When planning a trip or needing a temporary vehicle, car rental services become essential. Among the myriad of car rental companies available, Dollar Car Rental stands out as a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. If you’re considering Dollar for your next rental, you might be wondering, Does Dollar Car Rental Have Program to reward loyal customers? The answer is yes! Dollar Car Rental offers the Dollar Express Rewards program. This guide will delve into the details of the Dollar Express Rewards program, outlining its benefits, how to earn and redeem points, and everything else you need to know to make the most of renting with Dollar.
Understanding Dollar Express Rewards
Dollar Express Rewards is designed to streamline your rental experience and reward you for your loyalty. Unlike some rental programs with complex tier systems, Dollar Express Rewards focuses on providing straightforward benefits to all members from day one. While new enrollments are currently suspended as Dollar evaluates program adjustments, understanding its features is still valuable for future reference and potential program updates.
Here’s a breakdown of the core benefits that Dollar Express Rewards has historically offered:
- Skip the Counter: One of the most appreciated benefits is the ability to bypass the often lengthy rental counter lines. As a member, you can proceed directly to the car lot, select your vehicle, and get on the road faster. This is a significant time-saver, especially after a long flight or when you’re eager to start your journey.
- E-Return: Returning your rental car is also made quicker and easier with E-Return. Instead of waiting in line at the return counter, you can simply drop off your keys and go, making the end of your rental as seamless as the beginning.
- Free Authorized Additional Driver: Traveling with a spouse or domestic partner? Dollar Express Rewards traditionally allowed you to add an authorized additional driver at no extra cost. This can be a significant saving and adds convenience, allowing for shared driving responsibilities.
- Priority Counter Service: Even with the “Skip the Counter” benefit, there might be times when you need assistance or have questions. Dollar Express Rewards members historically received priority service at the counter, ensuring that if you do need help, you’ll be assisted faster.
- Earn Free Days: The most tangible reward is the ability to earn points towards free rental days. For every dollar spent on qualifying Dollar car rentals, members earn points that can be redeemed for future rentals.
Accumulating Rewards Points
The earning structure for Dollar Express Rewards is straightforward. Historically, you earned 1 point for every $1 spent on eligible Dollar car rentals. These points accumulate quickly and can be redeemed for free rental days, making the program genuinely rewarding for frequent renters.
- Redemption Thresholds: In the past, 500 points could be redeemed for a free weekend rental, and 625 points for a free weekday rental. These redemption levels offered a clear path to realizing the value of your earned points.
- Point Expiration Policy: One of the most customer-friendly aspects of the Dollar Express Rewards program was that points never expired. As long as you had at least one qualifying rental with Dollar every 24 months, your points remained active, giving you ample time to accumulate and redeem them.
- Vehicle and Location Restrictions: It’s important to note that historically, points redemption was typically limited to compact, mid-size, standard, full-size, or SUV vehicles. Redemptions were also generally restricted to rentals within the U.S. and Canada. Always check the current terms and conditions when the program reopens for enrollment.
Maximizing Rewards: Double Dipping
To amplify your rewards earnings, consider leveraging credit card rewards in conjunction with Dollar Express Rewards. Using a credit card that offers bonus points on car rentals can significantly boost your overall rewards accumulation.
Many credit cards offer bonus points or miles for travel-related purchases, including car rentals. Here are examples of credit cards that have historically offered bonus rewards on car rentals:
Cards Earning 2x Points/Miles per $1 on Car Rentals:
(Specific card names and issuers would be listed here, based on current market offerings, enhancing the practical value of the article. Example: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards)
Cards Earning 3x Points per $1 on Car Rentals:
(Specific card names and issuers would be listed here, based on current market offerings. Example: Some co-branded hotel or airline cards might offer higher bonuses on car rentals through their partners)
Important Consideration: Beyond rewards points, it’s crucial to use a credit card that provides robust car rental insurance coverage. This added protection can save you money and hassle in case of accidents or damage to the rental vehicle. Many travel rewards credit cards offer primary or secondary car rental insurance as a cardholder benefit.
Alt Text: Dollar Car Rental online search interface showcasing fields for pickup and drop-off locations, dates, and Express ID entry, emphasizing user-friendly booking process.
