In general, most rental car companies do not charge you unless you actually rent the car. With a back-up reservation (at another company), if you have a problem because of a questionable code, you simply leave the rental company and go to your alternate rental car company

Do you know which companies charge and which do not?

I've used Avis, Hertz, and National as back-ups. However, just check before confirming a reservation since, occasionally, the rate will be pre-paid.

Note: If you book through a third-party site, there is a far greater likelyhood that your reservation will be non-cancellable than if you book directly through the rental car company's site

Book a second rez with a different car rental company. Most car rentals do not require cc at time of booking (Avis does not).

By doing this you have control over what you are going to pay vs having Avis tell you the rate you have booked is not valid and they then turn around and charge you the 'rack' rate when you're standing dumbfounded at the counter.

If the rate is cancellable, does it mean that I need to actually cancel the back-up reservation in order to avoid any charges?

Do you contact the rental company to cancel it, or just leave it as is?

It's generally considered good etiquette to cancel the reservation you're not going to use. You can just do this by calling the company's 1-800 number (jot it down before you go). That way if the location is running desperately low on cars, they're not holding one for you that you'll never pick up.

Combining these two AA bonuses...

Get More Mileage with Avis

Exclusive offer for AAdvantage® Members: Earn 1750 miles plus save up to 25% with Avis

Get more mileage out of 2009 rentals with Avis!

American Airlines AAdvantage® members can save up to 25% plus earn 1750 miles. Now through December 31, 2009, you can enjoy 1500 bonus miles on your weekly rental of 5 or more days. In addition, you will receive 250 base miles on your rental. That’s a total of 1750 miles! This offer is valid at participating airport locations in the U.S. and Canada. Mention coupon # MUAA093 and your AAdvantage number to receive your bonus miles.
Additionally, you can save up to 25% off every Avis rental when you mention Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) # K817100.

With high-quality vehicles, exceptional programs, cutting-edge technology and exclusive discounts, Avis has everything you need for the first-rate rental experience you've been waiting for. These are just more ways that we try harder for you.

...just worked very well for me, cheaper than anything that I found of Priceline for a week coming into SAT our of AUS, and then plus the 1750 miles. Of course, YMMV

Dollar is the only one that comes to mind, but then again I hardly ever rent from anyone but National and Hertz (and (rarely) Avis).

I also researched the Florida Visitors Bureau but never did come up with any explanation of what it is.

Picked up an AVIS car the other day at MCO, using J868801. I am AVIS Preferred and did the paperwork directly at the Preferred desk inside the garage. No questions asked, and I was quickly on my way.

A972200 Farmers Insurance Code
 

I'd like to use the Farmer's Insurance A972200 code, but I need to make sure there isn't any kind of requirement (ID, membership, etc). This res will be for the wife and I'm sure she'd crack under pressure if there were any red flags (I'm a better BS artist). BTW...this code beat the Amateur Sports code by about $10/day.

Who has used this code before?

Help anyone? Thanks!

any current Starwood (SPG) coupons?
 

I tried using coupons MUHA008 and UUHA013 but were told that they both expired on 12/31/08. Are there any current coupons for maximizing SPG points for a 3 day rental?

Looking for coupons only, not AWD discounts.

Thanks.

new avis website, all my fill in fields are GONE! well, it makes it easier to try multiple AWD codes.

Actually, I think it's easier. Just choose one code to try first, then when you get to the page where you choose your car type, at the top, you can select "try another AWD".

that is what I meant to say, I have not an idea why I would say NOT makes it easier. ...?

I tried Z652297 and it gave me a great rate