
If you have been denied by Hertz or Uber in the past, or if your driving record has serious violations, you may not be able to rent through this program. Each company has its own standards, and both must approve you.
Finding Uber Hertz in your city
Uber Hertz programs are not available in every city. Availability depends on whether Hertz has a rental location in your area and whether Uber has an active partnership with that location. Some cities have multiple Hertz locations, but only one or two may participate in the Uber program.
To learn about Uber Hertz is available where you live, open the Uber Driver app and look for the "Vehicle" or "Rent a Car" section. If Uber Hertz is available, you will see Hertz locations and rental options listed. If nothing appears, the program is not currently active in your area.
You can also contact your local Hertz location directly and ask if they participate in the Uber rental program. Hertz staff can tell you the current rental rates, vehicle inventory, and rental terms for your location. Rental rates and availability change seasonally, so check back if the program is not available now.
Comparing Uber Hertz to other rental options
If you want to drive for Uber but do not own a car, you have several options: rent through Uber Hertz, rent from another car rental company, borrow a car, or buy a used car. Each option has different costs, flexibility, and responsibilities.
Renting from Uber Hertz means Hertz handles maintenance and roadside information, but you pay weekly rental rates that add up quickly. Renting from another company (Enterprise, Budget, Avis) may have different rates and terms, but you will not have the same integration with the Uber app. Buying a used car means you own the vehicle and keep all the income, but you pay for maintenance, insurance, and repairs yourself.
Borrowing a car from a friend or family member is free, but you need their permission, and you must make sure the car meets Uber's vehicle standards (age, condition, insurance). Uber's insurance may not cover a borrowed vehicle in all cases, so check Uber's policy before you start driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car through Uber Hertz if I have bad credit?
Hertz requires a credit card in your name to complete a rental, but they do not always require good credit. Some Hertz locations will work with you if you have a valid card and a clean driving record, even if your credit score is low. Contact your local Hertz location to ask about their specific credit requirements.
What happens if I get into an accident while driving for Uber in a Hertz rental?
Report the accident to both Hertz and Uber when ready. Hertz will file a claim on the physical damage to the car; Uber's insurance will handle liability to the other party. You will pay the deductible on the Hertz policy if the damage is your fault. Do not admit fault or sign anything at the scene — let the insurance companies investigate.
Can I use a Hertz rental car for other purposes besides Uber?
No. The Uber Hertz rental agreement is specifically for driving passengers through the Uber app. Using the car for personal trips, delivery services, or other commercial purposes violates the rental agreement and may void your insurance coverage. Stick to Uber rides only.
What if I want to end my Hertz rental early?
You can return the car to Hertz at any time, but you may owe an early termination fee depending on your rental agreement. Weekly rentals sometimes have cancellation policies that charge you for a minimum number of days even if you return early. Check your rental agreement or call Hertz to understand the cancellation terms before you sign.
Does Uber Hertz cover tolls and parking tickets?
No. You are responsible for any tolls you incur while driving and any parking tickets or traffic violations issued to the vehicle. These are your personal liability as the driver. Keep receipts for tolls if you want to deduct them from your Uber income for tax purposes.