I’ve spent the past decade renting cars for work projects, cross-country rides, and long family vacations, and Hertz keeps ending up on my booking screen. After countless pick-ups and drop-offs across airports, city centers, and small towns, here’s why I still rely on them — and a few lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Why I Keep Choosing Hertz
Hertz has been around for more than a century, and you feel that experience the moment you walk up to the counter. Whether I’m in Chicago, Paris, or a small coastal airport, I can usually spot their yellow sign and know I’ll get the same smooth process. Their fleet is consistently newer than most competitors I’ve tried, and it shows in everything from the clean interiors to the quiet ride. I’ve rented compact cars for city errands, roomy SUVs for ski trips, and even a few luxury sedans for client meetings — all well-maintained and ready to roll.
Booking and Pick-Up Made Simple
Most of my reservations happen on the Hertz app while I’m boarding a flight. I enter pick-up and return times, choose the car, add a GPS or child seat if needed, and confirm. At the lot, I flash my license and credit card, and I’m on my way. If you join their Gold Plus Rewards program, you can skip the counter completely — one of the biggest time-savers for anyone like me who’s racing to the next meeting.
Pricing: What to Expect
Hertz sits in the mid-to-high price range. I’ve learned to double-check the final breakdown before hitting “book,” because add-ons like insurance, extra drivers, or GPS can push the total up fast. My tip: decide what you truly need and decline the rest. Take photos of the car at pick-up and drop-off too — standard advice, but it really helps avoid disputes over small scratches or fuel levels.
Loyalty Pays Off
Gold Plus Rewards has been worth it for me. Every rental earns points toward free days or upgrades, and the priority pick-up line has saved me hours during peak travel. If you want to jump straight to elite perks, there’s even a VIP Hotel Flights Fast Track that upgrades you to President’s Circle without meeting the usual rental requirements — a handy shortcut if you rent as often as I do.
How Hertz Stacks Up
I’ve tried Avis, Enterprise, Sixt, and Budget. Enterprise has great local service in the U.S., and Sixt can wow you with premium models, but Hertz strikes the best balance of fleet size, global coverage, and dependable service. Even when the daily rate is a bit higher, I find the consistency worth paying for — especially when I’m on tight schedules abroad.
A Few Watch-Outs
Not every location is perfect. I’ve occasionally encountered slower customer service when disputing a billing issue, and young drivers will see extra surcharges. During peak holidays, cars can sell out despite Hertz’s big network, so I always book early.
My Final Word
After years of long rentals, Hertz remains my go-to for reliability, clean cars, and a loyalty program that actually delivers. If you only need a car for a few hours or want the absolute rock-bottom price, a local outfit or a ride-share might be cheaper. But for frequent travelers or anyone planning long trips across states or borders, Hertz offers the peace of mind and consistency I’ve come to count on.
Read Also: Hertz Car Rental Reviews 2026: Service, Price & Tips.
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