can you still rent a car from hertz

[McElliot]

Yes, you can absolutely still rent a car from Hertz. The company successfully emerged from its 2021 Chapter 11 restructuring and is operating normally. While it sold off a significant portion of its electric vehicle (EV) fleet, primarily Teslas, in early 2024, this move was a strategic shift to better match customer demand and simplify its operations. For the vast majority of renters seeking gasoline-powered vehicles, from compact sedans to full-size SUVs, Hertz remains a major player with a large and diverse fleet available at airports and neighborhood locations across the U.S.

The decision to sell 20,000 EVs was based on higher-than-expected costs associated with collision and damage repairs, which impacted the profitability of those specific vehicles. This does not reflect the health of the overall rental business. In fact, it shows Hertz is making data-driven decisions to optimize its core service.

When booking with Hertz today, you can expect the same process. It's advisable to book directly through their official website or app for the most accurate real-time inventory and to potentially avoid third-party booking fees. You'll also want to carefully review your rental agreement for details on their policies regarding fuel, tolls, and optional protections like Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). Renting from Hertz remains a reliable option for business travel, family vacations, and needing a replacement vehicle.

Key Metric	Data Point	Context / Implication
EV Fleet Reduction	20,000 vehicles	Primarily Tesla Model 3 and Model Y sedans sold in 2024.
Repair Cost Disparity	~2x higher for EVs	Hertz cited significantly higher repair costs for EVs compared to gasoline vehicles.
U.S. Airport Locations	Over 290 locations	Maintains a strong presence at major travel hubs nationwide.
Chapter 11 Emergence	June 2021	Successfully restructured debt and returned to normal operations.
Rental Process	Unchanged	Booking, pickup, and return procedures remain standard.

[LaElliana]

Sure can. I rented a minivan from them at Orlando Airport just last month for a family trip. The process was smooth, and the lot was full of cars. All the talk about them getting rid of electric cars just means you're less likely to get a Tesla without specifically asking for one. For your standard rental, it's business as usual. I’d still recommend checking their website a few weeks ahead of your trip to lock in a good rate.

[AlejandroLee]

From a business standpoint, Hertz is very much open. Their shift away from a large EV fleet was a rational operational decision, not a sign of distress. They're refocusing on their core gasoline-powered inventory, which aligns with current market demand and profitability. For corporate travel managers and frequent renters, Hertz continues to be a viable and stable partner in the rental car industry, especially given their extensive airport network.

[OJonathan]

Yes, but do your homework first. The main change is that their fleet is now more heavily weighted toward traditional gas cars. If you were counting on trying an EV, you might be disappointed. My advice is to book online and pay close attention to what you're actually reserving—the car class, not just a price. Also, double-check what insurance coverage your own car insurance or credit card provides so you can skip the pricey counter offers.

[StBrynlee]

Absolutely. Think of it this way: Hertz had a bad experiment with electric cars that turned out to be too expensive to maintain, so they cut their losses. That's a smart business move. For you and me, it means we walk into a Hertz location and see a familiar selection of Chevrolets, Fords, and Nissans. The competition from companies like Enterprise might be fiercer now, but Hertz isn't going anywhere. They're just sticking to what they know works for most customers.