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Top 7 Black Friday Car Shopping Tips

Things might look a little different this year, but the Union Plus Auto Buying Service, powered by TrueCar is here to help. Check out, car shopping expert, Matt Jones’s top Black Friday car shopping tips below!

  1. Start early
    Find the best deals by starting your research early. With plant closures earlier this year and halted vehicle production, inventory may be tight. It’s a good idea to come up with second and third options, in case there is low inventory of your first choice.
  2. Trading in or selling an existing vehicle?
    Decide whether you’re planning to sell or trade your vehicle. You’ll need to get an appraisal, and you can use the Union Plus Auto Buying Service tool to get a True Cash Offer on your current vehicle. About 50 percent of shoppers trade in a car when buying something new. If you’re one of these 50 percent, make sure you get your appraisal early.
  3. Understand the auto market
    This year, it really pays to understand the current automotive climate and pricing. For some hot vehicles with low inventory and high demand in this climate, paying sticker price might be considered a good deal. If you are looking for a specific vehicle and if that vehicle is new or in short supply, it might be sold at or even above sticker price.
  4. Being flexible will help you get a better deal
    Be willing to consider expanding the distance radius of dealerships for additional options. Being flexible about your search could give you greater inventory options. Don’t want to drive far to get your new car? You may be able to skip the trip to the dealer. More on that in tip 5.
  5. Have a game plan
    If you want to go to the dealership in person, be sure to arrive early. This is important because as the day wears on, more shoppers will hit the store, which can slow down your shopping process. Alternatively, many dealerships now allow shoppers to do all, or some, of the purchase process online. You can spot dealers offering remote paperwork processing and home vehicle delivery when shopping on the Union Plus Auto Buying Service — just look for the Buy From Home dealer badge.
  6. Test-drive early
    If you can, get behind the wheel for a test-drive at least a few days ahead of time. The showroom will likely get flooded with shoppers, and salespeople may not be available for test-drives on Black Friday. Make an appointment to test-drive on a weekday, before Thanksgiving.
  7. Be patient
    Remember to have patience with the sales process. Some dealerships will run out of salespeople or some salespeople may have to juggle more than one customer at a time. This is especially likely this year, because many dealerships are running with slimmer staff than usual due to the pandemic.

Bonus Tip: Start your shopping and research now so you can compare Black Friday deals and see how good a deal you’re really getting. Union members have saved thousands off MSRP1 on new cars and find great deals on pre-owned vehicles using the Union Plus Auto Buying Service, powered by TrueCar. Plus, you may be eligible for additional member perks like a $100 rebate on new union-made cars2 and up to $2,000 in post-sale benefits3.

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Union Plus Auto Buying Black Friday Shopping Tips
Disclaimer

This adaptation of the original article was published by TrueCar.

1Between 1/1/19 and 12/31/19, the average savings off MSRP experienced by Union Plus Auto Buying customers on new vehicles. See site for details.

2If you purchase a new, qualifying union-assembled vehicle, you will receive a check for $100 within 6 to 8 weeks after purchase. (The rebate checks come from Union Plus and not from the dealer). Union Plus receives a monthly report on the sales activity from the program provider to verify that a rebate check should be sent to a member who purchased a qualifying vehicle. This process is automatic, there are no forms to complete. Keep a copy of your Union Plus Auto Buying referral email that can assist in researching your purchase if you think you qualified for a rebate but did not receive a check.

3Some benefits not available in NY or NH. See site for details.

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Handle car shopping on Black Friday like a pro! Matt Jones, TrueCar’s car shopping expert and director of industry education, shares his top seven tips for Black Friday car shopping.

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TrueCar

Union Plus Auto Buying Service Captivates OPEIU Hypnotherapist


Dave Guy wasn't thinking about buying a new car. His 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe had some miles on it but it still ran, and it was a good car for where he lives — 8,000 feet up in the mountains of Southwest Colorado.

Guy is a member of Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 472 based in California. He's a semi-retired licensed professional counselor and hypnotherapist, and he’s a pastoral counselor at his church.

When he received an email from Union Plus encouraging members to buy union-made cars, he started to re-assess his Tahoe.

Guy contacted the Union Plus Auto Buying Service to see if there were any dealerships nearby that offered the union discount. A friend who works at a nearby Ford dealership encouraged him to come in and sit in a new Ford Expedition. Guy's wife Jenny proclaimed it "a sweet ride," and well, today Guy is the proud owner of a new Ford Expedition.

