Hertz Car Rental - Somerville - Somerville Avenue

- 646 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143

For residents and visitors navigating the vibrant and often busy streets of Somerville and greater Boston, Massachusetts, a reliable car rental service can be indispensable. Whether you're moving belongings, exploring the charming neighborhoods, or simply need a temporary ride, the convenience of a local car rental agency is highly valued. Among the many options, Hertz Car Rental has a branch conveniently located on Somerville Avenue. This article aims to provide a clear and factual overview of this specific Hertz location, focusing on insights derived directly from recent customer experiences to inform local users in Massachusetts.

Choosing a car rental company involves more than just brand recognition; it demands an understanding of the specific service quality, fleet availability, and overall customer support offered at individual branches. While national chains like Hertz often project an image of seamless service, the reality on the ground can vary. For those in Massachusetts, particularly in the densely populated Somerville area, being well-informed about a local branch can significantly influence your rental experience.

Our goal is to present an unfiltered look at what you might expect when considering Hertz Car Rental at their 646 Somerville Ave location. We will delve into both the logistical aspects and, crucially, the consistent feedback from customers regarding unexpected charges, vehicle conditions, and the level of service provided. This information is paramount for making a well-considered decision for your next car rental in Massachusetts.

Hertz Car Rental - Somerville - Somerville Avenue is situated at 646 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143, USA. This location places it in a highly accessible and central part of Somerville, making it convenient for a wide range of local users. Somerville Avenue itself is a major thoroughfare, connecting various neighborhoods within Somerville and providing routes to neighboring cities like Cambridge and Boston.

For those relying on public transportation, the branch is generally within reach of MBTA bus routes that traverse Somerville Avenue, and not too far from Red Line stations, although a direct, immediate walk from a subway station might not be the case. Its urban setting means it's integrated into the city's robust network, allowing for relatively easy access for many residents. For locals who reside in Somerville, Medford, or Cambridge, this location offers a nearby option for car rental needs, reducing travel time to pick up or drop off a vehicle. The neighborhood nature of this branch can be a significant advantage over airport locations for day-to-day rentals.

As a globally recognized car rental brand, Hertz typically offers a comprehensive suite of services and vehicle options to cater to various customer demands. While the operational reality at this specific Somerville branch has been subject to customer feedback, the general services offered by Hertz include:

• Diverse Vehicle Categories: Hertz maintains a broad fleet ranging from economy and compact cars for fuel efficiency, to mid-size and full-size sedans, SUVs for more space, minivans for families, and specialized vehicles like trucks or luxury cars (availability varies by location).
• Flexible Rental Durations: Customers can typically choose from daily, weekly, or monthly rental periods, accommodating both short-term needs and longer-term temporary vehicle requirements.
• Online Booking and Mobile App: Hertz provides an extensive online reservation system and a mobile application for convenient booking, vehicle selection, and managing rental details, aiming for a streamlined customer experience.
• Loyalty Programs: Hertz offers loyalty programs like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, which aim to provide benefits such as faster pickups, earning points, and access to premium services. (Note: Customer reviews indicate these benefits may not always translate to a smooth experience at all branches).
• Optional Add-ons and Protections: Renters are usually offered various optional services and protection plans, including Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), GPS navigation, child safety seats, and roadside assistance. It is crucial to carefully review and understand these options.
• Fuel Options: Hertz typically provides choices for how to handle fuel at return, including pre-paying for a full tank, having the company refuel at a per-gallon rate, or refueling the vehicle yourself before return.
• One-Way Rentals: For customers planning to pick up a car in Somerville and drop it off at another Hertz location (either within Massachusetts or in another state), one-way rental options are generally available, as indicated by a customer using this service from Pennsylvania.

The customer reviews for Hertz Car Rental at 646 Somerville Ave reveal significant and consistent concerns that potential renters in Massachusetts should be fully aware of before booking. These "features" highlight areas of both significant frustration and, in some cases, the dedication of individual staff.

