Hertz Car Rental Program for USAA Members: Your Comprehensive Guide

The Hertz Car Rental Program For Usaa Members offers exclusive benefits and discounts, making car rentals more affordable and convenient for those affiliated with the U.S. military and their families. This guide will explore the ins and outs of this program, ensuring you understand how to maximize your benefits and enjoy a seamless rental experience.

Unlocking Benefits with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

A cornerstone of the USAA Hertz partnership is the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program. USAA members are strongly encouraged to enroll in this program to fully leverage the available perks. Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages:

Bypass the Counter: At numerous Hertz locations globally, Gold Plus Rewards members can skip the long lines at the rental counter. Your vehicle is pre-assigned based on your preferences set in your Hertz Gold Plus Rewards profile, streamlining the pickup process.
Earn Rewards Points: For every U.S. dollar spent on qualifying rentals worldwide, you earn 1 point. These points accumulate quickly and can be redeemed for valuable rewards.
Redeem Points for Free Rentals: Accumulated points can be redeemed for free rental days, weeks, and more. The program even offers Anytime Rewards, which are free rental days without any blackout dates, providing ultimate flexibility.
Easy Points Redemption: Redeem your points effortlessly, 24/7, through the hertz.com website, putting you in control of your rewards.
Points that Last: Your points remain active and do not expire as long as you complete at least one rental transaction every 24 months, ensuring your hard-earned rewards are always within reach.
Enhanced Services: Enjoy access to existing Hertz enhanced services like Hertz Gold Choice, Carfirmations, and eReceipts, further simplifying and improving your rental experience.
Hertz Gold Choice: As a Gold Plus Rewards member, Hertz Gold Choice gives you the power to select any vehicle from the designated Gold Choice area, offering flexibility beyond your initial reservation.

Hertz Carfirmation® and Ultimate Choice®: Taking Control of Your Rental

Hertz Carfirmation® and Hertz Ultimate Choice® are innovative services designed to provide greater control and convenience to your rental experience.

Hertz Carfirmation®: Mobile Updates at Your Fingertips

Carfirmation is a mobile alert system exclusively for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members. This system sends real-time mobile alerts directly to your phone, informing you about your assigned car and its parking location. This eliminates guesswork and gets you on the road faster.

Hertz Ultimate Choice®: You Choose, You Drive

Hertz Ultimate Choice empowers you to select the vehicle that best suits your needs directly from the available inventory. This service simplifies the process, ensuring “the car you choose is the car you drive.”

How Hertz Ultimate Choice Works:

Reservation Confirmation: After booking your rental, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Hertz if your pickup location is an Ultimate Choice location.
Vehicle Selection: Gold Plus Rewards members can bypass the counter and proceed directly to the designated zone corresponding to their membership status. Non-members should visit the counter for directions to their assigned zone. Once in the zone, you are free to choose any vehicle that meets your needs and preferences from the available selection of makes, models, and colors.
Exit and Go: Once you’ve selected your vehicle, simply proceed to the exit gate to finalize the rental agreement and begin your journey.

Hertz Gold Choice®: Flexibility and Freedom in Vehicle Selection

Hertz Gold Choice, a complimentary service for Gold Plus Rewards members, provides an added layer of flexibility. While Hertz typically pre-assigns a vehicle based on your reservation and profile, Gold Choice allows you to adapt to changing plans or preferences. Upon arrival at a Gold Choice location, you can visit the Hertz Gold Choice area and select any vehicle available in that section. Your rental agreement will be quickly processed at the exit booth, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. The core advantage is the assurance of a pre-assigned vehicle combined with the freedom to choose a different one if desired.

Exclusive Discounts and Rates for USAA Members

The USAA/Hertz partnership provides access to significant discounts on various rental rates, including:

Standard Rates
One-way Rates
Leisure Rentals
Promotional Rates

These discounts are applicable within the contiguous United States at participating Hertz locations. It’s important to note that rental rates in the travel industry are dynamic and can fluctuate based on factors like:

Time of booking
Rental location
Seasonality
Supply and demand

Hertz automatically applies the most cost-effective rate available to USAA members at the time of booking. Furthermore, USAA members can often combine these discounted rates with Hertz promotional offers (coupons) for even greater savings. Visit www.usaa.com/hertz to discover current coupons and maximize your savings.

Important Note: Quoted rates are estimates and final charges may vary based on the actual terms of your rental.

Minimum Rental Age and Underage Driver Fee Waiver

For USAA members, the minimum rental age in the U.S. is generally 18 years old. However, for rentals from the Prestige, Adrenaline, and Super Car Collections, the minimum age is 25. Exclusively for USAA members, Hertz waives the underage driver fee for renters aged 18 to 24. This benefit can save renters between $15 to $25 per day on every rental, making it significantly more affordable for younger USAA members.

How to Secure USAA Benefits: Your CDP Number

To ensure you consistently receive your Hertz car rental program benefits as a USAA member, it’s crucial to use your USAA Discount CDP (Customer Discount Program) number: 77694. This number must be used every time you make a reservation.

Convenient Reservation Methods for USAA Members:

Online: Visit www.usaa.com/hertz. The USAA CDP number will be automatically applied to your reservation.
USAA Mobile App: Access the USAA mobile application, navigate to “Shopping & Discounts,” and then select “Rental Car Discounts.”
Phone: Call the dedicated Hertz Reservation Center for USAA members toll-free at 1-800-654-9141.
Local Hertz Location: Contact your local Hertz rental location directly and provide your USAA CDP number (77694) when booking.

International Rentals and USAA Benefits

While USAA members can often receive discounts of up to 10% at participating international Hertz locations, it’s important to note that additional USAA program benefits, such as limited damage responsibility, are typically only applicable to rentals originating in the U.S.

Insurance Considerations for International Rentals: For international rentals, it’s highly recommended to confirm your personal auto insurance policy or credit card policy to understand your coverage in the rental country. If you determine your coverage is insufficient, consider purchasing Hertz’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) at the time of rental for added protection.

Note: CDW is an optional service that, if accepted, reduces your financial responsibility for damage to the Hertz vehicle, excluding theft, attempted theft, or vandalism, provided the vehicle is used according to the rental agreement terms.

Reservations and Discounts: Maximizing Your Savings

USAA members can access USAA discounts by using their CDP number, regardless of whether a prior reservation was made. However, making an advance reservation is strongly recommended. Benefits of booking in advance include:

Better Planning: Advance reservations assist in travel planning and logistics.
Lowest Rate Guarantee: You are more likely to secure the lowest possible rate available at the time of pickup. Generally, booking further in advance leads to lower rates.

Finding Hertz Coupons and Special Offers for USAA Members

To access Hertz special offers and coupons specifically for USAA members, visit www.usaa.com/hertz. For those without internet access, you can call the Hertz Reservation Center Toll-Free number for USAA members at 1-800-654-9141 and inquire about available special offers.

Note: Hertz often provides reusable special offers and coupons for USAA members that can frequently be combined with the standard USAA/Hertz program discount, leading to significant savings. Always review the terms and conditions of any coupon or special offer to confirm combinability.

Airline Rewards Points with USAA/Hertz Rentals

Yes, you can often earn airline rewards points for your USAA/Hertz rentals, although participation and earning rates can vary by airline. Consult your specific airline’s frequent flyer program policies for details. The Hertz Air Partners section on the Hertz website (https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/partner/index.jsp?targetPage=partnersView.jsp&partnerType=A&leftNavUserSelection=globNav_8_1) provides a comprehensive list of participating airlines and program details. To ensure you receive credit, simply request the Hertz representative to add your frequent flyer carrier and number to your rental at the time of pickup. Points are typically earned at participating locations.

Top Tips for an Optimal Rental Experience

To ensure a smooth and cost-effective rental experience, consider these key points:

Adhere to Reservation Dates and Times: Pick up and return your vehicle precisely on the dates and times specified in your reservation.
24-Hour Increments: Make reservations in 24-hour increments to avoid being charged for a full day for just a few extra hours.
Review Your Auto Insurance: Before renting, check your personal auto insurance policy to understand your rental vehicle coverage. Consider Loss Damage Waiver & Insurance offered by Hertz if your personal coverage is insufficient.
Vehicle Inspection: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any existing damage before leaving the rental premises. Document and report any damage to avoid potential issues upon return.
Fueling Options: Adhere to your chosen refueling option to avoid unexpected fuel charges.

Important Advice: Always inspect the vehicle thoroughly before leaving the premises, checking both the interior and exterior for any pre-existing damage.

Addressing Vehicle Cleanliness or Damage at Pickup

If your rental vehicle is not clean or exhibits noticeable damage at the time of pickup, immediately inform a Hertz agent at the location. Request that they document the vehicle’s condition before you leave the premises to prevent any disputes upon return.

Understanding One-Way Rentals

One-way rentals occur when you pick up a vehicle at one location and return it to a different location. While Hertz does not typically impose specific “one-way fees,” one-way rentals are subject to different rate structures compared to standard rentals.

Potential Reasons for Higher Final Charges

The initial rate quoted during reservation is an estimate. Several factors can lead to a higher final charge, including:

Rental Term Changes: Returning the vehicle earlier or later than scheduled.
Different Return Location: Returning the vehicle to a different location than the agreed-upon return location can result in a one-way rental rate and mileage charges.
Fuel Charges: Failure to replenish used fuel.
Additional Services/Products: Acceptance of optional services or products at the rental counter, such as navigation systems or insurance.
Vehicle Upgrades: Choosing to upgrade to a higher vehicle class at the time of rental.

Extra Hour or Day Charges Upon Return

Hertz provides a 29-minute grace period beyond the scheduled return time stated in your rental agreement. Returning the vehicle after this grace period will result in additional charges:

30 Minutes Late: An additional hour will be charged.
More Than 60 Minutes Late: A second additional hour will be charged.
Beyond 120 Minutes: Typically, an additional full day’s rental will be charged.

Refer to your rental agreement for specific details on additional charge rates.

Mileage Policies: Unlimited vs. Mileage-Based Rates

The majority of USAA/Hertz program rates include unlimited mileage. However, some rates may incorporate a mileage charge or a mileage cap with per-mile charges beyond the cap. Mileage-based rates are often associated with one-way rentals. Mileage rates can be requested during reservation or are standard for one-way rentals.

Note: Returning a vehicle to a different location than the pickup location will automatically convert your rate to a one-way rental rate, which includes mileage charges.

Mileage Charge Discrepancies

In rentals with mileage-based rates or caps, the mileage quoted during reservation is an estimate based on the distance between the pickup and return locations. This estimate does not account for additional driving during the rental period. The actual mileage charge will be calculated based on the vehicle’s odometer reading at return.

Benefits of Hertz Optional Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

USAA members are generally responsible for up to the first $5,000 in damage to a Hertz vehicle. Purchasing Hertz’s Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) offers significant protection by covering up to the total cost of the Hertz vehicle if it’s damaged.

Additional LDW Benefits:

Full Rental Period Protection: The vehicle is protected for the entire duration of your rental, up to its full value.
Coverage Regardless of Fault: Coverage applies regardless of who is at fault for the damage, provided there is no violation of the rental agreement terms.
Automatic Extension with Rental Extension: If you extend your rental period, LDW coverage automatically extends as well.
No Personal Insurance Claim: In the event of vehicle damage, you won’t need to file a claim with your personal auto insurance for damage to the Hertz vehicle.
No Deductible: You are not required to pay a deductible to Hertz in case of damage. (Note: This may not apply at Canadian Licensee Locations.)
Coverage for All Vehicle Sizes: LDW applies to any size vehicle.

Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS)

Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS) provides primary protection, offering the first USD 1,000,000.00 of combined bodily injury and/or property damage protection per occurrence. (Hawaii offers an extended LIS option of USD 2,000,000.00). In Colorado and New York, LIS also includes Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage up to USD 100,000.00 per occurrence for combined claims. (New York’s coverage has specific per-person and per-accident limits). In other states and D.C., uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage up to USD 1,000,000 per occurrence is available for an additional charge, but only if LIS is purchased. LIS is available for a daily fee and covers you and authorized drivers against third-party claims.

Uninsured Motorist Protection (UMP)

Uninsured Motorist Protection (UMP), available only after purchasing LIS and not offered in Colorado or New York, provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage caused by uninsured or underinsured third-party drivers up to USD 1,000,000 per occurrence. UMP is available for an additional daily charge and requires LIS purchase.

Personal Accident Insurance/Personal Effects Coverage (PAI/PEC)

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), combined with Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), allows you to elect coverage for accidental death and medical expenses for yourself and passengers during the rental period. PAI/PEC is available for an additional daily charge.

