Renting a car from Hertz gives you freedom — the ability to drive anywhere you need, whether it’s across the city or across state lines. But if you’re planning to take your Hertz rental car out of state, you might be wondering if there are any restrictions or special conditions involved.
Many renters assume they can drive anywhere they please once they have the keys, but that’s not always the case. Hertz, like most rental companies, has specific policies governing out-of-state and cross-border travel.
This detailed guide explains Hertz’s Out-of-State Travel Policy in simple terms. You’ll learn whether you can drive a Hertz car to another state, what conditions apply, how mileage and insurance are affected, what fees or exceptions you should watch out for, and how to avoid violating your rental agreement.
Whether you’re planning a business trip, a family vacation, or a cross-country road adventure, understanding these rules can help you avoid unexpected costs or penalties.
Understanding Hertz’s Out-of-State Travel Policy
Hertz allows most renters to drive their rental cars across state lines within the same country. In general, there are no strict prohibitions against out-of-state travel within the U.S. as long as you comply with the rental terms. However, the exact rules depend on the type of vehicle you’re renting, where you picked it up, and where you plan to go.
Some Hertz locations have restrictions, especially for specific vehicle classes (like cargo vans, luxury vehicles, or one-way rentals). The rental agreement you sign at pickup outlines these details. It’s essential to review that document before leaving the state, as violating these conditions can result in additional charges or voided coverage.
In essence, Hertz’s policy gives you flexibility, but with responsibility. You can drive between states — but there are boundaries when it comes to distance, vehicle type, insurance coverage, and where the car can be returned.
General Rules for Driving Out of State with a Hertz Rental
Here are the key principles governing out-of-state travel with Hertz in the United States:
- Driving within the U.S. is generally allowed: You can drive to any U.S. state unless specifically prohibited in your rental agreement.
- Vehicle type matters: Certain specialty or restricted vehicles may have geographical limits.
- Insurance and coverage vary by location: Protection plans purchased in one state may not automatically apply everywhere.
- Returning the vehicle to the same location is required unless you have a one-way agreement: Failing to do so may result in significant fees.
- Driving into restricted zones or international borders (like Canada or Mexico) requires special approval.
In short, Hertz gives you the freedom to cross state lines, but expects you to respect the limitations outlined in your contract. Always confirm these details before heading out on a long trip.
Which Vehicles Have Out-of-State Restrictions
Not all Hertz vehicles can leave the state freely. Restrictions are most common for the following categories:
- Cargo vans and moving trucks: Many Hertz Local Edition branches restrict these to in-state use only. They’re meant for local moves, not long-distance transport.
- Specialty vehicles: Luxury cars, exotic vehicles, and high-end models often have tighter geographic limitations to control mileage and wear.
- Commercial or business rentals: Fleet agreements for corporate customers sometimes specify limited travel zones.
- Electric vehicles: Some EVs have range limitations and are restricted to regions where compatible charging infrastructure is available.
When renting any of these types, you should always ask the representative whether the vehicle can be driven out of state. Even within the same vehicle class, rules can differ from one branch to another based on regional policies or state insurance laws.
Do You Need to Tell Hertz Before Driving Out of State?
Technically, Hertz does not require renters to report every out-of-state trip, but informing them can help you avoid problems later. For instance, if you plan to drive hundreds of miles across several states, notifying the pickup branch ensures they mark your account accordingly. This protects you in cases of roadside assistance, maintenance issues, or breakdowns far from your rental location.
Moreover, certain Hertz vehicles come with telematics or GPS-based tracking for safety and fleet management. While Hertz doesn’t monitor your every move, sudden, unexpected travel far beyond the pickup region may trigger automated flags in their system — particularly for high-value vehicles. A quick note at the counter before departure prevents misunderstandings or complications if assistance is needed during your trip.
Out-of-State Travel and Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage is one of the most important factors to consider when driving a Hertz rental out of state. Generally, coverage options you purchase from Hertz — such as the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS), or Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) — remain valid throughout the United States. However, there are some conditions:
- Coverage only applies within U.S. territories: Your protection plans cover you in all 50 states but not outside the country unless specified (for instance, driving into Canada requires confirmation).
