Does AAA Have Car Rental Options? Everything You Need to Know

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1. Does AAA Offer Car Rental Services?

If you’re wondering “does AAA have car rental?” the short answer is: yes—but not in the way many assume. AAA (American Automobile Association) itself doesn’t own a rental fleet, but it partners with major rental car companies to offer exclusive discounts and perks to its members. These partnerships typically include well-known brands like Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty.

So, while AAA doesn’t operate a rental business, it can definitely get you behind the wheel—often with better deals and added benefits than booking directly.

2. AAA Car Rental Partners and Member Benefits

2.1 Primary Rental Partners

AAA’s main partnership is with Hertz, where members can receive up to 20% off base rates, waived additional driver fees, and complimentary upgrades when available. Additional partners such as Dollar and Thrifty also provide competitive offers, though benefits vary slightly.

2.2 Insurance and Roadside Perks

One of the hidden values of AAA car rental access is its included benefits. For example, AAA members often get special rates on insurance coverage through the rental company. Moreover, AAA roadside assistance might help in certain breakdown situations even while you're driving a rental—though it’s always best to check the fine print.

2.3 International Rentals

Some AAA clubs also assist with international rental bookings through partner programs. However, not all discounts apply globally, and insurance or licensing requirements may differ, so it’s crucial to plan ahead.

3. Understanding How to Book Through AAA

3.1 Booking Online vs. In-Person

AAA members can book rentals directly through the AAA website, which redirects to the rental partner’s booking portal while maintaining member benefits. Alternatively, many local AAA branches allow members to book rentals in person with the help of a travel advisor.

3.2 Applying Your Membership Number

When reserving online, entering your AAA membership number is essential to unlock the promotional codes and associated perks. Some travelers forget this and miss out on significant savings.

3.3 Payment and Billing Nuances

You’ll still need to meet the rental company’s payment policies—typically a credit card and valid license are required. AAA doesn’t bypass standard rental eligibility rules, but it might offer flexible cancellation or no-fee change policies depending on the partnership.

4. Real Experiences: Is AAA Car Rental Worth It?

Take Mark, a frequent business traveler from Texas. He recently rented a vehicle through AAA’s Hertz partnership for a five-day trip. By applying his AAA discount code, he saved $76 compared to a direct booking. He also received a free one-class upgrade, which came in handy when he needed extra trunk space for trade show gear.

In contrast, Emily from Boston attempted to use AAA at the airport counter without booking in advance. Without her membership number tied to the reservation, she was denied the discount. The lesson? Book ahead and follow the process to ensure the benefits apply.

5. Comparing AAA vs. Direct vs. Alternative Bookings

5.1 Direct Booking Pros and Cons

Booking directly through rental companies may sometimes offer flash sales or app-exclusive discounts. However, these are usually short-term and don’t include waived fees or upgrades, which are perks AAA consistently provides.

5.2 Travel Aggregators

Sites like Expedia or Kayak aggregate deals from multiple sources but don’t always include member-only discounts like AAA’s. Also, customer service can be fragmented across platforms.

5.3 Specialty Providers

If you're looking for flexibility, loyalty-free pricing, and user-friendly support, consider alternatives like Carvel Car Rental. They simplify the process and provide competitive prices—sometimes even beating member discounts without requiring subscriptions or club fees.

6. When to Consider Other Options Like Carvel Car Rental

While AAA car rental deals are solid for members, they may not always offer the lowest price or most convenience. If you’re in a hurry, traveling last-minute, or prefer not to navigate through partnerships and codes, Carvel Car Rental provides a modern, transparent, and direct rental experience.

It’s especially helpful for travelers who value simplicity, local service options, or want to avoid the fine print of multi-partner bookings. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a business trip, checking rates at Carvel Car Rental before confirming your vehicle could save you time—and money.