Oof. Definitely a big risk. What did you say to convince them to bring down the deductible to $5k?

Initially they tried to invalidate the contract by saying I had breached one of its clauses (The renter must return the car to the agreed location at the agreed time). I argued the point saying that the car could not be returned because it had been involved in an accident and was towed from the scene because it was wrecked. I also went to hospital that night and was not able to make contact until the next day. They eventually agreed which left me on hook for the standard deductible of $5000 in this case.

I spent the next two years arguing with them that I should only be liable for the $100 deductible as that was the stated amount in the rental contract I had with Avis. Back when this happened I had never been asked to provide evidence of my association with the AWD code or even asked about it at all. When making a reservation then picking up the car there was no way to tell if a code had been used. I found that the website and app remembered the code and even when clearing it from the reservation form it would still apply. Based on this I put it to Avis that it was their responsibility to verify the entitlement to the code before entering into a rental contract and that any contract signed by both parties was legally binding (At the time there were no clauses in the agreement about using AWD codes).

Eventually they threatened to take it to court and they stated they would argue that the use of a the code that I was not entitled to made my actions fraudulent and that they would push for me to pay the entire cost of repairing the vehicle plus legal costs. I spoke with a lawyer who advised that it was probably better to pay the $5000 than risk full costs plus fees so I did.

This is a risk with using codes that include insurance - which is why the safest bet is to focus on codes that lack any form of insurance coverage.

Did you not have personal car insurance that would have taken care of the accident?

And that $5k just ate up all the savings from many misrepresentation rentals.

The thing with accidents is that it is by definition unpredictable; no ones plans on getting into one.

Just recently did a reservation with AWD Axxxxxx

Email said:

I forwarded my reservation from my @gmail to a "company" email address, and will print this. Assume this is sufficient?

If you have healthcare with one of the 24 Blue Cross/ Blue Shield participating companies (certain States nationwide are participating in the travel offers you can register for Blue365 (their deals website). https://www.blue365deals.com/ They offer an Avis AWD code that offers 35% off prepaid rentals and 25% off pay later rates.

Note that only certain BCBS States participate in the travel offers - not all. Here is a current list:

Currently 24 States & DC offer travel offers are (list may not be exhaustive):
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Delaware
Florida
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
New York (only Western & Central NY, Utica and Rochester regions)
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Virginia
Wash DC
West Virginia

~6 States not currently participating in the travel offers of Blue 365
Illinois
Montana
New Jersey (unknown)
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Texas

You're going to print where you forwarded your Gmail to a spoof email address at the company associated with the AWD? Not sure that would pass any test if they ask for ID. I'd expect they want you to open your phone/computer and show them where you are receiving emails under the company address. However, even if you get the vehicle off of the lot, there's no guarantee that you're "safe". As noted above, if you get into any accident, they could find that you fraudulently received the car and any insurance (with Avis or through 3rd parties) could be null and void, and you're on the hook for all damages.


I Have BCBS Texas and registered for the blue365deals (thanks for the heads up!). However, I cannot find anything Avis/Budget or even travel. Can you share where you found this on the site?

Apologies, I assumed wrongly that car rental deals were part of all the Blue 365 participating States. Travel deals (with AVIS AWD Codes) are currently active in 24 States (see post above which was edited) but as you say, there are no travel offers for BCBS 365 Texas, Illinois, New Mexico, Montana or Oklahoma. It appears travel is only offered within 24 of the 30 BCBS States (and unluckily the few I checked were within those 24 so I erroneously thought they all participated)

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...073fc98654.png

People bent on using codes they are not eligible (especially corporate) isn't going let a little obstacle such as having to forge email printouts/business cards/ID cards stop them.

I've had a similar thing when renting from National. The codes from the company I used to work for "persist" automatically when I make reservations. I could probably make an effort to remove the code, but I've never made the extra effort and always wondered what would happen if something happened. I would argue that National should have a responsibility to re-validate the codes periodically but the never have. Not sure how that would fly in court but certainly that can't shirk all responsibility here.

