Hertz Car Share is better for those needing a wider geographic reach and vehicle variety, while Lyft Rentals may appeal to users already within the Lyft ecosystem and seeking potentially lower daily rates. Both have trade-offs in customer service and convenience.
| Attribute | Hertz Car Share | Lyft Rentals |
|---|---|---|
| Rental cost per day/hour | Hourly and daily rates, varying by vehicle type and location. Car sharing services can cost around $0.45 per mile, up to $70-$80 per day. | Daily rates range from $35 to $139, cheaper on weekdays. Minimum charge is one 24-hour day. |
| Vehicle availability and variety | Diverse fleet, including economy to hybrid cars, convertibles, luxury cars, and 15-passenger vans. Specific models can include Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, and Tesla Model 3. | In San Francisco/Oakland (2019): Volkswagen Passat sedan (5-seat), Volkswagen Atlas SUV (7-seat). In Los Angeles (2019): Mazda3 sedan (5-seat), Mazda CX-5 SUV (5-seat). Standard cars are hybrids, with options to pay more for SUVs or larger sedans. |
| Insurance coverage options | Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). Car share memberships include insurance, but it's important to check the policy for terms, conditions, and coverage. | Auto Liability Coverage: Covers third-party bodily injury/property damage (limits vary by state, up to $1,000,000 per accident). Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Coverage may be provided. Auto Physical Damage: Vehicle coverage regardless of fault, actual cash value/repair costs (whichever is less) with a $1,000 deductible. |
| Geographic service area | Thousands of locations worldwide, including in airports and neighborhoods. Locations across Europe. | Available in select U.S. cities and 16 states. |
| Membership fees and requirements | Annual membership fee for Hertz 24/7. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards offers benefits like faster pickup and discounts. Minimum age to rent is typically 21. | Latest Lyft app, valid credit/debit card in your name. Lyft may refuse rental for suspended license, missing documentation, or history of vehicle damage. |
| Fuel/charging policy | ICE vehicles typically supplied with a full tank of fuel. EVs should be returned with no less than 15% charge. Fuel for Hertz 24/7 is charged on a pence per mileage basis. | Add fuel/charge yourself, or Lyft charges local market rate. Vehicles supplied with full tank. Return full or Lyft charges to refill at market rate. Recharging fees apply for EVs returned with less than 80% charge. |
| Mileage limits and overage fees | Hertz rentals for Uber drivers include unlimited miles. | Some rentals offer unlimited mileage. Overage fees vary by region for rentals with mileage limits. |
| Pick-up and drop-off locations | Convenient locations, including neighborhood locations with pick-up and delivery service. Hertz 24/7 allows pick-up at any hour. One-way rentals are available across most of the US. | Designated Lyft rental car lots. Drop-off may be available at marked parking spots in some cities. Lyft may cover the cost of a Lyft ride to the rental car lot (up to a certain amount). |
| Vehicle condition and maintenance | Hertz vehicles undergo a 115-point inspection. Hertz partners with UVeye for AI-driven vehicle inspections. Maintenance is the car owner's responsibility in peer-to-peer car sharing. | Clean and smoke-free fleet. Return vehicle in same condition. Cleaning fees (up to $300) may apply for excessively dirty vehicles. Routine maintenance is required and will be notified via the app or email. |
| Customer support responsiveness | Mixed reviews. 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance is available at 1-800-654-5060. | Contact Lyft through the app ('Support and Safety' -> 'Get Help'). |
| Cancellation policy | "Pay Later" reservations can be canceled without a fee. "Pay Now" reservations have cancellation fees that vary depending on timing. Full refund if canceled before midnight two days before pick-up. Hertz 24/7 allows free cancellation up to 6 hours before pick-up. | Full refund if canceled up to 24 hours prior to pick up. Cancellation fee may apply if canceling less than 24 hours in advance. Policies can vary for third-party reservations. |
| App usability and features | Hertz 24/7 uses an app for booking, unlocking vehicles, and managing rentals. The Hertz app allows check-in and modifications to reservations. | Rentals managed through the Lyft app. Book, manage rentals, and contact support via the app. Scan driver's license using the app. |