Car hire prices can feel like a maze. Different websites, hidden extras, confusing add-ons and that nagging worry that someone else paid less for the same car. If you want to skip all that, booking directly with Hertz is one of the simplest ways to get a great deal with total peace of mind. Between the Best Rate Guarantee, the free Hertz Gold+ loyalty programme, regular featured offers and partner discounts, there are plenty of ways to save. This blog is all about the money-saving side of Hertz, plus the perks that make every rental smoother, so you can book with confidence.
Hertz Best Rate Guarantee: Why Booking Direct Pays Off
The first reason to book on hertz.co.uk is the Best Rate Guarantee. Hertz promises that you’ll get the best rates when you book directly with them, so you don’t need to spend hours comparing prices across different sites. Booking direct also means your reservation is managed by Hertz itself, making it easy to view, modify or cancel your booking online whenever plans change. It’s the straightforward, stress-free way to hire a car at a great price.
Join Hertz Gold+ for Free and Save on Every Rental
If you only do one thing before booking, join Hertz Gold+. It’s Hertz’s award-winning loyalty programme, it’s completely free, and the perks start from your very first rental. Members enjoy special member rates that save money year-round when booking direct, so you’re paying less every single time. It’s honestly one of the best-value loyalty programmes in car hire, because the savings and benefits kick in straight away rather than after years of renting.
Skip the Counter With Faster Pickups and Returns
One of the most loved Gold+ benefits is the faster pickup. At select locations, members can skip the counter, pick their car and simply drive away. When you return, just drop your keys and go. After a long flight, that’s a real gift. No queues, no waiting around, just a quick walk to your car and you’re on your way. It turns the start and end of every trip into something genuinely relaxing.
Free Additional Driver for Your Partner
Sharing the driving on a long road trip makes a huge difference, and Hertz Gold+ members can add their spouse or partner as an additional driver at no extra cost. It’s a small perk that adds up to real savings, especially on longer holidays, family trips and those long drives up to Scotland or across Europe. You both get to relax and take turns behind the wheel.
Earn Points for Free Rental Days
Every time you rent with Hertz as a Gold+ member, you collect points on your rental charges, which you can redeem for free rental days. You can use them for a free day in a compact or intermediate car, a free weekend in a spacious seven-seater or even a whole free week of car hire. Standard Rewards are perfect if you like to plan ahead, while AnyDay Rewards give you more flexibility on dates. It means your regular trips gradually pay for a future holiday, which is a lovely bonus.
Five Star and President’s Circle: Upgrades and Elite Status
The more you rent, the better it gets. Hertz Gold+ has elite tiers called Five Star and President’s Circle, and Hertz has made it easier than ever to reach them. Five Star members earn extra points and enjoy free vehicle upgrades, subject to availability. President’s Circle members earn even more points, get guaranteed vehicle upgrades and have access to a dedicated customer service line. Once you earn status, you keep it for the rest of the year and the following year too, so frequent travellers really are rewarded for their loyalty.
Hertz Featured Offers and Seasonal Deals
Beyond membership, Hertz regularly runs featured offers on its deals page, and it’s always worth a look before you book. You’ll often find member savings with Hertz Gold+ all year round, special EV rates so you can charge up in an electric car for less, and seasonal promotions on popular car groups and destinations. There’s also a Global Destinations section with great-value car rental deals in top holiday spots around the world, from Spain and Portugal to the USA.
Partner Offers With Airlines, Rail and Hotels
Hertz works with a long list of travel partners, and that opens up even more ways to save. Through partner offers, you can access discounts and benefits linked to airlines, rail operators, hotels and other loyalty programmes. In many cases you can earn frequent traveller points or miles on your car hire, which is perfect if you’re already collecting them for your next flight. It’s worth checking the partner section before booking to see if your airline or hotel membership unlocks something extra.
Use Discount and Promo Codes at Checkout
When you make a reservation on hertz.co.uk, you’ll see an option to add a discount code. This is where you can enter a promo code or a CDP code, which is a corporate or partner discount number, to unlock special rates. If your employer, a membership organisation or a travel partner gives you a Hertz code, make sure you add it here so you get the best possible price on your rental.
Van Hire Deals and Special Offers
Hertz also runs exclusive deals on van hire, which is great news if you’re moving house or need a van for a job. Alongside great everyday prices, there are special offers that make hiring a van even more affordable, whether you need it for an hour, a day, a week or a month. With one-way options available too, Hertz van hire is a flexible, good-value choice for everything from house moves to business deliveries.
Offers for Drivers and PCO Hire
If you drive for any other company, Hertz’s PCO promotions are worth checking regularly. Recent offers have made it easier to start with weekly rentals and later switch to Hertz Rent2Buy, where the money you’ve already paid on weekly rentals helps reduce your Rent2Buy contract. There’s also a refer-a-friend scheme in the Hertz app that rewards you with account credit when a friend you introduce completes their rentals. It’s a smart, affordable path into driving an electric car and eventually owning it.
Business Car Hire Discounts
For companies, Hertz offers dedicated savings too. Business First accounts give you competitive fixed rates and account management support, while Hertz My Business lets you sign up for exclusive business discounts. Combined with flexible long-term hire, it’s an easy way to keep your team moving while keeping travel costs under control.
Simple Tips to Get the Cheapest Hertz Car Hire
A few easy habits can make your Hertz rental even better value. First, book early, especially for school holidays, bank holiday weekends and summer trips abroad, when demand is at its highest. Second, always sign in as a Gold+ member before searching, so the member rate is applied automatically. Third, compare pick-up locations, because a city centre or train station branch can sometimes offer better availability than a busy airport desk. Fourth, check the Featured Offers and Partner Offers pages before you pay, and add any promo or CDP code you have. Finally, think about the right car size for your trip, since a compact car is often all you need for a city break. Follow these tips and you’ll get more car for your money every time you rent.
Smooth, Hassle-Free Rentals From Start to Finish
Saving money is great, but the whole experience matters too. Hertz offers online check-in to speed things up before you arrive, plus the Hertz app, where you can book and manage your rentals, get support and access your Gold+ benefits on the go. Many locations have extended opening hours, and there’s a helpful car hire guide covering everything from booking and pick-up to using your debit card and returning your vehicle. The rental charges are clearly explained on the website, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. As one Gold+ member put it, the customer service was exceptional and they always choose Hertz.
Book Your Hertz Deal Today
With the Best Rate Guarantee, free Gold+ membership, member savings, free rental days, upgrades and regular offers, booking direct with Hertz is one of the smartest ways to hire a car or van. Join Gold+ for free, check the latest deals, add any discount code you have and book your next trip on hertz.co.uk. Your road trip starts here.