Hertz's main customer service number and what it covers
Hertz's primary customer service phone number in the United States is 1-800-654-3131. This line handles reservations, changes to existing bookings, roadside information, and general questions about rental policies. The line operates seven days a week, though wait times vary by time of day and season.
When you call, have your reservation confirmation number ready if you're calling about an existing rental. If you're making a new reservation, the system can walk you through options by phone, though many people find the website faster for comparing prices across dates and locations.
Hertz also operates location-specific numbers. If you know which rental location you need — an airport counter, a downtown office, or a neighborhood branch — you can call that location directly. These numbers appear on your confirmation email and on the Hertz website when you search for a specific location.
Key Takeaways
- The main Hertz customer service number is 1-800-654-3131, available seven days a week for reservations, changes, and roadside help.
- Individual rental locations have their own phone numbers, which you can find through the Hertz website or your confirmation email.
- Roadside information calls go through the same main number, but tell the representative when ready that you need roadside help so they route you correctly.
- International renters can reach Hertz through country-specific numbers listed on the Hertz website for their location.
- Email and online chat are often faster for non-urgent questions like policy clarifications or damage reporting after your rental ends.
When to call versus when to use other contact methods
Call the main number if you need an when ready answer or if you're at the rental counter and something is wrong with your reservation. Phone contact is fastest for urgent issues like a car not being ready, a rate discrepancy at pickup, or needing roadside information during your rental.
For questions that are not time-sensitive — asking about pet policies, damage waiver details, or reporting damage after you return the car — email or the online chat feature on the Hertz website often produces a written record and may get answered faster during business hours. The website also has a searchable FAQ section that covers common questions about insurance, fuel options, and driver requirements.
If you're calling about a past rental or a damage claim, have your rental agreement number and any photos or documentation ready. These calls sometimes take longer because the representative needs to pull your rental history and review what happened.
Hertz roadside information and what to expect
If you break down or have an accident during your rental, call 1-800-654-3131 and tell the representative when ready that you need roadside information. They will connect you with a dispatcher who can send a tow truck, arrange a replacement vehicle, or help with other roadside issues depending on your rental agreement and the situation.
Roadside information response time depends on your location. In cities and along major highways, help typically arrives within 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas, it may take longer. The dispatcher will give you an estimated arrival time when you call.
Keep your rental agreement and the phone number for roadside information in your car during your rental. Some rental agreements include roadside information automatically, while others offer it as an add-on. Check your confirmation email to see what coverage you purchased.
International and specialty rental numbers
If you're renting a Hertz car outside the United States, the main 1-800 number will not work. Hertz operates in over 150 countries, and each country or region has its own customer service number. You can find the correct number on the Hertz website by selecting your country, or you can look it up on your rental confirmation if you booked in advance.
For specialty rentals — such as luxury vehicles, trucks, or one-way rentals between cities — the main number can still help, but some locations have dedicated teams. Ask the representative if your rental type has a specialist line, or check the Hertz website for specialty rental contact information.
What information to have ready before you call
Gather these details before calling to speed up your conversation: your reservation confirmation number (found in your confirmation email), your driver's license number, the phone number associated with your reservation, and your credit card number if you're making a new booking or discussing charges.
If you're calling about damage, an accident, or a problem with your rental, also have photos, the other driver's insurance information (if applicable), and the exact time and location of the incident. If you're calling about a past rental, have your rental agreement number, which appears on your receipt.
Hertz representatives can usually look up your account by phone number or email address if you don't have your confirmation number, but it takes longer. Having the confirmation number saves time.
Wait times and best times to call
Wait times on the main Hertz line are shortest early in the morning (before 9 a.m.) and mid-afternoon on weekdays. Avoid calling during lunch hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.), when call volume peaks. Weekends are generally busier than weekdays.
If you're calling about a rental that starts or ends soon, call at least a few days in advance rather than the day before or the day of. Last-minute calls have longer waits because many people call with urgent changes.
If you reach a long wait, you can ask the automated system if you can receive a callback instead of holding. Not all call types support this option, but it's worth asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a reservation by phone instead of online?
Yes. Call 1-800-654-3131 and a representative can book your rental over the phone. However, the website usually shows all available rates and vehicle types faster, and you can compare prices across different dates and locations. Many people book online and then call only if they have questions or need to make changes.
What if I'm calling from outside the United States?
The 1-800 number does not work from outside the U.S. Find your country-specific number on the Hertz website by selecting your location. If you booked your rental in advance, the confirmation email should include a local customer service number for that country.
Do I need to call to add a driver or change my rental dates?
You can make many changes online through your Hertz account or reservation page. Call only if the website won't let you make the change, or if you need to speak to someone about a fee or policy question related to your change. Adding a driver sometimes requires a phone call because the system needs to verify the additional driver's license information.
What happens if I call after hours?
The main customer service line operates 24/7, so you can call anytime. However, if you call very late at night or early morning, you may reach a smaller team and experience longer waits. For roadside information, the line is always staffed because emergencies happen at any hour.
Can I dispute a charge on my rental by phone?
Yes. Call 1-800-654-3131 with your rental agreement number and explain the charge you're questioning. The representative can review your rental and discuss the charge, but formal disputes sometimes require written documentation. Ask the representative whether you need to send photos, receipts, or other proof by email to resolve the dispute.