How AARP Members Get Car Rental Discounts
AARP members receive discounts at major car rental chains through negotiated rates that are typically 10 to 30 percent below standard pricing. The discount applies when you book through AARP's website or call the rental company directly and provide your AARP membership number. You do not need a special code or voucher — your membership number itself unlocks the rate.
The companies offering AARP discounts include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Each company sets its own discount percentage and terms, so the savings vary by location, car type, and rental dates. A compact car in one city may have a different discount than the same car in another location on the same dates.
Discounts are available for both short-term rentals (a few days) and longer rentals (weeks or months). Some AARP members also receive upgrades or waived fees as part of their membership benefit, though these perks change by company and are not may provide on every reservation.
Key Takeaways
- AARP members can book at Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National using their membership number to receive discounts that typically range from 10 to 30 percent.
- You book directly through the rental company's website or phone line and provide your AARP membership number at the time of reservation.
- Discount amounts vary by location, vehicle type, and dates, so comparing prices across companies for your specific trip is worth the time.
- Some rentals include additional perks such as upgrades or waived fees, but these are not standard across all companies or all reservations.
- AARP membership must be current and in your name to use the discount; you will need to show your membership card or provide your membership number when you pick up the car.
Where to Book and What Information You Need
You can book through the rental company's own website, by phone, or through AARP's travel portal. Booking through AARP's website sometimes surfaces the negotiated rates automatically, but calling the rental company directly and stating your AARP membership number is the most reliable method. When you call, have your membership number ready and ask specifically for the AARP rate.
At the time of booking, you will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and your AARP membership number. Some companies ask for your membership number during the booking call; others ask for it when you arrive to pick up the car. When you arrive at the rental counter, bring your physical AARP membership card or be prepared to provide your membership number.
The rental company will also ask about insurance coverage. You may already have coverage through your personal auto insurance or credit card, so review your existing policies before the rental to avoid paying for duplicate coverage. This is one of the largest costs in a rental and is worth clarifying before you commit to a reservation.
Comparing Prices Across Companies
The discount percentage varies by company and by the specific rental. A Budget rental in Denver might offer 20 percent off while an Avis rental in the same city on the same dates offers 15 percent off. The only way to know which company offers the best price for your trip is to get quotes from at least two or three companies.
When you compare, use the same rental dates, location, and car type across all companies. Enter your AARP membership number in each quote to may support you are seeing the discounted rate, not the standard rate. Write down the total cost including taxes and fees, not just the daily rate, because fees can vary significantly between companies.
Some companies offer loyalty programs or seasonal promotions that may stack with your AARP discount. If you rent frequently, joining a company's loyalty program may provide additional savings or perks on top of the AARP rate. Check whether the company you choose most often has a program worth joining.
Insurance, Damage Waivers, and What They Cost
Car rental companies offer several types of coverage: collision damage waiver (CDW), loss damage waiver (LDW), and liability coverage. These protect you if the car is damaged, stolen, or involved in an accident. However, you may already have this coverage through your personal auto insurance or credit card, so paying for it again at the rental counter is unnecessary.
Before you rent, call your auto insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rental cars. Also check whether your credit card offers rental car coverage — many premium cards do. If you have coverage through either source, decline the rental company's insurance and use your existing coverage instead. This can save $15 to $30 per day.
If you do not have coverage through insurance or credit card, the rental company's damage waiver is worth purchasing. The cost varies but typically runs $10 to $25 per day. Read the terms carefully: some waivers have a deductible, meaning you still pay a portion of any damage, and some exclude certain types of damage such as glass or undercarriage damage.
Age Requirements and Additional Fees
Most rental companies require you to be at least 25 years old to rent a car. AARP membership does not change this requirement. If you are under 25, some companies will rent to you but charge an additional young driver fee, typically $15 to $25 per day. This fee applies in addition to the rental rate and is not waived by AARP membership.
If you are 25 or older, you will not pay a young driver fee. However, some companies charge a senior driver fee for drivers over a certain age — usually 75 or 80 — though this is less common and varies by company. Call ahead if you are concerned about age-related fees.
Additional fees may explore for things like GPS rental, additional drivers, or returning the car to a different location than where you picked it up. These fees are separate from the daily rental rate and are not discounted by your AARP membership. Ask about these fees when you book so there are no surprises at the counter.
Fuel Options and How to Avoid Overcharges
Rental companies offer several fuel options: you can prepay for a full tank at the rental counter, return the car with a full tank and pay per gallon, or return it empty and pay the company's inflated per-gallon rate. The cheapest option is almost always to return the car with a full tank you purchased yourself at a gas station near the rental location.
If you prepay for fuel at the rental counter, you pay the company's price per gallon, which is typically 30 to 50 percent higher than what you would pay at a regular gas station. If you return the car without a full tank, the company charges you per gallon at an even higher rate. The only scenario where prepaying makes sense is if you are certain you will return the car on empty and do not want to stop for gas on the way back.
Plan your route before you pick up the car and locate a gas station near the rental location's return address. Fill up there before you return the car. This takes 10 minutes and saves $10 to $20 on most week-long rentals.
What to Check Before You Drive Away
Before you leave the rental lot, walk around the car with the rental agent and document any existing damage. Take photos or video of dents, scratches, stains, or other damage on your phone. Ask the agent to note these on your rental agreement so you are not charged for damage that was already there.
Check that the car has a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench in the trunk. Test the lights, wipers, and air conditioning. Make sure the fuel gauge reads full if you prepaid for fuel, or note the current level if you plan to return it full. These checks take five minutes and protect you from disputes when you return the car.
Keep the rental agreement and any photos you took in a safe place during your rental. If you are involved in an accident or the car is damaged, you will need these documents to file a claim with the rental company or your insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to book through AARP's website to get the discount?
No. You can book directly through the rental company's website or by phone and provide your AARP membership number. Booking through AARP's website sometimes shows the discounted rate automatically, but calling the company directly is the most reliable way to confirm you are receiving the AARP rate.
Can I use the AARP discount if someone else is driving the car?
The person whose name is on the rental agreement must be the one who provides the AARP membership number. If you want to add another driver, that person can be added to the agreement, but the discount is tied to the primary renter's AARP membership. Check with the rental company about whether additional drivers can be added without extra fees.
What if I need to cancel or change my reservation?
Cancellation and change policies vary by company and by the rate you booked. Some AARP rates are non-refundable, while others allow changes or cancellations with a fee. Review the terms when you book, and if you think you might need to change your plans, ask about the cancellation policy before you confirm the reservation.
Does the AARP discount explore to one-way rentals?
Yes, the AARP discount applies to one-way rentals, but one-way rentals often cost more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the car back to its original location. Compare the total cost of a one-way rental to a round-trip rental plus the cost of getting back to your starting point to see which option is cheaper.
Can I rent a car for someone else using my AARP membership?
No. The person renting the car must be the AARP member. The rental agreement is in that person's name, and they must present their membership card and driver's license at the counter. You cannot use your membership to rent a car for another person.