When you’re renting a car from Hertz, navigating toll roads becomes hassle-free with PlatePass. This service lets you zip through tolls without stopping to pay cash, processing your payments electronically. However, convenience comes at a cost, and understanding the fees associated with PlatePass can save you from unexpected charges on your rental.
Understanding PlatePass
When you’re cruising in your rental car, PlatePass is your companion for a smoother ride through toll stations. Let’s break down what this service is and how it helps you handle toll payments with ease.
What is PlatePass?
PlatePass is a service offered by Hertz to simplify your toll payments when you’re driving a rental car. Instead of stopping to pay at toll booths, PlatePass uses a transponder or your vehicle’s license plate to automatically pay the toll. This service is linked directly to the toll authority, ensuring that tolls are taken care of without any hassle on your part.
How PlatePass Works
When you rent from Hertz, you have the option of using PlatePass. Here’s a quick overview:
- Toll Payment: As you drive through compatible toll lanes, the PlatePass system automatically processes the payment by using a transponder or capturing the vehicle’s license plate.
- Billing: Charges for the tolls and the service fee are billed to your method of payment used for the rental.
By utilizing PlatePass, you say goodbye to the inconvenience of manual toll payments and hello to a more streamlined travel experience.
Advantages of Using PlatePass
PlatePass is a system integrated into Hertz rental services that simplifies the toll-paying process for drivers like you. It’s specifically designed to add speed and convenience to your travel and help you navigate toll roads efficiently.
Speed and Convenience
Your time is valuable, and with PlatePass, you can breeze through toll booths without stopping. No fumbling for change or worrying about toll violations; the electronic toll payment means you spend less time at toll booths and more time on the road. Plus, you can use express lanes, which often means faster travel and shorter queues.
Avoiding Cash-Only Toll Lanes
In some regions, toll lanes are cash-only, and not having the right amount of cash can be a hassle. With PlatePass, cash is not an issue; everything is billed automatically to the program. Whether there’s an unexpected cash-only toll lane or you prefer the convenience of cashless transactions, you’re covered.
PlatePass Cost and Fees
When renting a car from Hertz, understanding the costs associated with tolls can save you from unexpected charges. The PlatePass system allows you to breeze through tolls, but it comes with specific fees you should be aware of.
Understanding Toll Charges
Your toll charges with PlatePass include the actual toll amounts incurred during your rental period. These charges are not a flat rate, as they vary depending on the toll roads you use and are typically higher than if you paid tolls in cash. To get an idea of these charges, consider checking the toll rates on your planned routes before you travel.
Daily Fees and Administrative Costs
Daily Fee: PlatePass charges a daily service fee of $4.95, even on days when you do not use a toll road, capped at a maximum fee per rental agreement.
Administrative Fee: Should you opt not to use PlatePass and incur tolls, you may face an administrative fee from the rental company on top of the toll cost.
Rental Car Company Services and Charges
Different rental car companies offer varying toll payment services, each with unique costs. With Hertz, once you pass through an eligible cashless toll lane, PlatePass is billed automatically to your rental agreement.
This convenience allows you to avoid stopping at toll booths, but it’s essential to understand the associated toll-by-plate rates and the total potential fee impact on your travel budget.
Coverage and Limitations
When you’re considering PlatePass with Hertz, you’ll want to be aware of where it works and any limitations it may have. Let’s take a closer look at the specific regions and states that are covered, the compatibility with toll systems, and what happens when you drive on out-of-network toll roads.
Regions and States Covered
Your PlatePass service covers a significant number of states which include Florida, Texas, California, and Colorado. Moreover, it extends to several other states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Illinois. Here’s a quick list for your reference:
- Northeast: Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and West Virginia
- Midwest: Indiana and Ohio
- South: Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia
- West: Washington State
Each of these states supports PlatePass in at least some capacity, allowing for a more convenient travel experience on your journey.
Compatibility With Different Toll Systems
PlatePass is designed to be compatible with a variety of toll systems across covered states. Notably, it works with:
- E-ZPass: Used across states in the Northeast and Midwest.
- SunPass: Common in Florida.
- TxTag: Seen throughout Texas.
Your experience will be smoother with a compatible transponder in your rental which communicates with these toll systems. This open-road tolling allows you to pass through toll stations without stopping.
Out-of-Network Toll Roads
Sometimes, you might find yourself on toll roads that aren’t part of the PlatePass network. These out-of-network roads usually require manual payment as they are not compatible with the PlatePass system. Before starting your trip, it’s a good idea to check which toll roads are part of the network to avoid unexpected fees.
By staying within the network and ensuring your rental is equipped with the right transponder, you can avoid the hassle of paying tolls manually and enjoy a smoother ride across various regions.
Conclusion
Navigating toll fees while renting a car can often be confusing. Hertz PlatePass simplifies this process by providing you with a convenient way to pay tolls when driving a Hertz rental car. The service allows for automatic payment at electronic toll booths across numerous states like California, Florida, and New York.
Here’s a quick summary of what you need to keep in mind regarding the costs:
- There is a $9.99 processing fee for each day you pass through a toll with the service activated.
- The toll costs are unchanged, i.e., you pay the full regular toll fee.
- In some cases, companies like Hertz may charge tolls at the higher cash or toll-by-plate rate.
It’s important for you to be aware that this convenience comes at a premium. To avoid surprises on your rental invoice, always check the terms of your PlatePass service beforehand. If you are looking to purchase PlatePass for your next Hertz rental or need more details, Hertz has resources that can help.
Remember, while the service does offer ease of travel, it’s crucial to consider whether the benefits outweigh the costs based on your specific travel needs and toll road usage. If you have any further questions or concerns regarding the charges or how the service works, you can reach out to Hertz customer service for assistance. Being informed will help you make the best decision for your rental car experience.