Note: Pricing for optional insurance coverages varies by location and car class. LDW pricing for a specific rental will be provided at the time of reservation.

Credit and Debit Card Policies for Reservations and Rentals

A credit or debit card in the renter’s name is required to reserve a vehicle. For non-prepaid rates, no charges are applied at booking. Debit card usage for reservations is subject to location-specific debit card policies.

Debit Card Acceptance for Rentals:

Airport Locations: Renters using debit cards at airport locations must provide proof of a return airline flight coinciding with the rental and present two valid forms of identification.
Off-Airport Locations: Renters must be at least 25 years old, present two valid forms of identification, and either provide a valid Corporate Discount Plan (CDP) number or proof of a return travel ticket (airline or cruise).

Exceptions to Debit Card Policy:

Debit cards are accepted for Gold Plus Rewards, Blue Chip, and Dollar Express members with a debit card already in their profile, without additional criteria.
Debit cards are accepted for Replacement Rentals without additional criteria.
Debit cards are not accepted for Dream Cars and Shelby GT-H Mustang rentals.
Debit cards are not accepted for retail rentals in certain metropolitan areas including New York, Hartford, Philadelphia, Boston, Manchester, Detroit, and Baltimore.

Prepaid/Stored Value Cards: Prepaid or stored value cards with a VISA or MasterCard logo are not accepted to qualify for rental but can be used as payment upon vehicle return. Valid credit cards and Cash Deposit Identification Cards continue to be accepted as usual.

Credit/Debit Card Hold: At rental pickup, an authorization hold will be placed on your credit/debit card to cover estimated rental charges plus potential additional charges. These funds will be unavailable for your use during the rental period. Using a debit card requires presenting a valid driver’s license and a second form of ID, like an additional credit card or employee photo ID.

Credit Checks for Debit Card Rentals

When using a debit card, a credit scoring process similar to credit applications is performed through Equifax at the rental location.

Explanation for Higher Credit/Debit Card Hold Amount

The authorization amount held on your credit or debit card at rental pickup is typically the estimated rental charges plus an additional $200. This extra amount is to cover potential incidental charges such as late return fees or refueling costs. Credit authorization holds cannot be waived. Additional authorization holds may be applied if the rental is extended or the original terms change.

Credit/Debit Card Hold After Vehicle Return

Upon vehicle return, the actual total rental amount is charged to your credit or debit card. The release of the initial authorization hold is managed by your card issuer, not Hertz. The timeframe for hold release varies by card issuer. Contact your card issuer directly for assistance with hold releases.

Toll Road Payment Options: PlatePass®

Hertz offers PlatePass® for electronic toll payment on numerous toll roads across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. PlatePass® allows you to bypass cash toll lanes, automatically charging tolls and a convenience fee to your rental credit card. PlatePass® is administered by American Traffic Solutions. Visit the PlatePass Products & Services page (https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/productservice/index.jsp?targetPage=USplatepass.jsp&leftNavUserSelection=globNav_3_5_1&selectedRegion=United%20States) for pricing and availability details.

Paying Tolls Without PlatePass®

If you prefer not to use PlatePass®, ensure the transponder box remains closed and pay tolls with cash (if available) or your personal toll transponder. Be aware that some toll systems may automatically activate PlatePass® if a toll is not paid directly, by reading the vehicle’s license plate.

Reasons for Wait Times at Pickup

Wait times at Hertz rental counters can occur due to various factors:

Transaction Complexity: Some customers require more time to complete their rental transactions.
Peak Demand: Seasonality, flight delays, local events, and peak demand periods can lead to simultaneous customer arrivals.

Hertz strives to serve customers as quickly as possible.

Note: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members can bypass counter lines at many locations and proceed directly to the Hertz Gold area for expedited service.

Avoiding Rental Counter Wait Times

Joining the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program provides expedited service at over 40 major airports and over 1,000 locations worldwide. Gold Plus Rewards members have their vehicles pre-assigned, eliminating counter wait times at many locations. USAA members can enroll in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards for free, saving $60 annually. Eligible USAA Gold Plus Rewards members may also receive a complimentary one-car-class upgrade, when available. Sign up for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership here.

