Exploring States: Hertz Rental Travel Options

When it comes to renting a car, there are often questions about what is allowed in terms of driving across state lines. While it is generally possible to drive a rental car out of state, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Most major national rental car companies in the US, including Hertz, do not restrict driving across state lines. However, smaller regional companies may have limitations due to their support networks. It is always recommended to check the fine print and be upfront with the rental company about your travel plans to avoid unexpected fees or violations of the rental agreement. Additionally, make sure to have a valid driver's license and be aware of any specific requirements or restrictions, especially when it comes to one-way rentals or international travel.

One-way rentals

However, it's important to note that one-way rentals typically come with an additional fee, also known as a "drop-off fee" or "inter-city fee". This fee covers the logistics of tracking and managing the car once it leaves a particular state. The fee can be steep, especially if you're driving away from a high-demand area.

When renting a car with Hertz, you must provide a valid driver's license from your state or country of residence. If your license is not in English, an International Driver's Permit is recommended. For international customers renting in the US, a valid international driver's license and passport are required.

Before embarking on your trip, it's always a good idea to disclose your plans to cross state lines to the rental company. This ensures there are no surprises and that you're aware of any potential fees or restrictions.

Mileage restrictions

When renting a car from Hertz, it's important to understand the mileage restrictions and limitations to avoid unexpected costs. Here's a detailed overview of what you need to know:

Hertz, a part of Hertz Global Holdings, is one of the major national rental car companies that generally do not restrict driving across state lines. However, it's essential to understand their mileage-related policies to ensure a hassle-free experience.

Firstly, when travelling domestically within the United States, Hertz typically offers unlimited mileage within a specific state. This means you can drive as many miles as you need without incurring additional charges. This is particularly useful if you're planning a road trip or exploring different areas within the same state.

However, when driving a rental car from one state to another, or across state lines, Hertz's policy usually incurs a per-mile charge. This charge is applied for each mile you drive over the allotted number of miles in your rental agreement. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully review the specific rules before embarking on your journey to avoid unexpected costs.

Additionally, keep in mind that Hertz charges $0.25 for each extra mile driven. This rate is relatively standard across the industry, but it can add up quickly if you're not careful. To avoid surprises, calculate the distance you plan to travel in advance and consider the number of miles included in your rental agreement.

To provide an example, let's say your Hertz rental agreement includes 300 miles, and you plan to drive 400 miles in total. In this case, you would need to pay for the additional 100 miles at $0.25 per mile, resulting in an extra charge of $25.

In conclusion, while Hertz does not typically restrict driving across state lines, understanding their mileage restrictions is essential. Review your rental agreement carefully, calculate your expected mileage, and consider the potential extra charges to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip.

Driving to Canada

Yes, you can drive a Hertz rental car from the US into Canada. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, make sure to inform the rental counter of your intention to drive into Canada. Additionally, ensure that your rental agreement allows for cross-border travel, as some rental companies have restrictions on crossing borders.

When driving into Canada, everyone in the vehicle must have a valid passport as per Canadian law. You will also need a valid driver's license and rental record. It is important to note that Liability Protection Letters, Certificates, or Stickers are not required when driving a Hertz rental car into Canada.

While driving a Hertz rental car into Canada is permitted, it is always a good idea to check with the rental company and review the terms and conditions of your rental agreement to avoid any unexpected fees or violations.

• Check the fine print and rental agreement for any mileage restrictions or one-way rental fees.
• Ensure that your rental car has the necessary equipment, such as a GPS navigational system.
• Be prepared for customs when entering Canada and have the necessary documentation ready.
• Check if there are any specific restrictions on driving in certain cities or areas within Canada.
• Consider purchasing additional insurance if needed.

Driving to Mexico

Driving a rental car out of state is typically allowed by most major national rental car companies in the US, but there are some differences between providers, car categories, and regions.

Hertz Global Holdings, which includes Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty, does allow its vehicles to be driven out of state. However, there are some important things to keep in mind if you plan on driving to Mexico.

Firstly, you must purchase Mexico Insurance, which is mandatory to be in compliance with Mexican law. This insurance can only be purchased at the rental counter in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, and not online. It provides liability and asset protection, including coverage for collision, comprehensive coverage for the rental vehicle, medical expenses for vehicle occupants, and liability for injury and/or damage to third parties.

Additionally, only certain vehicles are permitted to be driven into Mexico, and they cannot be dropped off there. You must also be aware that Mexican law does not allow Mexican citizens to bring a US vehicle into Mexico or operate one within the country, and Mexico Insurance cannot be sold to Mexican citizens.

A Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP) is also required to take a vehicle across the border into Mexico from other countries, except within the free or border zone, which is between 12 to 16 miles from the US-Mexico border. It is recommended that you carry three copies of your driver's license and other relevant documents, as well as the necessary visas and passports for all occupants of the vehicle.

It is always a good idea to let the rental company know your plans in advance and to carefully review the terms and conditions of your rental agreement to avoid any unexpected fees or violations of your contract.

ID requirements

When renting a car from Hertz, you must present the following ID requirements:

• A valid driver's license issued by the United States or a foreign country. An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is required if your national driver's license is not in Roman script. An IDP is also mandatory for non-European Union renters, except for those from Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. If your driver's license is issued by the People's Republic of China, Japan, or Korea, you may need to present an official Hertz Certification form along with your license. If your license is issued in Vietnam, you must present the original license along with an authorised translation issued by the Vietnamese Ministry of Transport.
• A valid credit card with sufficient credit available and embossed with the same name as the driver's license.
• An additional credit or debit card embossed or printed with the same name as the driver's license.
• Proof of insurance.
• A return airline ticket or itinerary in the same name as the driver's license.

Hertz may accept an alternate non-government form of ID if the above identification is not presented. The acceptability of the alternate ID will be determined when presented at the time of rental. However, Hertz reserves the right to reject any ID at its sole discretion.

It is important to note that, while most major national rental car companies do not restrict driving across state lines, some smaller regional companies do. Therefore, it is recommended to check the fine print and disclose your plans to cross state lines when renting a vehicle to avoid any surprises or additional charges.

Frequently asked questions