In an era where travel convenience takes precedence, National Car Rental Emerald Club emerges as a prominent figure in the online car rental sector. With an expansive network encompassing over 14,00 locations worldwide, including significant regions such as the United States,
Canada, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Australia, National Car Rental has solidified its position as a global leader in delivering dependable and seamless car rental services.
What’s in this article?
How to Rent a Car Through National:
Securing a rental vehicle through National Car Rental is a streamlined procedure that commences with a few straightforward clicks. Below is an intricate elucidation of the process:
1. Start Your Search:
Initiate your journey by visiting the official National Car Rental website. At the forefront of the site, you’ll encounter a user-friendly search interface. Here, you are prompted to enter essential details: pickup location, preferred dates, times, and the age of the renter. Additionally, if you possess an Emerald Club membership number or have a coupon code at your disposal, you can conveniently input them in the dedicated Account Number/Coupons dropdown box.
2. Review Your Options:
National Car Rental’s commitment to the user experience becomes evident as you receive search results that automatically prioritize the most cost-effective rental options at the top of your list. To delve deeper into the specifics of each vehicle, including their unique features and comprehensive pricing details, a simple click on the Features and Pricing dropdown box provides the desired information.
3. Add extras:
National Car Rental understands that travelers have distinct needs. Hence, they offer the flexibility to customize your rental experience by incorporating additional products and services. These can encompass various options, including insurance for added peace of mind, roadside protection, navigation systems to guide your way, and even car seats for young travelers. Tailoring your reservation to align with your specific requirements has never been more accessible.
4. Finalize Your Reservation:
Once you have meticulously reviewed your selections and integrated any desired extras, you are poised to bring your reservation to fruition. A series of prompts will guide you seamlessly through the confirmation process, culminating in a confirmed booking. With this step completed, you are poised to embark on your upcoming journey with assurance and convenience.
Do you need extra insurance?
A critical consideration when renting through National Car Rental is whether to opt for the insurance options they provide. This decision is intrinsically linked to the credit cards you possess.
It is worth noting that numerous credit cards extend rental car insurance coverage to their users, which can render additional insurance unnecessary. Therefore, it is prudent to acquaint yourself with the insurance benefits your credit card offers before committing to additional coverage.
National Car Rental Emerald Club Loyalty Program:
National Car Rental’s commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction extends beyond the rental process. The Emerald Club loyalty program is a testament to this dedication. This program offers a range of benefits and rewards to its members, making it a compelling choice for frequent travelers. The Emerald Club is structured into three distinct status levels:
Emerald Club:
As the foundational tier, members are entitled to earn one rental credit for each qualifying rental. After accumulating seven rental credits, members become eligible for a free rental day. The Emerald Club level boasts several additional perks, including no second driver fees, the convenience of the Drop & Go service, and the opportunity to earn free rental days while renting cars from Enterprise, National Car Rental’s parent company.
Emerald Club Executive:
Travelers who complete 12 paid rentals or 40 paid rental days within a calendar year ascend to Emerald Club Executive status. This mid-tier status amplifies the benefits, allowing members to earn one rental credit for each qualifying rental while reducing the rental credits required for free rental days to six.
The Executive tier introduces a significant advantage: the ability to choose any car classified as full-size or above from the Executive section for the price of a midsize. Additionally, travelers renting midsize or larger cars in the United States and Canada can relish guaranteed upgrades, elevating their rental experience further.
Emerald Club Executive Elite:
The pinnacle of the Emerald Club is Executive Elite status, a distinguished level attained by having 25 paid rentals or 85 paid rental days in a calendar year.
Executive Elite members continue to earn one rental credit per qualifying rental, and the threshold for free rental days is reduced to five rental credits, offering quicker access to complimentary rentals.
The privileges at this tier are extensive. Travelers renting at midsize rates in the U.S. and Canada enjoy the assurance of a guaranteed car within 24 hours, making last-minute travel plans a breeze.
Moreover, for added convenience, National Car Rental can deliver your selected vehicle to most private airports located within 50 miles of a National Rental Car location in the U.S. or Canada.
How to Earn Free Rentals with National?
Certainly, let’s delve into more detail on how to earn free rentals with National Car Rental through the Emerald Club loyalty program:
Step 1: Join the Emerald Club
If you’re not yet a member, you can initiate the process by enrolling in the Emerald Club, a typically cost-free procedure that can be effortlessly completed via the National Car Rental website. Simply furnish your particulars, encompassing your name, contact information, and driver’s license details. This will culminate in the establishment of your membership account.
Step 2: Log in to Your Account
After joining the Emerald Club, log in to your account whenever you make car rental reservations with National Car Rental. This ensures that your rentals are linked to your account, and you’ll earn credits for them.
Step 3: Book Rentals with National
To accrue rental credits that lead to complimentary rentals, it’s imperative to reserve your rental vehicles with National Car Rental. This can be accomplished through their website’s online booking system or by contacting their reservation hotline. Ensure that you are logged into your Emerald Club account throughout the booking procedure.
