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One of the biggest expenses of any trip is the cost of renting a car. So, finding any way to reduce that cost will help stretch your travel budget. Understanding rental car discount codes and how they work with each rental car company can save you a lot on your next trip. Here is what you need to know to save on your next car rental.
What is a Rental Car Discount Code?
Rental car companies offer a couple of different types of discounts. They can be based on criteria like the length of your rental, if you rent over a weekend, or even if you want a one-way rental. There are also discounts if you are a part of a certain group like AARP, AAA, or Costco. These are often called Rental Car Discount Codes, Coupon Codes, and Promo Codes.
Rental Car Discount Code vs. Corporate Code
Another type of discount is a Rental Car Corporate Code. These often offer the highest level of discount and are not available to the public. They are negotiated between an organization that has a large number of traveling employees and a car rental company. If your company has a negotiated rate, this is typically going to offer the best discount.
While it may be tempting, you need to be very careful using the corporate discount code of a company you do not work for. The biggest risk is if you were to get into an accident. Often times the accident claim will go directly to the company and when they find out you are not associated with them it could nullify your coverage and require you to pay out of pocket.
The focus of this article is to stick with the discounts and promotions that are offered without “Hacking” the system.
Discount and Coupon Codes by Car Company
Each car company has its own set of discount and coupon codes. Below is a brief summary of the major rental car companies, including their loyalty program and available coupon codes.
Avis Car Rental Discount Codes:
Avis Budget Group, Inc. includes both Avis and Budget brands, which have more than 11,000 rental locations in approximately 180 countries around the world.
The Avis loyalty program is called Avis Preferred and allows you to earn and redeem points for upgrades and free rentals. Frequent renters also enjoy perks such as expedited service, complimentary upgrades, and other benefits.
An Avis AWD Code is the abbreviation for the Avis Worldwide Discount program. These discounts can range from a limited-time offer to a corporate discount, to a discount for using a particular credit card, to a discount and bonus offer combined with an Avis Travel Partner.
The following are some of the current Avis Discount Codes and Offers:
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Avis AWD Code for milepro
Budget Car Rental Discount Codes:
Budget Rental Car is also part of Avis Budget Group, Inc. which includes both Avis and Budget brands, and has more than 11,000 rental locations in approximately 180 countries around the world.
The Budget loyalty program is called FastBreak and allows you to earn and redeem points for upgrades and free rentals. Frequent renters also enjoy perks such as expedited service, complimentary upgrades, and other benefits.
A Budget BCD Code is the abbreviation for the “Budget Customer Discount” program. These discounts can range from a limited-time offer to a corporate discount, to a discount for using a particular credit card, to a discount and bonus offer combined with a Budget Travel Partner.
The following are some of the current Budget Discount Codes and Offers:
Hertz Car Rental Coupon Codes:
The Hertz Corporation, a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., operates the Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty vehicle rental brands throughout North America, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The Hertz Corporation is one of the largest worldwide vehicle rental companies.
The Hertz loyalty program is called Hertz Golf Plus and allows you to earn and redeem points for upgrades and free rentals. Frequent renters also enjoy perks such as expedited service, complimentary upgrades, and other benefits.
Hertz uses a Hertz PC Code which is a six-digit number that is associated with a special offer or promotion. This number can also be used in conjunction with a CDP Code (Discount Program) or RQ (Rate Code) if the special offer or promotion requires additional information to be included in the reservation.
The following are some of the current Hertz Discount Codes and Offers:
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Hertz AAA Discounts!
National Car Rental Coupon Codes:
National Car Rental is a premium, internationally recognized brand serving the daily rental needs of frequent airport travelers throughout the world. It is owned by Enterprise Holdings, which operates the National Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Alamo Rent-A-Car brands.
The National loyalty program is called Emerald Club and allows you to earn and redeem points for upgrades and free rentals. Frequent renters also enjoy perks such as expedited service, complimentary upgrades, and other benefits. National was the first car company to let you choose your own vehicle from the Emerald Isle and only pay the midsize rate.
National doesn’t have a special acronym for its coupon codes, but they do offer discounts and promotions.
The following are some of the current National Car Discount Codes and Offers:
Other Ways to Save on Your Next Car Rental:
Car Rental Discount Codes are not the only way to save when you rent a car. Here are a couple of other tips to consider when renting your next car.
Join the Loyalty Club
This is a no-brainer. Joining the rental car company’s loyalty program is free and only takes a couple of minutes to sign up. Once you are a member, you can get great perks like “skip the line at the counter” and free upgrades
Rent with a Premium Credit Card
Premier credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve card, have rental car insurance benefits include which will allow you to bypass the added insurance fees the car companies will try to get you to purchase. Make sure your credit card offers “primary” rental car insurance coverage. My Sapphire Preferred Card saved me when I had an accident in Italy.
Rent Off Airport
I am not a huge fan of this option, since it can be quite an inconvenience. However, you can save quite a bit by renting outside of the airport and avoiding all of the added fees that come with renting at the airport. If you rent at an Enterprise neighborhood location, they often run great weekend specials to save even more.
Don’t prepay for Gas
It’s easy to get sucked into thinking that the lower-priced prepaid gas is a good deal. It isn’t. When you prepay for gas you are paying for a full tank. The odds of you using every last bit of gas before you return are very low. Fill the tank up several miles outside the airport and you will be better off.
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