Renting a car gives you the flexibility to arrange your drive however you see fit, while also reducing wear and tear on your own vehicle. It's practical, too, whether you're prioritizing convenience or just looking for reasons for taking a road trip. And with AAA membership at hand, you can unlock some great benefits when you're traveling by car.
From trying out your dream car to saving on costs (and headaches), the advantages of booking with AAA go far beyond just getting from point A to point B. You'll get insider perspective access to trusted brands, such as car rental savings and perks with Hertz as well as Dollar and Thrifty with AAA. Whether you're mapping out a cross-country road trip, a quick weekend escape or traveling for business, a rental gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want.
1. Enjoy Exclusive AAA Car Rental Discounts & Benefits
While there are plenty of rental car options out there, booking through AAA and its preferred partners is a smart, budget-friendly choice. With AAA rental car deals, members enjoy exclusive perks. Whether you're looking to cut costs or simplify the process, renting a car with your AAA membership ensures you get the best value without compromising on quality.
Plan Smarter with AAA Tools
Start your trip planning with helpful tools like the AAA Gas Cost Calculator, which allows you to estimate fuel expenses and budget your journey more effectively. These resources help you stay prepared and save money along the way.
Hertz: Big Savings and Added Perks
AAA members enjoy significant savings and benefits when renting with Hertz. Here’s what you can expect:
- Save up to 20% on base rates in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, and at least 5% internationally.
- Get free use of one child safety or booster seat.
- Enjoy waived young renter fees for ages 20 to 24.
- Add up to four free additional drivers with AAA to your rental.
For even more convenience, sign up for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®. AAA members can earn bonus points after their first rental and skip the counter at more than 50 airports, saving time and making the process seamless.
Dollar and Thrifty: More Ways to Save
AAA members also enjoy exclusive benefits with Dollar and Thrifty, making these trusted partners great options for your car rental needs:
Both companies also offer free unlimited mileage on most rentals and a 10% discount on prepaid fuel, adding even more value to your membership.
With these exclusive savings and benefits, renting a car through AAA is not only more affordable but also more convenient. Wherever your travels take you, AAA and its rental partners ensure you’re ready to hit the road with confidence.
2. AAA Members Save Time (and Hassle) on Car Rentals
Whether you’re looking for AAA rental car deals or simply want to not stress over the logistics, you can save time and enjoy a seamless experience with AAA. Instead of spending hours comparing deals across multiple websites, you can use simple booking options tailored to your needs. Book your bucket-list trip on AAA Trip Canvas, or visit AAA Travel Discounts to check out exclusive savings and benefits. Then, pair your AAA membership with loyalty programs like the aforementioned Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® to skip the long lines at the rental counter at more than 50 locations. Your car will be ready and waiting, so you can start your trip without delay.
Alternatively, work with a AAA Travel Agent to handle all the details, freeing you from the mental load; either click Contact an Agent online or head into your local AAA office to get support. These travel professionals often can get you the inside scoop on car rental for AAA members, especially with Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty. With rental car locations worldwide, including North America, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and beyond, you can expect reliable transportation whenever and wherever you go.
You can book a car directly through an agent or online, where discounts are automatically applied. With everything at your fingertips, you can receive the best value from your membership and focus on your trip instead of the details.
3. Get Informed & Travel with Confidence
AAA Travel Agents also provide clarity and confidence. They’ll answer your questions, explain the fine print and help you plan an itinerary that fits your needs and budget. If you’re traveling abroad, AAA can assist with obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP), ensuring you’re ready to hit the road in another country.
Whether reviewing travel insurance or booking a hotel, they’ll recommend the best options based on your needs and preferences. For added convenience, bundle your car rental with flights and hotels into a vacation package with AAA.
4. Save Wear and Tear
One of the most practical, yet often overlooked, perks of renting a car is saving your personal vehicle from extra wear and tear. You'll want to road trip smarter. After all, long drives can add thousands of miles to your car, accelerating depreciation and bringing future maintenance appointments much closer. Think about the added strain on your tires, brakes, engine and transmission.
By renting a car for your trip, you're essentially preserving the longevity and value of your own vehicle. You can leave your vehicle at home, save money and maybe even enjoying a new make and model. Let the rental car handle the long highway miles, the bumpy country roads or the stop-and-go city traffic. This keeps your car in better shape for your daily commute and local errands when you return home.
Renting also gives you peace of mind. You don't have to worry about a potential breakdown far from your trusted mechanic or plan . Rental cars are typically newer models that are regularly serviced and well-maintained. In the unlikely event something does go wrong, AAA can provide roadside assistance, and your rental company can quickly arrange for a replacement vehicle, ensuring your trip continues with minimal disruption.
5. Try a New-to-You Make and Model
Renting a car is the perfect opportunity for an extended test drive. Instead of a quick 15-minute drive around the block from a dealership, you can experience a new vehicle for a few days or even a week. Maybe you've been eyeing a new SUV for a jaunt to the Smokies but aren't ready to commit yet for daily life. Or maybe you're wondering what it's like to drive an electric vehicle? Picture this: an eco-friendly road trip up the California coastline, cruising scenic highways in a sleek, dedicated EV or a compact, gas-saving car.
As a AAA member, you get discounted rates from Hertz, so choosing an environmentally friendly or fuel-efficient vehicle is easier on your wallet and the planet. Hertz offers a variety of electric models and smaller standard gas vehicles, which might be more fuel efficient than what you currently drive.. This kind of rental experience lets you see how a new model fits your real travel needs, including how it handles long stretches of highway and how comfortably it fits your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Renting a Vehicle
1. Who is eligible for AAA car rental discounts?
Anyone can join at AAA.com/join. All active AAA members are eligible for exclusive car rental discounts and perks with participating companies like Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty.
2. How do I access and use my AAA discounts when renting a car?
You check out the deals online, contact a AAA Travel Agent or provide your AAA membership number when booking with partner rental companies. Your discounts and perks are automatically applied.
3. Can I add additional drivers to my rental at no extra cost?
Yes! With AAA, you can add up to four additional drivers who are also AAA members and meet the required qualifications—at no additional charge with select partners like Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty.
4. What other perks come from car rental with AAA membership?
In addition to discounts, you can enjoy perks like waived young renter fees, free use of child safety seats, discounted prepaid fuel options, and access to premium vehicles and loyalty programs like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®.