If you’re planning a trip and looking at rental options, you might find yourself asking, who owns Dollar Rental Car? It’s a common question for travelers who want to understand the company behind the brand. Dollar Car Rental shares its corporate parent with several other well-known rental brands.
This structure is more common than you might think in the travel industry. Knowing who owns a rental company can give you insight into loyalty programs, rental locations, and customer service standards.
In this article, we’ll explain the corporate ownership clearly. We’ll also cover what this means for you as a customer.
Who Owns Dollar Rental Car
The straightforward answer is that Dollar Rent A Car is owned by Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. However, that group itself is a subsidiary of a much larger global corporation. Since November 2012, Dollar Thrifty has been a wholly-owned part of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.
This means Hertz is the ultimate parent company. Hertz operates Dollar, along with its own Hertz brand and Thrifty Car Rental, as distinct brands within its portfolio. This is a key piece of information for consumers.
The Hertz Global Holdings Family
Hertz Global Holdings is one of the world’s leading airport general-use car rental companies. The ownership structure is designed to target different segments of the travel market. Each brand has its own identity and pricing strategy.
Here is a breakdown of the primary brands under the Hertz umbrella:
- Hertz: The flagship brand, often associated with premium service, a wide selection of vehicles, and business travel.
- Dollar Rent A Car: Positioned as a value brand, focusing on affordable rates and leisure travelers.
- Thrifty Car Rental: Also a value brand, similar to Dollar, with a strong presence in the leisure market.
While Dollar and Thrifty are sister companies with similar market positions, they maintain separate websites, reservation systems, and counter operations at many airports. This strategy allows the parent company to capture a larger share of the budget-conscious traveler market.
A Brief History Of Dollar Rental Car
Understanding the history of Dollar helps clarify its position today. The company was founded in 1965 by Henry J. Caruso in Los Angeles, California. Its original name was “Dollar-A-Day Rent-A-Car,” highlighting its initial low-price strategy.
The company grew steadily over the decades. A major milestone came in 1990 when Dollar was acquired by Chrysler Corporation. This provided significant corporate backing. Later, in 1997, Dollar merged with Thrifty Rent-A-Car System, Inc., forming the Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group.
The 2012 acquisition by Hertz for approximately $2.3 billion was the final major shift in ownership. This merger consolidated the industry and created the multi-brand structure we see today. It’s history shows a consistent focus on value-oriented service.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1965: Founded by Henry J. Caruso in Los Angeles.
- 1990: Acquired by Chrysler Corporation.
- 1997: Merged with Thrifty to form Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group.
- 2012: Acquired by Hertz Global Holdings, finalizing the current ownership.
What This Ownership Means For Customers
The Hertz ownership of Dollar has several practical implications for your rental experience. It affects everything from where you can rent to how you earn rewards.
Rental Locations And Fleet
Dollar benefits from Hertz’s massive global network. While Dollar locations are primarily in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean, the corporate connection can provide operational support. The fleet of vehicles is often managed by the larger Hertz system, which can mean access to a wide variety of cars.
However, it’s important to note that Dollar locations are sometimes operated by independent franchisees. This means the exact customer service experience can vary from location to location, even under the corporate umbrella.
Loyalty Programs: Dollar Express And Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
This is a area where ownership is very clear. Dollar has its own free loyalty program called Dollar Express. It allows you to skip the counter at participating locations and go straight to your car.
More significantly, Hertz’s top-tier program, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, includes benefits across all three brands: Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty. You can earn points on rentals from Dollar and redeem them for free rental days at any of the three brands. This integration is a direct benefit of the shared ownership.
Customer Service And Operations
While policies are often set at the corporate level, day-to-day operations can differ. Dollar maintains its own customer service lines and reservation systems. For issues specific to a Dollar reservation, you would contact Dollar directly.
The corporate ownership does mean that major policies, like those regarding insurance or damage claims, are often aligned across brands. But always check the specific terms and conditions for your rental agreement.
