Hertz Review

Hertz is the oldest and one of the most recognized car rental brands in the world. Founded in 1918 in Chicago, the company has operated for over a century and built a global network that spans more than 150 countries. After emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2021, Hertz has undergone significant restructuring, refreshing its fleet and investing in electric vehicles, including a notable partnership with Tesla. Today, Hertz operates under the Hertz Corporation umbrella alongside Dollar and Thrifty, giving the parent company a broad market reach from premium to value segments. Hertz positions itself firmly in the premium tier of the rental market. Its pricing reflects this positioning: daily rates are typically 10-20% higher than mid-range competitors like Avis or Enterprise for comparable vehicle categories. The brand targets travelers who prioritize reliability, brand recognition, and the convenience of an established global network over the lowest possible price. Business travelers and loyalty program members form the core of Hertz's customer base, though the brand also attracts leisure travelers at major airport locations worldwide.

Hertz maintains a large and diverse fleet covering all major vehicle categories. Economy and compact options are available for budget-conscious bookings, but Hertz's real strength lies in its midsize, full-size, SUV, and premium categories. The brand has invested heavily in fleet modernization since its 2021 restructuring, and average vehicle age has improved noticeably across most locations. Hertz made headlines with its ambitious electric vehicle program, ordering 100,000 Tesla Model 3 vehicles in 2021. While the company later scaled back this commitment and sold off a portion of its EV fleet, Hertz still offers one of the largest electric vehicle selections among major rental brands at select locations, particularly in the United States. Beyond EVs, Hertz offers specialty vehicles through its Dream Cars collection, which includes premium brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche at participating locations. The Hertz Prestige Collection provides access to luxury SUVs and sedans. Vehicle category availability varies significantly by location -- airport locations in major markets offer the widest selection, while smaller neighborhood locations may have limited premium inventory.

Hertz operates at the premium end of the pricing spectrum. Base daily rates for economy and compact cars are typically EUR 35-55 per day in European markets and USD 40-65 in the United States, though rates vary significantly by location, season, and advance booking period. Where Hertz can deliver strong value is through its loyalty program and corporate rate structures. Gold Plus Rewards members at Five Star status receive waived additional driver fees, free vehicle class upgrades when available, and priority service that reduces counter wait times. For frequent renters, these benefits can offset the higher base rates compared to mid-range competitors. Standard Hertz rentals include collision damage waiver (CDW) in European markets but not in the United States, where CDW is an additional charge typically ranging from USD 15-30 per day. Additional driver fees run approximately EUR 13-15 per day in Europe. Young driver surcharges apply for renters under 25 at most locations. Fuel policy options include full-to-full, which is the most economical choice for renters willing to refuel before return, and prepaid fuel, which offers convenience at a premium. Airport surcharges and concession recovery fees add 10-15% to the base rate at major airports.

Global coverage is one of Hertz's strongest competitive advantages. With more than 12,000 locations across 150+ countries, Hertz offers broader geographic reach than most competitors. This network spans major international airports, city centers, suburban neighborhoods, and even some rural areas in key markets. In the United States, Hertz maintains a dominant airport presence with counters at virtually every major and mid-size airport. In Europe, coverage is strong across Western and Southern Europe, with growing presence in Eastern European markets. The Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America are served primarily through franchise partnerships that maintain Hertz brand standards but may vary in service consistency. Airport locations typically offer the widest vehicle selection and longest operating hours, including 24-hour service at major hubs. Off-airport neighborhood locations provide an alternative with generally lower daily rates but more limited hours and vehicle availability. Hertz's Express Return service at major airports allows Gold Plus Rewards members to drop off vehicles and receive automated email receipts without counter interaction, streamlining the return process significantly.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is one of the most established loyalty programs in the car rental industry. Membership is free at the base Gold level, which provides accelerated pickup through the Gold counter and vehicle assignment notifications via the Hertz app. The program operates on a tier structure. Gold members earn points on every qualified rental. Points can be redeemed for free rental days, with each free day valued at approximately USD 50-80 depending on vehicle class. The Five Star tier, achieved after 10 qualifying rentals or 20 qualifying rental days within a calendar year, unlocks the most valuable benefits: guaranteed vehicle class upgrades when available, free additional driver privileges, waived underage fees for renters 20-24, and priority service at participating locations. President's Circle, the highest tier, requires 20 rentals or 40 rental days and adds benefits like premium vehicle access and priority vehicle assignment. Hertz partners with major airlines including Delta, United, and American, allowing members to earn airline miles in addition to Hertz points. Credit card partnerships with American Express and Capital One offer additional earning opportunities and complimentary Gold Plus Rewards status.

Customer service at Hertz is a mixed experience that varies significantly by location. Major airport locations in the United States and Western Europe generally deliver professional, efficient service, though wait times during peak periods can be substantial -- 20-40 minutes at busy airport counters is not uncommon. The Hertz app and online check-in have improved the digital experience. Gold Plus Rewards members can bypass the counter entirely at many locations, walking directly to their assigned vehicle in the Gold lot. This Skip the Counter feature, when it works smoothly, is one of the best pickup experiences in the industry. However, Hertz has faced criticism for its post-rental billing practices. Reports of incorrect damage charges and disputed toll fees have generated negative attention, though the company has implemented improved vehicle inspection processes and clearer dispute resolution procedures. Customer support via phone can involve long hold times, and resolution timelines for billing disputes average 2-4 weeks.