- Local regulations may differ: Some states have unique insurance laws. If you get into an accident out of state, the local jurisdiction’s rules apply.
- Personal insurance limitations: If you rely on your own auto insurance, check whether your policy extends coverage to rental vehicles outside your home state.
- Credit card rental coverage: Many credit card policies also limit where you’re protected — usually covering you across the U.S., but not abroad.
If your trip involves multiple states, review all your coverage details before leaving. Contacting Hertz or your insurance provider can prevent headaches later if an incident occurs.
Mileage Considerations When Traveling Out of State
Hertz rentals generally include unlimited mileage for most standard vehicles, allowing you to travel freely between states without worrying about extra per-mile charges. However, this is not always the case for all vehicle classes.
- Unlimited mileage applies to most standard sedans, SUVs, and compact cars.
- Limited mileage rentals may apply to specialty, commercial, or luxury vehicles — exceeding those limits can lead to per-mile charges.
- Local rental promotions sometimes limit mileage to a specific radius (for example, 150 miles per day), which indirectly restricts out-of-state travel.
Before setting out on a long-distance journey, double-check whether your rental includes unlimited mileage. If it doesn’t, exceeding the limit can lead to costly overage charges upon return.
What Happens If You Break Hertz’s Out-of-State Rules?
If you take a Hertz vehicle out of state in violation of your rental agreement — for example, driving a restricted vehicle across state lines without permission — you may face several consequences:
- Loss of insurance coverage: Any Hertz-provided protection plan may be voided if you violated the rental’s geographic limits.
- Additional fees: Hertz may charge penalties for unauthorized use, additional mileage, or logistical recovery costs.
- Vehicle recovery actions: If the car breaks down or becomes involved in an incident outside its approved area, Hertz can retrieve it at your expense.
- Possible contract violation fees: In serious cases, violating geographic restrictions can be classified as breach of contract, leading to administrative penalties.
While Hertz rarely enforces severe penalties for simple out-of-state driving, ignoring explicit restrictions (for instance, taking a cargo van cross-country when it’s marked “local use only”) can result in significant costs.
One-Way Rentals and Out-of-State Travel
If you plan to rent in one state and drop off the vehicle in another, you’ll need a one-way rental agreement. Hertz offers this option at most locations, though it comes with an additional fee. The benefit is convenience — you can pick up in one city and drop off in another without returning to the original branch.
Key points about Hertz one-way rentals:
- Availability varies: Not all Hertz branches allow one-way drop-offs, especially smaller or local ones.
- Drop-off fees apply: Expect to pay a one-way or intercity fee that varies by distance and demand.
- Reservation confirmation required: You must book a one-way trip in advance — doing so after leaving the state can be complicated.
If you leave the state without an approved one-way agreement, Hertz may charge you for the cost of returning the car to the original location, plus any additional administrative fees. Therefore, if you’re planning to end your journey elsewhere, make sure it’s authorized in your contract.
Roadside Assistance When Traveling Out of State
Hertz offers roadside assistance nationwide through its Hertz Roadside Assistance Program. This service covers you across all U.S. states and includes help for flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, towing, and other emergencies. However, there are two types of coverage:
- Basic Roadside Assistance: Automatically included with most rentals; available in all states but limited to essential help.
- Premium Roadside Assistance: An optional upgrade that covers towing, replacement keys, and other expanded services with no out-of-pocket costs.
Both types are valid for out-of-state travel, but the premium plan provides greater peace of mind if you’re driving long distances. In rural areas or remote states, service response times may be longer, so planning ahead helps.
Driving into Neighboring Countries (Canada and Mexico)
While Hertz generally allows interstate travel within the U.S., crossing international borders into Canada or Mexico is a different matter entirely.
Driving into Canada
Most Hertz locations in the northern U.S. allow renters to drive into Canada, provided they inform Hertz in advance. Additional documentation, such as proof of insurance and a vehicle permission letter, may be required. You must also meet Canada’s entry requirements, including holding a valid passport or equivalent identification.