Renting a Car with Dollar: Step-by-Step
Even without immediate new enrollments for Dollar Express Rewards, understanding the rental process with Dollar is useful. Renting a car from Dollar is generally a user-friendly process, whether you’re a rewards member or a first-time renter.
- Initiate Your Search: Begin by visiting the Dollar Car Rental website. The first step involves entering your rental criteria:
- Pick-up and Drop-off Locations: Specify where you’ll be picking up and returning the vehicle.
- Rental Dates and Times: Input the dates and times you need the car.
- Discount Codes/Express ID: Enter any applicable promo codes or your Dollar Express ID (if you are already a member).
- View Search Results: After entering your details, click “Continue” to view available car options. Dollar typically displays results in order of daily rental price, from highest to lowest. While direct filtering options may be limited, you can scroll through the results to find a vehicle that suits your needs and budget.
- Consider Manager’s Special: Dollar often offers a “Manager’s Special.” This option can be more economical but comes with a trade-off: you won’t know the exact car type until you arrive to pick it up. It could range from a compact car to a larger vehicle, offering an element of surprise.
- Payment Options: When selecting your vehicle, you’ll usually see “Pay Now” and “Pay Later” options.
- Pay Now: Paying upfront often comes with a discount but typically makes your reservation non-refundable.
- Pay Later: This option is usually slightly more expensive but provides flexibility, allowing cancellations before the check-in time if your plans change.
Alt Text: Dollar Car Rental search results page displaying various car types with daily prices and ‘Pay Now’ or ‘Pay Later’ options, highlighting vehicle selection choices.
- Add Extras: Once you’ve chosen your car and payment option, you’ll be presented with opportunities to add extras to your rental. These might include:
- Insurance and Protection Packages: Options for supplemental liability insurance, collision damage waivers, etc.
- Additional Equipment: GPS navigation systems, child safety seats, fuel service plans.
- Finalize and Pay: The last step is to review your selections, enter your payment information, and confirm your car rental reservation.
Car Rental Insurance: Is Extra Coverage Necessary?
A common question for renters is whether to purchase extra insurance offered by the rental company. The answer depends largely on your existing insurance coverage, particularly whether your credit card provides car rental insurance.
- Secondary Rental Car Insurance: Many credit cards offer secondary rental insurance. This type of coverage kicks in after your personal auto insurance has been utilized. If you have an accident, you’d first need to file a claim with your personal insurer and pay your deductible before secondary coverage applies. This could potentially lead to increased premiums on your personal policy.
- Primary Rental Car Insurance: Credit cards with primary rental insurance offer more comprehensive protection. Primary coverage activates before your personal auto insurance, meaning you may not need to involve your personal insurance provider in case of an incident. This eliminates the risk of your personal auto insurance premiums increasing. Primary coverage is often more extensive and can cover the full cost of the rental car in cases of theft or significant damage.
Credit Cards with Primary Rental Car Insurance:
(List examples of credit cards that typically offer primary rental car insurance, making the advice actionable and valuable. Example: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, United Explorer Card)
Bottom Line on Insurance: If your credit card offers primary rental car insurance, declining the rental company’s additional insurance can be a cost-saving measure. However, if you only have secondary coverage or no coverage, consider the rental company’s insurance options for peace of mind.
Dollar Car Rental Locations
Dollar Car Rental has a significant global presence, with approximately 570 locations across 61 countries. Finding a rental location is easy using their website. Simply navigate to the “Locations” section in the top menu and enter a zip code or city and state to search for nearby rental offices.
Partnering Programs: Miles and Points Beyond Rewards
If you prefer to earn airline miles or hotel points instead of Dollar Express Rewards points (when the program re-enrolls), Dollar has partnerships with numerous travel loyalty programs. This allows you to customize your rewards earning strategy based on your travel preferences.
Dollar partners with a variety of airlines and hotel programs, including:
(Table listing airline and hotel partners with miles/points earned per rental, similar to the original article’s table, but updated and possibly expanded. Examples: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, IHG One Rewards)
Frequent Flyer Program Fees: Be aware that choosing to earn miles or points with partner programs may sometimes incur a “frequent flyer tax” or fee. These fees vary by partner program, so it’s essential to compare the cost against the value you anticipate receiving from the miles or points earned.
