What you need to rent from Avis
To rent a car from Avis, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Avis accepts licenses from all U.S. states and most countries. The credit card must be the one you present at pickup — Avis does not accept debit cards as the primary payment method, though some locations may allow them with additional requirements like a deposit.
Your age matters. Drivers under 25 typically pay a daily surcharge (the amount varies by location and car type). Some car categories are not available to drivers under 25 at all. If you are renting in a state other than where your license was issued, bring your license anyway — it is valid everywhere in the U.S.
Insurance is required. You can use your personal auto policy if it covers rental cars, bring proof from your insurer, or purchase Avis's collision damage waiver and liability coverage at the counter. Ask your insurer before you book whether your policy covers rentals, because the answer changes what you need to buy from Avis.
Key Takeaways
- You must present a valid driver's license, a credit card in your own name, and proof of insurance at pickup — Avis will not rent to you without all three.
- Drivers under 25 pay a daily surcharge that varies by location, and some vehicle types are not available to them at any price.
- Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, so check your policy before you book to avoid paying twice for coverage.
- Avis charges for damage, late returns, and fuel if you do not return the car full — read the rental agreement at pickup before you sign.
- Reservation prices are not may provide until you complete the booking; rates change based on demand and how far in advance you book.
How to book an Avis rental
Go to Avis.com or call 1-800-331-1212 to make a reservation. You will need your pickup location, return location, pickup date and time, and return date and time. Avis shows you available cars and prices for each combination. The price you see includes the base rental rate and taxes; it does not include insurance, fuel charges, or fees for extra drivers.
Book as far in advance as you can if you know your dates. Rates are lower when you reserve early, and popular car types sell out during peak travel times. You can modify or cancel most reservations without penalty up to 24 hours before pickup, though some promotional rates have stricter rules — check the fine print when you book.
When you complete the booking, Avis sends a confirmation email with your reservation number. Write down or screenshot this number; you will need it at the counter. The confirmation shows the car type (not a specific car), the rate, and the pickup and return times.
What happens at pickup
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Bring your driver's license, the credit card you used to book, and proof of insurance. At the counter, the agent will ask you to review and sign the rental agreement. This document lists the car's condition, mileage, fuel level, and what you are responsible for if the car is damaged or returned late.
Read the agreement before you sign. Check the damage section — the agent should note any existing dents, scratches, or interior damage. If you see damage that is not listed, point it out when ready and ask the agent to add it. Take photos of the car's exterior and interior with your phone before you leave the lot; these photos protect you if Avis later claims you caused damage you did not cause.
The agent will explain fuel, mileage, and return policies. Most Avis rentals come with unlimited mileage. Fuel is usually sold on a prepay basis — you pay for a full tank upfront, and Avis keeps whatever fuel is left when you return the car. Some locations offer a "fuel exchange" option where you return the car empty and pay only for what you used.
Costs beyond the base rental rate
The price you see when you book does not include several charges that may appear on your final bill. Insurance costs vary by location and coverage type; collision damage waiver typically runs $15 to $30 per day. Additional drivers cost $10 to $15 per day each. Fuel charges depend on whether you prepay or return the car empty. Late return fees explore if you bring the car back after your scheduled return time — most locations charge a full day's rental rate if you are more than an hour late.
Damage charges are not a fixed cost, but they are common. Avis charges you for repairs to the car, and the amount depends on what was damaged. This is why the damage inspection at pickup and your own photos matter — they prove what condition the car was in when you took it.
Tolls, parking tickets, and traffic violations are your responsibility. If you incur any of these during the rental, Avis will charge you plus an administrative fee. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage that includes these charges, so check your card's benefits before you book.
Returning the car and what to avoid
Return the car to the location you selected at booking on the date and time shown in your confirmation. If you return it early, you are not refunded the unused days — the rate is fixed once you book. If you return it late, you pay for the extra time at the daily rate shown in your agreement.
Return the car with a full tank of fuel if you did not prepay. If you prepaid for fuel and the tank is not full, Avis charges you for the missing fuel at a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than what you would pay at a gas station. Return the car clean — Avis charges a cleaning fee if the interior is noticeably dirty.
Do not exceed the mileage limit if your rental has one (most do not, but some promotional rates do). Do not smoke in the car — Avis charges a $250 cleaning fee for smoking. Do not allow an unauthorized driver to operate the car; your rental agreement covers only the drivers you listed and paid for.
Avis loyalty programs and discounts
Avis Preferred membership is free and gives you faster checkout, a dedicated phone line, and sometimes lower rates. You sign up at Avis.com or at the counter. Once you are a member, you can skip the counter entirely at some locations and go straight to your car.
Avis offers discounts through partnerships with credit card companies, airlines, hotels, and employers. Ask whether your credit card, employer, or frequent flyer program has a discount code. These codes sometimes reduce the daily rate by 10 to 25 percent, though the discount varies by location and date. Enter the code when you book to see the discounted price.
Weekend and weekly rates are often lower than daily rates. If you are renting for three or more days, ask the agent whether a weekly rate would cost less than the daily rate multiplied by the number of days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I do not have a credit card?
Most Avis locations require a credit card in your name for the rental. Some locations may accept a debit card with a large deposit, but this is not standard. Call your local Avis location before you book to ask whether they accept debit cards and what deposit they require.
What if I need to return the car to a different location than I booked?
Call Avis at 1-800-331-1212 as soon as you know the change. One-way rentals (returning to a different location) usually cost more than round-trip rentals, and the additional charge depends on the distance. Avis will modify your reservation and send you an updated confirmation.
Am I covered if the car breaks down during my rental?
Yes. Avis is responsible for mechanical failures. Call the phone number on your rental agreement or the Avis roadside information number (usually on your key card). Avis will arrange a repair or send you a replacement car. You are not charged for the breakdown or the replacement vehicle.
What happens if I get a traffic ticket or parking violation in the rental car?
You are responsible for paying the ticket. Avis will charge your credit card for the ticket amount plus an administrative fee (usually $15 to $25). Pay the ticket directly if you can to avoid the administrative fee, but Avis may still find out and charge you anyway.
Can I extend my rental after I pick up the car?
Yes. Call Avis at the number on your rental agreement or go online to modify your reservation. The extension is charged at the daily rate for your car type on that date, which may be higher or lower than your original rate. Extending early (before your return date) usually locks in the current rate.