AWD code question
 

First-time FT poster here.

My former employer has an AWD code for personal use (discounted rates but no insurance included). I applied the code to a recent reservation, which saved several hundred dollars. I still have my badge from the former employer, which has my first name and recent photo.

I've never rented from Avis before, but I have Preferred Plus status via a status match last year, though I'm not sure when it expires. (I was planning on renting from them, hence the match, but my plans changed.)

Here are my questions:

1. If Avis asks for proof of eligibility at the counter, would my badge suffice, or would they somehow look up my name on a list of employees?
2. I'm assuming I wouldn't run into issues in the event of an accident since the AWD code doesn't include insurance -- is that true?
3. I've heard that Avis members can bypass the counter and go straight to the gate. If that's true, would I still be asked for proof of employment?

I have the same questions for National, but I'm assuming I should ask that elsewhere.

Thank you for your help!

Welcome to FT!

1. I have NEVER been asked for any proof of for whom I work or where I got the AWD code for personal rentals. They don't have access to any lists.
2. Probably?
3. Usually true at larger station, and no.

Hi there, we only use Avis for our car rental needs in the US because of their tie-up with British Airways (who have their own AWD codes and are readily searchable on Google). On all of our rentals, which have been major airports, we have received notification of our allocated vehicle by text/email/app prior to landing meaning that you can bypass the desk and jump in the vehicle an go. I've only had to show my drivers licence at the exit booth from the lot, and I've never been asked to demonstrate that I'm a British Airways passenger (and therefore eligible to use their AWD). Also, as long as your credit card is registered in your Preferred profile, I don't believe you'll ever have your card swiped either as it is pre-authorised.

1. I've never been asked for my business card or proof of employment with Avis. Actually, the only time I've actually been asked for employment proof in the travel industry is 1x at a lower-end Marriott property in VA. But as a new renter, never know. I have seen some airports have signs behind the counter for employees noting "these employers/AWD codes require proof of eligibility before departing" but the list is like 6 groups and usually government rates. I really doubt they'd have access to a company database to confirm employment. The only time I've seen something similar is if you book a project rate at a hotel; they ensure you're "on the list" at check-in.
2. No experience here.
3. Yep, but on your first rental, you need to go to the counter to have them swipe your card to associate it to your account, even if you add it online. Or when your card expires or changes, you need to stop to have a physical swipe and comparison of the name on the card to the name on your ID.

Hi all,

Thanks for your responses. It sounds like I'll have to stop at the counter to swipe the credit card. (I didn't enter my Avis number online, and I didn't enter the credit card number either, since my plans might change and I figure this way they can't charge me.) However, it sounds like I'll be fine, and worst case I'll just show my old badge.

I did notice this language in the confirmation email, for whatever it's worth:
"This reservation was made using a corporate AWD (Avis Worldwide Discount Code) that requires validation of eligibility. Please be prepared to produce your company ID, business card, or a recent email with the company’s email domain (e.g. [MENTION=25805]xyz[/MENTION]company.com) for employment verification purposes when picking up your vehicle."

Thanks again!

The rental companies are indeed now starting to request corporate ID when using corporate rates. Fortunately I had mine with me recently, so do take it along when you pick up your car. I asked what would have happened if I’d not had it with me, and they told me they’d have to charge me the walk-up rate, which was $100 more per day! Yikes!

Interesting; I know we provide these to partners and contractors to use at my company -- so if I were theoretically using the code for a company I didn't have an ID badge to I would probably come up with some language around me being provided the code by the company if I ran into this and hope they didn't push it.

Just asking for a friend, is using an AWD that you aren't entitled to a simple case of fraud, with any penalties dependant on the defrauded person (Avis) and local jurisdiction?

Presumably such fraudulent action also makes the rental contract null and void.

Noticed this today at the top of a reminder for an upcoming reservation:

This reservation was made using a corporate AWD (Avis Worldwide Discount Code) that requires validation of eligibility. Please be prepared to produce your company ID, business card, or a recent email with the company’s email domain (e.g. [MENTION=25805]xyz[/MENTION]company.com) for employment verification purposes when picking up your vehicle.

It's interesting that some people get that notification on their reminder emails or even separate reminders that to verify AWD. I have a reservation with an AWD and have never received that email, and just looked at a 'reminder' email for that reservation and that warning was not on there. Wonder if Avis is flagging certain reservations to check?

if {applyAWDcodes > 1} set {notificationflag}

David

I did not get the notice on the top of my reservation reminder until two days before my reservation, so you still may get it. It looked like to me that they send them out closer to the rental pick up.