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About renting a car with Hertz in San Francisco
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Traveler Tips & Price Insights
When is the best time to book a rental car in San Francisco?
You should book your rental car approximately 7 days before your trip to get a below-average price.
Price Trend (Last 90 Days)
What is the most popular rental car type in San Francisco?
sedan rental cars (sedan or similar) are the most popular option in San Francisco.
Popular Car Types
Which is the cheapest car rental agency in San Francisco?
In the last 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were from Hertz at 69.41/day.
Average Price by Rental Company
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Hertz in San Francisco include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in San Francisco, including Hertz, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your rental period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected Hertz rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in San Francisco.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Hertz counter in San Francisco when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Hertz booking in San Francisco are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the Hertz counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the Hertz counter in San Francisco charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with Hertz to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
How does the Hertz pickup process work at San Francisco International Airport?
At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Hertz does not have an on-airport counter inside the terminals. Instead, all rental car companies, including Hertz, operate out of the consolidated Rental Car Center (RCC).
Here is how to get there:
- From any terminal, follow signs to the AirTrain and board the Blue Line toward the Rental Car Center.
- The AirTrain is free and runs 24/7 with frequent departures.
- The ride from any terminal to the RCC takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes, plus short walks and elevator time.
- Once inside the RCC, go to the Hertz counter and proceed to your assigned vehicle level.
The Hertz San Francisco airport facility is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it suitable for early morning or late-night arrivals. Bring your booking confirmation, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name, your driver's license, and your passport or government-issued ID.
What are the Hertz counter hours at the San Francisco downtown location on Mason Street?
Hertz operates a downtown San Francisco location at 325 Mason Street, in addition to the 24/7 airport facility at SFO.
Key differences to keep in mind:
- The 325 Mason Street location is open daily from 07:00 to 17:00, including weekends. It does not offer 24-hour service.
- Unlike the San Francisco airport location, the downtown counter provides direct access without a shuttle, as it is situated inside a shared parking garage walkable from nearby hotels.
- Vehicle selection at the downtown San Francisco location is more limited compared to the SFO Rental Car Center, where Hertz offers a wider range including EVs and SUVs.
- The downtown Hertz location in San Francisco is not ideal for one-way rentals to other cities.
If you are arriving on a late flight or need to pick up outside of 07:00 to 17:00, the Hertz San Francisco airport location at the RCC is the better option since it operates around the clock.
What documents do I need to pick up my Hertz rental car in San Francisco?
To collect your Hertz rental in San Francisco, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name. Digital copies are not accepted.
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID.
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
- A physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the deposit.
- Any applicable visas or entry documents matching your stay.
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the United States).
If your driver's license uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory at the Hertz San Francisco counter. For licenses in other non-English scripts, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation only and must be carried alongside your original license.
All additional drivers must also be present at pickup with their own valid license and ID to be added to the Hertz rental agreement in San Francisco.
Are there toll roads near San Francisco that affect a Hertz rental?
Yes, toll roads and bridges are a significant consideration for any Hertz rental in San Francisco. The Bay Area has some of the most active toll infrastructure in California.
Key toll facilities you are likely to encounter:
- Bay Bridge (San Francisco to Oakland): approximately US$8.50 per crossing via FasTrak, westbound only.
- Golden Gate Bridge: approximately US$9.75 per crossing via FasTrak, southbound only. The invoice rate is approximately US$10.75.
- Express lanes on highways such as I-580 and I-680 use dynamic pricing and require a FasTrak transponder.
California uses the FasTrak system exclusively. Out-of-state transponders such as E-ZPass or SunPass are not compatible. All tolling is cashless, handled via transponder or license plate recognition.
Your Hertz vehicle in San Francisco will include an electronic toll device or plate-based billing. At pickup, you can choose an unlimited toll package (typically US$11 to US$25 per rental day) or pay per use, where actual tolls plus administrative fees are billed to your card, sometimes weeks after the rental ends.
