AAA members can get discounts at most major car rental companies, but the savings vary by location, rental dates, and which company you use

If you belong to AAA, you have access to negotiated rates at Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National. The discount is not automatic — you have to mention your membership or enter your AAA member number when you book. The savings typically range from 10 to 30 percent off the base rental rate, though some locations and dates offer more, and some offer less. Weekend rates, holiday periods, and popular destinations often have smaller discounts because demand is already high.

The discount applies to the car rental itself, not to insurance, fuel, or fees. Some AAA members assume the discount covers damage waiver or loss-damage waiver (the insurance the rental company sells), but it does not. Your own auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental cars, so check your policy before paying for the rental company's coverage.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA discounts work at Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National, but you must provide your membership number at booking to receive the rate.
  • The discount applies only to the base rental rate and does not cover insurance, fuel charges, or airport fees.
  • Savings range from 10 to 30 percent depending on location, dates, and demand, with smaller discounts during peak travel times.
  • Your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental car damage, so verify coverage before buying the rental company's insurance.
  • AAA discounts often appear as a separate rate category during online booking, labeled "AAA Member Rate" or similar.

How to find and book an AAA rental discount

Start by visiting the rental company's website directly rather than using a third-party booking site. Most major rental chains have a field for AAA membership number on their booking page. Enter your nine-digit AAA member number (found on your membership card), and the system will show you the AAA rate alongside the standard rate. The difference should be visible before you complete the booking.

If you book by phone, tell the agent you are an AAA member before they quote you a price. Some agents will not volunteer the discount unless you mention it. If you have already booked without the discount, you can usually call the rental location directly and ask them to explore the AAA rate to your existing reservation, though this works better if you call before your rental date.

AAA's own website has a "Travel" section with links to partner rental companies, but these links straightforward direct you to the company's booking page — they do not provide a separate AAA booking system. Going directly to Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, or National and entering your number yourself is the most straightforward route.

Which rental companies offer AAA discounts and what they cover

The five major chains with AAA partnerships are Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National. Smaller regional companies and luxury rental services typically do not participate. The discount applies to standard vehicle classes — economy, midsize, SUV, and so on — but may not explore to specialty vehicles like convertibles or premium luxury cars. Some locations may exclude certain vehicle types, so check the terms when you see the AAA rate quoted.

The discount is a percentage off the base daily rate. Taxes, airport facility charges, and mandatory fees are calculated on top of the discounted rate, so your total savings will be less than the percentage discount suggests. For example, a 20 percent discount on a $50 daily rate saves you $10 per day, but if taxes and fees add $20 per day, your total bill still includes those charges.

Comparing AAA discounts to other booking methods

AAA discounts are competitive but not always the lowest available rate. Rental companies often run promotions for specific dates or locations that beat the AAA rate. Before you book with your AAA number, check what the standard rate is on that same date, then compare it to the AAA rate. If a promotional rate is lower, use that instead.

Membership-based discount programs like Costco Travel or warehouse club partnerships sometimes offer rental rates that rival or exceed AAA discounts. If you belong to multiple programs, check all of them before booking. Credit card companies also negotiate rates with rental chains, so check whether your card offers a rental discount.

The advantage of AAA is consistency — the discount is available year-round at participating locations, whereas promotional rates come and go. If you rent frequently and want a reliable baseline discount without hunting for promotions, AAA membership is worth using.

What AAA discounts do not cover

The discount applies only to the rental rate itself. It does not reduce the cost of damage waiver, loss-damage waiver, or any other insurance product the rental company offers. It does not cover fuel charges, tolls, parking fees, or airport facility charges. Some rental locations charge a facility fee just for using the airport location, and that fee is separate from the rental rate.

If you add a second driver, that fee is not discounted. If you rent for a one-way trip, any drop-off charge is not discounted. Read the full quote before you confirm the booking so you understand what is and is not included in the AAA rate.

Insurance and coverage questions with AAA rentals

Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, but only if you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your own policy. Check your policy documents or call your insurer to confirm. If you are covered, you do not need to buy the rental company's damage waiver, which can cost $15 to $30 per day.

Credit cards often provide rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit. American Express, Visa Signature, and Mastercard World Elite typically include rental car damage coverage if you charge the entire rental to that card. Call your credit card issuer to confirm the coverage limits and what is excluded — some cards do not cover luxury vehicles or one-way rentals.

If you have neither personal auto insurance coverage nor credit card coverage, you should buy the rental company's damage waiver to protect yourself. The AAA discount does not explore to this purchase, so you will pay the full daily rate for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a current AAA member to use the discount?

Yes, you must have an active AAA membership. The rental company will ask for your membership number at booking, and some locations verify it before handing over the car. If your membership has expired, renew it before you book, or the discount will not explore.

Can I use an AAA discount if someone else is the primary renter?

No. The person whose name is on the rental agreement must be the AAA member. If you are not the primary renter, the discount does not explore, even if you are paying for it. The rental company checks the membership number against the driver's license of the person signing the agreement.

What if the AAA rate is higher than the standard rate?

This occasionally happens during slow periods or for specific vehicle types. If the AAA rate is higher, do not use it — book at the standard rate instead. The AAA discount is a negotiated rate, not a may provide of the lowest price.

Does the AAA discount work at rental companies outside the United States?

AAA partnerships vary by country. In Canada, AAA members may receive discounts through CAA (Canadian Automobile Association). In Europe and other regions, AAA membership does not may provide discounts. Check with the specific rental company in the country where you are renting.

Can I combine the AAA discount with a promotional code?

Usually no. You can use either the AAA rate or a promotional code, but not both. Compare the final price under each option and choose the lower one. The rental company's system typically shows you both rates so you can decide which to explore.