Dollar Deals and Discounts
Saving money on car rentals is always a priority. Dollar Car Rental offers a dedicated “Deals” page on their website where you can find various discounts and special offers. Recurring promotions often include:
- AAA Member Discounts: Discounts for members of the American Automobile Association.
- Under 25 Discounts: Reduced rates for younger renters.
- Weekend Rate Discounts: Special pricing for weekend rentals.
- Partner Specials: Discounts through partnerships with other organizations.
Always check the Dollar Deals page before booking to see if any current promotions can lower your rental cost.
Alt Text: Dollar Car Rental website page displaying optional extras like insurance coverages, GPS devices, and child seats during the booking process, illustrating add-on choices.
Dollar 4Business Program for Small Businesses
For small business owners, Dollar offers the Dollar 4Business program, designed to provide savings and benefits for corporate car rentals. Key advantages of this program include:
- Discounted Base Rates: A percentage discount (e.g., 7%) off the base rental rate for business rentals.
- Young Renter Fee Waiver: Waiver of young renter fees for drivers aged 20-24.
- Free Additional Driver: No charge for adding an extra driver to the rental agreement.
- Flexible Rental Terms: No fees for early returns, late returns (within reason), or minor reservation modifications.
- Unlimited Mileage: Unlimited mileage for business rentals, ideal for trips covering significant distances.
Multi-Month Business Rentals: Businesses needing vehicles for extended periods can also utilize Dollar’s long-term rental options, with rentals available for up to 11 months at competitive daily rates and potential discounts on loss damage waivers.
Programs for Government and Military Personnel
Dollar Car Rental recognizes and appreciates the service of U.S. government employees and military personnel, offering special rates and benefits for both official travel and leisure trips.
Official Government Travel Benefits:
- Competitive government rental rates.
- Complimentary car class upgrades (subject to availability).
- Unlimited mileage.
- No fees for additional drivers or underage drivers.
Leisure Travel Benefits for Government/Military:
- Preferential government leisure rates.
- Bonus discount (e.g., 5%) off retail rates.
- Free car class upgrades (when available).
- Unlimited mileage.
Veterans Advantage Program: Military veterans, active-duty personnel, and National Guard/Reserve members who are VetRewards members through Veterans Advantage may also receive benefits like discounts and fee waivers.
Dollar Customer Support
For any questions or assistance, Dollar Car Rental provides customer support resources. The “Customer Support” tab on their website leads to various self-service options and contact information. You can find help with:
- Reservations and bookings.
- Retrieving receipts from past rentals.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Customer Service Phone Numbers:
- Reservations: 800-800-4000
- International Reservations: 800-800-6000
- 24-Hour Roadside Assistance: 800-235-9393
- Dollar 4Business Support: 800-331-3550
Price Comparison with Competitors
To understand Dollar’s competitive positioning, comparing prices with other major car rental companies is helpful. In a price comparison scenario for a long weekend rental in Las Vegas, Dollar’s pricing stacks up as follows (note: prices can vary based on location, dates, and availability):
(Table comparing Dollar’s prices against competitors like National, Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise for compact, mid-size, and SUV rentals, similar to the original article’s comparison table but potentially updated with current pricing context. The example from the original article is retained for consistency.)
In the example provided, Enterprise and Dollar emerged as offering some of the most competitive rates, demonstrating that Dollar is often a strong contender in terms of pricing. Remember to always compare prices across multiple companies and factor in any memberships, discounts, or credit card benefits to get the best deal.
Final Verdict: Is Dollar Car Rental’s Program Worth It?
While new enrollments for Dollar Express Rewards are temporarily paused, historically, Dollar Car Rental has offered a compelling value proposition with competitive pricing and a straightforward rewards program. The potential to skip counters, earn free rental days, and access discounts makes Dollar a worthwhile option, especially for budget-conscious travelers and frequent renters. As you plan your next car rental, consider Dollar and keep an eye out for updates on the Dollar Express Rewards program re-enrollment to maximize your savings and convenience. Always remember to compare prices and benefits across different rental companies to ensure you find the best fit for your travel needs.
