Costco is a well-known American wholesale retailer that provides its members with many benefits and discounts, but did you know that Costco also offers a rental car program? Costco’s car rental program is a popular choice among travelers who want to save money on their rental cars for their trips.
The biggest benefit of using Costco’s rental car program is the cost savings. The membership discount that Costco negotiates with rental car companies can be significant, especially for longer trips or for renting larger cars or specialty vehicles. In fact, Costco claims that members can save up to 30% on car rentals by using their program, compared to other booking methods.
Another advantage of this program is the ability to compare rates from different rental car companies all in one place. Costco has partnerships with several leading car rental companies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. By accessing these offers through Costco’s website or customer service center, members can quickly see which companies offer the best deal for their preferred dates, location, and type of car. In addition, Costco offers additional benefits such as a free additional driver and discounts on fuel and GPS rentals.
To use Costco’s program, members simply need to log in to their account and follow the steps to book a rental car. It is available both domestically and internationally so even frequent fliers can benefit from the program. The rentals come with all the same requirements as you would receive from your rental car provider’s location. The insurance, gas, and other incidentals you are held responsible for are the same, but the overall price is significantly cheaper.
When comparing the cost of a rental car, it’s important to take into account several factors such as the duration of the rental, location, vehicle class, and rental company. The best way to compare prices is to use an online car rental site that allows users to see prices from multiple rental agencies side by side.
To demonstrate, let’s compare the cost of renting a compact car for three days in Los Angeles. When using the standard search engine or even a travel booking site, such as Expedia, the average cost of a compact car rental for three days ranged from $70-$85 per day, totaling $210-$255. Alternatively, when using the Costco travel site, the same rental was available for $128.55, a savings of over $80 for the entire rental.
It’s also important to note that while the prices may vary between rental car companies, members can still find savings between each provider, providing a sense of security that they’re getting the best deal, no matter where they choose to rent.
In addition to rental car savings, Costco members can enjoy various other benefits on their trips, such as exclusive discounts on hotels, cruises, and tours. It’s always a good idea to check out these deals when planning your travels, in addition to arranging the rental car.
The types of vehicles available will vary based on the rental car company you choose, but in general, Costco’s program offers a wide range of options such as economy, compact, intermediate, full-size, SUVs, luxury, and even exotic car rentals in select destinations. The availability of each type of vehicle will depend on the day, time, and location, so it’s always best to check the website for the latest and most accurate availability.
Another great aspect of the program is the ability to rent cars in foreign countries, including Canada, Europe, and Australia. This is a fantastic option for those who plan to drive to neighboring countries or explore different parts of the world.
One of the best features offered by Costco’s program is the ability to rent a car from a variety of rental car companies all in one place. By going through Costco’s platform, members have direct access to rental car companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. This availability streamlines your rental process and saves you time by allowing you to easily compare prices and options before deciding on the perfect car for your trip.
First off, the program provides a free additional driver for all of its members, which can eliminate the stress and worry of having to assign just one driver for your entire trip, making your trip both more comfortable and less risky.
Secondly, the program offers an additional category of cars called “Costco Travel Value,” which provides members with unadvertised discounts off the already low prices offered. These specific discounts are an exclusive benefit for Costco members and often present themselves for long-term rentals or for renting higher-end vehicles such as convertibles, sporty cars or luxury cars.
Another fantastic benefit offered through the program is the 24-hour roadside assistance included with every rental. This provides valuable peace of mind for travelers who find themselves in unexpected situations where assistance is required.
Firstly, it’s important to note that most rental car companies must include car insurance with their rentals. Costco’s rental car program providers – Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz – all offer a base level of car insurance coverage with each rental. However, keep in mind that these base policies will come with limitations, such as a deductible, limited damage coverage, or a cap on liability coverage.
Costco offers its members the ability to purchase additional insurance for an added layer of protection, such as collision damage waiver (CDW), personal accident insurance (PAI), and supplemental liability insurance (SLI). This coverage will provide members with peace of mind while driving and protect them from unexpected and undesirable financial consequences.
Additionally, Costco offers add-ons for rental cars such as GPS or in-car WiFi services, car seats for infants or children, and toll passes. By including these add-ons with your reservation, renters may save time by avoiding lines and fees when they pick up their cars at the rental counter. The added value of these add-ons varies and varies depending on your needs and destination.
Comparing insurance options is essential to ensure that you choose a policy that provides the required protection for your specific needs. Most travelers will have some level of coverage through their credit card company or personal insurance policy, so it is essential to research and compare policies side by side. In essence, the insurance coverage provided through Costco is good, the extra payable services are competitively priced, and based on the various coverage scenarios, they can potentially save members money in the long run.
To summarize, Costco’s rental car program offers additional coverage and add-ons for renters who want to protect themselves and enhance their driving experience. Before renting a car, it’s crucial to research and compare insurance and add-on options based on individual needs and to evaluate various scenarios to make an insightful and cost-effective decision.
One significant benefit is that Costco doesn’t require a deposit when you make a reservation, unlike many other rental car companies. The payment is due when the rental is picked up, so you have the freedom to cancel your reservation at any time without needing to worry about the deposit.
It’s also essential to be mindful of gas prices when driving a rental car. To avoid additional fees or charges, be sure to refill the gas tank before returning the rental car to the rental car company. Additionally, you can opt to purchase Costco gas (at participating stations) at a discounted rate if you are a member, which can further your trip savings.
Another tip is to weigh the convenience and cost-effectiveness of airport car rentals vs. off-airport rentals. Airport car rental options are more comfortable in terms of location and pickup, but typically come with higher fees and surcharges. Non-airport rental options might involve a slight inconvenience in terms of traveling to and from the rental location, but generally are less expensive.
Lastly, understanding the terms and conditions of your rental agreement is critical. Generally, rental companies require that renters be at least 21 years or older, have a valid driver’s license, and a credit card with enough funds available to cover the cost of the rental, in addition to any valid add-ons or extra insurance policies. Be sure to review your rental agreement closely and ask any necessary questions before making any payments, as the entire rental process may vary slightly across different rental car companies.
In summary, applying these tips and advice can help you save valuable time, money and improve the overall experience when using Costco’s rental car program. These tips will provide you with the right knowledge you need to make informed decisions when renting a car and to make your trip more enjoyable.