Hertz Car Rental Review

Founded in Chicago in 1918 by an ambitious 22-year-old called Walter L. Jacobs, Hertz is one of the leading car rental companies in the world.

Currently, the business operates in over 160 countries, offering reliable and convenient vehicle hire for corporate and recreational use.

Well known for the quality of their fleet, value-for-money rates, and high levels of customer satisfaction, they offer everything from compact cars for city driving and luxury vehicles for a business trip to an SUV for a family road trip and campervans for a full-on camping adventure.

With thousands of locations in major airports, cities, and neighborhoods around the world, Hertz makes car rentals easy and accessible to everyone. This is why they are a trusted choice for many who enjoy their flexible booking options, rewards programs, and general commitment to safety.

Hertz also offers award-winning solutions such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, which allows frequent renters to enjoy faster pick-ups and exclusive member benefits.

When Does It Make Sense to Use Hertz?

Regardless of whether you are hiring their vehicle for business, leisure, or practical purposes, there are a variety of situations where choosing Hertz makes sense.

For instance, if you need a reliable vehicle for a road trip, Hertz offers a diverse fleet that ranges from budget fuel-efficient compact cars to top-of-the-range spacious SUVs. Additionally, for business travelers, Hertz provides premium and luxury vehicles that enable you to make a professional impression while benefiting from quick pick-up and drop-off services at many different locations.

Hertz is also an excellent choice for those needing a temporary vehicle, such as when your car is in for a service and others who need to drop the car off at a different field office from where they picked it up.

Additionally, for families, the company offers child-friendly options, including car seats and rear seat TV screens, which can be beneficial for those travelling with children.

When Doesn’t It Make Sense?

While Hertz is a trusted car rental company with an excellent reputation, there are situations where it may not be the most practical choice for you.

For instance, if you’re on a tight budget, Hertz’s rates can sometimes be higher than budget-focuses local or independent rental companies, especially for short-term rentals.

Hertz may also not be the best option for extremely short trips or if you only need a car for a few hours because, in such circumstances, ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft can be more convenient and cost-efficient and don’t require you to pick up and return a rental vehicle.

Additionally, if you’re traveling to a destination with excellent public transport, such as major cities like New York, London, or Tokyo, then renting a car may not be necessary and could even be more of a hassle due to traffic and parking costs.

If you’re under the age of 25, Hertz often charges young driver fees, which makes the overall rental a lot more expensive for younger people.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Vehicle From Hertz

Hertz is a well-established car rental company with numerous advantages, but like most businesses, it may also have some drawbacks depending on your requirements.

Here are some of the main pros and cons associated with the company, taken from feedback on their Google reviews and Reddit threads.

Pros:

One of the biggest benefits of booking with Hertz is its extensive global presence. Overall, it has more than 12,000 locations in airports, cities, and neighborhoods across 160+ countries, which makes it a convenient choice for domestic and international travelers.

Hertz also offers a diverse fleet that covers everything from budget-friendly compact cars to luxury models, SUVs, and electric vehicles. So, it caters to pretty much every customer’s preference and need.

Moreover, for frequent renters, the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program provides not only faster service but also the potential for upgrades and exclusive discounts.

Cons:

On the flip side, Hertz’s rentals can be more expensive compared to budget competitors, especially for short-term hires or young drivers who may face additional fees.

At the same time, while the fleet is extensive, availability for it can vary, particularly during peak travel seasons. Indeed, some customers have reported long wait times at certain pick-up locations, particularly busy airports.

Additionally, like many major rental companies, Hertz’s pricing structure includes add-ons such as insurance, GPS, and additional drivers, which can significantly increase the overall cost.

Booking Experience

Booking a rental car with Hertz is a straightforward process you can complete over the phone or on their website or mobile app. To do so, you’ll need to perform the following actions:

1. Enter Your Details – Start by selecting your pickup and drop-off locations, rental dates, and your preferred vehicle type.
2. Choose Your Car – Browse through all the available options and select the one most suitable for you.
3. Select Add-Ons – Hertz offers extras like GPS, child seats, additional drivers, and insurance coverage that you may want to include with your vehicle. They might increase the final cost, so choose them carefully.
4. Review Pricing & Payment – Hertz provides multiple payment options, including American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Chins Union Pay and Apple Pay, so pick the one you want to use.
5. Confirm Booking – after you have reviewed the total cost, including taxes and fees, you can then secure your reservation.

Overall, the Hertz booking experience is generally smooth. However, before making a reservation with them, it is essential to read their terms and conditions.

Some people have reported encountering hidden fees, such as young driver surcharges, late return penalties, or high insurance costs that have caught them out.

Important Things to Note Before Renting with Hertz

While it’s tempting to go ahead and make a reservation with Hertz because of its excellent reputation, there are some things you should be aware of before you do so.

They include the following:

Pricing & Hidden Fees

All of Hertz’s cars come at a base price. But if you want to add any optional extras to your booking, such as additional mileage or more comprehensive insurance, it will increase the cost.

You should also be aware that if you did not take out insurance, you might be hit with extra costs for any perceived damage that might have been done to the car whilst you were driving it.

To cover yourself, make sure you always take photos and videos of the vehicle when you pick it up and after you drop it off.

Insurance & Deposit Policies

Depending on where you are renting from, and if you are a Hertz member or not, you might need to pay a deposit for the vehicle. This could range from anywhere between $100 and $1000 and will need to be paid before you can hire the car.

It is always worth taking out insurance with any booking, though you should be aware that the cost can vary depending on what option you decide upon.

Vehicle Condition & Inspection

When picking up the vehicle after you’ve dropped it off, Hertz will assess its current condition.

Make sure you are paying attention when they do this, and, as previously mentioned, take time-stamped videos and photos of it for proof.

Cancellation & Refund Policies

Before you proceed with a booking, make yourself aware of Hertz’s cancellation and refund policy.

You might not need to use it. However, it would be good to know how flexible the policies are should you end up having to cancel or make a claim.

Customer Service

Hertz can be perceived as having a mixed reputation in customer service, although you should note that because they are a big multinational company, there will naturally be variances across countries and territories.

That said, many customers appreciate the convenience of its Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program, which speeds up the pick-up process and provides exclusive benefits. Additionally, the company also offers multiple support channels, including phone assistance, live chat, and in-person help at rental locations.

However, some travelers have complained about long wait times, unexpected fees, or challenges in resolving disputes, particularly regarding damage claims and refunds, so you should be aware of their potential if you do make a booking.

Alternatives to Hertz

For those who would rather not make a reservation with Hertz, there are various other car rental companies you can secure a vehicle from, including Enterprise, Avis and Budget.

All of these competitors are well-established companies that, like Hertz, have multiple offices around the world. Enterprise, for instance, has 9500 offices in over 100 countries, Avis has 5500 in 165 countries, and Budget 3400 in over 120 countries.

These companies should all provide viable alternatives depending on where you want to hire a vehicle from, and there are plenty of other companies, including Sixt, Dollar, Alamo, and National, that might offer cheaper alternatives on a local level.

Final Verdict: Should You Rent from Hertz?

Ultimately, Hertz is a reliable choice for many travelers, so, really, the choice of whether you rent from them is down to your personal preference.

If you are looking for vehicles that are available at budget or more flexible prices, it might be worth exploring other alternatives. Otherwise, Hertz is a great option if you want a reliable car from an established company with a good reputation.