Hey!

I'm about to visit the states in about two weeks, and would like to rent a car for ~3 days from Washington DC's airport (that's DCA, right?)
Problem is I'm still 23 and while a car costs ~$18 per day, the young driver fee ($25) doubles the price!

Obviously I would really like to avoid that, so I stumbled across this page, listing numerous program discount codes.

I would like to use Duke's code, for example, to waive the fee, so my question is this- Will they require any identification to prove I'm indeed a Duke student/staff? Or will it probably go smooth considering I'm not?
While I'd appreciate comments from those who've been to DCA particularly, I would also like to know what others are thinking- even if you're not 100% sure.

Also, in case ID is required- Any other ways to waive the fee (considering I'm not a US citizen)? I wouldn't mind using any other rental company.

Thanks in advance!

The underage waiver is one they do tend to require proof to give. I ran into this a while ago with one of my employees who lost her id. We wound up having to pay the underage fee

Why not try www.hertz.com/goldfamily? Gold Family is free, and you can add a coupon (PC) code. You won't get the choice and rewards of National's program, but the total cost could be cheaper.

There are a few non-university codes that waive underage fee, however it is now apparently verboten to discuss contracts thanks to EHI's legal team, so all I can say is that it is widely available and associated with a major automotive magazine.

Many people have used this code and no problems have been reported except at some Canadian stations.

I had no problems at any Canadian stations getting a Car.
And
I never had to pay the fee for being an underage Driver.

Agreed. I've also had no problems in the many times I've taken a CAR AND been an underage DRIVER, but there were a couple reports about people getting pushback with that code last year (I believe in YYZ) so it is something to be mindful of.

Are you unable to show a Duke ID because you lost it or you have no association with Duke whatsoever?

Be very careful about using any codes that you aren't eligible for. There was a thread here from another renter who used a code he wasn't eligible for and he was threatened by corporate security to return the car immediately and was banned from National for life.

Also if you get into an accident and if they find out you provided any misleading information it could void any insurance or coverage that National or your credit card company provides.

That whole "corporate security" incident has to be from more than just a contract ID issue. I think the general consensus was that that individual was using a direct bill number without being authorized to do so.

However, it is good advice to avoid contract IDs that include LDW, as you could (probably will) run into issues if you get into a major damage situation.

Your link says:
I'm 25. I guess I can't apply.
Also, that wasn't totally clear to me- does Gold Family membership automatically waive underage fee?

How did you waive the underage fee? Using some specific contract ID? If so- which?

Thank you both (& all).

does Gold Family membership automatically waive underage fee?

Yes.

Using some specific contract ID? If so- which?

Since apparently it is now not allowed to mention those codes explicitly, per a post upthread, both were trying to give you a hint. Look at the words and/or letters that start with a capital.

First, on the subject of discount codes -- the issue that got someone in trouble with the EAN legal team was not specified but it was more than posting a single discount code. Part of it was compiling a list of codes.

I do not think that discussing a discount or posting a SINGLE CODE that is in the public domain could be construed as prohibited. If you use google, you'll find discounts for Car and Driver magazine subscribers here: http://www.best-car-rental-tips.com/...unt-codes.html

Register on USAA (free) and use their link to book on the Hertz website. Hertz and other car rental companies (I think Budget and National) waive the Young Driver Surcharge and give extra discounts for all USAA members. This creates no 'ethical problems' because everyone is allowed to register on USAA.com.

Ha, clever! Took a bit of googling since I'm not familiar with American publications, but ultimately I found it. Thanks!

Awesome, thanks!

Yeah, everyone but non US citizens.
Last time I checked it requires some sort of SSN or Tax ID.
Thanks though!

So I'm a USAA member under 25 who normally rents from Hertz but I am flying into a semi-remote airport next week and the only rental options are National. I tried the code up-thread and it didn't work. Are there any other options to consider for waving the underage fee or am I SOL? (My company does not have any corporate agreements with National so no luck there).

I tried booking using the code mentioned previously from a popular auto-enthusiast magazine to waive underage fee, and it says it is no longer valid. :-/