You may also opt out and pay tolls directly through the FasTrak website or app, adding your rental plate for the dates of your trip.
How does Tolls Cashback work for a Hertz rental in San Francisco?
All bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Hertz rentals in San Francisco, include Tolls Cashback. This benefit reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls you paid during your rental.
Given that San Francisco has several major toll crossings, such as the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge, this benefit can offset a meaningful portion of your toll costs.
How to claim your cashback:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning your Hertz vehicle in San Francisco.
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation number (for example, HOLA1000000).
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed Hertz rental agreement, and a toll receipt or statement showing charges paid during your rental period.
The refund is issued to the original payment method used for your booking and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted. This benefit does not mean tolls are included in your booking; you still pay tolls normally and claim reimbursement afterward.
Is a credit card required to pick up a Hertz rental in San Francisco?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name is required to pick up your Hertz rental in San Francisco. The card must have the driver's name printed on it and must be presented in person at the counter.
Common reasons a card may be refused at the Hertz San Francisco counter:
- The card is a debit or prepaid card. These are not accepted for the security deposit hold.
- The card is virtual or digital only. Physical cards are required.
- The name on the card does not match the main driver's name on the rental agreement.
- The card does not have sufficient available credit to cover the security hold, which is typically US$300 to US$400 for standard vehicles in the United States.
Even if you prepaid your Hertz booking in San Francisco online, you must still present a physical credit card at pickup for the security hold. The hold is a temporary authorization, not a charge, and is released after you return the vehicle. Your bank controls how quickly the hold disappears, which can take up to 15 business days.
Bringing a backup credit card in your name is strongly recommended in case your primary card is declined.
Can I return my Hertz car to a different location in San Francisco or another city?
Yes, one-way rentals are possible with Hertz in San Francisco, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your return location.
What to expect:
- Returning to a different Hertz location within San Francisco, such as from the SFO airport facility to the 325 Mason Street downtown counter, may or may not carry a drop-off fee depending on the route.
- Returning to a Hertz location in another California city or a different state will typically trigger a one-way drop-off fee. The amount varies by route, vehicle class, and season.
- You must specify your return location at the time of booking. Changing the return location after pickup requires prior notification to Hertz and may result in additional charges.
When booking through Hola Car Rentals, any applicable drop-off fee for your San Francisco Hertz rental will be shown on the rate details page under the section labeled as charges due at destination. Review this before confirming your reservation. If a fee was not disclosed during booking but appears at the counter, keep all paperwork and contact support after the rental ends.
What insurance coverage is included in a Hertz rental in San Francisco?
The insurance coverage included in your Hertz rental in San Francisco depends on the rate plan you selected when booking through Hola Car Rentals.
The two main protections to understand are:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): This reduces your financial liability for damage to the Hertz rental vehicle itself, up to any applicable deductible. It does not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people.
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): This covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the Hertz vehicle in San Francisco. Some U.S. states require a minimum level of liability coverage, but not all do. Adding supplemental liability coverage up to US$300,000 is strongly recommended.
CDW and LDW do not cover tires, the undercarriage, the roof, personal belongings, or incidents involving unauthorized drivers. Only drivers listed on the Hertz rental agreement in San Francisco are covered.
Check your booking confirmation to see exactly which protections are included in your rate and whether a deductible applies. If you are unsure, review the rate details before pickup at the San Francisco counter.
How do I add an additional driver to my Hertz reservation in San Francisco?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Hertz rental in San Francisco, either at no cost if your rate includes it or for a daily fee paid at the counter.
For Hertz in San Francisco, the additional driver fee when not included in your rate is US$13.50 per rental day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum charge of US$189 per rental period.
Requirements for adding an additional driver at the Hertz San Francisco counter:
- The additional driver must be physically present at pickup.
- They must present a valid driver's license and a government-issued photo ID.
- If their license uses a non-Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit is required.
