Maximizing Your UCLA Hertz Rental Discount: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of California (UC) system provides its employees and students with access to a system-wide car rental program, offering discounted rates and comprehensive insurance coverage. This article will guide you through the process of securing a Hertz rental discount as a member of the UCLA community, maximizing your savings and ensuring a smooth rental experience.

Understanding the UC Car Rental Program

The University of California has a system-wide car rental program with Enterprise, Hertz, National, Dollar and Thrifty. It offers UC business travelers the best value, most economical pricing, and includes insurance coverage through the rental car company. Access to these agreements is quick and easy when booking through Connexxus, UC’s travel booking tool. Rental rates displayed within Connexxuspreferred car rental companies include the UC rate and insurance coverage for most domestic travel.

Accessing Discounts Through Connexxus

The primary method for accessing UC-negotiated car rental rates, including those from Hertz, is through Connexxus, UC’s travel booking tool. Connexxus is a UC-wide travel program developed as part of the University’s Strategic Sourcing Initiative. It offers University travelers excellent pricing options for airfares, hotels and car rentals through a secure web portal, with options ranging from full agent assistance to online booking.

How to Book:

Make travel reservations using UC Travel Center online booking tool 24/7.
Log in to Connexxus with your credentials.
Reserve a car by performing a search under a BCD, UC Travel Center or SWABIZ. The UC-negotiated rates automatically display.

Key Benefits of Using Connexxus

Connexxus offers several advantages for UC travelers:

Reduced car rental rates, with full insurance coverage from Hertz, National and Enterprise.
Significant hotel discounts from Marriott, Starwood and Wyndham hotels.
Air travel discounts on American, Continental, Delta, Jet Blue and Virgin America.
A special UC Rapid Rewards Program on Southwest Airlines for Connexxus travelers.

Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know

A significant benefit of the UC car rental program is the inclusion of comprehensive insurance coverage when renting for business purposes within the United States (through the car rental company).

Domestic Rentals:

At time of rental, UC employees should decline the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and Supplemental Liability (SLI) when renting a car for business travel within the United States.
Rental rates displayed within Connexxus preferred car rental companies include the UC rate and insurance coverage for most domestic travel.
Please decline additional insurance coverage if offered by the car rental agent.

International Rentals:

You should purchase additional CDW/LDW/SLI insurance when renting in foreign countries even when booked with UC Travel Center. The additional insurance cost will be reimbursable.
Note: Insurance should be purchased if the location or country is not covered in the UC agreement.
We highly recommend speaking with a UC Travel Center agent for when reserving for international car rental.

Understanding Surcharges

Be aware of potential city surcharges that may apply to your Hertz rental. Here's a breakdown of surcharges in various locations:

Hertz City Surcharges:

Alaska (State): $8.00
Atlanta Area, GA: $8.00
Baltimore Area, MD: $3.00
Boston Area, MA: $12.00
Charlotte Area, NC: $5.00
Chicago Area, IL: $18.00
Cincinnati Area, OH: $5.00
Cleveland Area, OH: $5.00
Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport, TX (DFW): $9.00
Denver/Colorado Springs Area, CO: $8.00
Detroit Area, MI: $12.00
Hartford Area, CT: $8.00
Kansas City Area, MO: $5.00
Minneapolis/St. Worth Airport, TX (DFW): $3.00
Moline Area, IL: $5.00
New Orleans Area, LA: $5.00
New York Area, NY (except as below): $5.00
Philadelphia Area, PA: $12.00
Phoenix Area, AZ: $5.00
Pittsburgh Area, PA: $8.00
Providence Area, RI: $8.00
Puerto Rico: Disc. applies
Richmond Area, VA: $5.00
San Juan: Disc. applies
St. Louis Area, MO: $5.00
Texas (State) (except DFW): $8.00
Washington, DC Area: $3.00
Pittsburgh: $6.00
Denver/Colorado Springs Area: $6.00
Portland, OR: $3.00
Detroit: $6.00
Puerto Rico: $10.00
Hartford: $6.00
Richmond Area, VA: $3.00
Houston: $3.00
Rochester, NY: $3.00
Indianapolis: $6.00
San Juan: $10.00
Kansas City: $3.00
Seattle: $3.00
Manhattan: $21.00
St. Louis: $3.00
Milwaukee: $6.00
Minneapolis/St. Paul: $6.00
Mobile: $3.00
Texas (State): $6.00
Washington, DC: $6.00

Enterprise City Surcharges:

Alaska (State): $13.00
Atlanta: $5.00
Baltimore: $5.00
Boston: $5.00
Charlotte: $5.00
Chicago: $5.00
Cincinnati: $5.00
Cleveland: $5.00
Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport, TX (DFW): $5.00
Denver/Colorado Springs Area: $5.00
Detroit: $5.00
Hartford: $5.00
Illinois (State): $5.00
Minneapolis/St. Paul: $5.00
Moline Area, IL: $5.00
New Orleans: $5.00
New York (State): $5.00
New York City Boroughs incl. JFK & LGA: $23.00
Philadelphia: $5.00
Phoenix: $5.00
Pittsburgh: $5.00
Providence: $5.00
Puerto Rico: $13.00
Richmond Area, VA: $5.00
Seattle: $5.00
St.

Vehicle Type Restrictions

The UC has guidelines regarding the type of vehicle you should rent:

UC requires that an economy, compact or intermediate model be requested. These models should be used unless a no-cost upgrade is provided.
UC Employees and Students are restricted against renting vans with ten people, including drivers for UC business-related travel. Regulations require the driver to have a Class B driver's license.

Personal vs. Business Use

It's important to understand the insurance implications when mixing personal and business travel:

Only National and Enterprise extend UC’s contract coverage to include personal days.
Is car rental insurance included if my rental is partly for personal purposes? Only National and Enterprise extend UC’s contract coverage to include personal days.

Step-by-Step Booking Guide on Connexxus

Logon to the Connexxus Portal using the link below.
You can book the reservation via the Connexxus portal. Log in using your credentials.
Click Book Online.
Click on the Personal Travel tile.