Car Rental Discount Codes Might Not Be Cheaper

In my wallet I keep two sets of discount car rental codes, one set from my employer (who encourages us to use the codes for personal use) and one set from Costco. Whenever I do need to rent a car, I typically compare the prices of no code, random code I find on the internet, and the two codes provided by Costco and my employer. I find that the “discount” rates from my employer and Costco may not actually be the cheapest possible rate for me.

With my employer, I can understand if the rate is higher because CDW/LDW (Collision Damage Waiver and Loss Damage Waiver), or collision insurance, has been negotiated as “free” but it doesn’t make as much sense with Costco’s codes. Remember though that your personal auto insurance extends to your car rentals as well (insurance follows the person) but it’s always nice to know that if something does happen, it’s not on you, it’s on the rental company.

So, next time you’re out shopping with a few codes, remember to always check the price without the codes because it might actually be cheaper based on the promotions they’re running and the like.

Incidentally, the Costco codes are (membership never verified on the website):
Alamo - ID# 675899
AVIS - AWD# A108335
Budget - BCD# W852816
Hertz - CDP# 336436