How Dollar Compares To Other Rental Car Companies
To fully understand Dollar’s place in the market, it helps to look at its competitors and their ownership. The car rental industry is dominated by three major holding groups.
The Three Major Car Rental Conglomerates
- Enterprise Holdings: This privately-owned company owns the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo Rent A Car brands. They are Hertz’s largest competitor.
- Hertz Global Holdings: As we know, this public company owns Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty.
- Avis Budget Group: This public company owns the Avis and Budget brands, along with several other regional brands.
This consolidation means that when you book with Dollar, you are essentially choosing the Hertz family of brands over the Enterprise or Avis families. Each conglomerate uses its multiple brands to target different customer segments, from premium to budget.
Tips For Renting From Dollar Car Rental
Knowing who owns the company can help you make smarter booking decisions. Here are some practical tips for renting from Dollar.
Booking Your Reservation
- Always compare rates on both the Dollar website and the Hertz website. Sometimes, promotions differ.
- Consider joining the free Dollar Express program before you book to streamline pickup.
- If you are a member of Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, use your number when booking with Dollar to earn points.
At The Rental Counter
- Have all your documents ready: driver’s license, credit card, and reservation confirmation.
- Be prepared for offers to upgrade your vehicle or purchase additional insurance. Know what coverage you already have through your personal auto insurance or credit card.
- Inspect the rental car thoroughly for any existing damage before you leave the lot, and make sure it is noted on your rental agreement.
Returning Your Vehicle
- Refuel the car before returning it to avoid high per-gallon fuel charges from Dollar.
- Return on time to avoid late fees, but also check Dollar’s grace period policy.
- Get a return receipt and keep it until your credit card statement finalizes to ensure there are no unexpected charges.
Common Questions About Dollar Rental Car
Let’s address some frequently asked questions that go beyond just the ownership structure.
Is Dollar Rental Car The Same As Thrifty?
No, they are not the same company, but they are sister brands owned by the same parent company, Hertz. They operate separately with different websites, reservations, and often separate rental counters. Their pricing and promotions are usually very similar, as they target the same value-minded market.
Can I Pick Up A Dollar Car At A Hertz Location?
Typically, no. Dollar and Hertz operate distinct rental locations, even at the same airport. They are often in different terminals or separate lots. Your reservation will specify the exact location for pickup, and you must go to the Dollar counter or Dollar Express area.
Does My Hertz Credit Card Work With Dollar?
Most co-branded Hertz credit cards are designed for use across the Hertz family. This means you can likely use the card and its associated benefits, like free rental days, at Dollar locations. However, you should confirm with your card issuer for any specific restrictions or earning rules at the Dollar brand.
Looking Ahead: The Future Of Dollar Car Rental
The future of Dollar is tied to the strategy of Hertz Global Holdings. The company continues to invest in its digital experience, like improving the Dollar Express app. The integration of loyalty programs across brands is likely to deepen.
Industry trends, such as the adoption of electric vehicles and contactless rental processes, will be implemented across the Hertz portfolio, including Dollar. As a value brand, Dollar will likely continue to focus on providing competitive rates for leisure travelers, leveraging the scale and stability of its corporate parent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who Is The Parent Company Of Dollar Rent A Car?
The parent company is Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Hertz acquired Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group in 2012, making Dollar a part of the Hertz family of brands.
Are Dollar And Thrifty Owned By The Same Company?
Yes, both Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental are owned by Hertz Global Holdings. They are operated as separate brands under the same corporate umbrella.
What Other Brands Does Hertz Own?
Hertz Global Holdings primarily owns three major rental brands: the premium Hertz brand, and the value brands Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental.
Can I Use My Hertz Rewards With Dollar?
Yes, members of the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program can earn points on qualifying rentals at Dollar and redeem points for awards at Dollar, Thrifty, or Hertz locations.
Is Dollar Considered A Good Rental Company?
Dollar is a major, established brand focused on value. Experiences can vary by location, as some are corporate-owned and some are franchisee-operated. Reading recent customer reviews for your specific rental location is always recommended before booking.