Not Avis, but Enterprise (neighborhood rental location very close to me) asked me for proof of employment as I picked up the car, when I used my employer's leisure discount code. I wasn't expecting that, and don't carry business cards with me, but they accepted them showing me the Outlook app on my phone with the company email. Only location I have ever been asked for this.

Do any non-corporate AWD awards actually reduce the price? I've tried AARP, USAA, Visa Infinite, World Elite Mastercard, MGM Rewards, Amazon, and more - and every one of them offers an identical rate. Is there a point to any of these AWDs from a price (not benefit) perspective? Perhaps it's just the locations/States I'm choosing?

Yes, most do. Where/when are you searching?

California, Florida, Nevada - all over the next 3 months - no changes at all.

But based on your response, I tried a dummy reservation at LGA and AARP code was less than the others. So it must be that the locations/dates I'm checking were just unlucky in regards to the AWD codes.

Avis.com @ LAX
Jan 10 12pm - Jan 17 12pm
No AWD - $180 for "Mystery car" (pay-later)
AARP - $162 for "Mystery car" (pay-later)
Costco - $162 for "Mystery car" (pay-later)
USAA - $162 for "Mystery car" (pay-later)

I didn't mean to suggest the AWDs don't lower the rate vs no AWD. I meant they all are identical (they all give the exact same rate). Which is exactly what you showed in your example. Interestingly, I tried a small business AWD code of another FTer and it did lower the rate below all the publicly avail AWD codes (USAA, AARP, United/AA, etc). So it appears the rate can be lowered. I am just surprised none of the publicly available AWD rates differ. At Hertz (where 90% of my rentals take place) publicly available CDPs provide different rates - so it's worth checking all. At Avis (at least in brief searches) there is no point... check one and then you know the discounted association rate.

Mastercard cardholders in Europe, including Turkey & CIS
 

Mastercard World Elite Cardholders can join Avis President’s Club for an even greater level of service, discounts and benefits https://www.mastercard.com.ge/en-ge/...s/avis-35.html

Already a Preferred Member - upgrade here https://www.avis-preferred.com/mastercard/

Mastercard® World Elite credit or debit cardholders are welcomed to Avis Preferred President’s Club and invited to enjoy a range of benefits. Membership includes

• A discount of up to 35% on all future bookings.
• Priority service and priority reservations.
• Guaranteed single upgrade at airports & rail stations, single upgrades and double upgrades at weekends (subject to availability).
• Coupon for free weekend rental after three rentals.
• Free additional driver and guaranteed car when reserved within 48 hours of pick-up.
• Other President’s Club benefits
  
  Validity period: Valid until 31 August 2024
  
  Cardholder eligibility: Mastercard World Elite & World Black Edition Debit and Credit cardholders.
  
  Offer availability: Applicable to car rentals made within the European Region, USA, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America
  
  Market eligibility: Available to eligible cardholders in Europe, including Turkey & CIS
  
  Book here:
  https://one.avisworld.com/en_GB/Avis-Mastercard/

EXCLUSIVE INVITATION FOR WORLD ELITE MASTERCARD CARDHOLDERS who are Residents of the USA

https://www.avis.com/en/bridge/partn...preferred-plus

As a member of Avis Preferred Plus, you can skip the counter and enjoy all the great benefits of Avis Preferred - plus a whole lot more:

• Complimentary upgrades (whenever available).
• Accelerate your rewards by opting into Avis Preferred Points. Receive 25-50% more points for every dollar you spend.
• Special Avis Preferred Plus number (1-800-331-1200) for reservations and customer service support.

New Enrollments: Complete the online profile to get an Avis Preferred Wizard Number that will be upgraded to Preferred Plus upon member verification. Preferred Plus enrollment is for residents of the U.S. for rentals in the contiguous U.S and Canada

Is there a way to check an AWD code on Avis' website? That is, if I enter an AWD code - does the website show me the name of the AWD code (so I can verify if I am eligible?) National/Enterprise and Hertz show you the name for example but I can't seem to find it on Avis.

