14 Money-Saving Car Rental Hacks

The AAA Discounts & Rewards® program helps members save thousands of dollars when they travel—including on rental car fees. Here are the best ways to get a great deal on your next rental and save money for the more enjoyable parts of your trip.

1. Use your AAA Membership

AAA Members can access exclusive discounts through our travel discount partners:

•  Hertz: Save up to 20% off base rates and get valuable additional benefits such as free additional drivers and free use of a child safety seat
•  Dollar: Save up to 15% off base rates and get valuable additional benefits such as free additional drivers and free use of a child safety seat
•  Thrifty: Save up to 10% off base rates and get valuable additional benefits such as free additional drivers and free use of a child safety seat

2. Compare prices 

The AAA website makes it easy to compare options, and you’ll also be able to see your AAA savings rate with Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty car companies while browsing. AAA members can find the best prices when booking in advance and save money with the additional benefits on AAA.com/Travel.

3. Renting at the airport

The convenience of airport rentals often come with extra fees. Taking public transportation or a rideshare to an off-site location may be cheaper.

4. Opt for a manual transmission

If you can drive a manual transmission, you may find cheaper rental rates, especially outside the U.S., where manual cars are more common.

5. Use your own insurance

Your personal auto insurance or credit card may already provide rental coverage. If so, you may want todecline the rental company’s insurance to avoid extra costs.

6. Rent by the week

Weekly rates often cost less per day than daily rentals. If you only need a car for five days but a weekly rental is cheaper, opt for the full week as long as there’s no penalty for early returns.

7. Choose an economy car

An economy car costs around $77.70 per day, typically lesser than an SUV, which averages $172.49 per day, according to Hertz.

8. Skip the add-ons

Use your phone for GPS, opt out of toll passes and frequent flyer mile programs that come with hidden fees. Fortunately for AAA Members, Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty rental cars offer one free child car seat so you do not have to bring your own.

9. Refuel yourself

Rental companies can charge a premium for refueling. Always return your car with a full tank to avoid overpaying. Fortunately, AAA Members save 10% off prepaid gas with the Fuel Purchase Option (purchase a full fuel tank from Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty at the time of your rental and you won't need to refill the tank before returning)

 For added savings, join the Shell Fuel Rewards® program.

10. Limit drivers

Additional drivers can cost around $15 per day. Some companies waive this fee for spouses or loyalty program members. Fortunately, AAA Members can add up to 4 additional qualified AAA drivers for free and save up to $210 per rental with Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty.

11. Rent during the week

Weekend rates tend to be higher, so renting from Monday to Thursday can be cheaper.

12. Waive the Young Driver fee

Renters under 25 often face extra fees. For AAA Members ages 20-24, the Young Renter fee is waived with Hertz, saving $25 per day.

13. Ask about military discounts

Several companies offer discounts to active-duty military personnel and veterans. Have your military ID ready to take advantage.

14. Pay in advance

If your travel plans are set, prepaying for your rental can save up to 15 percent. But be aware that cancellation fees may apply. 

By following these tips and renting on AAA.com, you can enjoy a rental car without overspending. Happy travels!

_{Terms and Conditions:} 

_{*Hertz benefits available at participating locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Up to 20% discount will vary depending on location, date, length of rental, car class and other factors. Discount applies to pay later base rate. Taxes, fees and options excluded. AAA Club Discount Code (CDP#) must be provided at time of reservation for full-offer discounts. Advance reservations required. Additional Drivers and Young Renter must be AAA Members and meet standard rental requirements. Child safety car seat is subject to availability; advance reservations recommended. Gas savings is only when prepaid fuel is purchased. AAA Member's responsibility for damage to the rented vehicle in the United States is limited to $5,000, provided there is no violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. If Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is purchased in connection with the rental, Hertz will waive the customer’s financial responsibility for any loss or damage to the rental vehicle, provided there is no violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. Loss of Use charge is waived for AAA Members in the United States, provided there is no violation of the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. Loss of Use charge is based on the lost rental days required to repair the Hertz vehicle At time of rental, present your AAA Membership card for identification. Additional terms apply.}

_{Dollar Car Rental and Thrifty Car Rental discounts apply to pay later base rates. AAA Member Benefits available at participating locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. AAA Club Discount Code must be included in the reservation. Taxes, fees and options excluded. Discount will vary based on date, location, car class and other factors. Advance reservation required. Additional Driver must be a AAA Member and meet standard rental requirements. Additional driver request should be made at the counter at time of rental pick-up; fee will be waived at that time. Child safety seats can be reserved in advance and are subject to availability; waiver of child seat fee will be given at the counter at the time of rental. Gas savings is only valid when Prepaid Fuel Option is purchased. At the time of rental, present AAA Membership card for identification. Additional terms may apply.}

_{* Terms and Conditions:} 

_{Discounts applies to pay later base rate. Taxes, fees, and options excluded. AAA Club Discount Code (CDP) must be included in reservation. Benefits available at participating Dollar and Thrifty locations in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Twenty-four (24) hour advance reservation required. Additional Driver must be a AAA member, have a credit card in their own name and meet standard rental qualifications. Child safety seat is subject to availability. Additional driver and child safety seat will be handled at the counter. Fuel savings is only valid when prepaid fuel option is purchased. At the time of rental, present your AAA membership card.}