When you rent a car, one of the last things you expect is for something to go wrong on the road — a flat tire, a dead battery, or worse, a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. However, even the best-maintained vehicles can experience problems.
That’s where Hertz’s Roadside Assistance program comes in. This service is designed to protect renters, giving them peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. But how exactly does it work?
What’s covered, what isn’t, and how much does it cost? This article will explain the Hertz Roadside Assistance Policy clearly and step-by-step so you’ll know exactly what to expect when you rent.
Whether you’re traveling for business, on vacation, or using a rental car for everyday purposes, understanding Hertz’s roadside support options can save you time, stress, and unexpected costs. Let’s break down everything in detail.
What Is Hertz Roadside Assistance?
Hertz Roadside Assistance is a service that provides help when a renter encounters mechanical issues, accidents, or other emergencies while using a rental vehicle.
The program ensures that you’re not left stranded, offering services like towing, tire replacement, lockout assistance, jump-starts, and even fuel delivery. Some services come standard with all Hertz rentals, while others are only included if you opt for the upgraded Hertz Premium Roadside Assistance package.
In simple terms, it’s Hertz’s way of giving renters peace of mind — a safety net that ensures you’re covered if your rental car stops working or if you face any issues while traveling.
Two Levels of Coverage: Basic and Premium
Hertz offers two main tiers of roadside support: the standard roadside coverage that comes with all rentals and the Premium Roadside Assistance package, which includes enhanced protection and convenience features.
1. Standard Roadside Assistance (Included with All Rentals)
The standard plan offers help in situations caused by mechanical failure or manufacturer defects. It’s provided as part of every rental contract at no extra cost. This coverage ensures you’re not left stranded if the car experiences a genuine mechanical issue unrelated to the renter’s actions.
What’s Covered:
- Mechanical breakdowns that aren’t your fault
- Towing to the nearest Hertz location or authorized repair facility
- Assistance with flat tires (when caused by regular wear, not driver damage)
- Battery jump-starts if the car fails to start due to technical issues
- Emergency mechanical assistance over the phone
What’s Not Covered:
- Lockouts (if you lock the keys inside the car)
- Lost keys or key fobs
- Running out of fuel
- Tire damage from curb hits or driver negligence
- Towing caused by accidents
In these excluded cases, you would have to pay for any additional service or towing charges unless you purchased the Premium package.
2. Hertz Premium Roadside Assistance (Optional Add-On)
For renters who want more comprehensive protection, Hertz offers an optional upgrade called Premium Roadside Assistance. This enhanced plan covers all the basics and adds extra services designed for convenience, saving you time, money, and stress in unexpected situations.
What’s Covered in the Premium Package:
- 24/7 roadside assistance, anywhere in the country
- Tire replacement or repair (even if damage is caused by driver negligence)
- Lockout service (if you accidentally lock the keys inside the car)
- Replacement key or key fob if lost (with delivery to your location)
- Fuel delivery service (if you run out of gas, fuel is delivered free of charge)
- Battery jump-starts at any location
- Towing for any reason, including accidents or driver fault
- Trip interruption benefits, such as hotel or transportation assistance in major breakdowns
Premium Roadside Assistance is available for a small daily fee, usually between $6 and $9 depending on the rental location and vehicle type. Considering the potential cost of towing or lockout services, this upgrade is often worth it — especially for long trips or unfamiliar routes.
How to Add Hertz Premium Roadside Assistance
You can add the Premium Roadside Assistance option at several points in your rental process:
- During Online Booking: When reserving your car on the Hertz website, you’ll see an option to add Premium Roadside Assistance before checkout. Simply select it as an add-on to your reservation.
- At the Counter: When picking up your vehicle, you can ask the Hertz representative to include Premium Roadside Assistance. They will update your contract accordingly.
- During the Rental Period: If you change your mind after pickup, you can call Hertz’s customer service line or visit the rental branch to add the coverage. It typically becomes active immediately once paid.
Adding it early is recommended, as coverage begins only after it’s activated — meaning if you lock yourself out before purchasing, it won’t retroactively cover that incident.
How to Contact Hertz Roadside Assistance
Hertz offers 24-hour support for roadside emergencies. You can contact them in several ways:
- By calling the dedicated Hertz Roadside Assistance phone number provided on your rental contract or displayed on a sticker inside the car.
- Through the Hertz mobile app, where you can request roadside help directly without needing to call.
- At airport or local Hertz rental branches if you are near one and can safely reach it.
When calling, be prepared to provide your rental agreement number, vehicle description, and your current location. Hertz will then dispatch a local service provider to assist you as quickly as possible, typically within 30–60 minutes depending on your area.
What Happens When You Request Assistance
Once you contact Hertz Roadside Assistance, the process typically follows these steps:
- Verification: Hertz verifies your rental agreement and coverage level (basic or premium) to determine what services are available at no cost to you.
- Dispatch: Hertz connects with a local roadside service provider who can respond quickly to your location.
- Service: Depending on your issue, the technician may jump-start your vehicle, replace a flat tire, unlock your car, or tow it to a Hertz location or repair center.
- Documentation: Once the problem is resolved, Hertz records the service in your rental file for reference, ensuring you aren’t mistakenly charged for covered services.
If you don’t have Premium coverage and the issue is caused by driver error, you may be responsible for service charges such as towing fees or replacement keys. These costs vary depending on distance, vehicle type, and local service rates.
Common Scenarios Covered by Hertz Roadside Assistance
Let’s look at some real-world examples to better understand what happens under different circumstances.