Nope.

For those without Avis status (or those with Preferred Plus status who want Presidents Club status), I have updated the Wiki with ways to get complimentary status in Preferred Plus and President's Club. Check the list to see if any apply to you. Note I specifically left out ways to upgrade via corp programs as those are not eligible to all. The ones listed can be earned via loyalty, purchased via subscription, or applied for (i.e., credit card) - which means they are publicly avail to all. Further the ones listed have public links supplied by Avis (or the entity).

Has anyone been successful upgrading their account from Preferred to Preferred Plus using either Mastercard world elite or visa infinite? I tried all the links in the wiki and i get through the forms successfully, but my account still shows as Preferred, not Preferred Plus.

Thanks

Yes, I have. You successfully used the World Elite MC link that said "If you already have a 6-character Avis Wizard Number, go here to upgrade to Avis Preferred."? Which ultimately takes you here: https://www.avis.com/en/loyalty-prof...ess-enrollment Is that the form you filled out?

Up to 25% off a weekly car rental, through Dec 31, 2024 (link here)

Up to 25% Off Offers - The savings of up to 25% applies to Avis Weekly base rates and is applicable only to the time and mileage charges of the rental. Offer does not apply to car group X. All taxes, fees (including but not limited Air Conditioning Excise Recovery Fee, Concession Recovery Fee, Vehicle License Recovery Fee, Energy Recovery Fee, Tire Management Fee, and Frequent Traveler Fee) and surcharges (including but not limited to Customer Facility Charge and Environmental Fee Recovery Charge) are extra. Optional products such as LDW ($29.99/day or less) and refueling are extra. Please mention AWD S018500 to take advantage of this offer. Offer is available for U.S. and Canadian residents only for rentals at participating locations in the U.S. Offer may not be used in conjunction with any other AWD number, promotion or offer. Weekly rates require a minimum five day rental period. Discount valid on rentals checked out no later than 12/31/2024. Offer is subject to vehicle availability at the time of rental and may not be available on some rates at some times, including some online rates at Avis.com. Car rental return restrictions may apply. Offer subject to change without notice. Holiday and other blackout periods may apply. Renter must meet Avis age, driver and credit requirements. Minimum age may vary by location. An additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under 25 years old.

Entertainment members can enjoy savings of up to 25% off Avis base rates when renting from a participating location in the contiguous U.S. and Canada. Use Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number B790000 to shop the lowest rates for your next rental. https://www.avis.com/en/bridge/assoc/ep

Plus: Upgrade to a ride that fits you. Complimentary upgrade valid on daily, weekend, weekly and monthly rates. Coupon code: UUGA037

• Rental must begin by June 30, 2024.
• Valid at participating Avis locations in the contiguous U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.

Offer valid for a one time, one car group upgrade at participating locations in the contiguous U.S. and Canada on an intermediate though full-size four-door car. Maximum upgrade to premium. https://www.avis.com/en/bridge/assoc/ep/free-upgrade

Nope, it's about 10 business days later and no profile update.

That seems to take me to a generic sign-up page, the actual form that they have you fill out (and doesn't do anything) is here: https://www.avis-preferred.com/mastercard/

The link you show is not for US residents. If you are a US resident you have to go through the process I showed you - the generic page initially... and then proceed. It worked for me

Ah yes, sorry, forgot to mention I'm not an US resident.

Based on the way other features work with Avis, my best guess is that non-US form just generates an email with your details and sends it off to the office in the country you select, where it goes straight into the junk folder.

anyone???

The Visa Infinite page only offers a pulldown option for US & Canadian residents. The World Elite MC offer also shows as only avail for US residents. There may be other EMEA offers out there however...

