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AARP Rental Car Discounts

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SeniorLiving.org Rating:
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Questions? Speak with a AARP Specialist:
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Jeff Hoyt Taylor Shuman
Jeff Hoyt, Editor in Chief Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert & Editor

Being an AARP member has its perks, including discounts on car rentals. Car rentals, particularly during peak seasons, can be expensive but discounts can make them much more affordable. AARP has member discounts with several major car rental companies and other online car rental sites. Below, we’ll cover AARP’s best rental car discounts and how to cash in.

AARP members can save on rental cars from several major companies

Do AARP Members Get Discounts on Car Rentals?

To get you where you want to be on your travel adventures you may need to rent a car. And, AARP can help you out with the costs of car rentals with some great discounts.

Budget

AARP members can save up to 35 percent off base rates when they choose the Pay Now option during reservation. If you choose “Pay Later,” you can get 30 percent off at the pickup counter. You will also get a 3 percent credit that can be applied to future rentals, a free upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings based on availability, and can add another driver free. Customers can book their reservations online or by phone through Budget.

FYI: The bigger and more powerful the car, the more likely the rental cost will be higher (and the bigger the gas guzzler). You can also save more by picking up your car from an airport nearby.

Budget Truck Rental

If you happen to be downsizing and planning a move, you can rent a Budget truck and save 20 percent on local or one-way truck rentals, Sunday through Thursday, and 10 percent on Friday and Saturday. Discounts are off time and mileage of “The Best Available Rate” for rentals. Promotions cannot be combined with other discounts or offers and prices may vary depending on time of year.

You will also get a $10-per-day Physical Damage Waiver. You can book online or over the phone. Customers must mention the account #56000058459 at the time of reservation to receive the discount. Here are some of the features you will get as an AARP member:

  • Truck sizes up to 26 feet
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Boxes and moving supplies*
  • Towing equipment*

*Some items may have additional charges.

Avis

When AARP members choose the Pay Now option at Avis, they can save up to 35 percent off base rates at reservation. Or if they choose “Pay Later,” AARP members can save up to 30 percent at the pickup counter. Members also get a 3 percent credit on future rentals, a free upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings based on availability, and can add a driver for free. Reservations can be made online or over the phone.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? Many seniors are still on the road. Check out our guide to senior driving statistics to learn more. 

Payless

At Payless, AARP members can save 5 percent on leisure daily, weekly, weekend, and monthly base rates. And, members get a free upgrade on bookings of compact through full-size car class. Customers can book online or via phone.

AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia

AARP members can use the Travel Center search engine to compare all rental cars at the same time, such as Avis, Budget, and Payless. You can compare car types and pick-up or drop-off locations. Customers can look for the red “AARP Member Exclusive“ badge to ensure they are getting an AARP car rental discount.

FYI:

FYI: If you are planning a road trip, you can stack your benefits with a vacation package or receive 10 percent off select roadside stays.

AARP does not have specific discounts at Hertz, Dollar, National, Alamo, EZ Rent a Car, or Thrifty but you can still search for cars on the search engine and save at these car rental companies by booking through AARP Travel Center.

Zipcar

There are several options for personal transportation for seniors. If you prefer car sharing, then Zipcar may be what you’re looking for. Zipcar is a round-trip car-sharing network that provides access to rideshare by demand for more than one million Zipcar members. Customers have a choice of more than 60 different makes and models, such as hybrids, SUVs, luxury cars, and cargo vans.

AARP members get $20 off an annual Zipcar membership. If this is your first time using Zipcar you can get a $40 free driving credit. Your promo code is automatically applied during sign-up or you can mention your AARP membership if calling by phone, dial 1-866-494-7227.

Zipcar has a mobile app for iPhone and Android for members to locate the closest car, reserve it, unlock and lock it, and report its state. With Zipcar you don’t need to own a car. Plus, gas, insurance, maintenance, 180 miles (or 200 km) a day, and a parking spot just for you are all included.

FYI:

FYI: Getting discounts is fun. Explore the savings by visiting our complete list of senior discounts for 2024. Free is even better. Check out our list of 13 things that are free for seniors.

How to Use an AARP Car Rental Discount

The up to 30 percent AARP discount on car rentals means you could be saving about $105 per year. Whether you book a compact, sedan, SUV, or luxury car, you can take advantage of AARP discounts.

There are three ways AARP members can use their AARP car rental discount:

  • Book their trip online through the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia
  • Book via phone by speaking to an AARP representative at 1-800-675-4318
  • Book directly with the car rental company — Budget, Payless, or Avis — through the AARP Member Benefits page, which will take you to the company's site to apply your AARP discount

More Ways to Save with AARP

Citations
  1. zipcar. (2024). Zipcar Overview.

  2. AARP. (2024). AARP Car Rental Discounts.

Written By:
Taylor Shuman
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert and editor, Taylor has years of experience reviewing products and services for seniors. She is passionate about breaking down stigmas related to seniors and technology. She loves finding innovative ways to teach seniors about products and… Learn More About Taylor Shuman
Reviewed By:
Jeff Hoyt
Editor in Chief
As Editor-in-Chief of the personal finance site MoneyTips.com, Jeff produced hundreds of articles on the subject of retirement, including preventing identity theft, minimizing taxes, investing successfully, preparing for retirement medical costs, protecting your credit score, and making your money last… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt