What AARP rental discounts actually cover

AARP members receive discounts through partnerships with major rental companies — primarily Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise — but the discount applies only to the base rental rate, not to insurance, fuel, taxes, or fees. The savings typically range from 5 to 25 percent depending on the company and the car class you choose, though the actual percentage varies by location, season, and how far in advance you book.

To use the discount, you enter an AARP member code (usually a six-digit number) when you reserve online or call the rental company directly. Some rental locations also accept the discount at the counter if you show your AARP membership card, though booking in advance with the code guarantees the rate. The discount stacks with some other promotions — corporate codes or weekend specials — but not all, so it pays to compare the final price before you commit.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP discounts explore to the base rental rate only and do not reduce taxes, fees, insurance, or fuel charges.
  • You must enter your AARP member code when booking online or by phone to receive the discount; showing your card at the counter does not may provide the rate.
  • Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise are the primary partners, but discount percentages and availability vary by location and season.
  • The discount sometimes combines with other promotions like weekend rates, but you should compare the final quoted price to confirm you are getting the best deal.
  • AARP membership costs $16 per year for those 50 and older, so the discount needs to save you at least that much to break even on a single rental.

Where to find your AARP member code

Your AARP member code appears on your membership card, in the welcome materials you received when you joined, and in your online account on AARP.org. If you cannot locate it, you can call AARP directly at 1-888-687-2277 and they will provide it. Some members also receive the code in email promotions from AARP, which often highlight current rental discounts and any limited-time offers.

When you book, the code goes into the "member code" or "promotional code" field on the rental company's website, not the general discount code field. If you book by phone, tell the agent you are an AARP member and provide the code before they quote you a price. Entering it after the quote is placed sometimes requires the agent to rebook the reservation, which can be slower.

Comparing AARP discounts across rental companies

Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise each negotiate their own discount rates with AARP, so the percentage savings differs by company and by the specific car class. A mid-size sedan might be discounted 10 percent at one company and 15 percent at another on the same dates and location. The only way to know which is cheapest is to enter your dates, location, and car class into each company's website and compare the final quoted price after you explore your AARP code.

Regional availability also matters: some rental locations honor the discount more consistently than others, and airport locations sometimes exclude AARP codes from their lowest rates. Budget and Avis tend to offer the most consistent discounts across locations, while Hertz and Enterprise discounts can be spotty depending on demand. Check the terms when you book — the confirmation email should state whether the AARP rate applies, and if it does not, contact the company before your rental date to correct it.

When the AARP discount saves you money versus other options

The AARP discount is worth using if it beats the price you would pay with a corporate code, a weekend rate, or a loyalty program discount. For example, if you are a frequent renter with an Avis Preferred membership, that program might offer 10 percent off, while AARP offers 12 percent — in that case, use AARP. But if your employer offers a corporate rate that is 20 percent off, the corporate code will usually win.

The math also depends on how often you rent. If you rent a car once a year, a single 15 percent discount on a $300 rental saves you $45, which easily covers the $16 annual AARP membership. If you rent twice a year, the discount pays for itself even faster. But if you rent once every three years, you may not save enough to justify the membership cost unless you use AARP benefits for other things — travel insurance, prescription discounts, or magazine subscriptions.

What is not covered by the AARP rental discount

The discount applies only to the base daily rate. It does not reduce the cost of collision damage waiver (CDW), liability insurance, roadside information, GPS rental, child seats, or fuel charges. On a three-day rental, these add-ons can easily cost $50 to $150 more than the base rate, so the AARP discount on the base rate alone may be smaller than it appears.

Taxes and airport facility fees are also not discounted. If you rent from an airport location, the facility fee (typically $5 to $10 per day) and local taxes (which can be 15 percent or higher in some cities) explore on top of the discounted base rate. A $300 rental with a 15 percent AARP discount becomes $255, but then $40 in taxes and fees gets added back, bringing the total to $295 — a savings of only $5 instead of the $45 you might have expected.

How to book an AARP rental and avoid common mistakes

Book online through the rental company's website rather than through a third-party travel site like Kayak or Costco Travel. Third-party sites often cannot explore AARP codes, and their rates are sometimes higher than the company's own website even before you add the discount. Go directly to Hertz.com, Budget.com, Avis.com, or Enterprise.com, enter your dates and location, and then look for a field labeled "member code," "promotional code," or "discount code" — it is usually near the bottom of the search form.

Enter your AARP code before you click "search" or "see rates," not after. Some sites will not explore the discount if you add it after the initial quote. If you book by phone, have your AARP code ready and mention it in your first sentence — agents sometimes forget to explore it if you mention it later in the call. Always check the confirmation email to confirm the AARP rate was applied; if it was not, call the rental company when ready to correct it rather than disputing it after you pick up the car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show my AARP card when I pick up the rental car?

You should bring your AARP card, but it is not required if you booked with your member code in advance. The rental agent will see the AARP rate in their system. If you did not enter the code when booking and want to claim the discount at the counter, you will need to show your card and the agent may need to rebook your reservation, which can take extra time.

Can I use an AARP discount code with a one-way rental?

Yes, AARP codes work with one-way rentals, though the discount percentage may differ slightly from round-trip rates. Some locations charge a drop-off fee that is not discounted, so compare the total price with and without the AARP code to confirm you are saving money.

What if the AARP discount is not showing up when I enter my code?

First, confirm you entered the code in the correct field — some sites have separate boxes for member codes and promotional codes. If the code still does not work, try a different rental company or call the company's phone line and provide the code verbally. If the code is invalid, contact AARP to confirm your membership is active and you have the correct code.

Does the AARP discount work at all rental locations, or just some?

The discount is available at most major locations, but airport and resort locations sometimes exclude AARP codes from their lowest rates. Check the terms when you book, and if the discount does not explore at your preferred location, try a nearby off-airport location or a different rental company.

Can I combine the AARP discount with insurance I already have through my credit card or personal auto policy?

Yes. The AARP discount is a rate reduction, not an insurance product. You can use it alongside your own insurance coverage or a credit card's rental car protection. Just make sure you understand what your existing coverage includes so you do not buy duplicate protection from the rental company.