The Essential Hertz Claims Phone Number Guide: 5 Critical Contacts For Accidents, Billing, And Damage Recovery

Navigating the claims process with a major rental car company like Hertz can be confusing, especially when you are dealing with the stress of an accident or an unexpected bill. As of today, December 17, 2025, the key to a smooth resolution is knowing the exact, current phone number and contact method for your specific type of claim—whether it involves vehicle damage, a billing discrepancy, or a personal insurance matter.

The biggest challenge customers face is often being redirected between general customer service and specialized departments like the Hertz Damage Recovery Team. This comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date and critical contact information, along with a step-by-step process, to ensure you connect with the right Hertz department immediately and manage your claim efficiently.

Immediate Action: Critical Hertz Claims Phone Numbers and Contacts

Filing a claim with Hertz requires contacting different departments depending on the nature of the incident. It is crucial to distinguish between a roadside emergency, an initial accident report, and a post-rental billing dispute. Here is a list of the most important Hertz contact numbers and addresses you need to know.

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• For Accident & Damage Claims (First Notice of Loss): 1-877-584-7159
• For General Customer Service & Billing Disputes: 1-800-654-4173
• For Emergency Roadside Assistance: 1-800-654-5060
• For Personal Protection Package (PPP) / PAI Claims: Mail-in Submission
• For Escalated Complaints (Executive Customer Service): Contact via Online Form or Dedicated Email (as recommended by the Better Business Bureau)

1. The Primary Hertz Claims Phone Number: First Notice of Loss (FNOL)

For any incident involving an accident, collision, or damage to your Hertz rental vehicle, the first point of contact is the dedicated Claims Department, which handles the First Notice of Loss (FNOL). This number is the most critical to save in your phone.

Primary Claims Phone Number: 1-877-584-7159

This line is intended for reporting the initial incident. When you call, be prepared to provide your Rental Agreement Number, the license plate number of the rental vehicle, and a detailed description of the incident. Prompt reporting is a contractual obligation and is essential for a successful claim process.

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2. Emergency Roadside Assistance (Breakdown and Non-Accident Issues)

If your vehicle breaks down, has a flat tire, or requires mechanical assistance—but has not been involved in a collision—you need the Roadside Assistance team, not the Claims Department.

Roadside Assistance Phone Number: 1-800-654-5060

This service is available 24/7. Have your exact location, the vehicle's make and model, and your Rental Agreement ready. Note that this number is for operational issues, not for filing an insurance claim after an accident.

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3. General Customer Service and Billing Dispute Phone Number

When the claim relates to an incorrect charge, an unexpected fee, or a post-rental billing dispute that is not tied to physical damage, you should contact Hertz's general Customer Service line.

Customer Service Phone Number: 1-800-654-4173

This team can assist with inquiries about your final invoice, unauthorized charges, or other general rental experience issues. They are typically available during standard business hours (e.g., 7 am–7 pm CST, Monday–Friday). Be sure to have your rental receipt and any supporting documentation for the dispute ready before you call.

The Hertz Claims Process: From Incident to Resolution

Understanding the multi-step process for filing a damage claim will significantly improve your experience and expedite the resolution. The process centers on the mandatory Vehicle Incident Report (VIR).

Step 1: Document the Incident Immediately

The moment an accident or damage occurs, your priority should be to ensure safety and gather all necessary documentation. This includes:

• Calling the police and filing an official police report, if applicable.
• Taking clear, time-stamped photographs of the damage to the Hertz vehicle and any other vehicles or property involved.
• Collecting contact and insurance information from all involved parties (drivers, passengers, witnesses).

Step 2: Complete the Vehicle Incident Report (VIR)

A Vehicle Incident Report (VIR) must be completed for every incident that occurs during your rental period. This is a formal document that details the incident, including information on any injuries, fatalities, and the contact details of all parties.

The VIR must be surrendered to Hertz at the time of vehicle return. You can often start this process online via the Hertz website, but the physical report must be finalized.

Step 3: Call the First Notice of Loss (FNOL) Number

As detailed above, call the dedicated claims number 1-877-584-7159 to officially report the incident. This formal notification starts the internal claims process.

Dealing with the Damage Recovery Team (DRT)

One of the most common points of frustration for customers is dealing with the Hertz Damage Recovery Team (often referred to as the Damage Recovery Unit or DRU). This is the department that follows up on the claim, assesses the damage, and sends the final bill for repair costs, often months after the rental has ended.

The DRT is not typically reached via the initial FNOL number. They will contact you directly with a formal claim notification and an invoice. If you are disputing a charge from the DRT, you should be prepared to:

• Provide Your Own Evidence: If you took photos of the car at check-in and check-out showing no damage, this is your most powerful tool.
• Leverage Your Insurance: If you have personal auto insurance, credit card coverage, or purchased Hertz's Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), you should immediately forward the DRT claim packet to your insurance provider or credit card company. They will handle the claim on your behalf, which is often the quickest path to resolution.
• Be Persistent: Customer reviews often cite difficulty reaching a live person or getting a timely response. Keep a detailed log of all correspondence, including dates, times, and the names of the representatives you speak with.

Personal Insurance and Protection Claims (PAI/PEC)

If you purchased optional personal insurance products from Hertz, such as the Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) or Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), the claim submission process is handled by mail.

PAI/PEC Claim Submission:

You must download and complete the official PAI Claim Form from the Hertz website and submit it, along with a copy of your Rental Agreement, to the claims management office.

Submission Address:

Hertz Claim Management Corporation
P.O. Box 716
Park Ridge, NJ 07656

Crucially, this form must be submitted within 30 days after the date of loss or damage to ensure your claim is processed.

Entities and LSI Keywords for Topical Authority

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Hertz claims ecosystem, familiarizing yourself with these key entities and terms is beneficial:

• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Optional protection that relieves the renter of financial responsibility for loss or damage to the rental vehicle.
• Damage Recovery Team (DRT): The specialized internal unit responsible for collecting repair costs from renters or their insurers.
• First Notice of Loss (FNOL): The initial report of an accident or damage, typically handled by the 1-877-584-7159 line.
• Vehicle Incident Report (VIR): The mandatory physical form detailing the circumstances of the damage or accident.
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Optional coverage for accidental death or medical expenses for the renter and passengers.
• Personal Effects Coverage (PEC): Optional coverage for the loss or damage of personal belongings in the rental vehicle.
• Executive Customer Service: The recommended escalation point for unresolved disputes or chronic customer service issues.
• Subrogation: The legal process where Hertz’s insurer seeks to recover the cost of the claim from the at-fault party's insurance.
• Administrative Fees: Charges often added to a damage claim to cover the internal costs of processing the claim.
• Loss of Use: A charge representing the revenue Hertz loses while the damaged vehicle is out for repair.
• Diminution of Value: A claim for the loss in the vehicle's resale value due to accident damage.