The Union Plus Auto Buying Service, administered by TrueCar, a leading price comparison service, helps union members and their families find the right new or used car or truck at a great price and offers additional savings and benefits. With the Auto Buying Service, union members save an average of $3,402 off MSRP* on new cars. And, union members receive a $100 rebate directly from Union Plus if they purchase a union-made car through TrueCar.

"Union Plus could have just said, 'We are union, so buy union' or, 'Thanks for supporting unions.' But they said, 'For supporting unions, we'll give you a rebate of $100,'" Guy says.

Overall, buying a new car with the support of Union Plus "was a grand experience," Guy says.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE
UNION PLUS AUTO BUYING SERVICE
 

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Dave Guy enjoyed buying a car through the Union Plus Auto Buying Service
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*Between 7/1/18 and 9/30/18, the average estimated savings off MSRP presented by TrueCar Certified Dealers in TrueCar’s Union Plus Auto Buying Service, based on users who received in-stock price offers and who TrueCar identified as purchasing a new vehicle of the same make and model as one of the in-stock price offers from a Certified Dealer as of 10/31/18, was $3,402. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable vehicle specific manufacturer incentives which are subject to change. The MSRP is determined by the manufacturer, and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer’s trade area as not all vehicles are sold at MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing.

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Union members save an average of $3,402 off MSRP* on new cars
Summary

OPEIU member Dave Guy is happily semi-retired and spends much of his time in southwest Colorado. Guy saw an email from Union Plus about its Auto Buying Service and decided to take a look around a local car dealer — he fell in love with a Ford Expedition and qualified for a rebate from Union Plus for buying a union-made vehicle. "Union Plus followed up with me and gave me a thanks for buying union," Guy says.

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You’ve Received a Safety Recall — Now What?


To keep drivers safe, vehicles, tires and equipment can be recalled. Typically, a vehicle manufacturer initiates a recall voluntarily, though you may hear about a vehicle recall as a result of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation or a court order. When a vehicle has a safety recall, the manufacturer is required to notify all vehicle owners about it. Your notification letter includes:

  • The description of the defect, including any possible resulting safety risks and other hazards.
  • The description of how the manufacturer intends to repair the defect, including when repairs can be scheduled and how long they are estimated to take.
  • Instructions for what to do if you’re unable to take your vehicle in for service within the specified time.
I Just Received a Recall Notice — What’s Next?

First things first: Don’t delay. When recalling a vehicle for safety reasons, manufacturers are required to fix the problem at no charge. Your manufacturer also can choose to replace your vehicle with a similar model or refund your purchase, accounting for depreciation.

It’s especially important to take immediate action if the safety-related defect could cause significant harm such as:

  • Faulty steering components that result in loss of control.
  • Accelerators that break or stick.
  • Wiring issues that could cause a fire.
What If My Vehicle Is Unsafe but I Haven’t Received a Recall Notice?

The NHTSA evaluates consumer reports of vehicle safety issues. If enough consumers submit complaints about the same or similar issue, the NHTSA opens an official investigation. Here’s how to report safety issues:

  • U.S. Department of Transportation’s Hotline (1-888-327-4236).
  • Online at safercar.gov.

The NHTSA doesn’t consider all defects safety related. Examples include malfunctioning air-conditioners, body panel rust, and ordinary wear and tear of equipment such as batteries and shock absorbers.

Regardless of whether your vehicle has a safety recall, the NHTSA recommends using its Recalls Lookup Tool at safercar.gov at least twice per year. This tool searches for safety recalls based on your car or truck’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

As a union member, you have access to special savings on auto insurance from SnapQuote® offered by MetLife Auto & Home®. To learn more about the program call 1-844-299-6660 or visit snapquoteinsurance.com/unionplus and a team of licensed agents will go to work finding multiple quotes on quality, affordable insurance from national, highly rated carriers. It's fast. It's easy. And puts the power of choice right where it belongs - squarely in your hands.

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Auto Recall
Disclaimer

SnapQuote is used by MetLife GA Property & CasualtySM and other independent agencies and captive agents to provide consumers a broad choice of insurance providers. Coverage may be underwritten by unaffiliated carriers through MetLife Auto & Home Insurance Agency, Inc., with its principal place of business at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, CA. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.
MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its affiliates, Warwick, RI.

1703 809899 L0518505288[exp0919][All States][DC] © 2018 MetLife Services and Solutions, LLC

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Union Plus Auto Insurance with SnapQuote offered by MetLife Auto & Home®
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Learn what to do if you are notified about a safety recall for your vehicle.

