Can You Snag Free Hotwire Car Rental Upgrades?—Here's How

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, or your primary car is in the shop, you may find yourself needing a rental car. Basic car rentals can be expensive, but sometimes rental companies offer promotions that allow you to upgrade at a discounted price, sometimes even for free. However, if you aren't lucky enough to get one of these promotions, you may be wondering how you can get a better model car if you've booked a more basic model. If you want to upgrade your Hotwire car rental, DoNotPay can help.

How to Get a Hotwire Rental Car Upgrade

Hotwire is an online travel company that sells airline tickets, rental cars, hotel rooms, and vacation packages. When hotel rooms, rental cars, or airline seats are unsold, they are filled by companies like Hotwire, who sell them to customers at a discounted price, but without revealing the company until after the buyer has paid.

Renting a Car with Hotwire

Hotwire says that you can save up to 60% off your rental car reservation by booking through them. They work with brand-name rental agencies to help you find the right car for your trip.

1. Go to the Hotwire website or app.
2. Go to the "Cars" section.
3. Fill in the details for pick-up location and date, as well as drop-off location and date.
4. You can also view the current top rental rates.
5. You can book with Hotwire by filling in your information and paying.

Using a Car Rental Company's Rewards Program or Coupons

If you book a car at a retail rate through Hotwire, you may be able to use the rental agency's discounts or earn points if you are part of their loyalty program.

To enter a member number or car rental coupon code:

1. Go to Hotwire's car search page
2. Click "use a coupon or member number" (beneath the boxes where you select the date)
3. Enter the correct information
4. Take your membership card/coupon with you to the rental agency when you pick up your car
5. The rental agency will determine the final pricing
6. Contact the rental agency, using the number listed on your Hotwire confirmation, or ask at the counter if you have questions about other types of rewards or discounts.

Can You Upgrade the Type of Car You Booked?

If you book a Hotwire Hot Rate, it cannot be canceled, exchanged, or otherwise changed. However, if you made a regular-rate reservation, you can cancel it and book a new reservation with any car type without a cancellation fee.

Since the car rental agency determines the final pricing when using coupons or loyalty programs, they may also be able to offer you a free upgrade. Here are a few tips you can try to get an upgrade:

• Join their loyalty program - most car rental agencies have rewards programs, so if you're not a member, learn about the perks of joining, because it may very well be worth it, especially if you can potentially get an upgrade.
• Use a coupon - Many companies offer coupons for different types of perks and upgrades, so if you have one that didn't go through on Hotwire, or find it after you book, take it with you when you pick up your car. It can't hurt to try.
• Reserve the cheapest car - Since you are booking through Hotwire, you may not know the specifics, but when you book an "economy" or "compact" car, you are usually booking the least expensive. If the rental agency runs out of the type of car you reserved, you may automatically receive a free upgrade.
• Just Ask - There's no harm in asking directly. Be nice and personable from the moment you walk up to the counter. The agent behind the counter is less likely to give you an upgrade if you start the conversation complaining about how long you had to wait in line. Just be honest and tell them you would really appreciate an upgrade.

How to Upgrade a Hotwire Car Rental with DoNotPay

Trying to get a car rental upgrade can be a little time-consuming. If you're not a skilled negotiator, you may be intimidated at the thought of outright asking for free upgrades. Instead of worrying about coupon codes or coming up with the perfect wording for your request, let DoNotPay help.

How to get a free upgrade on your reservation using DoNotPay:

If you want to get a free upgrade on your reservation but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 4 easy steps:

1. Choose which rental company you booked with.

2. Enter your reservation confirmation number.

3. Tell us the details of your reservation, such as the pick-up date, pick-up location, car model, etc.

4. Indicate whether you are a rewards member or special credit card holder.

Why Use DoNotPay?

DoNotPay's service makes the upgrade request process fast and easy because we know that you don't have to take the time to make phone calls or hunt down coupons. Just give us your reservation details and rewards numbers, and we will do the work for you. We can work with a variety of car rental companies to help you get perks and upgrades, including:

• Thrifty Car Rental Upgrades
• National Car Rental Upgrades
• Costco Car Rental Upgrade
• Alamo Car Rental Upgrades
• Dollar Car Rental Free Upgrades
• Avis Rental Upgrades

What Else Can DoNotpay Do?

DoNotPay can also help you with a variety of other concerns, including customer service concerns or fighting parking tickets. Our AI-powered AI Consumer Champion is standing by to help make your life easier.

Whatever your issue, let DoNotPay help you resolve it today.