AARP members can save 10 to 30 percent on car rentals through negotiated rates with major companies

AARP has discount agreements with Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National. When you book through AARP's website or call the AARP-specific phone line, you receive a member rate that is lower than the standard daily rate. The discount applies whether you rent for a day, a week, or longer.

The savings vary by location, rental company, and travel dates. A one-day rental in a major city might save you $15 to $25; a week-long rental could save $100 or more. Off-peak travel typically offers better discounts than peak seasons. You do not need to do anything special to claim the discount — it is built into the rate when you book through the AARP channel.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP members receive discounted rates at Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National when booking through AARP's website or phone line.
  • Discounts range from 10 to 30 percent depending on the rental company, location, and dates you choose.
  • You must show your AARP membership card at pickup to confirm your member status and receive the discounted rate.
  • The AARP car rental page lists each company's current rates and allows you to compare prices before booking.
  • Some AARP members also receive additional benefits through their membership, such as roadside information or travel insurance options.

How to book an AARP car rental discount

Go to the AARP website and select the car rental section. Enter your pickup location, pickup date, and return date. The system will show rates from all five partner companies side by side. Compare the daily rates and total cost, then select the company and car type that works for you.

At checkout, you will enter your AARP membership number. This number appears on your AARP card. If you do not have your card handy, you can look up your membership number in your AARP online account. Complete the booking and you will receive a confirmation email with your reservation details and a confirmation code.

When you arrive at the rental counter, bring your AARP membership card and a valid driver's license. The agent will scan or enter your confirmation code and verify your membership. The discounted rate will appear on your final bill.

Which rental companies offer AARP discounts

Hertz offers AARP members discounts on all car classes and typically provides one of the lowest daily rates among the five partners. Hertz also allows you to add a second driver at no extra charge, which can be useful for longer trips.

Enterprise focuses on neighborhood locations rather than airport counters, so it may be more convenient if you are renting in a residential area. Enterprise's AARP rates are competitive and the company often has promotional add-ons like free upgrades or loyalty points.

Budget tends to offer aggressive discounts for AARP members, especially on economy and mid-size cars. Budget locations are found at most airports and city centers.

Avis and National round out the options. Avis is known for its frequent-renter program, which can stack additional savings if you rent regularly. National has a large fleet and is present at most major airports.

What to bring and what to expect at pickup

Bring your AARP membership card, a valid driver's license, and a credit card in your name. The rental company will place a hold on your credit card for the rental amount plus a security deposit (usually $200 to $500, depending on the car class). This hold is released when you return the car in good condition.

Inspect the car before you leave the lot. Take photos of any existing dents, scratches, or damage and point them out to the agent. Ask the agent to note these on your rental agreement so you are not charged for pre-existing damage when you return the vehicle.

Clarify the fuel policy. Most rentals require you to return the car with a full tank. If you return it with less fuel, the company will charge you a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than the local gas station price. Some rentals include a full tank upfront; ask whether that applies to your booking.

Additional coverage and insurance options

The rental company will offer collision damage waiver (CDW), loss damage waiver (LDW), and liability coverage at checkout. These are optional add-ons that cost $10 to $25 per day. Before you buy them, check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rental cars. Many policies do, which means you would be paying twice.

Call your insurance company or credit card issuer before you travel and ask specifically whether rental cars are covered and what the deductible is. If you are not covered, the rental company's CDW is worth buying. If you are covered but the deductible is high, you might buy the rental company's coverage to lower your out-of-pocket risk.

Some AARP members also have travel insurance through their membership plan. Check your AARP benefits materials to see whether rental car coverage is included.

Comparing AARP rates to other discount sources

AARP rates are competitive but not always the lowest available. Before you book through AARP, check prices on Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline to see whether a different source offers a better rate for your dates and location. Autoslash in particular will re-check your reservation weekly and alert you if the price drops, allowing you to rebook at the lower rate.

Some credit cards offer rental car discounts or cash back on car rentals. If you have a premium travel credit card, compare the discount or cash back against the AARP member rate. A 5 percent cash back offer on a $300 rental ($15 back) might be less than a 20 percent AARP discount ($60 off), but the math changes depending on the rental size and your card's terms.

Corporate codes and promotional codes can also beat AARP rates on specific dates. If you work for a large employer, check whether your company has a negotiated car rental rate. Costco members also receive discounted rates through Costco Travel, which sometimes undercut AARP pricing.

What happens if you need to cancel or modify your reservation

Most AARP car rental bookings are fully refundable if you cancel before the pickup date. Log into your AARP account, find your reservation, and select the cancel option. You will receive a refund to the credit card you used to book within 5 to 10 business days.

If you need to modify your reservation — change the pickup or return date, or pick a different car class — you can usually do this online or by calling the rental company directly using your confirmation code. Modifying a reservation is often free, but if the new dates or car class carry a higher rate, you will be charged the difference.

If you need to cancel close to your pickup date or on the day of pickup, call the rental company directly rather than trying to cancel online. Speaking to an agent gives you a chance to ask about exceptions or to reschedule rather than lose your money entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to get the discount?

Yes. You must have an active AARP membership and provide your membership number at booking and your membership card at pickup. If your membership has lapsed, you will need to renew it before the rental to receive the discounted rate.

Can I book an AARP car rental over the phone instead of online?

Yes. AARP provides a phone number on its car rental page that connects you to a booking agent. The agent can answer questions about rates, car types, and coverage options, and will process your reservation over the phone. You will still need to provide your membership number and card at pickup.

What if I am under 25 years old?

Most rental companies charge an underage driver fee (typically $15 to $25 per day) for drivers under 25. This fee applies on top of the AARP discount, so you will still save money as an AARP member, but the daily rate will be higher than for drivers 25 and older. Check the rate breakdown at checkout to see the underage fee.

Can I add a second driver to my AARP rental?

Yes. Most companies allow one additional driver at no charge. Additional drivers beyond that usually cost $10 to $15 per day. You can add a second driver at booking or at the rental counter, but adding them at booking is faster. Both drivers must present a valid license at pickup.

Do AARP discounts explore to airport rentals?

Yes, but airport locations often charge an airport facility fee (usually 10 to 15 percent of the rental cost) on top of the daily rate. This fee is separate from the AARP discount. If possible, rent from a non-airport location to avoid this surcharge. Enterprise and Budget often have neighborhood locations that are cheaper than airport counters.