Hertz

- 1320 San Mateo Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Introduction / Overview

For residents and visitors navigating the diverse landscapes of California, particularly within the bustling San Francisco Bay Area, having access to a reliable and convenient car rental service is often a necessity. Whether your own vehicle is in the shop, you're planning a scenic road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway, or you simply need temporary transportation for business or leisure, a reputable car rental agency can make all the difference. Hertz, a globally recognized name in the industry, offers a branch at 1320 San Mateo Avenue in South San Francisco, aiming to provide a comprehensive range of vehicles and services. As a major player, Hertz offers the benefits of a vast fleet and established loyalty programs designed to streamline the rental process. While individual customer experiences can vary, as reflected in diverse feedback, Hertz strives to deliver a consistent and accessible service for a wide array of rental needs. This article will explore the offerings of this particular Hertz location, detailing its accessibility, the services provided, its key features, and how it fits into the transportation landscape for locals in the California region.

Location and Accessibility

The Hertz location at 1320 San Mateo Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA, is strategically positioned to serve both airport travelers and the substantial local population of the San Francisco Peninsula. South San Francisco is a key city directly south of San Francisco, making it a convenient point for those living in or commuting through areas like Daly City, San Bruno, and Millbrae. This branch benefits from its proximity to major transportation corridors such as US-101 and I-280, facilitating relatively easy access by car from various parts of the Bay Area. While it is not directly located within the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) rental car center, Hertz maintains a strong presence at SFO and often provides shuttle services or alternative arrangements for airport-bound customers to access their nearby neighborhood locations. For local residents, the accessibility of a neighborhood branch like this one is a significant advantage, often allowing for quicker pick-up and drop-off experiences compared to high-traffic airport counters. Hertz also typically offers a "We'll Pick You Up" service for local customers, which further enhances convenience by providing transportation from a home or office to the rental counter, removing a common logistical hurdle for those without immediate vehicle access.

Services Offered

• Extensive Vehicle Fleet: Hertz boasts a wide selection of vehicles across various categories to meet diverse customer needs. This includes economy and compact cars for fuel efficiency and urban driving, mid-size and full-size sedans for comfort and space, SUVs of various sizes (compact, standard, full-size) for family travel or extra luggage, minivans, and sometimes even specialty vehicles like convertibles, luxury cars, or electric vehicles (EVs) like the Kia EV6.
• Flexible Rental Durations: Whether a customer needs a car for a few hours, a day, a weekend escape, a full week, or even an extended monthly rental, Hertz offers flexible terms to accommodate different travel schedules and temporary vehicle requirements.
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program: This loyalty program offers expedited service for members, allowing them to skip the counter at many locations, go directly to their reserved vehicle, and enjoy faster returns. Members also earn points for free rental days, receive exclusive discounts, and may be eligible for vehicle upgrades based on their tier status (Gold, Five Star, President's Circle).
• Optional Add-ons: To enhance the rental experience, customers can typically opt for various add-ons such as GPS navigation systems for easier route planning, child safety seats (infant, toddler, booster), and SiriusXM satellite radio for entertainment.
• Protection Plans: Hertz offers a range of optional protection products, including Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS), to provide coverage and peace of mind during the rental period.
• One-Way Rentals: For travelers planning to pick up a car in South San Francisco and drop it off in a different city or state, Hertz facilitates one-way rental options, usually with an associated fee, across its extensive network.
• 24/7 Roadside Assistance: In the event of an unforeseen issue with the rental vehicle, Hertz provides 24/7 roadside assistance for problems such as flat tires, dead batteries, or lockouts.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Rentals: Hertz has expanded its fleet to include electric vehicles, offering customers a sustainable and modern driving experience, which is a growing trend in environmentally conscious California.

Features / Highlights

• Global Brand Recognition and Network: As a major international car rental company, Hertz offers the inherent reliability and standardized operations that come with a large, established brand. This provides a sense of security and consistency for renters.
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Benefits: For frequent renters, the Gold Plus Rewards program is a significant highlight. It promises faster service and can bypass the counter experience at participating locations, a major convenience for busy Californians. The ability to earn points for free rentals and potentially receive upgrades adds significant value.
• Diverse Fleet, Including EVs: The availability of a wide range of vehicle types, from economical sedans to spacious SUVs and increasingly, electric vehicles like the Kia EV6, allows customers to choose a car that precisely fits their needs and preferences, aligning with California's focus on sustainable transportation.
• Customer Service High Points: While some individual experiences can be challenging, as evidenced by one specific review, others highlight positive interactions. The praise for individuals like Kelly, described as "super friendly, professional, and made the process so smooth," indicates that excellent customer service is achievable and present at this location, contributing to a positive experience for many.
• Neighborhood Location Advantage: Being a neighborhood branch (as opposed to strictly airport-based) allows for more personalized service and can often mean shorter lines and less bureaucracy, which is a key draw for local renters.
• Adaptability for Rental Extensions: The ability to easily "update my weekly rental" as mentioned by a customer suggests flexibility in managing rental durations, which is important for locals whose plans might change.
• Important Considerations for Incident Handling: The review detailing issues with a non-starting car and towing charges highlights the critical importance of thoroughly understanding the terms and conditions, including roadside assistance and specific towing policies, before and during the rental. This serves as a reminder for all renters to be informed.

Contact Information

Address: 1320 San Mateo Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA

Phone: (800) 654-3131 (General Hertz Customer Service/Reservations)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Californians, especially those residing in the bustling Bay Area, Hertz at 1320 San Mateo Avenue in South San Francisco presents a highly suitable option for their diverse car rental needs. Its strategic neighborhood location offers exceptional accessibility, providing a convenient alternative to potentially more crowded airport facilities. The general reliability associated with a global brand like Hertz, combined with its wide-ranging fleet—including a growing selection of electric vehicles—ensures that locals can find a car tailored to almost any purpose, from daily errands to adventurous road trips across the Golden State. While, like any large service provider, individual experiences can vary, the positive feedback on courteous and professional staff members who make the process "smooth" highlights a commitment to customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the benefits of the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program, such as expedited service and loyalty points, are particularly advantageous for frequent renters in a fast-paced region. Despite the isolated negative incident shared, which underscores the universal importance of reviewing rental terms, the overall offerings position Hertz at this South San Francisco location as a strong contender for locals seeking a dependable, flexible, and well-supported car rental solution for their various journeys across California.

Hertz

1320 San Mateo Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA