What Uber's Hertz partnership offers
Uber partnered with Hertz to let some drivers rent a car through Uber's app instead of going directly to Hertz or another rental company. The arrangement lets you rent a vehicle by the day, week, or longer, then use it to drive for Uber. Hertz handles the actual rental — you pick up the car at a Hertz location, return it there, and pay Hertz directly or through the Uber app depending on which rental terms you choose.
This is not a discount program or a subsidy. You pay Hertz's standard rental rates. The main difference from renting a car on your own is that the rental is built into Uber's driver onboarding, so you can see rates and book without leaving the app. Hertz also offers some rental terms designed specifically for Uber drivers — for example, daily rates that account for the mileage you'll put on the vehicle while driving.
Key Takeaways
- You rent the car from Hertz at Hertz's rates; Uber is the platform connecting you to the rental, not the landlord or the discounter.
- You must have an active Uber driver account and meet Hertz's rental requirements — a valid driver's license, insurance, and a credit card — before you can book.
- Rental terms vary by location; not all Hertz locations participate, and availability changes based on Hertz's inventory and demand.
- You are responsible for the car's condition, mileage, fuel, and any damage or traffic violations while you have it, just as you would be with any rental.
Who can rent through Uber and Hertz
To rent a car through this partnership, you need an active Uber driver account in good standing. That means you must have completed Uber's driver onboarding, passed a background check, and have no active safety or policy violations on your account. Uber's requirements vary slightly by city, but all drivers must be at least 21 years old (some locations require 25 for certain vehicle types).
You also have to meet Hertz's rental requirements. Hertz requires a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card in your name. Some locations require you to be at least 25 years old. If you have a poor driving record or recent accidents, Hertz may decline to rent to you even if Uber approves you as a driver. Check with your local Hertz location or call their reservations line to confirm their specific rules before you book through the app.
How to find and book a rental
Open the Uber app and look for the "Rent a Car" or "Uber Hertz" option, usually found in the menu or under a dedicated tab. The exact location varies by app version and your city. Tap it to see available vehicles, rental periods, and daily rates at Hertz locations near you.
Select the vehicle type, pickup date, and rental length. The app will show you the total cost and any terms specific to that rental — for example, whether mileage is unlimited or capped. Review the terms carefully, because rental agreements can include mileage limits, fuel policies, and damage waivers that affect your cost. Once you confirm, you'll receive a reservation confirmation in the app with a pickup time and location.
Go to the Hertz location at your scheduled time with your driver's license, proof of insurance, and the credit card you used to book. Hertz will complete the rental paperwork, inspect the vehicle with you, and hand over the keys. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. When your rental period ends, return the car to the same Hertz location, and Hertz will inspect it again and process your return.
What you pay and what's included
Daily rental rates through Hertz vary by location, vehicle type, and demand. Rates are typically higher on weekdays and lower on weekends, though this varies. You'll see the exact daily rate and total cost in the Uber app before you confirm the booking, so you know the full price upfront.
Most Hertz rentals for Uber drivers include unlimited mileage, which is important because you'll accumulate miles while driving. However, some locations or vehicle types may have mileage caps or overage charges — the app will specify this before you book. Fuel is usually your responsibility; you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, or you pay Hertz's fuel surcharge if you return it empty.
Damage waivers and insurance are separate. Hertz offers optional damage waiver coverage that reduces your liability if the car is damaged. Your personal auto insurance may or may not cover a rental vehicle, so check your policy before you rent. If you decline Hertz's damage waiver and damage occurs, you could be responsible for the full repair cost.
Insurance and liability while you're driving
When you drive a rental car for Uber, you are responsible for any accidents, traffic violations, or damage that occurs. Hertz's rental agreement makes this clear: you are liable for the vehicle's condition. If you get a speeding ticket or are in an accident, you pay for it — not Hertz, not Uber.
Your personal auto insurance may not cover a rental vehicle, especially if you're using it for commercial purposes like Uber driving. Contact your insurance company before you rent and ask whether they cover rental cars used for rideshare. If they don't, you'll need to purchase additional coverage through Hertz or a third-party insurer. Driving without adequate coverage puts you at serious financial risk.
Uber's insurance covers you while you have a passenger in the car, but it does not cover the rental car itself or damage to the vehicle. That coverage comes from Hertz's rental agreement and your own insurance. Read both carefully so you understand what you're responsible for.
Returning the car and ending the rental
Return the car to the same Hertz location where you picked it up on or before your rental end date. Arrive with a full tank of fuel unless you've arranged otherwise. Hertz will inspect the car for damage, check the mileage, and process your return. If there is damage beyond normal wear, Hertz will charge you for repairs. If you exceed any mileage cap, you'll be charged an overage fee per mile.
Once Hertz completes the return inspection, your rental is finished and you can resume driving your own car or book another rental if you need one. The rental charges will appear on the credit card you used to book, usually within a few days. If Hertz charges you for damage or overages, those charges will also appear on your card.
Alternatives if Hertz rentals aren't available in your area
Not all cities have Hertz locations participating in Uber's rental program, and availability changes. If Uber's Hertz option isn't available where you are, you can rent a car directly from Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, or other rental companies on your own. You can also explore car-sharing services like Turo or Zipcar, though these typically charge by the hour or day and may have different rules for commercial use like Uber driving.
Some drivers buy a used car outright or finance one through a bank or dealership. This removes the rental cost but adds maintenance, insurance, and registration expenses. Compare the total cost of renting versus buying over the time period you plan to drive for Uber before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Hertz rental car for Uber Eats or other Uber services?
Yes. The rental car can be used for any Uber service — UberX, Uber Eats, Uber Comfort, or others — as long as the vehicle meets that service's requirements (for example, a certain model year or condition). Check the Uber app to confirm the car qualifies for the services you want to drive.
What happens if I damage the car during my rental?
You are responsible for damage. Hertz will assess the damage at return and charge you for repairs. If you purchased Hertz's damage waiver, your out-of-pocket cost is reduced or eliminated depending on the waiver terms. Without a waiver, you pay the full repair bill. Document the car's condition with photos when you pick it up so you have proof of pre-existing damage.
Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer?
Yes, usually. Contact Hertz directly or use the Uber app to request an extension before your rental end date. Hertz will charge you for the additional days at the daily rate. Availability depends on whether Hertz has another rental booked for that vehicle, so extend as soon as you know you need more time.
Do I need my own insurance to rent through Hertz?
Check your personal auto insurance policy first. Many policies do not cover rental vehicles or commercial use. If your policy doesn't cover rentals or Uber driving, you must purchase coverage through Hertz or another insurer before you drive. Driving without coverage is illegal and puts you at financial risk.
What if I return the car late?
Hertz charges a late fee, usually per hour or per day depending on how late you are. The exact fee is in your rental agreement. If you know you'll be late, call Hertz as soon as possible to see if you can extend the rental instead of incurring a late fee.