What Uber and Hertz offer together
Uber partnered with Hertz to let drivers rent vehicles directly through the Uber app instead of going to a Hertz location. When you open the Uber app, you can see rental options alongside the usual ride-request screen. Hertz handles the actual rental — the car, insurance, maintenance — while Uber handles the booking and payment integration.
The partnership is designed for people who want to drive for Uber but don't own a car, or who want to add a second vehicle without buying one. You rent from Hertz, then use that car to accept Uber rides. Hertz bills you for the rental; Uber processes the booking and your earnings go to your Uber account as usual.
Key Takeaways
- You book and pay for the Hertz rental through the Uber app, and the daily or weekly rate appears as a charge against your Uber earnings.
- Hertz provides the car, insurance, and roadside assistance; you are responsible for gas, tolls, and parking.
- You must meet Uber's driver requirements (age, license, background check) before you can rent, and Hertz has its own rental requirements on top of that.
- The rental cost is deducted from your Uber account before you see your payout, so you need to earn enough each week to cover both the rental and your expenses.
- If the car breaks down or you have an accident, you contact Hertz directly, not Uber.
How the rental cost works
Hertz charges you a daily or weekly rate for the rental. The exact price varies by location, car type, and demand. When you book through Uber, you see the total cost upfront before you confirm. That cost is deducted from your Uber earnings each week — you don't pay Hertz separately.
The rental includes basic insurance through Hertz, but the coverage is limited. You are responsible for gas, tolls, parking fees, and any traffic violations. If you damage the car, Hertz may charge you a deductible or repair costs depending on the damage and your rental agreement. Read the terms carefully before you book, because the insurance does not cover every scenario.
Weekly rentals are usually cheaper per day than daily rentals, so if you plan to drive more than a few days, the weekly rate often makes more sense. You can return the car early and get a prorated refund, but Hertz charges a restocking fee in some cases.
What you need to may have access to for a Hertz rental through Uber
You must first meet Uber's driver requirements: you need to be at least 18 years old (21 in some cities), have a valid driver's license, pass a background check, and have proof of insurance. Uber runs these checks before you can drive at all, so if you are already an active Uber driver, you have already cleared this step.
Hertz adds its own requirements on top of Uber's. You typically need to be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance, and have a credit card in your name. Hertz may also check your driving record and credit history. If you have recent accidents, violations, or unpaid tickets, Hertz may deny the rental.
You will need to provide a credit card to Hertz even though Uber processes the payment. Hertz uses the card to place a hold for potential damage or unpaid fees. The hold is released when you return the car in good condition.
The math: whether the rental makes sense for your earnings
A Hertz rental through Uber costs money every day, whether you drive or not. If the weekly rate is $300, you need to earn at least $300 per week just to break even. After that, you still have gas, maintenance wear, tolls, and parking to pay for. The question is whether the rides you can accept will cover all of that and leave you with profit.
Uber's per-ride pay varies by city, time of day, and demand. In some cities, drivers earn $15 to $25 per hour after expenses. In others, it is closer to $10 per hour. Before you commit to a rental, check what other Uber drivers in your area report earning. Online forums and local driver groups often share real numbers. If the average hourly rate minus the rental cost leaves you with less than minimum wage, the rental is not worth it.
Also consider that Uber's pay fluctuates. A week with high demand might cover the rental easily; a slow week might leave you short. You are responsible for paying the rental fee regardless of how much you earn, so you need a financial cushion to cover weeks when rides are scarce.
Insurance and liability when you rent through Hertz
Hertz provides liability insurance as part of the rental, which covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. However, the coverage limits are often lower than what you would carry on a personal auto policy. Collision and comprehensive coverage (which covers damage to the rental car itself) come with a deductible, usually $1,000 to $2,500.
If you cause an accident, you are responsible for the deductible. If the damage exceeds the insurance coverage, Hertz may pursue you for the rest. Uber's own insurance covers you while you are actively on a ride, but gaps exist — for example, if you are logged into the app but have not accepted a ride yet, Uber's coverage may not apply.
Before you rent, ask Hertz exactly what the insurance covers and what it does not. Some renters add supplemental coverage through a credit card or personal insurance policy, though personal policies often exclude commercial use like Uber driving. Check your own insurance company's policy on rideshare before you rent.
Maintenance, breakdowns, and what happens if the car fails
Hertz is responsible for maintaining the car and keeping it roadworthy. If the engine fails, the transmission breaks, or the brakes need service, Hertz covers it. However, you are responsible for routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations if the rental agreement specifies that. Check the contract to see what Hertz expects from you.
If the car breaks down while you are driving, contact Hertz roadside assistance immediately. Hertz will tow the car and provide a replacement or refund your rental for the days you could not use it. You cannot drive for Uber without a car, so a breakdown can cost you income for several days. This is a real risk of renting rather than owning.
Wear and tear is normal, but excessive damage is your responsibility. If you return the car with new dents, stains, or mechanical problems beyond normal use, Hertz will charge you. Take photos of the car before you drive it and document any existing damage in the Hertz app or with the rental agent.
How to book and return the car
Open the Uber app and look for the vehicle rental section, usually near the top of the screen. Select the dates and location where you want to pick up the car. The app shows available vehicles, the daily or weekly rate, and the total cost. Confirm your booking and you will receive a confirmation code.
Go to the Hertz location at the time specified in your confirmation. Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and the credit card in your name. The Hertz agent will inspect the car with you, document any existing damage, and hand you the keys. This inspection is important — make sure the agent notes every scratch and dent so you are not charged for pre-existing damage when you return it.
When you are done driving, return the car to the same Hertz location. The agent will inspect it again, check the mileage and fuel level, and process your return. If there is damage beyond normal wear, Hertz will estimate the repair cost and charge your credit card. Your rental charge is deducted from your Uber earnings automatically; you do not need to do anything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a Hertz car through Uber if I have bad credit?
Hertz may still rent to you, but it depends on their underwriting. Bad credit does not automatically disqualify you, but Hertz may require a larger security deposit or deny the rental outright. Contact Hertz directly to ask about your specific situation before you book through Uber.
What happens if I get in an accident?
Contact Hertz roadside assistance immediately and report the accident. Hertz will file a claim with their insurance. You are responsible for the deductible, which is usually $1,000 to $2,500. If the damage is severe, Hertz may total the car and end your rental. You will still owe the deductible and any rental fees through the date of the accident.
Can I return the car early and get money back?
Yes, Hertz will prorate your refund if you return the car before the rental period ends. However, Hertz may charge a restocking or early return fee depending on the location and rental agreement. Check the terms before you book to see if an early return fee applies.
Do I need my own car insurance if I rent through Hertz?
Hertz provides insurance as part of the rental, so you do not need your own policy for the rental car. However, your personal insurance does not cover the rental car, so do not rely on it. Confirm with Hertz what their insurance covers before you drive.
What if Uber deactivates my account while I am renting a car?
You are still responsible for paying the rental fee to Hertz, even if you cannot drive for Uber. If your account is deactivated, you cannot earn money to cover the rental cost. Contact Hertz immediately to discuss your options, which may include returning the car early or negotiating a settlement.