Get Your Free Guide to Hertz AAA Discount Information

Understanding Hertz AAA Discounts and How They Work

Hertz offers rental car discounts to members of the American Automobile Association (AAA). This partnership has been in place for many years, providing AAA members with reduced rates on vehicle rentals across Hertz locations. The discount structure typically applies to daily rental rates, allowing members to save money on both short-term and long-term vehicle rentals.

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The way Hertz AAA discounts function is straightforward. When you rent a vehicle from Hertz and present a valid AAA membership card, the rental agent applies the member discount to your reservation. The discount percentage can vary depending on factors such as the car class you're renting, the location where you're renting, the time of year, and any current promotional offers Hertz may be running. Some discounts may apply to the base rate only, while others might cover additional services.

AAA membership comes in different tiers, including Classic, Plus, and Premier levels. Each membership level may have different associated benefits beyond car rentals, though Hertz discounts are typically available across all membership types. The discount applies whether you rent in person at a Hertz location, through the Hertz website, or by phone, as long as you reference your AAA membership number when making the reservation or at pickup.

It's important to understand that Hertz AAA discounts are not the same as insurance or protection plans. They are simply rate reductions on the base rental cost. Additional optional services like insurance coverage, GPS devices, or fuel options would be separate charges added to your rental agreement.

Practical Takeaway: Keep your AAA membership card readily available when renting from Hertz. Having your membership number on hand—whether you're calling, booking online, or visiting in person—ensures the discount gets applied to your reservation from the start.

How to Access Your AAA Membership Information

Before you can use your Hertz AAA discount, you need to know your AAA membership details. Your membership number is a unique identifier that Hertz needs to apply your discount. This number appears on your physical AAA membership card, which is typically mailed to you when you join or renew your membership.

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Your AAA membership card is usually a plastic card similar in size to a credit card. On the front, you'll find your name, membership number, and the AAA logo. The membership number is typically a series of numbers and sometimes letters. Some cards also show your membership tier (Classic, Plus, or Premier) and the expiration date of your membership. The back of the card often contains customer service phone numbers and additional information about your membership.

If you've joined AAA through their website or app, you can view your membership information online. The AAA website allows members to log into their accounts and see their membership number, expiration date, and other account details. This digital access can be particularly helpful if you're planning to rent a car but don't have your physical card with you. Many AAA members take screenshots or photos of their membership cards for reference when traveling.

AAA also provides mobile apps where members can access their membership information on their phones. These apps typically show your membership number, allow you to view your account details, and may include other features related to roadside assistance or member discounts. Having this information stored digitally means you can access it even if your physical card is misplaced.

Practical Takeaway: Store your AAA membership number in multiple places—on your phone, in your email, and with your travel documents—so you always have it when making a Hertz reservation, regardless of whether you have your physical card present.

Making a Hertz Reservation with Your AAA Discount

When you're ready to rent a car from Hertz, you have several options for making your reservation while including your AAA membership discount. Each method requires you to provide your AAA membership information, but the process differs slightly depending on how you choose to book.

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Booking online through the Hertz website is one common approach. When you visit Hertz.com, you'll enter your rental dates, locations, and car preferences. During the booking process, you'll typically see a field or option to enter a discount or promotion code. AAA members can enter their membership number in this field, which should automatically apply the discount to their quoted rate. The website usually displays the discount amount before you complete your reservation, giving you a chance to see your savings.

Calling Hertz directly at their reservations phone number is another option. When you speak with a Hertz representative, inform them that you're an AAA member and provide your membership number. The representative will look up your membership and apply the appropriate discount to your reservation. This method can be helpful if you have questions about specific vehicle options or need assistance with special requests.

Visiting a Hertz rental location in person also works for obtaining your AAA discount. When you arrive to pick up your rental vehicle, present your AAA membership card at the counter. The rental agent will verify your membership and apply the discount to your bill. This approach ensures the discount is properly documented in your reservation record.

Some travel booking websites and third-party rental aggregators may also display Hertz AAA discounts. However, it's often best to book directly through Hertz or by phone to ensure your AAA member discount is properly applied and you receive the correct rate.

Practical Takeaway: Regardless of your booking method, always confirm that your AAA discount has been applied before completing your reservation. Write down your reservation confirmation number and note the discounted rate quoted to you for future reference.

Discount Rates, Variations, and What Affects Your Savings

The actual dollar amount you save with a Hertz AAA discount varies considerably based on multiple factors. Understanding what influences the discount can help you better anticipate your rental costs and plan your budget.

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The type of vehicle you rent significantly impacts your discount. Rental car classes range from economy cars to full-size vehicles, SUVs, and luxury cars. Generally, the base rate for economy vehicles is lower than larger vehicles, so while the percentage discount might be the same across vehicle types, the actual dollar savings will differ. Renting a small sedan might save you $10-15 per day with an AAA discount, while renting a larger SUV could save you $20-30 per day, depending on the market.

Geographic location matters considerably. AAA discounts may vary between different Hertz locations and different regions of the country. A Hertz location in a major metropolitan area might offer different discount rates than one in a rural region. Airport locations sometimes have different pricing structures than off-airport locations. When planning your rental, it's worth checking prices at different location options if you have flexibility.

Seasonal variations affect Hertz pricing throughout the year. During peak travel seasons like summer vacation months or holidays, base rental rates are typically higher, which can also affect the absolute value of your discount. During slower travel periods, base rates drop, and your AAA discount savings may be smaller in dollar terms, even though the percentage discount remains the same.

Current promotional offers from Hertz can interact with your AAA discount. Sometimes Hertz runs special promotions that provide additional savings beyond standard member discounts. Other times, certain promotional rates may not be combinable with AAA discounts, requiring you to choose between different offers. Length of rental also plays a role—weekly or monthly rentals often have lower daily rates than short-term rentals, which affects your overall discount value.

Practical Takeaway: When comparing Hertz rental prices, get quotes for the specific dates and vehicle type you need. Check prices at different Hertz locations and compare the final quoted rate after the AAA discount is applied, rather than assuming all locations offer identical discounts.

Additional AAA Member Benefits Beyond Hertz Discounts

While this guide focuses on Hertz AAA discounts, it's worth understanding that AAA membership provides a broader range of benefits that often complement a rental car experience. Many of these benefits can enhance your travel plans and provide value beyond car rental savings.

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AAA membership includes roadside assistance, which is valuable when traveling in a rental car. If you experience a mechanical issue, flat tire, lockout, or need fuel delivery while driving a Hertz rental, your AAA membership provides access to roadside assistance services. This benefit applies regardless of whose vehicle you're driving. Different AAA membership tiers (Classic, Plus, and Premier) offer different levels of