Step 4: Earn Rental Credits
For every qualified rental you complete with National Car Rental, you’ll earn rental credits. The number of credits you earn depends on various factors, including the type of rental, the duration, and your membership level within the Emerald Club.
Step 5: Membership Levels and Milestones
The Emerald Club typically has multiple membership levels, such as Emerald Club, Executive, and Executive Elite. Each level comes with its own set of benefits and milestones for earning free rental days. These milestones are essentially goals you need to reach to earn free rentals.
For example, reaching a specific milestone might earn you a free rental day. The exact number of rental credits required to achieve these milestones varies by your membership level.
Step 6: Redeem Your Free Rental Days
Once you’ve earned enough rental credits and reached the required milestones, you can redeem your free rental days. This means you can use your earned credits for future car rentals with National Car Rental without paying for the rental itself.
Step 7: Enjoy Additional Benefits
As an Emerald Club member, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits beyond free rental days. These benefits often include vehicle upgrades, expedited service at rental counters, and access to the Emerald Isle. In the Emerald Isle, you can choose your vehicle from a selection of available options.
Step 8: Monitor Your Account
Keep an eye on your Emerald Club account to track your rental credits and rewards. You can do this through the National Car Rental website or mobile app. Staying informed about your progress ensures you make the most of your membership.
National Status Match:
National Car Rental values the loyalty of its customers and extends the gesture by offering a status match program. This unique program allows travelers to have their elite status from more than 40 car rental, hotel, or airline loyalty programs matched by National Car Rental.
Upon approval, the matched status remains valid until February 28 the second calendar year after approval. This generous initiative ensures that your loyalty and benefits from other programs seamlessly integrate with your National Car Rental experience.
Partner Rewards Programs:
National Car Rental offers an additional layer of flexibility to cater to diverse travel preferences. In instances where accruing car rental credits may not align with your travel habits, the option to earn airline or hotel points instead is made available.
This flexibility is especially advantageous for travelers who infrequently rent cars and might find it challenging to accumulate enough credits for a free car rental. However, it is essential to be aware that when opting to earn select airline or hotel points instead of national car rental credits, a “frequent traveler recovery fee” ranging from $0.75 to $1.00 per day is applicable.
National Car Rental has also established partnerships with other companies, allowing travelers to choose from a broader spectrum of rewards.
- Signature Flight Support: Offering 1 point per $1 spent, this partnership is ideal for those who frequently engage in air travel.
- Air Miles Travel and More: For every day of car rental, travelers can earn up to 10 miles, with a cap of 40 miles.
- These partnerships provide travelers with the flexibility to align their rewards with their specific travel interests, further enhancing their National Car Rental experience.
National Mobile App:
National Car Rental recognizes the paramount importance of convenience and has tailored its services to cater to the evolving needs of the modern traveler. To this end, they offer a sophisticated mobile app that empowers travelers to manage their rentals effortlessly.
The National Car Rental mobile app delivers an array of features, including the seamless management of rentals, access to Emerald Club membership details, and the convenient Emerald Checkout service.
Price Comparisons:
| Type of Car | Avis | Budget | Dollar | Enterprise | National |
| Cheapest Available | $244.03 | $236.70 | $266.52 | $300.00 | $422.03 |
| Economy | $352.60 | $351.33 | $340.10 | $393.00 | $567.78 |
| Full-size SUV | $548.17 | $564.85 | N/A | $518.61 | $518.64 |
A critical aspect of any car rental decision is the cost involved. National Car Rental takes pride in providing competitive pricing options tailored to the diverse requirements and financial considerations of travelers. It is crucial to acknowledge that rental rates can exhibit substantial variations influenced by several factors, such as the rental location and the specific vehicle category chosen.
To ensure that you secure the most advantageous deal tailored to your unique requirements, conducting a comprehensive price comparison is recommended. This prudent practice ensures that you embark on your journey with the confidence of knowing you have made an informed rental choice.
FAQs:
Que. Does the National Car Rental price match?
Ans. Yes, they often match lower prices found on other websites for the same vehicle and dates.
Que. Can I add extra drivers, and is there a fee?
Ans. Yes, you can add drivers, but fees may apply. They must meet age and documentation requirements.
Que. What is the Emerald Club and how do I join?
Ans. It’s National Car Rental’s loyalty program. Join online for free to earn rewards like free rental days and upgrades.
Que. Can I pick it up at one location and return it elsewhere?
Ans. Yes, but be aware of one-way rental fees (drop charges) that vary by location.
Final Thoughts:
In summary, National Car Rental stands as a paragon of convenience and efficiency within the car rental industry. With its extensive global network, user-friendly booking process, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, it remains a preferred choice for travelers worldwide. As you contemplate your next voyage, consider the seamless experience National Car Rental offers, guaranteeing that your travel arrangements are as smooth as the open road that lies ahead.