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Car Rental Tips for Your Next Journey
Check out Hertz’s car rental discounts, when you book through AAA, to get the best deal on the car you want. Save money and enjoy your next journey in style with these tips and tricks.
Whether you’re heading on a business trip or a family vacation, getting a car rental can give you the freedom and flexibility you need. Hertz and AAA provide you with all the help and advice you need for getting a rental car.
1. Book your rental in advance
Generally, the earlier you reserve your rental car, the better deal you can find. You’re also more likely to get the car, price and terms you want if you pre-pay for your reservation. We recommend booking your car as soon as you book your flights or confirm your trip.
2. Choose your pickup/drop-off locations carefully
Airport pickups can be more expensive, but they are often the most convenient option. Your car will be waiting at a convenient airport lot. For those heading on a cross-country trip, picking a city drop-off location is usually a good idea.
3. Let’s talk about tech
Be sure to highlight any specific technical features you think you’ll need for your journey. This can include, GPS, Bluetooth etc. Most modern cars will already have these features built in, but it’s always best to make sure you have what you need.
Car Rentals Available for Young Drivers—Exclusive AAA Members Savings!
4. Save money with fuel-efficient cars
Gas can be one of the biggest costs when you’re heading out on a long car journey so you could save money by choosing a fuel-efficient car for your trip. You can curb the rising cost of gas by selecting an innovative EV or hybrid car. You’ll also be doing your part for the environment by reducing your carbon emissions.
5. Prioritize comfort for long journeys
For long trips, large sedans and SUVs typically offer the most comfort and provide optimal storage for your luggage.
6. Be mindful of the weather
Always check the weather forecast before any trip. If you’re going camping or traveling in snowy weather, it might be wise to choose an SUV or four-wheel drive.
7. Take photos of the car before and after
A key car rental tip to help mitigate potential damage charges, take pictures of your rental vehicle as soon as you receive it and when you are returning it. This way, you have proof of the car’s condition throughout your rental period.
8. Free use of a child safety seat
For added convenience, especially when flying, we can help you avoid having to bring a child safety seat or booster seat. When you rent your Hertz vehicle through AAA, take advantage of free use of a child safety seat—exclusively for AAA Members. Need more than one? Additional seats are available to rent.
BONUS TIP! Join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty program for free and earn points toward free rentals and upgrades. Learn More at AAA.com/CarRental
Other Exclusive Car Rental Benefits* for AAA Members
*Discounts apply to pay later base rate. Discount will vary depending on date, location, length of rental, car class & other factors. Taxes, fees and options excluded. AAA Club Discount Code (CDP) must be included in reservation. Benefits available at participating Hertz locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Twenty-four (24) hour advance reservation required. Additional driver and young renter must be a AAA member, have a credit card in their own name and meet standard rental qualifications. Child safety seat is subject to availability. Gas savings is only valid when prepaid fuel option is purchased. Customer’s responsibility for damage to the rented vehicle is limited to $5,000, provided there is no violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. If Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is purchased in connection with the rental, Hertz will waive the customer’s financial responsibility for any loss or damage to the rental vehicle, provided there is no violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. Loss of use fee will be waived provided there is no violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. The 1 free day rental offer is an exclusive offer for AAA members who enroll at AAA.com/hertzgold. Valid for new Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® (HGPR) members only. Free rental day will be awarded in the form of 950 Gold Plus Rewards points after the member's first paid Gold rental. Free day excludes taxes, fees and options. At the time of rental, present your AAA membership card.
^Hertz Bonus Rewards Offer for AAA Cash back Visa, AAA Dollars Plus Visa, or AAA Dollars Visa: From October 1, 2023 through October 31, 2026 (promotion period), you will earn an additional 1 % cash back on qualifying net purchases made at Hertz with your AAA Cash back Visa, AAA Dollars Plus Visa, or AAA Dollars Visa. Your net purchases must post to your account during the promotion period. The date that a transaction is made may not be the same date that a transaction posts to your Account, and we cannot control when a merchant posts a transaction to your account. Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns. Purchases made through merchants other than Hertz will not qualify for the bonus rewards. Benefit is valid at participating locations in the U.S.; Canada and Puerto Rico. Offer is exclusive to AAA Cash back Visa, AAA Dollars Plus Visa, and AAA Dollars Visa Credit Card holders enrolled in the AAA Cash back Visa, AAA Dollars Plus Visa, and AAA Dollars Visa Rewards program. For offers associated with a specific category, earnings will only be awarded if the merchant code for the purchase matches a category eligible for the offer. Each merchant is assigned a code by a third party that indicates the merchant's area of business. Cash back Visa, AAA Dollars Plus Visa, and AAA Dollars Visa does not have the ability to control assignment of merchant codes. This rewards program is provided by Cash back Visa, AAA Dollars Plus Visa, and AAA Dollars Visa and its terms may change at any time. Cash back is considered earned when they are posted to the redemption system. Cash back may take up to 60 days to post following a qualifying purchase. Bonus rewards may be applied to your account as late as 1-2 billing cycles after the end of the promotion period. Account must remain open and be in good standing (not over limit or past due) during the promotion and until the time the bonus reward is fulfilled to qualify. This card is issued by U.S. Bank NA dba ACG Card Services, pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc. ACG Card Services is an Equal Credit Opportunity Lender.