Insurance coverage typically extends into Canada, but you should confirm this before leaving. Some provinces have specific insurance rules that differ from U.S. law, and Hertz needs to provide the correct documentation to comply with them.
Driving into Mexico
Driving a Hertz vehicle into Mexico requires explicit written permission. U.S. insurance and damage waivers are not valid in Mexico. Therefore, you must purchase Mexican auto insurance through Hertz to be authorized to cross the border. Without it, crossing is a serious violation of the rental agreement and voids all coverage. Only certain border branches offer vehicles eligible for cross-border travel into Mexico.
Fuel Policy and Out-of-State Travel
Hertz’s fuel policy applies no matter where you travel. If you’re driving long distances, make sure to refuel before returning the vehicle to avoid refueling charges. However, some customers make the mistake of returning the car at a different location after traveling between states without a one-way agreement. In such cases, Hertz not only charges for fuel but also imposes logistical recovery costs to transport the vehicle back to its rightful branch.
It’s also important to keep fuel receipts if you’re traveling across multiple states — especially if your trip involves differing fuel types or prices. This ensures transparency in case of billing disputes.
Tips for Out-of-State Travel with Hertz
To make your out-of-state road trip smooth, follow these tips:
- Confirm travel permissions at pickup: Ask the representative whether there are any travel restrictions on your vehicle type.
- Choose unlimited mileage: If you expect to drive far, select a plan that includes unlimited miles to avoid extra fees.
- Keep your rental documents handy: Carry your rental agreement and insurance paperwork at all times in case you’re stopped or need assistance.
- Check toll and road laws: Each state has different toll systems and traffic laws. Be aware of them before crossing borders.
- Monitor vehicle condition: Conduct regular checks on oil, tires, and fluids during long trips. Hertz holds you responsible for basic vehicle care.
- Plan for emergencies: Know the Hertz Roadside Assistance number and keep emergency contacts in your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hertz’s Out-of-State Policy
1. Can I drive my Hertz rental to any state in the U.S.?
Yes, most Hertz vehicles can be driven anywhere within the continental United States. However, check your rental agreement for restrictions on specific vehicles or regions.
2. Do I need to tell Hertz I’m traveling out of state?
Not always, but it’s recommended for long trips or cross-country travel. It helps ensure your insurance and roadside coverage remain valid throughout your journey.
3. Are there extra fees for driving out of state?
No extra fees apply for regular out-of-state travel, as long as you return the vehicle to the same location. However, one-way or unauthorized drop-offs in another state incur additional costs.
4. Does Hertz track where I drive?
Hertz may use GPS-based fleet tracking for safety and logistics, but they do not continuously monitor your movements unless there’s a problem such as non-return or contract violation.
5. What happens if I break down in another state?
Hertz Roadside Assistance covers you nationwide. You can call the emergency number on your rental agreement for help at any time.
6. Can I drive a Hertz rental car into Alaska or Hawaii?
Alaska and Hawaii have specific rental restrictions. You cannot drive between them and the mainland U.S., but you can rent vehicles locally within those states and travel anywhere inside them.
7. Can I take a Hertz car into Canada or Mexico?
Canada — usually yes, with prior authorization. Mexico — only with written permission and special insurance purchased through Hertz.
Final Thoughts
Hertz’s out-of-state travel policy is designed to offer flexibility while maintaining control over vehicle usage and insurance coverage. In most cases, you can freely cross state lines without issue.
Problems only arise when renters take restricted vehicles or fail to comply with their rental agreement’s specific terms. By communicating openly with Hertz and understanding your rental’s conditions, you can enjoy full freedom on the road without unexpected costs.
Before your trip, always review your rental documents, check mileage limits, confirm insurance coverage, and discuss your travel plans with the branch.
Doing so ensures your road trip is both compliant and carefree. Whether you’re driving from California to Nevada, New York to Florida, or anywhere in between, following Hertz’s policy guarantees a smooth, safe, and enjoyable journey.
In short, you can absolutely drive a Hertz rental car out of state — just make sure you do it the right way. Understanding the fine print today saves you time, money, and potential trouble tomorrow.
