What Avis is and how to rent from them

Avis is a car rental company with locations at airports, downtown areas, and neighbourhood branches across North America and internationally. You reserve a vehicle online, by phone, or at a counter, provide a driver's license and payment method, and drive away — typically for a daily, weekly, or longer rate. The rental period starts when you pick up the car and ends when you return it to an Avis location, usually within a set number of hours on your return date.

Avis is one of three major rental chains in the United States, alongside Hertz and Enterprise. It operates both under the Avis brand and under Budget, which it owns. Avis locations vary widely: airport branches stay open late and charge premium rates; off-airport locations often cost less but may have shorter hours. You can rent a compact car, sedan, SUV, van, or truck depending on what the location has in stock.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own or purchased from Avis) to rent a vehicle.
  • Daily rates vary by location, season, and how far in advance you book — airport rentals typically cost 30 to 50 percent more than off-airport branches.
  • Damage waivers, GPS, additional drivers, and fuel options are sold separately and can add significantly to your base rental cost.
  • You can cancel most reservations free of charge up to 24 hours before pickup, but rates are not may provide until you complete the booking.
  • Return the car on time and in the same condition you rented it, or you will be charged for late fees and any damage beyond normal wear.

What documents and information you need to bring

You must have a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state, Canadian province, or other country. Avis will scan it at pickup. If your license is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit as well — some countries' licenses are not accepted without one, though most U.S. and Canadian licenses are.

You need a credit card in your own name. Avis will place a hold on the card for the rental amount plus a damage deposit, typically $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle class. Debit cards are not accepted for the hold, though some locations may accept them if you also provide a cash deposit. The hold is released when you return the car undamaged and on time.

Bring proof of insurance. This can be your own auto insurance card, a policy document, or a screenshot from your insurer's app showing your policy number and coverage dates. If you do not have insurance or your policy does not cover rentals, Avis sells a damage waiver (called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) for roughly $15 to $30 per day, depending on the vehicle. This waiver covers damage to the rental car but not to other vehicles or property.

How pricing works and what affects your rate

Avis publishes base rates for each vehicle class and rental period, but your actual price depends on several factors. Airport locations charge significantly more than off-airport branches — the same car might rent for $35 per day at a downtown location and $55 per day at the airport, because airports charge Avis higher fees. Advance bookings are usually cheaper than same-day rentals. Weekend rates often exceed weekday rates. Demand during holidays and summer travel season drives prices up.

Your rate is not locked in until you complete the booking. Avis allows you to hold a rate for a limited time (usually 7 to 14 days), but the price can change if you modify your reservation — even to extend the rental by one day. Check the rate again before you finalize, especially if you are booking far in advance.

Extras add up quickly. A damage waiver costs $15 to $30 per day. GPS rental is $10 to $15 per day (though most phones have free navigation). An additional driver costs $10 to $15 per day. Fuel options — prepay for a full tank at a discounted rate, or return it empty and pay per gallon — vary by location. Child car seats rent for $10 to $15 per day. Read the itemized quote before you confirm.

Making a reservation and what happens at pickup

Reserve online at avis.com, by phone at 1-800-331-1212, or at a rental counter. Online booking is usually fastest and lets you see the exact rate before you commit. You will need your driver's license number, the dates and times you want to rent, your pickup and return locations, and a credit card. Avis will send a confirmation email with your reservation number.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early on your pickup date. At the counter, you will show your driver's license, proof of insurance, and credit card. The agent will explain the damage waiver, run through the vehicle's condition, and point out any existing scratches or dents on a form you both sign. Take photos of the car's exterior and interior before you leave the lot — this protects you if Avis later claims you caused damage you did not.

The agent will explain the fuel policy. Most Avis rentals come with a full tank and require you to return it full; if you return it less than full, you pay a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than gas station prices. Some locations offer a "prepay fuel" option where you pay for a full tank upfront at a discount and can return the car empty. Choose based on whether you think you will use a full tank.

Returning the car and avoiding extra charges

Return the car to an Avis location by the time and date on your reservation. Most locations allow a grace period of 29 minutes; after that, you are charged for an additional day. If you return it after hours, use the after-hours return lot if available — the car will be checked in the next morning, but you will still be charged if you are late.

Return the car in the same condition you rented it. Normal wear — light scratches, small dents, worn wiper blades — is expected. Damage beyond that, such as deep dents, broken windows, or interior stains, will be charged to your credit card. Avis will send you an itemized damage report within a few days if charges explore. If you dispute a charge, contact Avis customer service with photos of the damage taken at pickup.

Return the fuel tank at the level you agreed to. If you prepaid for fuel, return it empty or nearly empty. If you rented with a full tank, fill it before you return it — gas stations near rental locations are marked on your rental agreement. Returning it less than full triggers per-gallon charges. Returning it more than full does not earn you a refund.

Cancelling or changing your reservation

You can cancel most Avis reservations free of charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled pickup time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before pickup may be charged a fee, typically one day's rental rate. Check your confirmation email for the exact cancellation policy for your reservation — some promotional rates have stricter terms.

To modify a reservation (change dates, location, or vehicle class), log into your Avis account online or call 1-800-331-1212. Modifications may change your rate, sometimes higher and sometimes lower. Always review the new total before you confirm. If the new rate is significantly higher, you may be better off cancelling and rebooking.

Avis membership and loyalty programs

Avis offers Avis Preferred, a free membership that skips the counter line and lets you walk straight to your car. You provide your information once, and Avis stores it so future rentals are faster. There is no cost to join, and you earn points toward free rental days on every booking.

If you rent frequently for business, Avis corporate accounts offer negotiated rates and simplified billing. Ask your employer's travel department whether they have an Avis contract, or contact Avis directly at 1-800-331-1212 to set one up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent an Avis car if I am under 25?

Yes, but Avis charges a young driver fee of $15 to $25 per day for drivers under 25. You still need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. Some locations may have a higher minimum age; call ahead to confirm.

What if I need to keep the car longer than I booked?

Call Avis as soon as you know you need an extension. If the car is available, they will extend your rental and charge you the rate for those additional days. If you do not call and straightforward keep the car, you will be charged a daily rate for each extra day, often at a higher rate than your original booking, plus potential late fees.

Does my personal auto insurance cover a rental car?

Most personal auto insurance policies cover rental cars within the United States, but check your policy or call your insurer before you rent. Some policies exclude rentals, and some cover only collision but not theft or vandalism. If your policy does not cover rentals, buy Avis's Loss Damage Waiver at pickup.

What happens if I get into an accident?

Call Avis when ready and report the accident. Do not admit fault or sign anything except the police report. Take photos of all damage, get the other driver's insurance information, and get a police report number. Avis will file a claim with the other driver's insurance or with your own, depending on fault and your coverage. You may be responsible for the deductible on your personal insurance.

Can I rent a one-way car and return it to a different location?

Yes. One-way rentals cost more than round-trip rentals because Avis has to move the car back, but they are available at most locations. Specify your return location when you book. Some locations charge a one-way fee in addition to the daily rate; check your quote before you confirm.