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 operates during business hours, which vary by season — typically 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time, though you should expect longer waits during peak travel periods like holidays and summer weekends.
When you call, have your reservation confirmation number ready if you're calling about an existing rental. If you're calling about a past rental — a charge dispute, damage claim, or lost item — you'll need the rental agreement number, which appears on your receipt and confirmation email.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz's main customer service line is 1-800-654-3131 for reservations, changes, and general questions.
- Airport locations have separate direct numbers that are faster for same-day pickups or urgent issues at that specific location.
- Roadside information calls from a rental car go through a different dispatch system than the main number, and your rental agreement has that number printed on it.
- Online chat and email are slower than phone but useful if you need time to gather documents for a damage or billing dispute.
- Wait times are shortest on weekday mornings and longest on Friday afternoons, holiday eves, and the first day of major travel periods.
How to reach a specific Hertz location directly
If you need to speak to the exact location where you're picking up or returning a car, calling the airport or local branch directly is often faster than the main number. You can find the direct phone number for any Hertz location by visiting hertz.com, clicking "Locations," entering your city or airport code, and selecting the specific branch. The location's phone number appears on that page.
Airport locations especially benefit from a direct call if your flight is arriving soon or you're running late. The branch can hold a car for you, confirm availability of your requested vehicle type, or flag your reservation so the counter staff knows to expect you. Local non-airport branches are useful if you have questions about damage waivers, fuel options, or tolls before you arrive.
Roadside information and emergency support
If you're already driving a Hertz rental and need roadside help — a flat tire, lockout, dead battery, or accident — do not call the main number. Your rental agreement includes a roadside information phone number specific to your rental. This number connects you to a dispatch system that can send a tow truck or service vehicle to your location. Check your rental paperwork or the inside of your rental agreement folder for this number before you drive off the lot.
Roadside information is typically included in your rental at no extra charge, though coverage limits vary by rental agreement type. If you purchased additional roadside coverage at the counter, that information is also on your agreement. When you call, have your rental agreement number and your exact location ready.
Damage claims and billing disputes
If you're calling about a damage charge, fuel overage, or toll fee that appeared on your bill after the rental ended, the main number (1-800-654-3131) can transfer you to the appropriate department, but the process is often slow. You may have better results using Hertz's online dispute form or emailing your concern with photos and documentation to the address on your receipt.
Have your rental agreement number, the specific charge you're disputing, and any photos or receipts you took during the rental ready. Disputes can take several weeks to resolve, and Hertz will typically respond in writing rather than by phone. If you used a credit card, you also have the option to dispute the charge with your card issuer if Hertz's response is unsatisfactory.
Online and email alternatives to phone
Hertz offers live chat on hertz.com during business hours, which can be faster than phone for straightforward questions like checking a reservation or asking about vehicle options. Email is slower — responses typically take 24 to 48 hours — but useful if you need to attach documents or have a complex issue that requires written documentation.
The Hertz mobile app also allows you to modify reservations, add drivers, and check in for your rental without calling. If you're comfortable with self-service, the app often solves the problem faster than waiting on hold.
What to expect on hold and how to reduce wait time
Wait times on the main number vary widely. Weekday mornings (Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Eastern) are typically shortest — often under 10 minutes. Friday afternoons, holiday weekends, and the days when ready before major travel periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break) can mean 30 to 60 minute waits or longer.
If you reach an automated system asking for your confirmation number, entering it can sometimes route you to a faster queue. If you're on hold for more than 20 minutes and your issue is not urgent, consider calling back at a different time or using the online chat or email options instead. Hertz does not offer a callback feature on the main line, so you will remain on hold until someone answers.
International rentals and non-US phone numbers
If you're renting a Hertz car outside the United States, the 1-800 number will not work. Hertz operates in over 150 countries, and each region has its own customer service number. You can find the correct number for your country on hertz.com by selecting your country from the dropdown menu at the bottom of the page, or by calling your local Hertz branch directly if you already have that number.
If you booked your international rental through a US-based Hertz website or phone number, you can still call 1-800-654-3131 from the US before your trip to make changes, but you will need to use local numbers once you arrive at your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time to call Hertz to avoid a long wait?
Tuesday through Thursday mornings between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Eastern time typically have the shortest waits. Avoid Friday afternoons, holiday weekends, and the days before major travel periods like Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you can wait, calling back at a different time is often faster than staying on hold.
Can I make changes to my reservation without calling?
Yes. You can modify most reservations online at hertz.com by entering your confirmation number, or through the Hertz mobile app. You can also call your local branch directly if you need to make a change quickly before pickup. Online changes are when ready, while phone changes may take a few minutes to process.
What if I need to report an accident or damage while I'm still renting the car?
Call the roadside information number on your rental agreement when ready. Do not call the main customer service line. Roadside information can dispatch help and document the incident. Take photos of any damage and get the other driver's information if it's an accident. Report it to the branch when you return the car as well.
How do I dispute a charge that appeared after I returned the car?
Contact Hertz through the online dispute form on hertz.com or email the address on your receipt with your rental agreement number and photos of any damage you documented. Phone disputes take longer because you'll need to provide written follow-up anyway. Keep copies of everything you send.
Is there a number to call if my flight is delayed and I need to hold my reservation?
Call the specific airport location directly — you can find the number on hertz.com by searching that airport. The branch can hold your car and note your new arrival time. If you're calling from the airport after landing, the branch's direct number is faster than the main line.