Vehicle Substitution and Car Class Guarantees

Hertz generally does not guarantee a specific vehicle make or model. Efforts are made to provide a vehicle within the reserved car class. However, due to fleet availability and demand, vehicle substitutions may occur. In such cases, Hertz typically assigns a vehicle from a higher car class at the reserved rate. If a higher class vehicle is unavailable, a lower class vehicle may be offered with an adjusted rate.

Basic Rental Qualifications

Rental qualifications may vary by location. Generally, USAA members must:

Possess a valid driver’s license.
Be at least 18 years old (except for Prestige, Adrenaline, and Super Car Collections, which require a 25-year minimum age).
Have a credit/debit card with their name embossed on it.

For specific questions, contact your Hertz location or visit www.usaa.com/hertz, navigate to “Reservations,” select your destination, and click “Rental Qualifications and Requirements.”

Minimum Rental/Driving Age with Hertz USAA Program

The minimum rental age for USAA members in the U.S. is 18 years, except for Prestige, Adrenaline, and Super Car Collections, where the minimum age is 25 years.

Cash, Credit Card, and Debit Card Payment Options

Cash rentals are accepted with a Hertz Cash Deposit ID Card. Applications for this card are available at local Hertz offices. Applicants must be 18 or older, and processing takes approximately 30 days with a $15 nonrefundable fee. A Hertz Cash Deposit ID card can be used at any Hertz location.

Accepted Credit Cards: Hertz accepts American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, Hertz Charge Card, JCB, Optima Amex, and debit cards (not prepaid) with a VISA or MasterCard logo.

Note: Credit and debit cards must have sufficient available credit or funds to cover estimated rental charges plus up to $200 for incidentals. Stored value/prepaid/gift cards are not accepted for rental qualification but may be used for payment upon return if they cover the full rental amount.

Reservation Recommendations

While reservations are not mandatory, advance booking is highly recommended. Reservations help with travel planning and ensure you receive the lowest possible rate at pickup.

Making a Hertz Reservation as a USAA Member

Note: Always use your USAA Discount CDP # to ensure you receive USAA/Hertz benefits.

Reservation Methods:

Online: www.usaa.com/hertz (CDP number automatically pre-populated).
Phone: Call the USAA/Hertz Reservation Center at 1-800-654-9141.
In Person: Contact your desired Hertz location, inform them you are a USAA member, and book your reservation.
Mobile: Use the USAA mobile app, navigate to “Products,” then “Shopping & Discounts,” “Car Rental Discounts,” and the “Hertz” link.

Benefits of Making a Reservation

Reservations offer several advantages:

Lowest Rate Guarantee: Helps secure the best available rate.
Car Class Preference: Notifies Hertz of your preferred car class.
Efficient Rental Process: Ensures Hertz has necessary information to assist you quickly.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program Benefits for USAA Members

USAA members can enroll in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program for free (annual savings of $60). Program benefits include:

Points Earning: Earn points on all qualifying rentals.
Expedited Service: Expedited service at over 40 airports and 1,000+ locations.
Pre-Assigned Vehicles: Avoid counter lines at many locations.
Free Upgrades: Eligible for complimentary one-car-class upgrades (when available).

Reservation Cancellation Policies

General reservations can be canceled without penalty at any time. Charges apply in the following situations:

Guaranteed Reservations: Cancellation of a Guaranteed Reservation within 24 hours of pickup or no-shows incur a $100 fee.
Prepaid Reservations: Prepaid reservations are nonrefundable.

Note: Some rates or vehicle types booked through travel agents or Hertz phone reservations may require guarantees and have cancellation penalties.

Guaranteed Reservations Explained

Guaranteed Reservations are typically used for specialty vehicles like SUVs, minivans, and passenger vans. They require a credit card to secure the reservation. Cancelling a Guaranteed Reservation within 24 hours of pickup or failing to pick up the vehicle results in a $100 fee charged to the credit card on file.

Renting with Another Person’s Credit or Debit Card

No, the credit or debit card used for rental must be in the renter’s name, with the renter’s name embossed on the card. The renter must also present their valid driver’s license and will be designated as the primary renter.

Required Documents for Rental

USAA members need to present their valid driver’s license and a credit/debit card with their name embossed on it at the time of rental.

Note: Gold Plus Rewards members at Gold desks only need to present their driver’s license. At Gold canopies, they can proceed directly to their pre-assigned car and contract, showing their driver’s license at the exit gate. Sign up for Gold Plus Rewards here.

