Driving for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be a flexible and rewarding way to earn income. However, not everyone has access to a qualifying vehicle. That’s where rental car programs from companies like Hertz, in partnership with Uber and Lyft, come into play. If you’re considering driving for Uber or Lyft and need a car, understanding these rental programs is crucial. This guide will walk you through the Hertz rental program for rideshare drivers, detailing how it works, its benefits, costs, requirements, and more, empowering you to make an informed decision about getting on the road and earning.
Renting a Car for Uber and Lyft: How the Hertz Program Works
The Hertz rideshare rental program, primarily designed for Uber drivers, offers a straightforward process to get you behind the wheel and earning. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:
1. Sign Up with Uber and Indicate Your Need for a Vehicle:
Begin by creating an account with Uber. During the sign-up process, or within your Partner Dashboard if you’re already a driver, indicate that you require a vehicle to drive. Look for the “Vehicles” section and find the Hertz option, usually labeled “Rent a Vehicle.” This initial step signals your interest in the Hertz rental program to both Uber and Hertz.
2. Reserve Your Rental Car Online:
Once you’ve expressed interest through Uber, you’ll gain access to vehicle offers from Hertz. You can then select a suitable vehicle and schedule a pick-up appointment at a participating Hertz location convenient for you. Keep in mind that a minimum 7-day rental reservation is typically required to participate in this program. This ensures a commitment to utilizing the rental for rideshare driving.
3. Pick Up Your Hertz Rental Vehicle:
On your scheduled date and time, head to the designated Hertz rental location to pick up your car. Remember to bring your valid driver’s license and a credit or debit card for payment. It’s important to note that Hertz typically does not accept prepaid or stored value cards for the initial rental payment. At pickup, you’ll finalize the rental agreement and receive your vehicle.
4. Extend Your Rental Period (If Needed):
The Hertz program offers flexibility. You can extend your initial 7-day rental up to three times, each extension lasting for another 7 days. This allows for continuous rental periods of up to 28 days. After each 28-day period, you will need to return the vehicle to the original Hertz rental branch to initiate a new 28-day rental contract if you wish to continue renting. This cyclical return and re-rental process is a standard requirement of the program.
5. Returning Your Hertz Rideshare Rental:
When your rental period concludes, return the vehicle to the same Hertz branch location where you initially picked it up. Don’t forget to bring any original rental paperwork with you for a smooth return process. Ensure the car is returned within the agreed timeframe to avoid any late return charges.
Apply Now to Drive with Uber and Hertz
Benefits of the Hertz Uber/Lyft Rental Car Program
Renting through the Hertz rideshare program provides several advantages for drivers:
- No Long-Term Contracts: Enjoy the freedom of short-term rentals without being locked into lengthy contracts. This flexibility is ideal for drivers who want to test out ridesharing or need a car for a specific period.
- Included Protection and Maintenance: Standard maintenance for the vehicle is included in the rental agreement, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses for regular upkeep. Liability protection is also provided while you are driving for Uber, offering peace of mind on the road.
- Unlimited Mileage: Drive as much as you need for both Uber driving and personal use without worrying about mileage restrictions. This is a significant benefit for maximizing your earnings and personal vehicle needs.
- Vehicle Damage Protection: Benefit from included vehicle damage protection, offering coverage in case of accidents or damage to the rental vehicle. This protection helps limit your financial responsibility for vehicle repairs.
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance: Drive with confidence knowing that 24-hour roadside assistance is available 365 days a year. Help is just a phone call away in case of breakdowns or emergencies.
Hertz Rideshare Rental Program: Rate and Costs
Understanding the costs is essential. The base weekly rental rate for the Hertz Uber program starts at $214 per week. It’s important to remember that this base rate excludes applicable taxes, fees, gasoline costs, and any other potential additional charges you might incur. Additionally, Hertz will collect a refundable security deposit of $200 when you pick up the rental car. This deposit is returned to you upon the satisfactory return of the vehicle, provided there are no outstanding charges or damages.
Eligibility and Requirements for Hertz Uber Rentals
To participate in the Hertz Uber rideshare rental program, you need to meet certain requirements:
- Good Standing with Hertz: Your Hertz account must be in good standing, meaning no outstanding issues or previous negative rental history.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years of age or older to be eligible for the program.
- Valid Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is mandatory to rent and operate a vehicle.
- Valid Credit or Debit Card: You need a valid credit card or debit card for payment. While debit cards are accepted, ensure it’s not a prepaid or stored value card for the initial rental transaction.
- Authorization Hold: Hertz will place an authorization hold on your credit or debit card at the time of rental. This hold covers the estimated rental charges plus the $200 security deposit. The authorized amount will be temporarily unavailable in your account.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hertz Rideshare Rentals
Q: What are the minimum and maximum rental periods?
A: A minimum rental period of seven days is required. You can extend your rental for up to three additional 7-day periods. After 28 days, the vehicle must be returned to the original Hertz branch to initiate a new rental agreement.
Q: How do I sign up for the Hertz and Uber driver program?
A: Begin by creating an account or logging into your existing Uber Partner Dashboard. Indicate you need a vehicle and select “Rent a Vehicle” under the Hertz options. You’ll then be guided through the vehicle selection and pickup appointment scheduling process.
Q: What are the qualification requirements for renting under the Hertz Uber program?
A: You must apply to drive with Uber and be approved. Once approved by Uber and to rent from Hertz, you need to: be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, possess a valid credit or debit card, and have a Hertz account in good standing.
Need More Information?
For more detailed information and answers to a wider range of questions, visit the comprehensive Hertz Rideshare FAQs page.
Disclaimer: Please refer to the Hertz and Uber websites for the most up-to-date terms, conditions, and program details. Liability and damage protection details are subject to specific terms and may vary based on location and applicable laws. Review your rental agreement for complete information.
