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Think of what happens when you’re driving a rental car from Hertz and suddenly, you hear that dreaded sound – a flat tire.
It’s a situation no one wants to be in, especially when it’s not your own car. In this article, we’ll talk about what Hertz’s flat tire policy is.
We’ll keep it simple, so you know exactly what to expect and what to do if this ever happens to you
Hertz Policies on Flat Tire
When you rent a car from Hertz and encounter a flat tire, there are specific policies and services in place to assist you.
Firstly, Hertz includes basic Emergency Roadside Service with every rental.
This service helps with mechanical defects that can happen occasionally.
However, for more comprehensive coverage, including flat tire assistance, Hertz offers an optional Premium Emergency Roadside Service (PERS). If you choose to add PERS to your rental, it reduces your financial responsibility for non-mechanical problems, such as flat tires.
The PERS covers various issues, and specifically for flat tires, it includes spare tire mounting services up to a maximum of $250 per rental.
In case there is no spare tire available, towing services are also covered up to $250. It’s important to note that these limits are per rental and are part of the broader coverage offered by PERS.
On the other hand, if you don’t opt for PERS and face a flat tire situation, you’ll generally be responsible for the costs associated with fixing it.
This could include the cost of labor for replacing the tire or towing the vehicle to a service facility.
However, the cost of a new tire itself might still fall under your responsibility.
It’s advisable to check your personal car insurance policy or credit card benefits, as they might offer roadside assistance that covers such situations.
How to Handle a Flat Tire at Hertz
- Pull Over Safely: First and foremost, if you get a flat tire, find a safe place to pull over. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Contact Hertz: Once you’re safely parked, contact Hertz immediately. Your rental agreement will have the contact information for their roadside assistance or customer service. Inform them about the flat tire and your location.
- Check Your Coverage: It’s important to know whether your rental agreement includes coverage for flat tires. Hertz offers a Premium Emergency Roadside Service (PERS) which, if you have opted for it, can reduce your financial responsibility for such incidents. If you haven’t chosen PERS, you may need to handle the costs yourself.
- Roadside Assistance: If you have PERS or another form of roadside assistance through your own insurance or credit card, Hertz or your provider will likely cover the labor cost for replacing the flat tire or towing the car to a service facility. However, the cost of the new tire itself might still be your responsibility.
Can you Change Hertz Rental Car Tire Yourself?
The answer is not straightforward and depends on a few factors.
Firstly, if you’re comfortable and familiar with changing tires, and the rental car comes equipped with a spare tire and the necessary tools (like a jack and lug wrench), then yes, you can change the tire yourself.
However, it’s important to note that many modern rental cars, including those from Hertz, may not include a spare tire or the required tools for a tire change.
In such situations, your next step should be to contact Hertz. If you have opted for their roadside assistance service, they can assist with tire replacement or repair.
But if you haven’t chosen this service, you might need to arrange for assistance on your own or bear the cost of the repair or replacement.
If you’re fixing the car yourself, keep in mind that this should only be done if you are confident in your ability to safely and correctly change a tire.
Safety should always be your top priority, and if there’s any doubt, it’s better to seek professional help.