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Metlife

New Car, No Problem: AFSCME Member Enters Retirement With Ease


Eleanore Wise-Goldman, a retired member of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 843 in Washington State, reflects on her years as a social worker and active union member fondly. 

“Getting kids adopted and moved into a ‘forever family’ I knew would love them—that was the highlight of my work,” Wise-Goldman says of working for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

As a perk of her AFSCME membership, Wise-Goldman and her husband are consistent users of AFSCME Advantage benefits, including purchasing a car through the Union Plus Auto Buying Service. However, after her husband totaled their vehicle, they needed to return to the drawing board. 

“This time, I got to choose the car and I wanted a hybrid,” remembers Wise-Goldman.

Using the Union Plus Auto Buying Service website, she researched and narrowed down her choices. She then called the dealer they had worked with the first time around.

“We came out of it with a Ford C-MAX. It’s an amazing car. We set up an appointment at the dealer and it was all handled very quickly.” 

The Union Plus Auto Buying Service, administered by TrueCar or Union Auto Program depending on your state of residence, helps union members and their families find the right new or used car or truck at a great price and offers additional savings and benefits. The member benefits differ between the two program providers.*
Wise-Goldman recommends the Auto Buying Service to all her union friends. 

“It’s so great,” she enthuses. “You don’t have to haggle or negotiate. And we got our car for an even better price than we originally saw online.”  

By purchasing a hybrid vehicle through TrueCar, Wise-Goldman also received the Union Plus union-made green car** rebate that totals $200. 

Learn how TrueCar or Union Auto Program
can help you.

 

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Eleanore Wise-Goldman
Disclaimer

*Members purchasing through TrueCar receive either a $100 or $200 rebate directly from Union Plus when purchasing a new union-assembled vehicle. Members purchasing through the Union Auto Program have their choice of a lifetime drive train warranty or a three-year $5,000 buyers protection policy to cover any losses arising from strike or layoff. Visit unionplus.org/autobuying to learn more. 

Between 7/1/17 and 9/30/17, the average estimated savings off MSRP presented by TrueCar Certified Dealers to users of TrueCar powered websites, based on users who configured virtual vehicles and who TrueCar identified as purchasing a new vehicle of the same make and model listed on the certificate from a Certified Dealer as of 10/31/2016, was $3,383. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable vehicle specific manufacturer incentives which are subject to change. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") is determined by the manufacturer, and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer's trade area as not all vehicles are sold at MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing. Your actual purchase price is negotiated between you and the dealer. TrueCar does not sell or lease motor vehicles.

Report the purchase of your new or used car from a Certified Dealer within 45 days and receive additional benefits that could be worth more than $2,000. Instructions on how to report your purchase from a Certified Dealer will be provided in your welcome email when you request your Certificate(s) for new cars, or in your Used Vehicle Certificate
**EPA Green Car Make and Models Include: Chevrolet Bolt, Volt, Cruze* and Sonic*; Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid; and Ford Focus.
  *Models are made in both the US and Mexico. Vehicles with VIN beginning with the number 3 are ineligible

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Exclusive Savings For Union Members
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Eleanore Wise-Goldman, a retired member of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) wanted to buy a hybrid after her husband totaled their car. Both vehicles were purchased with the Union Plus Auto Buying program
 

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AFSCME Member and Prison Psychologist Finds His Commuter Cool


Anthony Ngo, AFSCME Local 2620 member, commutes every day to Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California, where he provides psychological counseling and group therapy to inmates. 

“It’s a great job—great pay and benefits, and I love the staff,” says Ngo. “I also like the work I do.”

Ngo describes his union as supportive, and he has been a regular attendee at meetings. 

“They help us out a lot,” he says of his local.

It was through AFSCME Advantage that Ngo first discovered the Union Plus Auto Buying Service. When his car started acting up, he knew it was time to start shopping.

“I have a pretty serious commute, and I really wanted to find an electric car,” says Ngo. “That’s when I decided to explore Union Plus.” 

The Union Plus Auto Buying Service, administered by TrueCar or Union Auto Program depending on your state of residence, helps union members and their families find the right new or used car or truck at a great price and offers additional savings and benefits.

Because he purchased a new electric vehicle through TrueCar, Ngo received the Union Plus union-made green car** rebate that totals $200. Union members who purchase new union-made cars—no matter their environmental designation—receive a $100 rebate directly from Union Plus.

“I already had a new car that I love, and then I received the rebate. I was really caught by surprise,” said Ngo. “I had no idea I had that coming. All AFSCME members should be using the Union Plus Auto Buying Service.” 

