Renting a car can be a convenient and affordable way to get around when traveling or for personal use. However, many people have found that their rental car experience ends up being more expensive than they initially anticipated, due to hidden fees. Hertz, one of the largest car rental companies in the world, is no exception. In this article, we will explore the various hidden fees that Hertz may charge, and provide tips on how to avoid them.
Fuel Fees
One of the most common hidden fees that Hertz charges is for fuel. If you rent a car, you may be offered the option of purchasing a full tank of fuel at the start of your rental period, or you can opt to return the car with an empty tank and pay for the fuel yourself. The problem with this option is that the price per gallon that Hertz charges for fuel is often significantly higher than what you would pay at a local gas station.
For example, if you rent a car for a week and choose to purchase a full tank of fuel, you may be charged $7.99 per gallon. If you were to purchase fuel at a local gas station, you would likely pay less than $3.00 per gallon. This means that you could end up paying more than double the price for fuel if you choose to purchase it from Hertz.
To avoid fuel fees, consider filling up the tank yourself before returning the car. If you do choose to purchase fuel from Hertz, be sure to compare the price per gallon with local gas stations to ensure you are getting the best deal.
Late Return Fees
Another common hidden fee that Hertz charges is for late returns. If you return your rental car later than your agreed-upon return time, Hertz may charge a fee of up to $10.00 per hour. This fee can quickly add up and end up being more expensive than the actual cost of the rental.
To avoid late return fees, be sure to return your rental car on time. If you need to extend your rental period, it is best to call Hertz ahead of time and let them know so that they can adjust your rental agreement accordingly.
Additional Driver Fees
Hertz also charges an additional fee for each additional driver that is added to the rental agreement. This fee can range from $13.00 to $15.00 per day, and can quickly add up if you are traveling with a group of people.
To avoid additional driver fees, consider designating only one driver for the rental car. If multiple people need to drive the car, it may be more cost-effective to rent multiple cars or use a ride-sharing service instead.
Equipment Fees
Hertz also charges fees for equipment rentals, such as GPS systems and car seats. These fees can range from $10.00 to $20.00 per day, and can quickly add up if you need the equipment for a prolonged period of time.
To avoid equipment fees, consider bringing your own GPS system or car seat with you. If you do need to rent equipment, be sure to compare the cost with other rental companies to ensure you are getting the best deal.
Insurance Fees
Finally, Hertz may charge fees for insurance coverage. While insurance is important for protecting yourself and your rental car, the cost can quickly add up. Hertz offers several different insurance options, including liability coverage, personal accident insurance, and personal effects coverage.
To avoid insurance fees, consider purchasing insurance coverage through your own auto insurance policy or credit card. If you do need to purchase insurance through Hertz, be sure to compare the cost and coverage with other options to ensure you are getting the best deal.
In conclusion, Hertz hidden fees can significantly increase the cost of your rental car experience. By being aware of the various fees that Hertz may charge, such as fuel fees, late return fees, additional driver fees, equipment fees, and insurance fees, you can take steps to avoid them and save money. Be sure to do your research, compare costs with other rental companies, and consider alternative options to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible.