Hiring a car can make a UK trip much easier, but the final cost can rise quickly once fuel, insurance options, additional drivers, mileage and extras are added. The good news is that a little planning can help keep your Hertz UK car hire affordable without sacrificing convenience.
From booking in advance and choosing the right vehicle to using Hertz Gold+ and checking the fuel policy, there are several ways to reduce your overall rental cost.
Book Early and Compare the Total Cost:
Booking ahead can give you access to Hertz prepaid rates, which Hertz states can be among its cheapest rates when you pay online in advance. However, do not look only at the headline rental price. Check the complete cost, including taxes, mileage, optional extras and any additional charges.
It is also worth checking different pickup dates and times. Even changing your rental period by a day or adjusting the pickup time can sometimes change the available rates.
Join Hertz Gold+:
Hertz Gold+ can be useful if you hire cars regularly. Membership is free and Hertz currently advertises savings of up to 10% on the base rate for direct bookings in the UK and several European countries. Members can also earn points toward free rental days and may receive other benefits depending on their membership tier and location.
The discount applies to the base rate rather than taxes, optional extras and other charges, so check the final booking total before deciding which rate provides the best value.
Choose the Right Car Size:
A larger vehicle may seem attractive, but paying for extra space you do not need can increase your rental cost. For city trips or short journeys, a compact or economy car may be sufficient.
For longer trips, consider how much luggage you will carry and how many passengers will travel. Choosing a car that fits your needs without unnecessary upgrades can help control both the rental price and fuel costs.
Check Mileage Before Booking:
Hertz UK notes that an estimated amount of mileage is included in the rental rate and that a fee may apply if you exceed the included estimate. The mileage estimate can also include delivery or collection mileage.
Before confirming your booking, estimate the distance you expect to drive. If you are planning a long road trip, make sure the included mileage works for your itinerary so an apparently cheap rental does not become more expensive later.
Be Smart About Fuel:
Hertz provides several fuel options, and the choice can affect the final price. With the full-to-full approach, you return the vehicle with a full tank and, according to Hertz, there is no fuel cost charged by Hertz when you refill within 10 miles of the drop-off location.
Prepaying for a full tank can be convenient, but Hertz states that unused fuel is not refunded. If you expect to return the vehicle with fuel remaining, paying for a full tank in advance may not provide the best value.
Review Insurance and Protection Options:
Third-party liability cover is included in Hertz UK rental rates, while products such as Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Protection and SuperCover can involve additional costs.
Before adding optional protection, check what coverage you already have through your travel insurance or another eligible policy. Make sure any existing coverage actually applies to your Hertz rental and understand its excess, exclusions and claim requirements before declining an option at the rental counter.
Avoid Unnecessary Extras:
Optional extras can quickly increase the cost of a rental. Depending on your requirements, these can include child seats, navigation equipment, additional protection and other services.
Take a moment to decide what you genuinely need before adding extras. For example, if your phone already provides reliable navigation, you may not need a separate navigation device.
Be Careful With Additional Drivers:
Adding another driver can affect the rental price. If only one person will drive the car, there is generally no reason to pay for an additional driver.
Hertz Gold+ members can add a spouse or partner as an additional driver without an extra fee, subject to the program terms and applicable conditions.
If more than one person needs to drive, check the additional-driver terms before booking rather than adding someone informally at pickup.
Consider Pickup and Drop-Off Locations:
Airport and major transport-hub locations can be convenient, but convenience does not always mean the lowest overall price. Compare different Hertz locations around your destination when practical.
A city location could sometimes provide a different rental rate or reduce certain location-related costs. However, factor in the cost and time of getting to the alternative location before making a decision.
Watch Your Rental Dates and Times:
Your pickup and return times can affect the rental period and pricing. Avoid booking a car for longer than you actually need.
If your flight or train arrives late, make sure your reservation reflects the correct pickup arrangements. Hertz also has specific cancellation and no-show terms, so reviewing them before booking can help prevent avoidable charges.
Look for Hertz Offers and Direct-Booking Benefits:
Check the Hertz UK website for current promotions before completing your reservation. Combining an eligible promotion with Hertz Gold+ benefits may provide additional value, although discounts do not necessarily apply to every rate or offer.
Hertz Gold+ members can also receive early access to selected exclusive and seasonal offers.
Compare the Main Ways to Save:
| Money-Saving Method | How It Can Help |
|---|---|
| Book in advance | Can provide access to prepaid rates |
| Hertz Gold+ | Up to 10% off eligible base rates in the UK |
| Choose a smaller suitable car | Helps reduce rental and fuel costs |
| Check mileage | Helps avoid unexpected excess-mileage charges |
| Return with a full tank | Can avoid Hertz refuelling charges when requirements are met |
| Review protection options | Helps avoid paying twice for similar coverage |
| Limit optional extras | Keeps the booking total lower |
| Compare pickup locations | May reveal different rates |
| Check current promotions | Can reduce the base rental cost when eligible |
| Review cancellation terms | Helps avoid unnecessary cancellation or no-show charges |
Helpful Tips:
Smart Tips:
- Compare the complete rental cost rather than just the advertised daily rate.
- Join Hertz Gold+ before making a direct booking if its benefits suit your rental.
- Estimate your mileage before choosing a vehicle and rate.
- Check the fuel policy for your specific rental location.
- Photograph the vehicle at pickup and return, particularly if you notice existing damage.
- Only add optional extras that you genuinely need.
- Check the cancellation and amendment conditions before paying.
- Keep your booking confirmation and rental documents until the rental is fully completed.
The Bottom Line:
Saving money on Hertz UK car hire is less about finding one exceptionally cheap rate and more about controlling the total rental cost. Booking ahead, checking prepaid rates, joining Hertz Gold+, selecting an appropriate vehicle, understanding mileage and fuel rules, and reviewing optional extras can all make a difference.
Before confirming your car, compare the final price and rental conditions carefully. A slightly higher base rate can sometimes offer better overall value if it includes features you would otherwise pay for separately.