Learn how TrueCar or Union Auto can help you

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Learn More about the Union Plus Auto Buying Service
Disclaimer

Between 7/1/17 and 9/30/17, the average estimated savings off MSRP presented by TrueCar Certified Dealers to users of TrueCar powered websites, based on users who configured virtual vehicles and who TrueCar identified as purchasing a new vehicle of the same make and model listed on the certificate from a Certified Dealer as of 10/31/2016, was $3,383. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable vehicle specific manufacturer incentives which are subject to change. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") is determined by the manufacturer, and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer's trade area as not all vehicles are sold at MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing. Your actual purchase price is negotiated between you and the dealer. TrueCar does not sell or lease motor vehicles.

Report the purchase of your new or used car from a Certified Dealer within 45 days and receive additional benefits that could be worth more than $2,000. Instructions on how to report your purchase from a Certified Dealer will be provided in your welcome email when you request your Certificate(s) for new cars, or in your Used Vehicle Certificate.

**EPA Green Car Make and Models Include: Chevrolet Bolt, Volt, Cruze* and Sonic*; Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid; and Ford Focus.
  *Models are made in both the US and Mexico. Vehicles with VIN beginning with the number 3 are ineligible.
 

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Learn More about the Union Plus Auto Buying Service
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Exclusive Savings for Union Members
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Anthony Ngo, AFSCME Local 2620 member, purchased a new Chevy Volt with the Union Plus Auto Buying program. Because he purchased a union-made green car** he was eligible for additional savings through Union Plus. 

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Union Plus Team

Save and Earn on Car Rentals



Union members can save up to 25% off base rental rates with Avis Car Rental. Union members with Avis Preferred, however, save up to 25% off base rental rates AND get extra benefits. 

If you’re not already signed up for Avis Preferred, you’re missing out on expedited service and easy-to-earn rewards for every dollar you spend. Plus, it’s free to enroll!

Some of the benefits include:

Expedited Service – Skip the line and head straight to your car!

Accelerate Your Rewards – Earn points for every qualifying dollar you spend to be redeemed for rentals, upgrades and accessories.

  • Rental day rewards start at just 700 points with no blackout dates.
  • Accessories including SiriusXM Radio®, GPS, Child Safety Seats, and Roadside Assistance are now just 250 points per day.
  • Earn 100 bonus points when you opt into Avis Preferred Points and rent once within three months.
  • Every rental earns a minimum of 100 points.

Total Control – Use the innovative Avis app to choose your car, confirm, cancel or extend the rental.

Track Your Activity – Keep rental preferences on file and track your activity and rewards.

Exclusive Offers – Get exclusive monthly email offers.

Make your travel more rewarding and enroll in Avis Preferred today!

Enroll in Avis
Preferred Today
  

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Get up to a 25% Discount on Car Rentals
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Union members can join Avis Preferred for free and enjoy expedited service and rewards, including free rental days, upgrades, and accessories.

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Union Plus Car Rental Team

Prepare Your Car For Cooler Weather


Print out this cooler-weather checklist and stash in your glovebox to get your car ready for the days ahead.

Every Trip

  • Before starting up the car, check around your vehicle for obstructions, including ones that might hide in snowbanks.
  • Adjust the position of all mirrors and the driver’s seat, particularly if anyone else uses the vehicle.
  • Don’t worry about “warming up” your car. Idling wastes fuel, and automakers rarely recommend it. Instead, run the engine for 30 seconds, then drive gently for the first five to 10 minutes so you become aware of road conditions.
  • If necessary, clean grime, snow and frost from windows and outside mirrors. Even a slight film on windows can create blinding glare.
  • Carry an emergency kit in the trunk. Pack paper towels for clearing windows, a snowbrush or scraper, a small shovel, jumper cables, a flashlight, a blanket and a bag of kitty litter or sand for traction.

Weekly, Or as Needed

  • Pop the hood and look for cracks or signs of extreme wear in belts and hoses.
  • Clean your headlights and taillights. Ask someone to help you check them; replace any that are burned out.
  • Keep your gas tank at least half filled to prevent your gas line from freezing.
  • Top off your windshield washer fluid with a product that deters snow and ice buildup.
  • Check tire pressure at least at every other fill-up. Don’t eyeball it; use a tire gauge. Test your battery by switching your headlights on before you start your car. If they dim significantly after you turn the key, have your battery checked.
  • Each time you fill up, calculate your miles per gallon. If you see a dramatic decline, take your vehicle in for maintenance.

