Avis cancellation policy depends on the rate you booked and when you cancel
Avis allows you to cancel most reservations, but what you pay back—or what you owe—depends on three things: the rate type you chose when you booked, how far in advance you cancel, and whether your reservation is for a US location or elsewhere. A fully refundable rate lets you walk away with your money back if you cancel before your rental starts. A non-refundable rate charges you a cancellation fee, usually the first day's rental cost or a percentage of the total, even if you cancel weeks ahead. A prepaid rate (sometimes called a "prepay" or "advance purchase" rate) is non-refundable by design—you pay upfront at a discount, and cancelling means losing that money unless you convert it to a credit.
The clock matters too. Avis typically allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled pickup time if you booked a refundable rate. After that window closes, you may lose your deposit or face a cancellation fee. If you booked a non-refundable rate, the fee applies regardless of when you cancel, though cancelling sooner rather than later does not reduce what you owe.
Key Takeaways
- Refundable rates allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup; non-refundable rates charge a fee no matter when you cancel.
- Prepaid rates are non-refundable by design and cannot be cancelled for a refund, though Avis may convert the booking to a credit toward a future rental.
- The cancellation fee for non-refundable rates is typically the first day's rental cost or a percentage of your total reservation.
- You can cancel through the Avis website, the Avis mobile app, or by calling Avis directly; cancellation is when ready once processed.
- If you need to change your pickup date or location instead of cancelling entirely, Avis may allow a modification without penalty on refundable rates.
How to cancel an Avis reservation
To cancel online, log into your Avis account on the Avis website, find your reservation under "Manage My Booking," and select the cancellation option. The system will show you what you will receive back (if anything) before you confirm. Cancellation takes effect when ready, and Avis will send a confirmation email to the address on file.
If you prefer to cancel by phone, call Avis directly at 1-800-331-1212 (in the US). Have your confirmation number ready. The agent will confirm your rate type, explain what the cancellation means for your payment, and process the cancellation on the spot. This route is useful if you have questions about your specific booking or if you want to explore whether converting your reservation to a credit is an option.
You can also cancel through the Avis mobile app by opening your reservation and selecting "Cancel Reservation." The process is the same as the website—you will see the refund or fee amount before confirming.
What happens to your money after you cancel
If you booked a refundable rate and cancel within the 24-hour window, Avis returns your payment to the original payment method. This typically takes 5 to 10 business days, though your bank or credit card company may take additional time to post the credit to your account.
If you booked a non-refundable rate, Avis deducts the cancellation fee from your payment and returns the remainder (if any). The fee is usually the cost of the first day's rental or a percentage of the total—this varies by location and rate. You will see the exact fee amount on the cancellation confirmation screen before you finalize the cancellation.
Prepaid rates do not refund. Instead, Avis converts your booking into a credit that you can use toward a future rental at any Avis location. The credit is valid for one year from the original booking date. If you do not use the credit within that year, it expires and you lose the value.
Modifying your reservation instead of cancelling
If you need to change your pickup date, return date, or location, you may be able to modify your reservation instead of cancelling and rebooking. On refundable rates, Avis often allows modifications without penalty. Log into your account, select your reservation, and choose "Modify Reservation." The system will show you the new rate for your adjusted dates or location and whether any additional charge applies.
On non-refundable and prepaid rates, modifications may trigger a new cancellation fee or require you to pay the difference if the new dates or location cost more. It is worth checking before you cancel—sometimes modifying costs less than cancelling and rebooking separately.
Cancellation rules for different booking sources
If you booked through Avis directly (the Avis website or phone), the cancellation policy above applies. If you booked through a third-party site like Kayak, Expedia, Costco Travel, or AAA, the cancellation policy may differ. Third-party sites sometimes impose their own rules on top of Avis's policy, and refunds may go back to the third-party site rather than your original payment method.
Always check the cancellation terms on the confirmation email from the booking site you used. If you booked through a third party and want to cancel, you can either cancel through that site or contact Avis directly with your confirmation number. Avis will honour the rate type you booked, but the refund process may differ depending on who processed the original payment.
What to do if you need to cancel close to your pickup date
If your pickup is tomorrow and you booked a refundable rate, you are past the 24-hour free cancellation window. Avis may still allow you to cancel, but you could lose your entire deposit or payment. Call Avis at 1-800-331-1212 when ready to discuss your options—sometimes agents can work with you if there is a legitimate reason for the last-minute cancellation, though they are not required to waive fees.
If you booked a non-refundable rate, the cancellation fee applies regardless. Your best option at this point is to keep the reservation and use it, or cancel and accept the fee. If you cannot use the car, cancelling at least frees up the vehicle for another customer and may be the cleaner option than no-showing.
Cancellation and insurance or damage waivers
If you purchased a damage waiver, loss damage waiver (LDW), or additional insurance through Avis at the time of booking, cancelling your car rental does not automatically refund those add-ons. They are usually tied to the rental itself, not the reservation. When you cancel, Avis will remove the add-ons from your bill, but whether you receive a refund for them depends on the same rules as your base rate—refundable rates refund the add-on cost, non-refundable rates do not.
If you added insurance or a waiver and then cancelled, check your cancellation confirmation to confirm those charges were removed. If they were not, contact Avis to have them credited back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Avis reservation after I have already picked up the car?
No. Once you have picked up the vehicle, you have entered into the rental agreement and cancellation does not explore. If you need to return the car early, you will still owe for the days you kept it under your rate terms. Contact Avis to discuss early return options, but expect to pay for at least the minimum rental period specified in your booking.
What if I booked a prepaid rate and need to cancel?
Prepaid rates are non-refundable, so you will not receive your money back. Avis will convert your booking into a credit toward a future rental, valid for one year from your original booking date. You can use this credit to book any Avis rental at any location during that year.
Do I lose my money if I cancel a refundable rate more than 24 hours before pickup?
No. Refundable rates allow free cancellation anytime up to 24 hours before your scheduled pickup. If you cancel more than 24 hours ahead, you get your full payment back. The 24-hour window is when the free cancellation period ends, not when it begins.
Can I cancel through the third-party site where I booked, or do I have to call Avis?
You can cancel through either the third-party site or Avis directly. If you cancel through the third-party site, the refund goes back to that site, which then processes it to your original payment method—this can take longer. Cancelling directly with Avis may be faster, but the refund still depends on your rate type and the third party's terms.
What happens if I do not show up for my reservation without cancelling?
If you do not cancel and do not show up, Avis will charge you for the full rental period as booked, or at least for a minimum number of days. This is called a no-show charge. You will owe the full rate you agreed to, even though you never picked up the car. Cancelling ahead, even if it costs a fee, is always cheaper than a no-show.