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the Hertz rental agreement.
- The additional driver must meet the minimum age requirements for San Francisco. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young-driver surcharge.
Check your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation before arriving at the San Francisco Hertz counter. If your rate includes an additional driver at no charge, it will be stated explicitly. Anyone who drives the vehicle without being listed on the agreement will not be covered by CDW, LDW, or liability protections.
Is there a young driver surcharge for under-25 renters at Hertz in San Francisco?
Yes, drivers under 25 years old are subject to a young-driver surcharge when renting with Hertz in San Francisco. The minimum age to rent without additional fees is 25.
What under-25 renters should know for a Hertz rental in San Francisco:
- Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent but will pay a daily young-driver surcharge in addition to the base rental rate.
- Certain vehicle classes are restricted to renters aged 25 and older. These typically include full-size vehicles, SUVs, minivans, luxury, premium, and convertible categories. Economy, compact, and intermediate vehicles are generally available to younger renters.
- Drivers under 21 cannot rent with Hertz in San Francisco under standard policies.
California does not have a state law requiring rentals to drivers under 21 (unlike New York and Michigan), so the Hertz policy of 21 as the minimum age applies at San Francisco locations.
If you are between 21 and 24, Budget for the surcharge when comparing rates. The surcharge is paid at the Hertz counter in San Francisco and is not included in your prepaid booking total.
What is the fuel policy for a Hertz rental in San Francisco?
Hertz rentals in San Francisco follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges.
Steps to avoid fuel charges on your San Francisco Hertz rental:
- At pickup, confirm the fuel level with the Hertz agent and ensure the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the gauge and odometer.
- Ask the Hertz San Francisco counter agent about the nearest fuel station to the return location so you can refuel close to drop-off.
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location to avoid the gauge dropping before you arrive.
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address as proof of a full tank.
If you return the Hertz vehicle in San Francisco with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refueling service fee.
Some Hertz locations in San Francisco may offer a prepaid fuel option at the counter. If you accept it, any unused fuel is generally non-refundable, so the Full-to-Full approach is usually the better value.
Does travel assistance apply to a Hertz rental in San Francisco?
Yes, most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Hertz rentals in San Francisco, include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection. However, this benefit applies only to travelers who are not residents of the United States or Canada.
Coverage typically includes:
- Medical assistance for up to 5 passengers for non-pre-existing illnesses and accidents during your trip.
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident, which can be particularly useful if you are involved in an incident on San Francisco highways or Bay Area roads.
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
If you experience a medical emergency or accident during your Hertz rental in San Francisco, contact the assistance line before incurring expenses where possible:
- Phone (toll-free or collect): +1 888 980 9992, available 24/7.
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Provide your full name, your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number, your current location in San Francisco, and a brief description of the situation. This coverage does not replace CDW or liability insurance for the Hertz vehicle itself.
What happens if I arrive late for my Hertz pickup at San Francisco airport?
If you arrive later than your scheduled Hertz pickup time at San Francisco International Airport, your reservation will generally be held for up to 24 hours from the original pickup time. The Hertz San Francisco airport location at the Rental Car Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so late arrivals due to flight delays are typically accommodated as long as you arrive within that window.
What to keep in mind:
- If your delay is less than 24 hours, proceed to the Hertz counter at the SFO Rental Car Center. Board the free AirTrain Blue Line from any terminal to reach the RCC.
- If your delay exceeds 24 hours, contact Hola Car Rentals support as soon as possible via WhatsApp at +1 (786) 999-8312 or by email at [email protected]. Changes are not guaranteed but the team will assist where possible.
- For the downtown San Francisco Hertz location at 325 Mason Street, which closes at 17:00 daily, a delay that pushes your arrival past closing time means you would need to arrange pickup at the 24/7 SFO location instead.
Always check your Hertz rental agreement and booking confirmation for the specific hold policy that applies to your San Francisco reservation.
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