• Allegations of Fraudulent Charges (Major Negative): A prominent and alarming highlight is the accusation of fraudulent charges. One customer, a Hertz Five-Star member, reported being charged an additional $500 for "smoking in the vehicle," despite no one in their family smoking and a passenger having asthma. The lack of proper investigation and the insistence on the charge, even after multiple complaints and an hour-long call to corporate, points to a severe issue of unjustified billing and a deeply concerning business practice. This suggests that customers must be extremely cautious and document everything meticulously.
• Poor Vehicle Condition (Negative): Another significant complaint centers on vehicle cleanliness and maintenance. A customer reported receiving a "filthy car with French fries and food grease strewn everywhere" that they had to clean themselves. This indicates a serious lapse in quality control and a disregard for basic customer expectations regarding a ready-to-rent vehicle.
• Understaffing and Operational Challenges (Negative, with some praise for staff): Multiple reviews point to severe understaffing. One customer waited "a total of 3 hrs to get my rental as Hertz did not properly staff the location nor properly stock cars." While the "poor staff person was the ONLY one scheduled" and "did his best and was kind," this highlights a systemic issue where management is "putting him in an impossible situation." This operational inefficiency leads to long wait times and frustration for customers.
• Ineffective Corporate Customer Service (Negative): The inability to resolve issues even with escalation to Hertz customer service is a critical concern. The customer reporting the smoking charge noted that a "one hour call to Hertz customer service Accomplished nothing," and was "lied to... telling us that a manager would be calling us back that day" which never happened. This indicates a widespread problem with complaint resolution beyond the local branch level.
• Disregard for Loyalty Status (Negative): Even a "Hertz five-star member" experienced severe issues, leading them to state they "will now never rent from Hertz again." This suggests that even loyalty programs may not guarantee a satisfactory experience at this particular location.
• Recommendation to Avoid and Seek Alternatives: The most powerful highlight is the strong advice from dissatisfied customers to "avoid this rental company at all costs" and to "rent from Enterprise. Their customer service is top notch." This direct comparison and warning from experienced renters is a critical piece of information.

For those in Massachusetts needing to contact this specific Hertz Car Rental location in Somerville, here are the details:

Address: 646 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143, USA

Phone: (617) 625-7958

Mobile Phone: +1 617-625-7958

Please note the operating hours are typically Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. The location is generally closed on Sundays.

For residents of Somerville and the broader Massachusetts community, choosing a car rental service involves weighing convenience against reliability and fair practice. While Hertz Car Rental on Somerville Avenue offers the apparent advantage of being a recognized national brand with a local presence, the overwhelming feedback from recent customers paints a concerning picture regarding its overall suitability for locals.

The location's accessibility on a main artery in Somerville is indeed a practical consideration for many. It offers a nearby option for those in Somerville, Cambridge, and surrounding areas, potentially saving travel time compared to airport locations. Hertz also generally provides a diverse fleet of vehicles and the convenience of online booking, which on paper, aligns with the needs of local users seeking flexibility in their transportation options.

However, the severe and consistent issues reported by multiple customers significantly undermine the suitability of this Hertz branch. The grave allegations of fraudulent charges, such as the inexplicable smoking fee, are a major red flag for any consumer. For Massachusetts locals, who rely on clear and honest transactions, the prospect of being wrongfully charged for damages or services not rendered, with little recourse from customer service, is deeply troubling. Such experiences can lead to considerable financial stress and a profound loss of trust.

Furthermore, the complaints regarding vehicle cleanliness and persistent understaffing point to fundamental operational deficiencies. No local customer wants to wait hours for a rental or receive a dirty car, especially when paying for a professional service. While individual employees may be doing their best under challenging circumstances, as noted in one review, these issues appear to be systemic, stemming from management and corporate policies that are not adequately supporting their local operations or customers.

In conclusion, despite its convenient location for Somerville and Massachusetts residents, the pervasive negative experiences reported by recent customers regarding fraudulent charges, poor vehicle condition, and inadequate customer service make Hertz Car Rental on Somerville Avenue a questionable choice. For locals seeking a reliable, transparent, and hassle-free car rental experience, it would be prudent to heed the warnings from past customers and consider alternative rental providers that prioritize customer integrity and consistent service quality. The peace of mind that comes from a trustworthy rental process often outweighs the perceived convenience of a nearby location, particularly when facing potentially costly and frustrating disputes.

Hertz Car Rental - Somerville - Somerville Avenue

646 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143, USA