Renting a Car Through Costco Travel? Don't Miss This Free Perk

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KEY POINTS

  • If you're a Costco member, you may be able to save money on the cost of a car rental through Costco Travel. 
  • In addition to great deals on vehicles, you may qualify for a free second driver fee waiver -- which could offer significant savings if you rent a car for several days. 

Costco offers a lot of great deals. In addition to filling up their shopping carts with discounted groceries and everyday essentials, some shoppers use their membership perks to save on travel. You can book hotels, cruises, vacation packages, and rental cars through Costco Travel. If you need to rent a car for your next vacation, you may want to check Costco's prices to see if you can save. In addition to getting a great price on a rental, there's a benefit you don't want to ignore. Let's take a look at a great free perk included with many car rentals booked through Costco. 

You may be able to add a second driver for free 

You don't want to miss this valuable free benefit when you rent a vehicle through Costco.

You're eligible to add a second driver to your reservation for free when renting a vehicle at select destinations. This free benefit is available to Costco members. You can book car rentals with Alamo, Enterprise, Avis, and Budget through Costco Travel. 

When you book with Alamo or Enterprise, the additional driver fee is waived for rentals in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, and Spain. For Avis and Budget rentals made through Costco, the second driver fee is waived for rentals in the United States. 

The second driver doesn't need to be a Costco member, but they must do the following:

  • Meet all renter requirements
  • Appear at the rental counter with you 
  • Present a valid driver's license
  • Present a major credit card in their name at the time of rental 

Many car rental companies charge up to $15 per day to add a second driver, so this is a valuable benefit you don't want to waste. If you book a seven-day rental, you could save over $100 with this fee waiver. Talk about a win for your personal finances. You may want to put the money you save on fees in your high-yield savings account to start saving for a future vacation. 

The primary driver must be a Costco member, and you must present a valid credit card when picking up your rental. You may want to book your reservation using a rewards credit card to avoid missing out on earning rewards. But getting a good deal on a rental car and using a cash back credit card can boost your savings potential. 

Do this to get free insurance coverage for your rental 

Some travelers like to invest in additional insurance coverage when renting a car for greater peace of mind. If you're considering it, you may qualify for free coverage. When booking eligible car rentals, you'll receive free worldwide car rental insurance coverage if you use the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

This insurance covers you for eligible accidents and theft. You'll need to pay the entire car rental cost with your card and decline the rental company's collision loss/damage insurance to qualify for this credit card benefit. You'll be covered for up to $50,000 toward repair costs or the car's cash value, whichever is less. This valuable benefit could come in handy on your next trip.

Don't let your Costco membership perks go to waste. You may be missing out on valuable benefits. Booking a deal on a rental car through Costco Travel and utilizing free perks like a second driver fee waiver can help you keep more money in your pocket. 

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