Monthly

  • Inspect your tires. Adequate tread depth is critical to safe handling. If you find less than 1/16 inch of tread, replace the tire.
  • Check for cracked or smearing windshield wipers and replace them if necessary. If your region gets a lot of snow and ice, consider special winter blades.
  • Pick a warmer day to get your car washed. You’ll improve your visibility and rinse off corrosion-causing salt.

Union members are eligible for special savings on auto and home* insurance through SnapQuote® offered by MetLife Auto & Home®.  Call 855-666-5797 and mention Union Plus Discount Code DJ7 

Get a Free Quote Online

 

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Disclaimer

Home Insurance is not part of MetLife Auto & Home's benefit offering in MA & FL.
SnapQuote is used by MetLife GA Property & Casualty and other independent agencies and captive agents to provide consumers a broad choice of insurance providers. Coverage may be underwritten by unaffiliated carriers through MetLife Auto & Home Insurance Agency, Inc., with its principal place of business at 700 Quaker Lane,
Warwick, RI 02886, CA License #0D25399, AR License #100116171. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its affiliates, Warwick, RI.
L0717496846[exp0620][All States][DC]
 

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Union Plus Auto Insurance with SnapQuote offered by MetLife Auto & Home®
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Winter brings unique challenges for drivers. You can't be too careful on the road. Use these tips to stay safer during colder months.

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Metlife

IUOE Member Saves with Union Plus Auto Buying Service


Claire Chang, a member of International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 3 in Santa Clara County, California, loves leading her technical support team at a local hospital. 

Chang’s husband works in nearby Mountain View. His arduous daily commute – nearly an hour each way in rush hour traffic – recently prompted the couple to get a new car.  

“It was time for our family to invest in an electric vehicle,” says Chang, who remembered seeing a mailing about the Union Plus Auto Buying Service.

“We worked with the great people at Union Plus to identify where we could get our car from a union-friendly dealer at a great price,” she recalls.

Chang and her husband had selected a Chevy Volt, an electric vehicle. Throughout the process, Chang applauded the prompt, ongoing support from Union Plus.

“The correspondence with Union Plus was very smooth and it made the whole transaction super easy,” says Chang. “We went to our pre-identified dealer lot, test drove the vehicle and bought it. We got a great deal.”

The Union Plus Auto Buying Service, administered by TrueCar, a leading price comparison service, helps union members and their families find the right new or used car or truck. With the Auto Buying Service, union members save an average of $3,402 off MSRP* on new cars.

Because Chang bought an electric vehicle, she also received the Union Plus union-made green car** rebate that totals $200. Any union-made car– no matter its environmental designation – is eligible for a $100 rebate.

“I would absolutely recommend the Union Plus Auto Buying Service to all union members – both Union Plus and this specific program have made such a difference in our lives. In short, Union Plus is wonderful,” Chang concludes.

Find out more about the
Union Plus Auto Buying Service

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Claire Chang and husband
Disclaimer

*Between 7/1/17 and 9/30/17, the average estimated savings off MSRP presented by TrueCar Certified Dealers to users of TrueCar powered websites, based on users who configured virtual vehicles and who TrueCar identified as purchasing a new vehicle of the same make and model listed on the certificate from a Certified Dealer as of 10/31/2016, was $3,383. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable vehicle specific manufacturer incentives which are subject to change. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") is determined by the manufacturer, and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer's trade area as not all vehicles are sold at MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing. Your actual purchase price is negotiated between you and the dealer. TrueCar does not sell or lease motor vehicles.

**EPA Green Car Make and Models Include:
  - Chevrolet — Bolt, Volt, Cruze***, and Sonic***
  - Chrysler — Pacifica Hybrid
  - Ford  — Focus 

*** Check the VIN number of these vehicles.  Some are assembled in Mexico and begin with the number 3.  These are not eligible for rebates.
 

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Save on Your Next Vehicle
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IUOE member Claire Chang knew it was time for her family to invest in a new vehicle. When she was ready to make a purchase she went online, found the vehicle they wanted, and connected with the Union Plus Auto Buying Service. They were able to get a great deal on their new vehicle and were eligible for additional rebates from Union Plus. 

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Union Plus Team

For Three Winners, Car Rental Sweepstakes Opens the Door to Union Plus


This year, 14,000 union members and family members entered our car rental sweepstakes. But only three lucky drivers came out on top!

Elizabeth Hipwell of Chicago, IL is a longtime member of SAG-AFTRA, moving from New York to Los Angeles before settling down in the Windy City, retaining her membership all the while.