Pre-Paid Rentals: How They Work

Prepaid rentals involve paying for your rental in advance. Prepaid rates are often lower than pay-later rates. The prepaid amount is charged at the time of reservation and is based on your specified pickup and return dates. Prepaid amounts do not include optional services, fuel charges, or charges for extending the rental beyond the initial reservation period. Prepaid rates cannot be combined with promotional offers and are subject to availability. They are also not applicable to one-way rentals.

Note: If your reserved car class is unavailable at pickup, you will be provided with a vehicle in the next higher class at the same reserved rate. The USAA discount generally applies to prepaid rates.

Changes and Cancellations of Prepaid Reservations

Changes to prepaid reservations can be made at www.usaa.com/hertz before the reservation time and date. Changes may result in rate adjustments. If a prepaid rental is not cancelled and the customer does not pick up the vehicle, the entire prepaid amount is non-refundable.

Cancellation Fees for Prepaid Rentals:

Cancellations made more than 24 hours before reservation time: $50 fee.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of reservation time: $60 fee.

Mileage Fees: Unlimited vs. Limited Mileage Rates

The majority of USAA/Hertz program rates include unlimited mileage. However, some rates may include a mileage charge or a mileage cap with additional charges per mile over the cap. Contact the USAA/Hertz Reservation Center at 1-800-654-9141 to inquire about limited mileage rates, which may offer lower overall rental costs.

Counter Line Wait Times and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

Standard rental pickup often requires waiting in line at the counter to process paperwork and collect keys. However, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members receive expedited service at numerous airports and locations. USAA members can join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards for FREE (annual savings of $60).

Expedited Pickup for Gold Plus Rewards Members:

First Rental (After Enrollment): Visit the counter, present your driver’s license, and pick up your keys.
Subsequent Rentals: Skip the counter. Go directly to your assigned car (keys will be inside). Show your driver’s license at the exit gate.

Service Representative Questions and Recommendations

Hertz service representatives ask questions to ensure they provide the best customer service to USAA members and to help you select products and services that enhance your rental experience. Recommendations for different vehicles are based on training and experience, aiming to provide you with the most suitable car for your needs, based on availability. Ultimately, the vehicle choice remains yours.

Optional Coverage Products: LDW, LIS, UMP, PAI/PEC

Hertz offers optional coverage products like Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS), Uninsured Motorist Protection (UMP), and Personal Accident Insurance/Personal Effects Coverage (PAI/PEC). These coverages provide primary protection for the vehicle, third parties, or personal effects. It is the customer’s responsibility to determine whether to accept these optional coverages. Check with your personal insurance agent and credit card benefits for existing coverage. Refer to the “Loss Damage Waiver & Insurance” section for details on Hertz optional coverages.

Refueling Options

Hertz provides several refueling options:

Refuel Before Return: Refuel the vehicle to the same fuel level as at pickup immediately before returning it.
Hertz Refueling Service: Allow Hertz to refuel the vehicle upon return and pay for the necessary fuel plus a service and convenience fee.
Fuel Purchase Option (FPO): Purchase a full tank of fuel at a competitive rate at the time of rental.

Fuel Purchase Option (FPO) Explained

The Fuel Purchase Option (FPO) allows you to purchase a full tank of fuel at a competitive price at the start of your rental. FPO offers convenience, allowing you to return the vehicle with any fuel level without needing to refuel. FPO rates are often competitive with local gas stations.

Removing or Adding Fuel Purchase Option (FPO)

Once FPO is added, it cannot be removed unless you return the vehicle with a full tank of gas at an airport location only. Refunds are not issued for unused fuel with FPO. FPO must be added at the time of vehicle pickup and cannot be added upon return.

Fuel Charges Upon Return

If you decline FPO and do not refuel the vehicle to the same level as at pickup, you will be charged for the fuel needed to replenish the tank, plus service and convenience fees.

Fuel Level at Time of Rental

Many Hertz locations with on-site refueling stations typically rent vehicles with a full tank of gas. Locations without refueling stations may rent vehicles with less than a full tank. You are responsible for returning the car with the same fuel level as at pickup, unless you have chosen the Fuel Purchase Option (FPO).

