Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to explore the UK — from busy city streets to quiet coastal roads and countryside escapes. Hertz UK offers a wide range of vehicles and rental options, making it easy for both tourists and residents to travel on their own schedule. To help you get the best experience (and best value), here are the top tips for renting a car with Hertz UK.
🚗 1. Book Early for Better Prices & Vehicle Choice
Like flights and hotels, rental prices fluctuate depending on demand. Booking ahead ensures:
✔ lower pricing
✔ more model availability
✔ access to deals and promotions
This is especially important during:
– summer holidays
– Easter breaks
– Christmas & New Year
– long bank holiday weekends
If you wait until the last minute, you may be left with higher prices or limited vehicle categories.
🛄 2. Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Trip
Hertz UK offers a wide fleet, including:
✔ small city cars
✔ family SUVs
✔ executive sedans
✔ vans
✔ electric vehicles
✔ luxury models
Think about:
- number of passengers
- luggage capacity
- terrain (city vs countryside)
- fuel efficiency
For example:
✔ London → compact car or electric vehicle
✔ Scottish Highlands → SUV or 4×4
✔ Business travel → executive saloon
Right car = better comfort + fuel savings.
✈️ 3. Consider Airport Pick-Up, But Compare Options
Airport pickup is convenient — especially after long flights — but it can sometimes cost more due to fees. Compare prices with:
✔ nearby city branches
✔ local drop-off options
Sometimes the airport premium is worth the convenience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with UK public transport.
🗺️ 4. Don’t Forget to Add Navigation if Needed
UK roads can be dense, especially in older city layouts. You can opt for:
✔ built-in car navigation
✔ smartphone navigation (CarPlay/Android Auto)
If using your mobile, check:
- data roaming charges (for international visitors)
- offline map options
This saves time, fuel, and stress.
🛡️ 5. Check Insurance & Coverage Options Carefully
Insurance terms can be confusing. Hertz UK typically offers:
✔ Collision Damage Waiver
✔ Theft Protection
✔ Third-party coverage
Decide whether you need:
✔ additional zero-excess coverage
✔ tyre & windscreen protection
✔ roadside assistance upgrades
It’s often cheaper than paying damages later.
⛽ 6. Understand the Fuel Policy Before Driving Off
Fuel policies vary. Common options include:
- Full to full (most cost-effective)
- Prepaid fuel
- Return empty
Full-to-full is recommended because you only pay for what you actually use.
🪪 7. Bring the Right Documents
To rent with Hertz UK, you’ll typically need:
✔ valid driving licence
✔ passport or ID (non-UK customers)
✔ payment card
✔ booking confirmation
If you’re a non-UK driver, check whether you need:
✔ International Driving Permit (IDP)
depending on your home country.
🛣️ 8. Know UK Driving Rules if You’re Not a Local
If you’re visiting, note:
✔ driving is on the left
✔ roundabouts are common
✔ speed is in miles, not kilometres
✔ congestion charges may apply in cities
Big cities like London have:
🚦 ULEZ (Ultra Low Emissions Zone)
🚦 Congestion Charge Zone
If you rent electric or hybrid vehicles, you may save on emission zone fees.
📍 9. Make the Most of One-Way Rentals
Hertz allows one-way rentals between branches, which is perfect for trips like:
✳ London → Edinburgh
✳ Manchester → Bristol
✳ Heathrow → Southampton port
This is useful for:
✔ road trips
✔ relocations
✔ cruise departures
✔ airport transfers
📅 10. Check Mileage Limits Before Booking
Most Hertz UK rentals include unlimited mileage, but speciality or luxury vehicles may not. Always confirm if mileage matters for long trips.