This thread is awesome. So far saved a few hundred renting cars thru Avis over the past year. Never had a problem domestic. Have not used any codes international. Thanks folks for all the info. Go Steelers :)

DELTA. I have used it (only once) without id check.

Can't help you out with the code, but having just rented from Avis in Costa Rica, I would be shocked if they asked questions. They were efficient to the point of being pushy (not complaining) and the whole rental was totally painless. As always, YMMV, but I found the experience to be a breeze.

I agree with everything you said except the last sentence. GO BEARS!!!! :)

I saw a AWD number that gave a contract rate of $64 a day in JFK and $54 in EWR. Is this a good rate?
Thanx

UK Codes don't work any longer
 

D005927 / D005297 ... in the past used to give great rates on UK Rentals - used them a couple of times ... but they don't seem to be working anymore on avis.com or avis.co.uk ... the rate quoted with or without both of these AWD codes is identical

Hi,
I've been using AWD codes in the past with no problems (but no accidents either). Reading this posting, it scares the life out of me. Can anyone definately confirm (or otherwise) that if you are using a code where you don't have the back-up ID then you are not covered on CDW, even if the booking is accepted?

Correct.
As already reported here, these codes stopped working beginning of August I'm afraid.

I can't confirm anything, but logically I'd say that the issue is bigger than whether you have the correct back-up ID. If you are not part of the group that the AWD code contract covers (between Avis and an affinity group, say, or an employer) than the insurance coverage contracts may not cover you, even though they are included in the AWD rate for those who ARE legitimately covered and even though Avis has allowed you to get the benefit of the lower rate. The insurer (or Avis, or the employer, if it is a self-insure arrangement) probably has agreed only to cover renting employees/members of XXXX. You could try saying "Well, they gave me the rate, so I thought I got the insurance too," but I'd hate to be banking on winning that one.

Being risk-averse on this sort of thing, I do all my car rentals on a credit card that provides PRIMARY auto insurance coverage for rental cars (most that say they provide rental insurance are only secondary to your own insurance). That means I can't take advantage of AWD's requiring use of a different card, but at least I sleep a little better when renting a car! :p

Thanks Iskhon,
I think that I was coming to that conclusion regrettably. Also, in the UK, credit cards don't normally provide any insurance on rental cars.
Looks like it has to be the expensive way!

Amex Platinum Chargecard and Natwest Black do.

Does that mean that even if you haven't yet paid for the car, as you will be paying at the end of the rental, if you have an accident Natwest Black will cover you?

Correct.

Another option is www.insurance4carhire.com if you don't want to sign up for another card. This is a UK insurance policy but maybe non UK residents can apply also?

I had this policy for a year but now have the Amex Platinum Chargecard (note car insurance is NOT included with the credit card, just chargecard). If you have a small incident then the rental company charge the repair to your card and you claim it back from Amex. If it is a larger claim, such as a write off, theft etc then you submit a claim to Amex and they liase with the rental company and no charges will be applied to your card.

Deleted.