However, it wasn’t until recently that she realized the world of Union Plus benefits and discounts that was available to her. Hipwell happened to see a Union Plus email promoting the car rental sweepstakes in August 2018, entered on a whim, and much to her surprise became one of the winners! 

Walking away with three $100 gift certificates to Hertz means she can attend her family reunion in Washington next summer, worry-free. 

“How will I afford a car rental for a week?” Hipwell already fretted, anticipating ferrying around relatives and running errands for her elderly aunt. 

The answer came in her unexpected win, which felt “like a blessing from above,” she says. 

“I’m going to use Union Plus benefits from now on,” Hipwell enthuses. “The customer service with Union Plus is really awesome.”

David Butler, a member of the IATSE in Buffalo, NY calls his win “beginner’s luck.” He had also been unfamiliar with Union Plus programs and benefits before his win. 

Butler’s recent work has focused on production design for films, one of which recently won an award at an independent film festival in Woodstock, NY. 

He says, “The timing of this win could not have been more perfect.” He used the Budget gift certificates to travel cross-state to the festival and see the audience’s reception to the film in person. 

“I wasn’t sure if I would be able to go to this festival or not, and when I won this contest I thought, ‘It’s a sign, I’m going!’” Butler recalls. “I wasn’t sure if my current car was going to make it, so [the prize] was very helpful and I was very excited to have won.”

Thanks to his win, Butler says, “I’ll do my best to get the word out about Union Plus in the Buffalo area. It’s really cool that there are so many different benefits.”

Michael Boylan, a retired SEIU member living in Queens, NY, thought his win was a prank since he never expects to win anything he enters. But the Union Plus sweepstakes proved to be his lucky break. 

Boylan visits his snowbird friends in Florida every winter but is skipping his usual trip this year due to the recent hurricanes. Boylan is glad his gift certificates to Avis don’t have an expiration date, because there’s always next year. 

Congratulations to all the winners and thank to you all the entrants. And remember, union members save up to 25% on car rental rates at six Union Plus rental car partners—Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Payless and Thrifty.

Learn more about the Union Plus
Car Rental Program

 

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Union Plus Car Rental Sweepstakes Winners
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Learn More about the Union Plus Car Rental Program
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Get up to 25% Discount on Car Rentals with Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Payless
Summary

Union members Elizabeth Hipwell, David Butler, and Michael Boylan were the lucky winners of the Union Plus Car Rental Sweepstakes. Thousands of union members entered the sweepstakes, but these lucky three won $100 Hertz gift certificates. 

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UFCW Member Snags Deluxe Wheels for Miami Trip


For Joshua Wilkins, the vacation was long-awaited. Headed to Florida for a family wedding, the UFCW Local 700 member was keen on extending his time to take a trip with his friends. Their destination? Miami. 

Wilkins heads up the dairy section of a Kroger grocery in suburban Indianapolis. He also serves as a union rep at the store and stays politically active with his local. 

The biggest challenge for trip-leader Wilkins was figuring out how he was going to afford a rental car. 

“I was looking one night and then it hit me – I went to unionplus.org,” recalls Wilkins. 

Working with the Hertz agent he contacted through the Union Plus website, Wilkins was able to get an initial discount that took hundreds of dollars off a large SUV for the week. Then the agent had an idea – why not simply rent a full-sized car and join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards? 

“It was an amazing move,” says Wilkins. “I was able to obtain an additional $400 in savings by taking the agent’s advice, and when I got to Miami, I upgraded to a GMC Yukon XL that I rented at $800 for the entire week. My friends were blown away.” 

Wilkins and his buddies used the vehicle to get explore deeper parts of the Everglades to see alligators, visit Little Havana and tool around South Beach for the night life. 

“The trip was epic, and we had such a great time,” Wilkins reminisces.  

Union Plus Car Rental rates are available exclusively to current and retired union members and their families. Visit unionplus.org/carrental to explore your options and start planning your next vacation.

 

Learn more about
Union Plus Car Rentals

 

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UFCW Member Josh Wilkins
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Learn More about Union Plus Car Rentals
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Get up to 25% Discount on Car Rentals with Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Payless
Summary

When Joshua Wilkins, a UFCW Local 700 member, was looking to extend a trip to South Florida and needed a rental car, he turned to the Union Plus Car Rental program and saved hundreds of dollars. Union members can save up to 25% at six of the top car rental companies, including Avis, Budget and Hertz, which have union employees at many locations.

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Union Plus Team