Table of Contents

Which Rental Car Company Lets You Pick Your Own Car?

Let’s cut right to the chase: National Car Rental is the rental car company most widely known and praised for allowing customers to choose their own vehicles. Through their Emerald Club program and designated Emerald Aisle, National offers a unique perk that puts you in the driver’s seat – literally. You select your preferred car from a range of available options within your booked vehicle class, allowing for a truly personalized rental experience.

Digging Deeper: The National Car Rental Advantage

While other companies might offer hints of vehicle choice, National’s approach is systematic and explicitly built into their loyalty program. The Emerald Aisle is the key. As an Emerald Club member (which is free to join), you can bypass the counter at many locations and head straight to the Emerald Aisle. This aisle is stocked with cars within the intermediate class (or sometimes even upgraded classes!), and you’re free to browse and select the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

This feature is a game-changer for several reasons:

Control: You’re no longer stuck with whatever car the agent assigns you.
Customization: Need more trunk space? Prefer a specific color? Want to avoid a particular make or model? The choice is yours.
Efficiency: By skipping the counter, you save valuable time, especially during peak travel periods.
Transparency: What you see is what you get. You can inspect the car for any pre-existing damage before committing.

However, it’s crucial to understand the limitations. The Emerald Aisle typically caters to intermediate-sized vehicles. If you’ve booked a different class (e.g., a minivan or a luxury SUV), you won’t have the same self-selection options. Also, availability within the Aisle depends on location and demand. During busy periods, the selection might be more limited.

Alternatives and Nuances: Other Companies Offering Choice

While National reigns supreme in this arena, other rental companies occasionally offer some level of vehicle selection, although not as consistently or formally.

Enterprise: While Enterprise doesn’t have a formal “pick your own car” program, some locations might allow customers a degree of choice, especially for frequent renters or those booking higher-end vehicles. It’s worth asking directly at the counter if there are options available within your car class. Customer service can vary widely from location to location.
Hertz: Hertz, like Enterprise, offers varying experiences depending on the location and your membership status in their Gold Plus Rewards program. While they don’t guarantee self-selection like National’s Emerald Aisle, elite members might sometimes be offered a choice from a select inventory.
Budget: Budget typically provides less flexibility in vehicle selection compared to National, Enterprise, and Hertz. The emphasis is usually on providing the car class you booked rather than allowing for specific vehicle choice.
Alamo: Alamo primarily focuses on cost-effectiveness and ease of use, particularly for families and leisure travelers. They don’t typically offer a formal self-selection process.

In summary, while other rental companies might occasionally offer a limited choice, National Car Rental, with its Emerald Club and Emerald Aisle, is the undisputed champion when it comes to letting you pick your own car.

Strategic Tips for Maximizing Your Rental Car Choice

Even with National’s Emerald Aisle, a little strategic planning can go a long way:

Join the Emerald Club: It’s free, and it’s your gateway to the Emerald Aisle.
Book an intermediate-sized car: This gives you access to the Emerald Aisle inventory.
Arrive early: The earlier you arrive, the better the selection is likely to be.
Be flexible: If your initial choice isn’t ideal, consider waiting a bit to see if new cars are added to the Aisle.
Politely inquire: Even if the Emerald Aisle is limited, politely ask an attendant if they anticipate any specific models becoming available soon.
Inspect thoroughly: Before driving off, carefully inspect the car for any existing damage and report it to avoid potential issues upon return.
Consider weekend rentals: Weekend rentals can sometimes result in better inventory as business travelers return vehicles.

FAQs: Demystifying Rental Car Selection

1. Is the Emerald Club free to join?

Yes, the Emerald Club is completely free to join. It’s the foundational element for accessing the benefits of National’s car selection process.

2. What happens if the Emerald Aisle is empty when I arrive?

If the Emerald Aisle is empty, notify a National Car Rental representative immediately. They should be able to either direct you to another vehicle or provide you with alternatives. This situation is rare but can occur during exceptionally busy periods.

3. Can I upgrade my car class when I’m in the Emerald Aisle?

Sometimes. You might be able to upgrade your car class in the Emerald Aisle, but this depends on the availability of vehicles and the specific location’s policies. Inquire with a National representative. Often times, vehicles that would normally constitute an “upgrade” are present on the aisle.

4. Does every National Car Rental location have an Emerald Aisle?

No, not every National Car Rental location has an Emerald Aisle. This feature is typically available at larger airport locations and some major city rental offices. Check the location details when booking.

5. What car class do I need to book to use the Emerald Aisle?

Typically, booking an intermediate-sized car grants you access to the Emerald Aisle. However, always confirm this during the booking process or with a National representative.

6. Can I use the Emerald Aisle if I booked through a third-party website?

Yes, you can generally use the Emerald Aisle even if you booked through a third-party website, as long as you are an Emerald Club member and your booking qualifies (i.e., an intermediate-sized vehicle or higher). Ensure your Emerald Club number is associated with the booking.

7. Are there any restrictions on who can join the Emerald Club?

There are generally no major restrictions on who can join the Emerald Club. You typically need to be at least 21 years old (in some locations) and possess a valid driver’s license.

8. What if I don’t like any of the cars in the Emerald Aisle?

If you don’t like any of the cars in the Emerald Aisle, you can speak with a National Car Rental representative. They might be able to offer you alternative options or search for a vehicle that better suits your needs.

9. Does National guarantee that there will always be cars available in the Emerald Aisle?

No, National doesn’t guarantee that there will always be cars available in the Emerald Aisle. Availability depends on factors like location, time of year, and overall demand.

10. Can I earn loyalty points with other rental car programs while using the Emerald Aisle?

This depends on the specific National Car Rental location and any partnerships they might have. Check with the representative for details. Generally, you can’t double-dip and earn points with two different programs simultaneously.

11. How do I report damage to a car I selected from the Emerald Aisle?

Before leaving the rental location, immediately report any damage you find on the car you selected from the Emerald Aisle to a National Car Rental representative. Document the damage with photos and obtain written confirmation that the damage was pre-existing.

12. Is National Car Rental always the cheapest option?

No, National Car Rental is not always the cheapest option. Their pricing can vary based on location, demand, and time of year. However, the added benefit of choosing your own car can be worth the extra cost for many renters. Compare prices across different rental companies before making a decision.