Hit the Road Without Extra Fees: AAA Waives Young Driver Surcharge
Hitting the open road is a rite of passage for many young adults. However, drivers under 25 routinely face surcharges when renting vehicles, making road trips cost-prohibitive.
Eligibility Criteria for AAA's Young Driver Surcharge Waiver
Hitting the open road is a rite of passage for many young adults. However, drivers under 25 routinely face surcharges when renting vehicles, making road trips cost-prohibitive. To help young travelers take to the highways affordably, AAA offers a useful perk – waiving the underage fee for select members. Understanding the eligibility criteria is key to taking advantage of the savings.
To qualify for AAA's young renter fee waiver, you must meet several requirements. First, you'll need active AAA membership status. Both Classic and Plus memberships allow access to the waiver, but AAA Premier coverage offers the best benefits. Next, you'll need to be between the ages of 21-24 at the start of the rental period. Drivers under 21 or over 24 do not meet the age criteria for the waiver. AAA also requires renters to have a valid driver's license from the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico. International licenses do not currently qualify.
In addition to membership status, age, and licensure, using a AAA CDP discount code is mandatory to activate the waiver. You'll need to provide the CDP code when booking directly with Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, or Enterprise rental car agencies. Codes cannot be applied retroactively, so enter yours at the time of reservation to dodge the underage fee. Keep in mind that blackout dates, vehicle size restrictions, and rental location rules may also affect eligibility. Always review AAA's terms and conditions before booking.
While surcharge waivers provide big savings for young motorists, membership has many more benefits. AAA members can access exclusive travel deals, hotel discounts, free trip planning tools, roadside assistance, and more. Upgrading to Plus or Premier unlocks extra perks like identity theft protection, home lockout service, DMV services, and additional rental car savings. Review membership levels and benefits before joining to maximize your value.
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