Important Advice: Always inspect the vehicle thoroughly before leaving the premises, checking both the interior and exterior for any pre-existing damage.

Actions for Unclean or Damaged Vehicle at Pickup

If your rental vehicle is not clean or has noticeable damage at pickup, immediately inform a Hertz agent and have them document the vehicle’s condition before you leave the location.

Actions for Unclean or Damaged Vehicle at Return

Rental vehicles should be returned in the same condition as rented. Returning a vehicle in a dirty condition may result in a cleaning fee. If damage is noticed after leaving the Hertz location, contact the location immediately for guidance. You may need to bring the vehicle to a Hertz location to complete a Vehicle Inspection form.

Flat Tire Procedures

In case of a flat tire, call Hertz Emergency Roadside Service at 1-800-654-5060 for instructions and assistance. If Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) was not purchased, you may be responsible for the cost of the tire and any vehicle damage up to $5,000.

Accident Procedures

In case of an accident, call Hertz Emergency Roadside Service at 1-800-654-5060. Additionally, contact your insurance company at your earliest convenience to notify them of the accident.

Vehicle Damage During Rental (e.g., Windshield Crack)

If your rental vehicle is damaged, call Hertz Emergency Roadside Service at 1-800-654-5060. If Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) was not purchased, you may be responsible for vehicle damage up to $5,000.

Rental Day Definition

A rental day is defined as a 24-hour period, starting from your rental pickup time.

Late Vehicle Return Policy

Late returns can affect your rental rate. In the U.S., call 1-800-654-9141 to extend your rental. Extensions beyond a 12-hour grace period may incur a $10 Return Change Fee.

Late Return Grace Period and Charges:

Less than 29 minutes late: Typically no extra hour charges.
30 minutes late or more: Extra hour charges apply.
1 hour 30 minutes late or more: Usually results in a charge for an additional day.

Failure to call and extend your rental may result in a Late Return Fee of $12 per day, up to a maximum of $60. Contact the Rental Extensions department to avoid late return fees. If the return location is closed upon vehicle return, rental charges may continue until the location reopens.

Extending Your Rental

To extend your rental, contact your rental Hertz location or the Rental Extensions department at 1-800-654-4174 (24/7). Note that new rates and charges may apply.

Early Vehicle Return Policy

Returning your vehicle early may change your rental rate (daily, weekly, or monthly). Contact the Hertz for USAA reservation line (1-800-654-9141) or your local Hertz location to determine your rate with the new return time.

Vehicle Return Time

The vehicle is due back at the same time as the original pickup time on your scheduled return date. Refer to “What if I return my vehicle late?” for late fee information.

Location Closure at Vehicle Return

If the return location is closed when you return the vehicle, deposit the keys in the location’s secure key drop box (if available). If no key drop box exists, return the car the next day the location is open. Contact the location during business hours to check for a secure key drop box.

Note: Rental charges continue until the vehicle is returned during operating hours, even if returned after hours.

Fuel Charge Despite “Full” Gas Gauge

If you returned the vehicle with a full fuel gauge and were charged for fuel (and did not take FPO), contact Customer Service/Billing at 1-800-654-4173. If you chose the Fuel Purchase Option (FPO) at rental pickup, refueling is not required, and unused fuel is non-refundable. See the “Fuel” section for FPO details.

Refueling After Vehicle Return

No, you cannot take the car back to refuel after the rental has been closed out.

Higher Final Charge Than Initial Estimate

Several reasons can cause a higher final charge than the initial estimate:

Changes to Reservation Terms:
- Extending the rental period.
- Adding additional drivers.
Fuel and Service Charges.

Contact the return location or Customer Service/Billing at 1-800-654-4173 for charge details.

Changing Payment Method at Return

Yes, you can change the final payment method at vehicle return. Inform the agent and present a new credit or debit card or pay the full amount in cash.

Vehicle Damage Discovered at Return

If an agent finds damage upon vehicle return, you will be asked to complete an incident report, which is submitted to the Hertz Claims department for review. The Claims department will contact you within 30 days regarding the next steps. If LDW was purchased, you do not need to inform your insurance company. If LDW was not purchased, you may be responsible for the damage and should contact your insurance company promptly.

Disclaimer: Use of the term “member” or “membership” refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. Trademarks, logos and names of other companies, products and services are the property of their respective owners.