Do you have status with any other companies? You could status match: https://www.avis-preferred.com/statusmatch/

It's this one :) https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/35823228-post5057.html

Ha! Forgot I posted that. Yup. President's Club eligible for eligible cardholders in Europe, including Turkey & CIS. Since I'm US based never tried the link. But since it's there on Avis website https://secure-one.avisworld.com/en_.../AvisPreferred, it surely works. I'd contact Avis if you're eligible but having trouble enrolling

I noticed today that avis added a zero either at end or in middle of every AWD. When you put it into app, it auto-populates the new code.

Coincidentally, I got ID’d today trying to use a corporate code in my local Avis. Rented from this location on this code many times in the past. Ended up renting on USAA instead (+$90 a week.)

Anyone have any more information on these changes? It seems to have happened today as when I rented last night, I had no issues. Made the reservation @ 1 AM and don’t recall seeing the extra zero. Made a reservation this morning and saw the extra zero pop up, and then was asked for ID.

Anyone travel to Italy recently? Any good discount codes? E888804 gets me the best price but unsure of ID checks out there.

If you try searching, you'll see it is associated with Lufthansa frequent flyer program.

It is an AWD for Lufthansa HON Circle members, an exclusive tier level above Senator level with approximately 3,000 members. https://production.rent-at-avis.com/...ners,lufthansa

I've seen a few posts like yours that mention things like "fraudulently received the car" and I have no idea what you and others are talking about. Not trying to be argumentative but understand where I may be lacking in my own knowledge and/or judgement. I see discount codes posted all over the internet; AWD and otherwise. Sometimes AWD codes are posted alongside a company name, sometimes not. Avis allows me to enter these codes on their Web site and provides no information in terms of eligibility criteria or other terms and conditions of its use. A "Costo" code could be for a Costco member, a Costco employee, a Costco supplier, or someone who has ever driven by a Costco. Personally, I have no way of knowing and Avis provides no information to help me know who is "allowed" to use this code.

So, what "fraud" is being committed if I rent a car with some AWD code and provide all of my correct/legal personal and payment information during the rental process? If Avis requires some "proof" of something needed to obtain a discount, then is it not totally incumbent on Avis to obtain that before driving off the lot? For all I know, AWD stands for Avis Welcomes Discounts. Has there ever been a legal proceeding (court case or arbitration) in which someone lost a judgement of some sort on the basis that they used a "fraudulent" AWD code? It just seems extremely far-fetched to me.

I am not going to debate what constitutes as fraud — I will leave that to the FlyerTalk members who are lawyers — but in the rare and unlikely event that you are caught using a discount code for which you are not eligible, at least one of two things could happen:

• An employee of Avis could void your reservation and charge you the full rate for the rental vehicle instead of the discounted rate
• If you are involved in an accident, you could pay full price for any damages to the rental vehicle — especially if you are not eligible to use the insurance coverage that may be included in the discount rate

I tend to agree with you so long as you're using a leisure rate without included insurance, although be aware that more recently car rental companies are cracking down on unwarranted usage of discount codes. While not Avis, I was in a Hertz last week and watched as the counter rep asked the person next to me for their business ID. Interestingly the lady that was helping me did not ask for my ID. The other person had his, but if he didn't - he would've been moved up to rack rate. But I'd suggest that once you pass the pick-up point, you're likely good, even in an accident, assuming the rate does not include any insurance. if it does - they are likely to ask for proof you are allowed to use said insurance. But if it's a leisure rate that solely lowers the price paid and they didn't question you at pick up - I'd find it a very small chance they'd be asking you about it at a future point. Of course, they can - and they could ask at return although I've never had this happen to me in decades of renting. At pick up - yes. You can play the car rental roulette game, and you're likely to win more than not. Of course with roulette there is always that chance...

Personally I only play with codes I am eligible for. But it would be quite easy for the car rental companies to stop all unwarranted usage, so it's understandable that some think it's worth a try,