Hertz Towing Policy In Detail

Last summer, I found myself stranded with a flat tire in a Hertz rental car.

At that moment, I wished I had paid more attention to their towing policy.

Let me share with you what I learned from that experience.

It’s simpler than you might think, and knowing these details can save you a lot of stress if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.

Hertz’s Towing Policy: When you get a Free Tow

Hertz offers assistance with towing in specific situations under its Emergency Roadside Assistance services.

Here’s a summary of when Hertz helps with towing (otherwise, it becomes a paid service):

1. Mechanical Failures: Under their Basic Emergency Roadside Assistance, which is included with every rental, Hertz covers the towing costs if your rental car breaks down due to mechanical failure. This means if something goes wrong with the car that’s not your fault, such as engine trouble or a mechanical breakdown, Hertz will take care of the towing.
2. Non-Mechanical Issues (With Premium Assistance): If you have opted for Hertz’s Premium Emergency Roadside Assistance (PERS), you get additional coverage. This service reduces your financial liability for services required to remedy non-mechanical problems of the vehicle and/or problems resulting from an accident or collision. For example, if you need towing due to flat tires, running out of gas, or lock-out situations, and you have PERS, Hertz will provide assistance subject to the terms of the service.
3. Accidents or Collisions: If the rental car needs towing due to an accident or collision, and you have purchased PERS, Hertz will assist with towing within the scope of this service.

It’s important to note that if the towing is required due to reasons not covered under the basic service or if you haven’t opted for PERS, you may be financially responsible for the towing costs.

Services and Packages that Offer Towing

1. Basic Emergency Roadside Assistance: Included with every Hertz rental, this service covers towing costs if the rental car breaks down due to mechanical failures. Mechanical failures refer to issues inherent to the car itself, like engine problems or other mechanical breakdowns.
2. Premium Emergency Roadside Assistance (PERS): This is an optional service that extends beyond mechanical issues. It reduces your financial responsibility for services required to remedy non-mechanical problems of the vehicle and/or problems resulting from an accident or collision. If you opt for PERS, you get additional coverage for situations like flat tires, running out of gas, lock-outs, and towing due to accidents, with certain financial limits applied to each service.
3. Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): While LDW is not directly a towing service, it’s relevant in situations where towing might be necessary. LDW is an optional protection plan that, if accepted, relieves you of financial responsibility for loss or damage to the rental car, provided the damage wasn’t due to prohibited use. This can include situations where towing is required due to damage or accidents.

Each of these services comes with specific terms and conditions, which can vary depending on your rental location and the specifics of your rental agreement.

For the most accurate and detailed information, it’s best to consult the Hertz website or contact a Hertz representative directly.

Steps to Take When You Need a Tow

If you find yourself in a situation where your Hertz rental car needs a tow, there are some important steps to take. These steps are designed to ensure your safety and make the process smooth.

First and foremost, your safety is key.

If you’re in a busy area, like on a road or highway, move to a safe spot. This might mean pulling over to the side of the road or finding a nearby parking lot. It’s important to stay calm and not panic.

Once you’re in a safe place, it’s time to call Hertz for help.

You’ll find their roadside assistance number in your rental agreement or somewhere inside the car, like on the glove box or sun visor.

When you call, they’ll ask for your location and details about what happened. Be as clear as you can so they understand your situation.

After you’ve made the call, Hertz will arrange for a tow truck to come to you.

The wait time can vary depending on where you are and the availability of tow trucks.

While waiting, it’s a good idea to gather your personal belongings from the car. If it’s safe, you might want to step out of the car, especially if you’re in a high-traffic area.

You also want to make sure your car key is with you to avoid the potential of a car theft.

When the tow truck arrives, the driver will take care of your car.

If you’ve purchased Hertz’s Premium Emergency Roadside Assistance, you’ll have less to worry about financially.

If not, you might need to discuss payment with the tow truck driver, depending on the reason for the tow.

Lastly, Hertz will typically help you with the next steps, like getting a replacement car.

This part of the process is usually straightforward. They aim to get you back on your journey as soon as possible.

If possible, take pictures of the car before it’s towed, especially if there’s damage. This can be useful for any insurance or rental car claims.