What Uber's Hertz partnership offers
Uber partnered with Hertz to let drivers rent a car directly through the Uber app if they don't own one. When you open the Uber Driver app, you can see Hertz rental options alongside the option to drive your own vehicle. Hertz handles the actual rental agreement, insurance, and vehicle maintenance — Uber straightforward displays the offer and processes the booking through its platform.
This is not a loan program or a subsidy. You pay Hertz a daily or weekly rental rate, and that cost comes out of your Uber earnings. The rental includes insurance coverage, roadside information, and regular maintenance, so you don't pay separately for those services. The goal is to lower the barrier for people who want to drive for Uber but don't have a car to use.
Key Takeaways
- You book and pay for Hertz rentals through the Uber Driver app, and the rental cost is deducted from your Uber earnings.
- Hertz rentals include insurance, maintenance, and roadside information, so you don't need to arrange those separately.
- You must meet Uber's driver requirements (age, license, background check) before you can rent through Hertz.
- Rental rates vary by location and vehicle type, and you pay only for the days you actually rent the car.
- If you damage the car or rack up traffic violations, Hertz may charge you directly or end your rental agreement.
How to rent a car through Uber and Hertz
Open your Uber Driver app and look for the vehicle section. If Hertz rentals are available in your area, you'll see a "Rent with Hertz" option displayed alongside "Drive Your Own Car." Tap that option to see available vehicles, rental rates for your city, and the terms of the agreement.
You'll need to provide your driver's license, insurance information, and agree to Hertz's rental terms. Hertz will run a background check and review your driving record — this is separate from Uber's background check. Once approved, you can reserve a vehicle for the dates you want to rent. You pick up the car at a local Hertz location, and the rental period begins when you take possession of the vehicle.
The daily or weekly rate appears in your Uber Driver app and is automatically deducted from your earnings each week. You don't pay Hertz directly — the payment flows through Uber. If you stop driving or return the car early, your rental ends and you stop being charged.
What's included in a Hertz rental through Uber
The rental includes comprehensive and collision insurance, so you're covered if you're in an accident while driving for Uber. It also includes roadside information — if your car breaks down, you can call for a tow or repair without paying out of pocket. Regular maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections are covered, and you can take the car to any Hertz service center or approved mechanic.
The rental does not include fuel. You pay for gas yourself, though some drivers factor this into their earnings calculations. Tolls and parking fees are also your responsibility. If you incur traffic violations, parking tickets, or toll violations while driving the rental, you may be charged directly by Hertz or the relevant authority, and Hertz may pass those costs to you.
Requirements to rent a car through Hertz and Uber
You must first meet Uber's driver requirements: you need to be at least 18 years old (21 in some cities), have a valid driver's license, pass a background check, and have a clean driving record. Uber runs these checks before you can even see the Hertz rental option in your app.
Hertz then runs its own background check and reviews your driving record separately. Hertz may decline to rent to you if you have recent accidents, traffic violations, or a poor rental history with other companies. The specific standards vary by location, so you may be approved by Uber but declined by Hertz, or vice versa.
You also need a valid payment method on file with Uber so the rental charges can be deducted from your weekly earnings. If your earnings don't cover the rental cost in a given week, Uber will charge your payment method for the difference.
Rental rates and how much it costs
Hertz rental rates through Uber vary by city, vehicle type, and demand. A compact car might cost $40 to $60 per day in one city and $50 to $70 in another. Weekly rates are usually discounted compared to daily rates — you might pay $200 to $300 for a week instead of paying daily rates that would total more. Rates change seasonally and based on local demand for rental cars.
You can see the exact rate for your city and the specific vehicle before you book. The rate is locked in once you reserve the car. You pay only for the days you actually rent the vehicle; if you return it early, you're not charged for the unused days. If you keep it longer than your reservation, you'll be charged the daily rate for the extra days.
The rental cost is deducted from your Uber earnings each week. If you earn $800 driving that week and your rental costs $280, you receive $520. If your earnings don't cover the rental cost, Uber charges your payment method on file for the shortfall.
Damage, violations, and what happens if something goes wrong
If you damage the rental car, Hertz will assess the damage and charge you for repairs. Minor damage like small dents or scratches may fall under a damage waiver depending on your rental agreement, but major damage is your responsibility. Hertz may charge you directly or deduct the cost from your Uber account.
If you receive traffic violations, parking tickets, or toll violations while driving the rental, the citation goes to Hertz initially because Hertz is the registered owner. Hertz will then bill you for the violation and any associated administrative fees. These charges are separate from your rental cost and can add up quickly if you accumulate multiple violations.
If you fail to pay damage charges or violation fees, Hertz may suspend or terminate your rental agreement. You'll no longer be able to rent through the program, and you may be unable to drive for Uber until you resolve the issue. Hertz may also report unpaid charges to a collection agency.
Returning the car and ending your rental
To return the rental car, take it to any Hertz location during business hours. The attendant will inspect the vehicle for damage, check the fuel level, and process the return. Make sure the car is clean and in the condition you received it — Hertz may charge cleaning fees if the interior is excessively dirty.
Your rental ends on the date you return the car. You'll receive a final receipt showing the total rental cost, any damage charges, and any violations that were billed to you. After the return is processed, you can no longer drive that vehicle for Uber, though you can reserve a different car if you want to continue renting.
If you want to stop renting altogether, straightforward don't reserve another vehicle. Your Uber Driver account remains active, and you can switch back to driving your own car whenever you want. There's no long-term commitment or cancellation fee — you rent on a day-by-day or week-by-week basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Hertz rental car for purposes other than Uber driving?
No. The rental agreement with Hertz specifies that the car is for Uber driving only. Using it for personal errands, other rideshare services, or commercial purposes violates the agreement and can result in when ready termination and charges. Hertz tracks vehicle usage and may audit your account.
What happens if I get in an accident while driving the rental?
The insurance included with the rental covers accidents that occur while you're driving for Uber. Report the accident to Hertz and Uber when ready. You may have a deductible depending on your rental agreement — typically $500 to $1,000. Hertz will handle the claim with its insurance company, and you won't be responsible for the full repair cost if the accident wasn't your fault.
Can I rent a Hertz car through Uber if I have bad credit?
Hertz does not typically run a credit check for rentals through Uber because payment is deducted from your Uber earnings, not charged to a credit card. However, Hertz will review your driving record and rental history. If you've had unpaid rental charges or violations with other companies, Hertz may decline to rent to you regardless of your credit score.
What if my Uber earnings don't cover the rental cost in a week?
Uber will charge your payment method on file for the difference. If you earn $150 but your rental costs $280, Uber charges your card $130. If your payment method declines or you don't have one on file, your rental may be suspended until the balance is paid.
Can I switch to a different vehicle mid-rental?
You can return your current rental and reserve a different vehicle, but you'll need to return the first car to a Hertz location and pick up the new one. There's no in-app swap. The new rental starts when you take possession of the second vehicle, and you're charged separately for each rental period.