AAA Benefits Spotlight: Hertz Car Rentals Savings and Gold+

-- Updated March 2026 --

Article overview

AAA Member perks with Hertz

• Save up to 20% on your base rate

• Exclusive waived young renter fees

• Family-friendly options and fuel savings

• Hertz Gold+ loyalty program

Planning your next road trip or business travel? Your AAA Membership unlocks substantial savings on Hertz car rental options that go far beyond a basic discount. From waived young renter fees to free loyalty program enrollment, these benefits can transform your rental experience while keeping more money in your wallet.

Whether you need a compact car for a quick weekend getaway, a spacious SUV for a family vacation or even a Hertz truck rental for a move, understanding how to leverage your AAA Membership Hertz benefits can make every journey more affordable and convenient. Let’s break down exactly how much you can save and how to access these exclusive perks.

Save up to 20% on your base rate

The cornerstone benefit for AAA Members renting Hertz vehicles through AAA is an impressive discount of up to 20% off the base rate. This applies across Hertz rental vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs) if you're looking for an eco-friendly option.

The exact discount percentage varies based on several factors:

• Your rental location

• Length of rental period

• Date of reservation

• Vehicle class selected

• Current availability

While taxes, fees and add-on options aren’t included in this discount, the base rate savings alone can significantly reduce your overall rental costs. For a week-long rental, this discount could easily save you $100 or more, depending on the vehicle type.

AAA Members enjoy exclusive waived fees

Beyond the base rate discount, AAA Membership Hertz benefits include several waived fees that can save you hundreds of dollars per rental.

Young renter fee waived

If you're between 20-24 years old, you know that renting a car typically comes with a hefty surcharge. Hertz normally charges $25 per day for young renters. With your AAA Membership, this fee is waived for qualified drivers. On a five-day rental, that's $125 back in your pocket.

Free additional drivers

Planning to share driving duties? Adding an extra driver to your Hertz car rental costs $15.00 per day. AAA Members can add up to four qualified additional drivers at no charge. You can save $15.00 per day, per driver up to $210 per rental. This benefit proves especially valuable on long road trips where taking turns behind the wheel keeps everyone fresh and safe.

Loss of use charge waived

When you rent within the United States, the Loss of Use fee—which protects against potential charges if your rental vehicle is stolen or damaged—is waived for AAA Members and loss damage is limited to $5,000. This fee typically ranges from $15-25 per day, providing both cost savings and peace of mind.

Reduced loss damage

For U.S. rentals, AAA Members benefit from a Loss Damage cap of $5,000 in case of an accident, provided you comply with the rental agreement’s terms and conditions. This protection offers financial security without the daily insurance charges.

Family-friendly and fuel options and fuel savings

Traveling with children adds another layer of complexity—and expense—to vehicle rentals for family vacations.

Free child safety seats

Use of one child, infant or booster seat comes free with your rental, saving you $13.99 per day. Over a week-long vacation, that’s nearly $100 in savings. The key is booking your safety seat in advance to guarantee availability at your pickup location. When searching for a "Hertz car rental near me," always reserve your child seat during the booking process.

10% off prepaid fuel

The Fuel Purchase Option lets you prepay for a full tank at 10% below retail price. Beyond cost savings, this option eliminates the need to refuel before returning your vehicle. Simply drop off the car with whatever fuel remains, and Hertz handles the rest. Keep in mind that refunds aren’t available for unused fuel, so this works best when you plan to use most of the tank.

Hertz Gold+: Your free fast-track to perks

AAA Basic, Classic, Plus and Everyday Members receive complimentary enrollment in Hertz Gold+, a loyalty program that normally requires rental history to join. The membership tiers offer game-changing conveniences:

Skip the counter

At more than 50 airports nationwide, Gold members can bypass the rental counter entirely. Head straight to the Gold lot, choose your vehicle from the selection and drive away. Your rental agreement is already prepared electronically.

Earn free rental days

After your first Gold rental, you receive one free rental day. Continue renting and you’ll accumulate points toward additional free days and vehicle upgrades. Every rental brings you closer to your next cost-free trip.

E-Return convenience

When you return your Hertz rental car, simply park it and go. The e-return system can process everything electronically, eliminating wait times at the return counter. You’ll receive your receipt via email within minutes.

Premium vehicle selection

Gold members enjoy broader vehicle choice within their reserved class, letting you select based on color, features or model preference when available.

AAA Premier Members get even more

With a AAA Premier Membership, your Hertz benefits automatically upgrade to Five Star status within Hertz Gold+. This elite tier includes:

• 25% bonus points on every rental, accelerating your path to free rental days

• Automatic one-class upgrade when vehicles are available

• Priority service and dedicated support

• All standard Hertz Gold+ benefits

Five Star status typically requires significant rental history, but AAA Premier Members receive it immediately upon enrollment.

How to book your discounted Hertz rental

Ready to start saving? Simply visit AAA.com/CarRental, enter your trip details and add your Hertz Rewards number if applicable. 

Your roadmap to smarter car rentals

Your AAA Membership opens the door to substantial savings every time you need a Hertz car rental. From the initial base rate discount to waived fees, free loyalty program perks and family-friendly benefits, these advantages stack up quickly.

The next time you need transportation for business or pleasure, remember that your AAA Membership is worth much more than roadside assistance. Book your next Hertz rental car through AAA and experience the difference these member-exclusive benefits make in your travel budget.

Not a AAA Member yet? Consider how often you rent vehicles and calculate the potential savings. For many travelers, membership easily pays for itself in a single rental. Visit online to explore membership options and start saving on your next adventure.