25/04/2014
When you rent a car, the last thing you want to worry about is a breakdown. Fortunately, many rental companies offer roadside assistance to provide peace of mind. If you're considering Hertz for your next car rental, you're likely wondering: Does Hertz cover roadside assistance? The answer is a resounding yes, but it's important to understand the specifics of what's included and what might be an additional cost.
Hertz understands that unforeseen circumstances can happen on the road. To help mitigate potential disruptions and financial burdens for their customers, they include a basic level of emergency roadside service with every rental. This fundamental coverage is designed to address common issues that can leave you stranded.
What is Included in Hertz's Basic Roadside Assistance?
The core offering from Hertz is their Basic Emergency Roadside Service. This service is automatically included with every Hertz rental agreement. Its primary purpose is to cover you for costs associated with mechanical vehicle defects. This means if your rental car experiences a problem due to a manufacturing fault or an issue with the vehicle's components that is not a result of driver error or misuse, Hertz's basic plan will typically cover:
- Towing: If your vehicle breaks down due to a mechanical defect and cannot be driven, Hertz's basic roadside assistance will usually cover the cost of towing the vehicle to the nearest Hertz service centre or an authorized repair facility.
- Jump Starts: If your rental car's battery dies, requiring a jump start, this service is typically included.
- Flat Tyre Changes: While you'll need to have a usable spare tyre, Hertz's basic assistance often covers the labour to change a flat tyre. You will be responsible for the cost of the replacement tyre if the flat is due to damage rather than a defect.
- Fuel Delivery: If you happen to run out of fuel, Hertz's basic service can arrange for a limited amount of fuel to be delivered to your location, allowing you to get to the nearest petrol station.
- Lockout Service: If you accidentally lock your keys inside the rental car, Hertz's basic roadside assistance can help you gain access to your vehicle.
This basic level of coverage is designed to reduce your financial liability and provide assistance for common emergencies that are not your fault. It's a valuable inclusion that offers a significant degree of reassurance when you're on the road.
When Might You Need Additional Coverage?
While Hertz's Basic Emergency Roadside Service is comprehensive for mechanical issues, there are certain situations where you might want to consider purchasing additional coverage or understand what is explicitly excluded. These often fall into categories related to driver responsibility or specific types of incidents:
Accidental Damage and Driver Negligence
The basic roadside assistance primarily covers mechanical defects. It generally does not cover issues arising from:
- Accidental damage: If you damage the vehicle in an accident (e.g., collision, hitting an object), the roadside assistance for towing might be provided, but the repair costs will be handled through your rental agreement's insurance or damage waiver options.
- Driver error: Misfuelling the car (putting diesel in a petrol car, or vice versa), running out of fuel due to negligence, or damage caused by driving on unsuitable roads are typically not covered by basic roadside assistance.
- Lost or damaged keys: While lockout service is usually covered, if you lose the keys entirely or they are significantly damaged, there may be separate charges.
- Tyre damage not due to defects: If a tyre is damaged due to a puncture from a nail, vandalism, or driving over sharp objects, you will likely be responsible for the cost of the replacement tyre, even if Hertz assists with the change.
Optional Roadside Assistance Packages
For greater peace of mind, Hertz may offer optional roadside assistance packages or premium coverages at an additional daily rate. These packages can sometimes extend coverage to include scenarios not covered by the basic plan, such as:
- Waiver of tyre and windscreen damage: Some premium packages might waive the cost of replacing tyres or windscreens damaged due to normal use or minor incidents.
- Key replacement: If you lose the keys, a premium package might cover the cost of replacement.
- Roadside assistance for off-road incidents: While not typical for rental cars, if you were to encounter an issue in an off-road scenario (assuming permitted by the rental agreement), premium cover might be more beneficial.
It is always advisable to check the specific terms and conditions of your rental agreement and any optional insurance products you choose to purchase to understand the full scope of coverage.
Hertz vs. Competitors: A Comparative Look
When comparing rental car companies, roadside assistance is a crucial factor to consider. Here's a general comparison of how Hertz's offering might stack up:
| Feature | Hertz (Basic) | Typical Competitor A (Basic) | Typical Competitor B (Premium Option) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towing for Mechanical Defects | Included | Included | Included |
| Jump Starts | Included | Included | Included |
| Flat Tyre Change (with spare) | Included (labour) | Included (labour) | Included (labour) |
| Fuel Delivery | Included (limited) | May have a small charge or be limited | Often included with no or minimal charge |
| Lockout Service | Included | Included | Included |
| Coverage for Driver Negligence (e.g., misfuelling) | Not typically covered | Not typically covered | May be covered under a premium package |
| Tyre/Windscreen Damage (non-defect) | Not covered | Not covered | May be covered under a premium package |
| Cost | Included in rental price | Included in rental price | Additional daily fee |
It's important to note that these are general comparisons, and the exact inclusions can vary based on the rental location, the specific vehicle class, and the terms of the rental agreement. Always verify the details directly with Hertz or your chosen rental company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Hertz roadside assistance free?
A1: Hertz's Basic Emergency Roadside Service is included in the rental price. However, if you require services outside of the basic coverage (e.g., replacing a tyre damaged by you, or if you run out of fuel due to negligence), you may incur charges. Optional premium roadside assistance packages will have an additional daily fee.
Q2: What if I run out of fuel with a Hertz rental?
A2: Hertz's basic roadside assistance typically covers fuel delivery for a limited amount to get you to the nearest petrol station. However, if you consistently run out of fuel due to negligence, there might be a charge for the service or the fuel itself.
Q3: Do I need to purchase separate roadside assistance if I have my own insurance?
A3: Your personal car insurance or credit card benefits might offer some level of roadside assistance. However, it's crucial to check the specifics of your coverage, as rental car insurance can differ from your personal policy. Hertz's basic coverage is designed for the rental vehicle specifically and can simplify the process in case of a breakdown.
Q4: What happens if the car I rented from Hertz breaks down?
A4: If your Hertz rental breaks down due to a mechanical defect, you should contact the Hertz roadside assistance number provided with your rental agreement. They will arrange for towing or other necessary services according to the basic coverage. If the issue is due to damage caused by you, the process might differ and involve your chosen insurance or damage waivers.
Q5: Can I get roadside assistance if I'm in an accident?
A5: Hertz's basic roadside assistance primarily covers mechanical breakdowns. In the event of an accident, you will need to follow the accident reporting procedures outlined in your rental agreement. Towing from an accident scene may be covered, but the costs associated with vehicle damage will be handled through your rental insurance or damage waiver.
Conclusion
In summary, Hertz does cover roadside assistance, and their Basic Emergency Roadside Service is a valuable inclusion that provides essential support for mechanical defects, towing, jump starts, tyre changes, fuel delivery, and lockout situations. This coverage is automatically part of your rental, offering a baseline of security. However, for complete peace of mind, especially if you're concerned about accidental damage or driver-related incidents, it's wise to familiarise yourself with the exclusions and consider any optional premium roadside assistance packages that Hertz may offer. Always review your rental agreement carefully to understand the full extent of your coverage and ensure you're prepared for any eventuality on your journey.
If you want to read more articles similar to Hertz Roadside Assistance: What's Covered?, you can visit the Insurance category.