Hertz Review

Hertz is one of the most recognized car rental brands globally, operating in 150+ countries after emerging from bankruptcy restructuring. The company has invested heavily in fleet modernization, including a significant push into electric vehicles, but still faces challenges with pricing and consistency.

Hertz has invested billions in fleet modernization since emerging from bankruptcy, and the results are visible in the vehicle selection. The fleet now features newer models across all categories, with a notable push toward electric vehicles including Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, and Polestar 2. The EV investment positions Hertz as a leader in sustainable rental options. The traditional fleet covers all standard categories from economy to luxury, with strong representation from both American and international automakers. Premium and specialty vehicles are available at major airport locations, including performance cars and high-end SUVs through the Hertz Dream Cars collection. The electric vehicle fleet deserves special attention. Hertz operates one of the largest rental EV fleets in the world, giving travelers the opportunity to experience electric driving without long-term commitment. Charging instructions and nearby station maps are provided with each EV rental, though the charging infrastructure experience varies significantly by location. Fleet availability can be inconsistent during peak travel periods, a challenge that predates the bankruptcy but has not been fully resolved. Booking well in advance for popular dates and locations is advisable. The Gold Plus program helps by providing guaranteed vehicle availability and the ability to choose your car from the Gold lot at airport locations.

Hertz pricing sits at the upper end of the market, reflecting the brand's premium positioning and airport-focused location strategy. Base rates are typically 10-20% higher than Enterprise and comparable to Sixt, though promotions can close this gap significantly for advance bookings. The pricing structure includes multiple rate tiers, from "Prepaid" with limited flexibility to "Pay Later" with free cancellation. Understanding the differences between these tiers is important, as the cheapest option often comes with strict cancellation penalties. Corporate and AAA rates provide meaningful discounts for eligible travelers. Electric vehicle rentals are priced at a premium over equivalent conventional vehicles, typically $10-20 more per day. However, the fuel savings from charging versus gasoline can offset much of this difference, particularly for longer trips. Hertz provides estimated fuel savings on EV listings to help travelers evaluate the true cost. Where Hertz pricing becomes less favorable is with add-ons and extras. Additional driver fees, GPS rentals, and insurance upgrades are priced at or above market rates. The counter upselling experience has improved since the restructuring but remains a common complaint. Pre-booking all desired extras online is the best strategy to control costs.

Hertz has modernized its digital experience significantly, with a redesigned app that offers streamlined booking, digital check-in, and real-time vehicle selection for Gold Plus members. The app interface is clean and functional, though not quite as polished as Sixt's industry-leading platform. The Gold Plus Rewards program is one of Hertz's strongest features. Members bypass the counter entirely at most airport locations, proceeding directly to the Gold lot where their name is displayed on a board with a vehicle assignment. The ability to choose a different vehicle from the lot, or upgrade by selecting a higher-class car when available, adds valuable flexibility. Hertz's electric vehicle features include in-app charging station maps, charging status monitoring, and estimated range calculations. For travelers new to EVs, the app provides tutorials on charging procedures and driving tips. These EV-specific features reflect genuine investment in making electric rental accessible. The Hertz Ultimate Choice program at major airports allows all customers (not just Gold members) to choose their vehicle from a designated lot, providing more control over the exact car you drive. This self-service model reduces counter wait times and gives travelers the satisfaction of picking their preferred color and features.

Hertz offers a standard insurance lineup including CDW (Loss Damage Waiver), Supplemental Liability Protection, Personal Accident Insurance, and Personal Effects Coverage. The basic CDW is included in the rental rate with a deductible of $500-3,000 depending on the vehicle class and location. The LDW upgrade that eliminates the deductible costs $20-35 per day, which is among the more expensive options in the industry. Supplemental Liability Protection adds $15-18 per day for $1 million in additional liability coverage. The total cost of comprehensive insurance can add $40-60 per day to your rental. Hertz's damage claims process has a mixed reputation. The company uses a sophisticated vehicle inspection system, and some renters report being charged for minor pre-existing damage that was not documented at pickup. Always inspect the vehicle thoroughly at pickup and document any existing damage with photos and by noting it on the rental agreement. For electric vehicle rentals, Hertz has adapted its insurance to cover EV-specific scenarios including battery damage and charging cable issues. This is a forward-thinking addition that addresses concerns unique to electric vehicles. The EV insurance terms are clearly explained during the booking process and at pickup.

Hertz customer support has improved since the post-bankruptcy restructuring, with investment in staff training and digital support channels. Phone support is available 24/7 for Gold Plus members and during extended business hours for general customers. Average wait times range from 3-10 minutes depending on the time and day. The Gold Plus dedicated support line provides faster access and agents who understand the loyalty program's benefits. General customer support handles a wide range of inquiries competently, though complex issues like cross-border rentals or EV-specific problems may require escalation to specialized teams. Digital support through the app includes FAQ access, booking modifications, and the ability to extend your rental without visiting a branch. The app's support chat feature connects you with agents during business hours and provides automated responses for common questions outside those hours. Post-rental support for billing disputes and damage claims is handled through a centralized team. Resolution times average 2-4 weeks, which is standard for the industry. Hertz's reputation for aggressive damage claims means travelers should be especially diligent about documenting vehicle condition at both pickup and return.