Hertz's main customer service number and what it handles

Hertz's primary phone number in the United States is 1-800-654-3131. This line handles reservations, changes to existing bookings, roadside information, and general customer service questions. The number works from any phone — mobile or landline — and Hertz staff can help whether you booked online, through an app, or at a counter.

Wait times vary by time of day and season. Early morning (before 8 a.m.) and weekday afternoons typically have shorter queues than evenings or weekends. If you're calling about an active rental — a breakdown, accident, or urgent change — mention that when the automated system asks, and you may reach someone faster.

Hertz also operates a separate line for its Gold Plus Rewards members: 1-800-654-2200. This number prioritizes loyalty program members and can sometimes connect you faster if you have an active membership.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Hertz customer service number is 1-800-654-3131, and it handles reservations, booking changes, and roadside help.
  • Gold Plus Rewards members can call 1-800-654-2200 for faster service if they have an active membership.
  • Calling early on weekday mornings usually means shorter hold times than evenings or weekends.
  • Have your reservation number or driver's license ready before calling, as the representative will need it to look up your booking.
  • If you're stranded with a rental car, tell the automated system when ready so you reach roadside information without waiting through general queue.

What information to have ready before you call

Hertz representatives can work faster if you have your reservation number available. You'll find this in your confirmation email or text message, or in the Hertz mobile app under "My Reservations." If you don't have the reservation number, your driver's license number works as a backup.

If you're calling about a problem with your rental — damage, mechanical issues, or an accident — have the rental agreement handy. This document shows the vehicle's condition at pickup and any damage waivers you purchased. If you're calling from the road, take a photo of the agreement with your phone so you can reference it during the call.

For billing questions, have your credit card or payment method ready. For roadside information, know your exact location or the nearest major intersection, and describe what's happening with the vehicle in as much detail as you can.

Calling for roadside information during a breakdown

If your rental car breaks down, stops running, or gets a flat tire, call the same main number — 1-800-654-3131 — but tell the automated system you need roadside information. This routes you to a dispatcher who can send a tow truck or mechanic to your location. Have your location ready: a street address, highway mile marker, or nearby business name helps the dispatcher find you faster than coordinates alone.

Hertz covers towing and basic roadside service at no extra charge for most rentals, though some economy or budget bookings may have limits. The dispatcher will tell you what's covered and what isn't before sending help. If you're on a highway, stay in your car with the doors locked and hazard lights on until help arrives, unless it's unsafe to do so.

Roadside information typically arrives within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas, though rural locations may take longer. The dispatcher will give you an estimated time and a reference number for tracking.

Reaching Hertz for billing and damage disputes

Charges that appear on your credit card after you return the car — fuel surcharges, late fees, or damage claims — can be discussed by calling 1-800-654-3131 and asking for the billing department. Have your rental agreement and the charge in question ready. Hertz will explain what triggered the charge and whether it can be adjusted.

If you disagree with a damage charge, the conversation is easier if you have photos from when you picked up the car and when you returned it. Many renters take photos at the counter to document the vehicle's condition; if you did, have those ready to describe. Hertz may ask you to submit photos or a written dispute, which you can do by email after the call.

Damage disputes can take two to four weeks to resolve, depending on whether Hertz needs to get repair estimates from the rental location. Ask for a reference number and the name of the person handling your case so you can follow up if you don't hear back.

International rentals and phone numbers outside the US

If you're renting a Hertz car outside the United States, the phone number changes by country. Hertz operates in more than 150 countries, and each region has its own customer service line. Your rental agreement will list the local number for that country, or you can find it on the Hertz website by selecting your country.

For example, Hertz UK uses a different number than Hertz Germany or Hertz Australia. If you're traveling internationally and need help, call the number on your rental agreement first — it's usually staffed locally and can respond faster than trying to reach the US line from abroad.

Some international locations also offer WhatsApp or email support as alternatives to phone calls. Check your rental agreement or the local Hertz website for those options if calling is difficult.

Using the Hertz mobile app instead of calling

The Hertz mobile app lets you handle many issues without calling. You can modify your reservation, add or remove drivers, extend your rental, and view your rental agreement all from the app. If you need to report damage or a mechanical problem, the app has a damage reporting feature where you can upload photos and describe the issue.

The app also shows your roadside information status if you've already called for help — you can track the tow truck's location and see the dispatcher's notes. For billing questions, you can message Hertz through the app and often get a response within a few hours during business days.

However, if you need when ready help — you're stranded, in an accident, or have an urgent problem — calling 1-800-654-3131 is still faster than waiting for an app response. The app works best for non-urgent changes and follow-ups to issues you've already reported by phone.

What to expect when you call and common wait times

When you call Hertz, an automated system asks what you need — a reservation, changes, roadside help, or billing. Answer honestly, because this routes you to the right department. After you select your option, you'll hear an estimated wait time. That estimate is usually accurate within 5 to 10 minutes, though it can be longer during peak travel seasons (holidays, summer vacation, spring break).

Once a representative picks up, they'll ask for your reservation number or driver's license. This takes about 30 seconds. Then they can see your booking, your rental history, and any notes from previous calls. Be ready to explain your issue clearly in one or two sentences — representatives handle many calls and move faster when they understand the problem right away.

If you're on hold for more than 20 minutes, you can ask to be called back instead of waiting. Hertz will take your number and call you within a few hours, which frees up your phone and avoids a long hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Hertz phone number for airport locations?

No — airport Hertz locations use the same main number, 1-800-654-3131. When you call, you can ask to be transferred to a specific airport location if you need to speak with someone at the counter, but the main line handles all reservations and changes. If you're at the airport and need when ready help, the counter staff can usually information you faster than calling.

What if I'm calling from outside the US?

The 1-800 number only works from within the United States. If you're calling from another country, check your rental agreement for the local Hertz number, or visit the Hertz website and select your country to find the correct phone line. International calls to US numbers are expensive and may not connect.

Can I text Hertz instead of calling?

Hertz does not offer text messaging support through the main customer service line. However, the mobile app has a messaging feature where you can contact Hertz and receive responses during business hours. For urgent issues, calling 1-800-654-3131 is your fastest option.

How do I reach Hertz if I'm having trouble with my reservation?

Call 1-800-654-3131 and tell the automated system you need to modify or discuss a reservation. Have your reservation number ready. If the issue is complex — you need to change dates, add insurance, or swap vehicles — a representative can usually handle it in one call without transferring you.

What if the phone line is busy and I can't get through?

Try calling early on a weekday morning, before 8 a.m., when hold times are shortest. You can also use the Hertz mobile app to message customer service, or visit a Hertz counter in person if you're near one. If you're in an emergency situation with a rental car, always call 1-800-654-3131 — the line prioritizes active roadside emergencies over other calls.