AAA members get discounts on car rentals through partnerships with major companies

If you hold an AAA membership, you can use your membership number to receive discounts at rental car companies including Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis. The discount is not automatic — you have to provide your AAA membership number when you book or at pickup. The size of the discount varies by location, season, and which rental company you use, so the same car might cost different amounts at different times or branches.

AAA does not own or operate rental car locations. Instead, AAA negotiates rates with rental companies on behalf of its members. You are still renting from the rental company itself, not from AAA. This means you follow that company's policies for damage, fuel, insurance, and late returns — AAA membership does not change those terms.

The discount typically applies to the base rental rate, not to taxes, fees, or optional add-ons like insurance or GPS. Some AAA members also receive additional perks through their membership tier, such as free upgrades or waived young driver fees, though these vary by membership level and location.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA discounts work at Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and some regional companies, but you must provide your membership number at booking or pickup.
  • The discount amount changes based on location, time of year, and which rental company you choose, so comparing prices across companies is still worth doing.
  • AAA membership does not change the rental company's damage policies, fuel policies, or insurance requirements — those remain the same.
  • Some AAA membership tiers include perks like free upgrades or waived young driver fees, though availability depends on your membership level and the rental location.

How to book a rental with your AAA discount

Start by visiting the rental company's website directly or calling their reservation line. When you book online, look for a field labeled "AAA member discount," "member number," or "promotional code." Enter your AAA membership number in that field. If you do not see a field for it, you can still provide the number at pickup, though booking ahead with the number recorded usually locks in the rate.

By phone, tell the agent you are an AAA member and provide your membership number before they quote you a price. This ensures the discount is applied to the rate they give you. Write down the confirmation number and the quoted rate so you have proof of what you were promised.

Some AAA members also receive a discount code through their membership materials or the AAA website. If you have a code, enter it in the promotional code field instead of or in addition to your membership number, depending on what the rental company's system allows.

What the discount typically covers and what it does not

The AAA discount reduces the daily or weekly rental rate for the vehicle itself. It applies to the base price before taxes and fees are added. Taxes, airport surcharges, facility fees, and local rental taxes are calculated on top of the discounted rate and are not reduced by your membership.

Optional services and add-ons — such as damage waiver insurance, GPS rental, toll transponders, or additional drivers — are usually not discounted. Some rental companies offer AAA members a discount on these items as well, but this varies by company and location. Ask the agent or check the rental company's AAA page to see what extras are included.

Fuel charges, late return fees, and damage charges are not covered by the discount. If you return the car late or with damage, you pay those costs in full, regardless of your AAA membership.

AAA membership tiers and what each one includes

AAA offers different membership levels — typically Classic, Plus, and Premier — and each tier may come with different rental car perks. A Classic membership usually includes the basic discount on rental rates. Plus and Premier memberships may add benefits like free vehicle upgrades (subject to availability), waived young driver fees, or additional discounts on insurance add-ons.

These perks are not may provide at every location. A rental branch in one city might honor an upgrade offer while another does not. Call the specific rental location or check the AAA website for your membership level to see what perks are available in your area.

Your AAA membership card or membership number is what the rental company checks to confirm your tier and explore the correct benefits. Bring your physical card or have your membership number ready when you arrive.

Comparing AAA rates to other discounts and booking sites

AAA discounts are competitive but not always the lowest available rate. Rental car prices fluctuate based on demand, and a discount code from a travel website, a corporate discount, or a promotional offer from the rental company itself might be cheaper on any given day.

Before you book with your AAA number, check the rental company's website without entering any discount code to see the base price. Then enter your AAA number and note the new price. Compare that to prices on travel booking sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Autoslash, which sometimes show rates lower than what you would get with AAA alone.

Some rental companies run promotions that stack with AAA discounts, while others do not allow you to combine offers. If you find a lower rate elsewhere, call the rental company directly and ask whether they can match it or whether you can use both the AAA discount and another promotion.

What to bring and what to expect at pickup

Bring your AAA membership card or have your membership number written down. You will also need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name for the deposit, and proof of insurance (your own policy or the rental company's coverage). Some rental locations ask for a second form of ID.

At pickup, the agent will verify your membership, confirm the discount was applied to your reservation, and review the rental agreement with you. This is when you decide whether to purchase the rental company's damage waiver or decline it in favor of your own insurance. Read the agreement carefully before signing — it outlines what you are responsible for if the car is damaged or returned late.

If the rate quoted at pickup is higher than what you were promised during booking, ask the agent to explain the difference. Sometimes additional fees or taxes are added at pickup that were not visible during online booking.

Damage, insurance, and liability with an AAA rental

Your personal auto insurance may cover a rental car, but you need to check your policy before you rent. Some policies cover rentals automatically; others require you to add rental coverage as an add-on. If your policy does not cover rentals, you can purchase the rental company's damage waiver at pickup, though this adds to your total cost.

AAA membership does not provide insurance or cover damage to the rental car. If you damage the vehicle and have no insurance coverage, you are liable for the full repair cost. The rental company will charge your credit card and may pursue additional payment if repairs exceed the deposit.

Read the rental agreement's section on damage liability and insurance before you sign. Ask the agent to explain what you are and are not covered for under the rental company's damage waiver if you choose to purchase it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AAA member to rent a car at these companies?

No. Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis rent to anyone with a valid driver's license and credit card. AAA membership straightforward gives you access to discounted rates. Non-members pay the full rate.

Can I use my AAA discount at rental car locations outside the United States?

Some AAA partnerships extend to Canada and Mexico, but coverage varies by rental company and location. Check with the specific rental company or your AAA membership materials before booking an international rental.

What happens if I lose my AAA membership card before pickup?

Call your AAA office or check your membership online to confirm your membership number. Provide that number to the rental company at pickup. You do not need the physical card as long as you can verify your membership.

Can I use an AAA discount if someone else is driving the rental car?

The person who booked the rental must be present at pickup with their AAA membership number or card. The primary driver on the rental agreement does not have to be an AAA member, but the person who made the reservation does.

Does AAA cover rental cars if I am in an accident?

AAA membership does not provide accident coverage. Your personal auto insurance covers accidents in a rental car if your policy includes rental coverage. If you do not have coverage through your own policy, you must purchase the rental company's damage waiver to be protected.