Costco car rental has a reputation for being one of the best places to book rental cars. However, their prices aren’t always the cheapest. In a recent experiment, we found that they were often beaten by AutoSlash.
Costco does not independently maintain a fleet of cars for rent. It partners with several well-known brands to offer their members discounted rates. This helps them negotiate better with the car rental companies.
Discounts
The discount club retailer Costco is known for its wholesale prices, but it also offers members a variety of benefits that make renting cars much more affordable. Members can use the Costco Travel website to book hotels, buy vacation packages, plan cruises, and rent cars at discounted rates. The site also offers other services like free additional driver and insurance coverage on rental cars. In addition, Costco offers a rewards program that allows members to earn points on car rentals and other travel purchases.
The company has contracts with four major car rental companies, including Avis, Alamo, and Enterprise. The discounts are available in the United States and some international locations. The discounts are not as generous as those offered by AutoSlash, but they can be useful to save money on a short-term rental. To get the most value out of your membership, toss brand loyalty and be open-minded when booking a rental car.
When you book a rental through Costco, you’ll be asked to select the pick-up and drop-off location. You can choose from a list of options or enter your own zip code to find the closest location. You can even choose a different location for the return, although that will likely increase your total price. You’ll need to provide your Costco membership number when making a reservation, and you may be asked to show your card at the pickup counter.
One of the best parts about booking through Costco is that you can skip the maddening extra driver fees. These fees can range from $10 to $15 per day, and the elimination of these charges can add up to significant savings over the course of a trip. You can also save money by using credit cards that offer primary rental car insurance. which covers damage and theft to the vehicle.
Another benefit of Costco is that you can cancel your reservation without any penalty. This is a big advantage over other rental car services, which may charge you a cancellation fee if you change your plans. You can cancel online or by calling the Costco Travel customer service team.
Transparency
If you’re a member of Costco, you can take advantage of their car rental program. This is a great way to save money on your vacation and have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a reliable vehicle. This service is free for members, and they can even reserve a vehicle without a credit card guarantee. This is a great benefit that many people don’t take advantage of, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
One of the best things about renting a car through Costco Travel is that you can see all fees and add-ons before you rent. This allows you to make the most informed decision and avoid unexpected charges. You can also get information about the fuel policy, mileage limit, and mode of payment. Additionally, Costco Travel lets you add a second driver for free. Saving you up to $11 or more per day on the additional driver fee.
Another great feature of Costco Travel is that you can track price drops on your reservation. This is especially helpful if you’re booking a last-minute deal. It’s easy to use and can help you find the best deal on your rental.
It’s important to note, however, that while Costco is a reputable source for car rentals, they may not always be the cheapest. In fact, Million Mile Secrets recently compared nine different Costco Travel reservations to AutoSlash, and found that they were only the cheapest three times out of five.
You can easily compare car rental prices using the Costco Travel website, which presents comparison charts for each option. You can also choose to filter by “car class” or extra perks like unlimited miles, which can save you even more. All you can also add your loyalty accounts from Avis, Budget, and Enterprise to earn rewards on your rental.
In addition to the car rental service, Costco offers a wide range of other travel services, including hotels, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. You can even book tours and activities in some countries, such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In terms of customer service, Costco’s representatives are available 24/7.
Cancellation policy
The Costco car rental program is a little-known member benefit that can save you money on your next vacation. The program offers discounted rates and a cancellation policy that is easy to use. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before booking your reservation. The program is operated by a number of well-known car rental companies, including Alamo, Avis, and Budget. These are all reputable brands that offer competitive rates and customer service.
The price of a Costco car rental can vary depending on the type and time of year you are renting, as well as your location. You should always check prices on competitor websites before committing to a rental. The good news is that Costco has a great deal of leverage due to its large membership base. It is often the cheapest option available.
To book a Costco rental, simply log into your Costco Travel account online. Enter your travel dates and pickup/drop-off locations. Then, select the size of car you want to rent and fill in your driver details. The site also notes helpful details, such as whether or not you’ll need a shuttle to the airport.
Another plus is that you can cancel your reservation online without incurring any monetary charges. This is an excellent feature, especially if you are traveling with children or people who may need to leave the vehicle at an unexpected moment. You can even change your reservation for free if you decide to travel later on in the day.
Adding an additional driver is also free through Costco Travel. This is a nice perk for families and groups of friends. You should note that the additional driver must meet the vendor’s requirements. Must present a credit card and valid driver’s license at the rental counter. Additionally, the primary driver must be a Costco member to get this benefit.
To get the best deal from Costco, be sure to enter your loyalty program information and discount codes on the Costco Travel website before completing your reservation. You can also choose to purchase a full tank of gas at the rental counter, which is a great way to save money.
Additional drivers
Depending on your needs, having an additional driver on your rental car can save you time and money. However, car rental companies often charge an additional driver fee that can be a significant chunk of your rental cost. You can avoid these fees by following these strategies: a) Check your state law. Some states prohibit additional driver charges for spouses, domestic partners or parents of the renter; b) Use your credit card perks. Membership benefits to avoid extra driver fees; and c) Rent from a company that waives the fees for loyalty program members.
One of the best ways to save on additional driver fees is by booking a car through Costco Travel. This website allows you to enter your pickup and drop-off locations. Dates and times to see a list of cars from the major car rental companies. The only catch is that the primary driver must be a member of Costco. Fortunately, a membership costs only $60 annually, and you can save $11 to $13 per day by renting through Costco.
In addition, Costco’s program includes waivers for additional drivers at major rental car companies. The company’s Costco Travel website lists available cars from Alamo, Avis, Budget and Enterprise in the U.S., as well as in the UK, France, Ireland, and Germany. It also offers discounts for hotels, airlines and cruises. The website is easy to navigate, and there’s no need for a credit card guarantee.
Many rental car companies charge an extra driver fee of $10 to $15 a day, but Costco’s discount program eliminates these fees for customers who book through the portal. This can translate to substantial savings, particularly for families who rent cars frequently, says Livingston. The program also provides flexibility to change your rental plans without paying hefty cancellation fees.
In addition to its discount program, Costco offers one of the best military-related car rental deals around. USAA, a financial institution for veterans and their families, is partnered with Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise to offer a free additional driver to military members and their spouses.