1. Flat Tire
With standard coverage, Hertz assists only if the tire damage is from normal wear or manufacturing defects. If the flat is caused by a nail, curb impact, or rough driving, you’ll need Premium Roadside Assistance or you’ll pay out of pocket for tire replacement and service. Under the premium plan, Hertz covers everything — including towing and tire repair.
2. Dead Battery
If your car won’t start due to a dead battery, both standard and premium plans provide jump-start assistance. The difference is that the premium plan covers the service even if the battery died because you left the lights on, while the standard plan only covers mechanical faults.
3. Locked Keys Inside
Standard assistance doesn’t cover lockouts — you would need to call a locksmith at your own expense. With Premium Roadside Assistance, Hertz sends a technician to unlock your car at no extra cost, and if necessary, delivers a new key or fob if it’s lost.
4. Out of Fuel
Running out of fuel is not covered under the standard plan. Under the premium plan, Hertz dispatches a fuel truck to your location and refuels your car free of charge, allowing you to continue your trip without delay.
5. Accident or Breakdown
In the event of an accident or serious breakdown, both standard and premium plans provide towing to the nearest Hertz branch or repair center. However, only the premium plan covers towing if the accident is determined to be your fault or if no mechanical failure is involved.
Trip Interruption Benefits
One of the most valuable features of Premium Roadside Assistance is its trip interruption benefit. If your car breaks down far from your destination and can’t be repaired immediately, Hertz may assist with transportation arrangements, lodging coordination, or replacement rental car delivery — helping minimize travel disruption.
This feature is particularly beneficial for long road trips or remote locations, where finding service might otherwise be difficult.
Coverage Area and Availability
Hertz Roadside Assistance is available across most regions where Hertz operates, including the U.S., Canada, and many international destinations. However, some services, like on-location key replacement or fuel delivery, may vary depending on local regulations and service availability.
If you’re renting internationally, make sure to check the local policy in that country — while the core benefits remain similar, response times and coverage details may differ slightly.
Cost of Premium Roadside Assistance
The daily rate for Hertz Premium Roadside Assistance typically ranges from $6 to $9 per day in the United States, with slight variations based on vehicle type and rental location. For long-term rentals, Hertz may offer discounted weekly or monthly rates. While some renters skip this add-on to save money, it can be worth the peace of mind, especially for unfamiliar routes, long drives, or late-night travel.
Considering that a single towing service can cost over $100 and key replacement can exceed $300, the daily premium charge is relatively small in comparison.
What’s Not Covered Under Hertz Roadside Assistance
Even with the Premium package, some things are not covered. These include:
- Damage caused by reckless or illegal driving
- Accidents resulting from driving under the influence
- Lost or stolen personal items inside the vehicle
- Unauthorized towing or repairs done without Hertz’s approval
- Breakdowns outside the service area or in off-road conditions
While the policy is broad, it’s designed to support legitimate roadside emergencies, not negligence or misuse.
How Premium Roadside Assistance Works with Other Protections
Many renters also purchase other optional coverages like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS). These cover damage or liability costs after an accident, while Roadside Assistance focuses on immediate support during breakdowns or emergencies. The two complement each other — CDW protects against financial loss, while Premium Roadside Assistance ensures you get help on the road quickly.
Having both can provide complete protection and convenience, reducing your stress in any situation.
Tips to Maximize the Value of Hertz Roadside Assistance
To get the most from your coverage, keep these key tips in mind:
- Check your contract before leaving the rental counter to confirm whether Premium Assistance is included.
- Save the Hertz Roadside Assistance number in your phone immediately after pickup.
- Keep a copy of your rental agreement and roadside plan details in the glove box for easy access.
- If you have personal roadside coverage (like AAA), compare benefits before purchasing Hertz’s add-on — you may already have similar services.
- Always call Hertz before arranging third-party towing or repairs to ensure coverage remains valid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hertz Roadside Assistance
1. Is Roadside Assistance automatically included in my rental?
Yes, a basic level of coverage is included in all Hertz rentals. However, for full coverage of driver-related issues (like lockouts or flat tires you cause), you need to purchase Premium Roadside Assistance.
2. Can I add the Premium Roadside Assistance after my rental starts?
Yes. You can add it anytime during your rental by calling Hertz or visiting the nearest branch. Coverage begins immediately after it’s added.
3. Will Hertz replace my rental car if it breaks down?
If your car experiences a mechanical failure, Hertz will tow it and replace it with another vehicle as soon as possible. This applies to both standard and premium plans.
4. What happens if I have an accident?
Hertz will assist in arranging towing and, if applicable, replacement vehicles. However, accident-related costs may still be your responsibility unless you purchased additional protection such as CDW.
5. Can I use Roadside Assistance internationally?
Yes, but the services may differ slightly by country. Always confirm the local roadside coverage details when renting abroad.
Final Thoughts
The Hertz Roadside Assistance Policy is designed to make sure renters are never left helpless during unexpected vehicle issues. The basic coverage provides essential help for mechanical failures, while the Premium package expands protection to include all kinds of emergencies — from lost keys and flat tires to fuel delivery and trip interruptions.
While it may seem like a small add-on at the time of booking, the Premium Roadside Assistance plan can save you hundreds of dollars and countless hours of frustration if something goes wrong on the road. It’s a particularly smart choice for long-distance travel, family vacations, or trips through unfamiliar regions.
Ultimately, Hertz’s roadside program reflects the company’s commitment to safety and customer care. Understanding how it works allows you to make informed decisions, travel with confidence, and enjoy a smoother, stress-free rental experience — knowing that wherever your journey takes you, help is always just a call away.
