Auto Insurance: Hertz's Cost And Coverage Options

Hertz offers a range of optional protection plans for its rental cars, including liability insurance supplements, loss damage waivers, personal accident insurance, and personal effects coverage. The cost of these protection plans can vary, but on average, rental car insurance costs between $30 and $60 per day. When deciding whether to purchase rental car insurance, it is important to consider the extent of your personal auto insurance coverage and whether your credit card offers any rental car insurance benefits.

Hertz's Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

LDW is not an insurance product, and any incidents do not need to be reported to your insurance company. While the Hertz CDW/LDW is included in your rental fee, it is subject to an excess. This means that if something happens to your rental car, you are financially responsible for this excess, which ranges between €950–€1500.

Hertz's SuperCover package lowers the excess for most cars to €0. The daily cost of this service is €28. Excess reduction fees can vary depending on the location and type of rental car being used.

Hertz also offers Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), which provides additional liability coverage above the minimum limits required by the state where the rental takes place. SLI is optional and can be added to LDW at an additional cost.

Hertz's Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

Hertz Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is a type of protection offered by Hertz to cover renters against damage to a rental car. This includes all damage to the Hertz rental vehicle and coverage for vehicle theft up to the car's full value.

The CDW is included in the rental fee, but it is subject to an excess. This means that if something happens to the rental car, the renter is financially responsible for the excess, which ranges between €950 and €1,500.

To lower the excess, renters can purchase SuperCover from Hertz for €28 per day. This lowers the excess for most cars to €0. It's important to note that excess reduction fees may vary depending on the location and type of rental car.

Hertz also offers Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), which provides additional liability coverage above the minimum state-required limits. SLI is optional and can be added to the CDW for an additional cost.

The availability of Hertz's insurance coverage options may vary by location, so it's recommended to check with the local Hertz office to understand the specific plans available.

Hertz SuperCover Protection

Hertz SuperCover is an optional insurance add-on that waives liability for local excesses that would otherwise be charged in the case of damage to a rental car or its theft. It typically includes accessory cover, except for Sat Navs and broken or lost keys. SuperCover has limitations on cover for damage to the tyres, wheels, glass (including chipped windscreens, lights and mirrors), the roof or underbody of the car. It does not cover misfuelling.

SuperCover is available from $44 per day on Hertz standard vehicles and from $60 per day on Prestige and Adrenaline Collections and other speciality vehicles. It is available at selected locations and prices may vary depending on the vehicle category. SuperCover is not available on Dream Collection vehicles or heavy commercial vehicles.

SuperCover includes zero excess to pay for any damage to the vehicle, including glass and tyre damage. It also waives your liability for loss or theft of the vehicle, and includes premium roadside assistance. It covers death or major injury to the renter or passengers, and medical and hospital expenses for non-Australian residents. It also covers loss of or damage to possessions in the vehicle.

There are no fees for additional drivers, surcharges for drivers aged 21-24, or fees for returning a vehicle early. There are also no additional charges for towing.

SuperCover does not include tolls and associated administration fees, fuel, or infringements such as speeding or parking fines.

The cost of SuperCover can vary depending on location and the type of rental car being used. For example, in Denmark, Norway and Portugal, the excess is reduced but not eliminated. SuperCover can only be purchased by those over 25 and must be purchased at the time of pick-up at the rental desk, not online.

Hertz's rental requirements

To rent a vehicle from Hertz, you must meet their rental requirements. Here is some information on Hertz's rental requirements:

Credit Qualifications/Requirements

To qualify to rent a Hertz vehicle, you must present a current driver's license and a valid major credit or debit card in your name with available credit at the time of rental. The credit/debit card provided will have an authorization hold to cover the estimated rental charges and any additional charges. This hold will be for an amount of up to $200 for credit cards and $500 for debit cards, plus the estimated rental charges.

Debit Card Usage

Debit cards are not accepted for Premium vehicles and above, including Tesla, Dream Cars, and Adrenaline Cars, or for Prepaid (PayNow) rentals. At selected locations in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, a major credit card and full-coverage insurance are required to rent specific vehicle groups, including the Ford Transit 12 psgr, Porsche Macan, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Age Restrictions

There are age restrictions for rental holders under 25 in some countries, and additional charges may apply for those under 25.

Additional Driver

If someone other than the person making the reservation will be driving the rental car, they must be added as an Additional Driver on the contract and present a valid driver's license when picking up the vehicle.

Driver's License

The renter and any additional drivers must have a valid driver's license held for at least one year.

Late Arrival

If you do not arrive at the specified pick-up location within an hour of the scheduled time, your reservation will expire. Be sure to contact Hertz as soon as possible if you anticipate arriving late.

Hertz vs. CarInsuRent

When it comes to renting a car, one of the most important considerations is insurance. While Hertz offers its own rental car insurance, it's worth comparing it with other options like CarInsuRent to ensure you're getting the best coverage at a competitive price.

Hertz Rental Car Insurance:

Hertz offers several types of rental car insurance to protect renters against loss or damage to their rental vehicles. The most common type is the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) protection, which waives the renter's financial responsibility for any loss or damage to the rental car, regardless of fault. This means that if something happens to the rental car, Hertz will cover the costs, which can range from minor repairs to the full value of the vehicle in case of theft. The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) offered by Hertz also covers all damage to the rental vehicle and provides theft coverage.

However, it's important to note that both the LDW and CDW options come with an excess fee. This means that if you need to make a claim, you will be responsible for paying an excess amount, which can range from €950 to €1500. To reduce this excess, Hertz offers SuperCover, which lowers the excess to €0 for an additional daily fee of €28.

CarInsuRent:

CarInsuRent is a third-party insurer that offers an alternative to Hertz's rental car insurance. One of the biggest advantages of CarInsuRent is its low cost. Their daily coverage starts at $6.49, while their annual policy is priced at $94.90. This is significantly more affordable than Hertz's SuperCover option.

In addition to its low cost, CarInsuRent provides comprehensive coverage. It covers baggage and personal belongings up to $1,500, includes rental car key replacement, and covers exorbitant rental company fees, such as loss of use and towing charges. CarInsuRent also covers single-vehicle accidents, even if the damage or theft was not the renter's fault. Their annual policy provides worldwide coverage for up to 45 days, making it a convenient option for frequent travellers.

When comparing Hertz and CarInsuRent, it's clear that both options offer protection for rental cars. However, CarInsuRent stands out for its affordability, comprehensive coverage, and customer service. With CarInsuRent, you can save money while still having peace of mind during your rental period. Their responsive and efficient claims process, as evidenced by customer reviews, further adds to their appeal. Therefore, if you're looking for rental car insurance, CarInsuRent could be a more cost-effective and reliable choice compared to Hertz's in-house insurance options.

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