Every major rental car company has a free loyalty program, but they are not all created equal. Some let you accrue points toward free rental days. Others offer an express service to speed you past the rental car counter. And others, frankly, don’t offer you much of anything at all.
Here’s the lowdown on which programs deserve your attention:
Major Car Rental Loyalty Programs
Leaders of the Pack
National Emerald Club: National’s free loyalty program delivers an unmatched selection of benefits available from the very first rental. Among other benefits, the base level of Emerald Club allows you to earn free days with National or Enterprise bookings. You can also select your own vehicle from the Emerald Aisle at many airports simply by booking a midsize. And finally, bypass the rental car counter and add a second driver for free. All Emerald Club members earn free rental days. Executive and Executive Elite members earn free rental days more quickly and can reserve a wider range of vehicle types.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards: This free program was long known for delivering nice perks. In particular, members could skip the counter and earn free award days. Hertz made some changes in recent years that make the program better. Now you can expect more flexible redemptions, faster service and a lower minimum enrollment age. All qualifying “Pay Later” reservations are eligible to earn Gold Plus points. At most major airports, Hertz offers its Ultimate Choice service, which lets you choose your own car.
Budget Fastbreak: This program is mainly an express rental service rather than a rewards program. At many major airports, Budget Fastbreak members can proceed directly to the lot, choose their own car, drive to the exit gate, and show their license. On the tail end of your trip, returns are just as easy. Drop the car in the designated area and go, and Budget will email you the receipt.
Middle of the Road
Dollar Express: This free loyalty program serves primarily as an express rental program and you can earn points toward free award days. If you’re going to be renting from Dollar anyway, it’s a no-brainer to sign up for Dollar Express.
Enterprise Plus: This may not be the most generous program around, but we still recommend it, as you can earn points toward free award days. But better yet, sign up for both Enterprise Plus and National Emerald Club. When renting at participating Enterprise locations, you can use your National Emerald Club membership number on the reservation and receive credit toward points in the better loyalty program. We’re not fond of revenue-based programs like Enterprise Plus, since it’s comparatively hard to earn points, but the exception is the annual fall and winter Plus Your Points promotion. Enterprise does not offer a skip-the-queue service, but rewards club members get an expedited service at check-in.
Alamo Insiders: While you won’t get the premium, go-straight-to-your-car experience you do with some car rental loyalty programs, Alamo’s free program makes it painless to get cheap wheels. At major airport locations, you can check in online and skip the counter. Even better, members get the Insiders discount, which knocks 10 percent off the base rate.
Avis Preferred: Avis’s loyalty program has two parts: an express rental program that lets you bypass the rental counter and a rewards program to earn free days. It’s free to sign up but the program is not generous enough on its own to compel you to rent from Avis unless you’re getting a great rate. Avis Preferred hasn’t yet truly embraced the “choose your own car” concept. Instead, its Preferred Select and Go allows you to exchange your assigned midsize-or-larger car for a limited selection of other midsize cars.
Sixt Rent a Car Rewards Cards: Sixt has a fairly straightforward program when it comes to accruing benefits and an easy way to advance in status, which can sometimes mean you can upgrade to a vehicle that would never be found at other rental car companies—and you could do it without paying a fee.
Thrifty Blue Chip: This free loyalty program serves primarily as an express rental program and you can earn points toward free award days.
Back of the Bunch
Payless Perks: This program is free to join but offers no incentives. Don’t bother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chase Sapphire car rental insurance available in Ireland
You can add EUR15 per day to your vehicle insurance. You can also access a wide range of optional extras, including breakdown assistance, theft insurance, and personal accident insurance.
Which place is the easiest to rent a car?
Hotels, rental agencies and airports are the most popular places where you can rent a car.
Use online travel sites such Expedia and Priceline to find the closest airport location.
If local rental companies have locations near where you live, they might be worth your consideration. These are usually cheaper and easier than booking on an airline website.
Public transportation is an option if your rental car is for less than 2 weeks. A city-wide bus pass allows unlimited use within a designated area.
A convertible may be available for rent if you’re traveling with children. They offer greater protection for children, which is why some people prefer them.
How can I rent car in another country?
The best way to do this would be by using an international rental agency such as Hertz, Avis, or Europcar. These agencies offer services for both short-term rentals, and long-term leases.
They also provide customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
They don’t require any prior experience to rent from you. They take care of everything, including providing insurance and breakdown cover. All you need to know is where to go and what time to turn up.
Who is the largest car rental company in the world?
Hertz Corporation, America’s largest car hire company, is Hertz Corporation. Harry Hertz founded the Hertz Corporation in 1919.
Hertz Corporation is present in over 6,000 locations throughout North America, Europe Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. In addition, the company owns other businesses, including hotels, real estate holdings, financial services, and automotive parts manufacturing.
The company employs nearly 4 million people worldwide today.
You can rent a car from Portugal and have it delivered to Spain.
Yes, it is possible. It’s called “car hiring”. You will find many companies offering this service online.
It is enough to verify that they are licensed by the Portuguese and Spanish authorities.
The best way to do this is to contact them directly on their websites. They should have all the information you need.
What countries will accept US driver’s licences?
The United States does not recognize any other country’s driver’s licenses as valid on its roads. They are accepted by Canada, Mexico, the District of Columbia, and other countries.
Canada recognizes American driver’s licenses issued in all 50 states and District of Columbia.
Mexico also recognizes American driver’s licenses, but at this time, they are only recognized in the state of Chihuahua.
The District of Columbia can accept American driver’s permits from all 50 states with the exception of Alabama Mississippi Texas Texas West Virginia.
If I am not from the US, can I rent my car in the US?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has granted permission to rent vehicles in the United States for non-American citizens. This could include a waiver of visa requirements for certain countries. Additionally, you will need to have valid documentation like a passport and proof that you are insured. This topic is further covered on the DHS site.
Statistics
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
- Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
- I’d say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
External Links
jdpower.com
enterprise.com
sixt.com
autoslash.com
How To
What to consider when booking a rental car
What should I consider before booking a rental car?
When you’re looking for a rental vehicle, the following are important points to remember:
- You can choose between different types of cars, including small compact, medium-compact, large compacts and SUVs.
- The price of renting depends on the type of vehicle. Smaller vehicles are cheaper than larger vehicles. Renting starts at $15 per Day.
- Other than the daily price, there are additional charges depending on how long the vehicle is rented, such mileage fees.
- Additional fees may apply to vehicles that are rented out.
- You can rent a car to go anywhere at any time of the day. However, this option is subject to some limitations. This means that you can’t rent a car during rush hour.
- Be sure to choose a model that suits your budget before you commit to buying a car. Check whether the car comes with air conditioning. This is extremely useful in hot weather.
- Reserve a certain type of car in advance if it is important to you. Sometimes people don’t realize that they have a car until it is too late.
- Renting cars comes with many safety features. However, carrying a first aid kit and a blanket in an emergency is still advisable.
- You might consider adding a collision damages waiver to your rental. It’s optional, but this will save you money on insurance.
- Special needs can be requested during your booking process and upon your arrival, if you have any special needs.
- Take your luggage and your ID with you to the airport.
- While driving, make sure you stay alert. Keep your eyes on the road and try to avoid distractions.
- If you get into an accident, contact the police immediately.
- After you have used the car for a while, you must return it to us. You will be fined if you do not.
