What Avis is and how to rent a car there

Avis is a car rental company with locations at airports, in city centers, and at neighborhood branches across the United States and internationally. You reserve a vehicle online or by phone, pick it up at a location near you, drive it for the rental period you choose, and return it to an Avis location when you're done. You pay a daily rate plus fuel, insurance options, and any add-ons you select.

Avis operates under a straightforward model: you control when the rental starts and ends, you're responsible for the car's condition during that time, and you return it with a full tank of gas (or pay Avis's fuel charges). The company has been operating since 1946 and is now owned by Hertz Global Holdings.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance to rent from Avis, though Avis also sells its own insurance at the counter.
  • Reservations are made online at avis.com, by phone, or through a travel booking site, and you can cancel or modify most reservations without penalty up to 24 hours before pickup.
  • The rental rate covers the car itself, but fuel, tolls, parking, and damage are your responsibility unless you purchase additional coverage.
  • Pickup happens at your chosen location during business hours, and you'll inspect the car, sign paperwork, and receive keys before you leave.
  • Return is as straightforward as driving to an Avis location, turning in the keys, and receiving a receipt — the company inspects the car after you leave.

What you need to rent a car from Avis

To rent from Avis, you must present a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state, Canadian province, or other country. The name on your license must match the name on the credit card you use to pay. Avis accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) but does not accept debit cards as the primary payment method, though some locations may allow a debit card if you also provide a second form of ID and proof of a recent utility bill.

You'll also need proof of insurance. This can be your personal auto insurance policy, a card from your insurer, or a screenshot of your policy on your phone. If you don't have personal insurance or prefer not to use it, Avis sells damage waivers and liability coverage at the rental counter — these are optional but common. Drivers under 25 may face an additional daily surcharge and may not be able to rent certain vehicle types; Avis's website shows age restrictions for each car class.

How to make a reservation

Visit avis.com and enter your pickup location, pickup date and time, and return date and time. Avis will show you available cars in different classes — economy, midsize, SUV, truck, and premium — along with the total price for your rental period. Select a car, enter your driver's license number and personal information, and choose your insurance and add-ons. Then provide your credit card details and confirm the reservation.

You can also call Avis at 1-800-331-1212 to book by phone, or use a travel website like Kayak, Expedia, or Costco Travel (if you're a member) to search and book. Whichever method you use, you'll receive a confirmation email with your reservation number, pickup location address, and the rate you locked in. Most reservations can be changed or canceled without charge if you do so at least 24 hours before your scheduled pickup time; canceling closer to pickup may trigger a fee depending on the rate type you chose.

What happens at pickup

Arrive at your chosen Avis location during its business hours on your reservation date. Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. A rental agent will pull up your reservation, verify your information, and ask whether you want to purchase additional insurance or add-ons like a GPS device, child car seat, or extra driver.

You'll then walk to the car with the agent or a lot attendant. Before you leave the lot, you and the agent will inspect the vehicle together — they'll point out any existing damage (dents, scratches, stains) and note it on the rental agreement. This step protects you: damage noted at pickup won't be charged to you at return. Take photos of the car's condition on your phone if you want extra documentation. The agent will show you how to operate the car's basic features, give you the keys, and you're ready to drive.

Your responsibilities while you have the car

You are responsible for all fuel consumed during the rental. Avis offers a few fuel options at the time of booking: you can prepay for a full tank at a discounted rate (you return it empty), you can return it with a full tank and pay Avis's per-gallon rate for any shortfall, or you can decline prepayment and pay Avis's fuel charges if you return it less than full. The prepay option is usually the best deal if you plan to use most of a tank.

You also pay for tolls, parking fees, traffic violations, and any damage beyond normal wear and tear. If you purchase a damage waiver (called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW), you won't be charged for most collision damage; without it, you're liable for repairs. Check your personal auto insurance and credit card benefits before you rent — many policies and cards cover rental car damage, which means you may not need to buy Avis's coverage.

How to return the car

Drive to your chosen return location on or before your return date and time. If you return the car late, Avis will charge you for additional rental days at the daily rate. Park in the designated return area, turn off the engine, and take the keys to the attendant or counter. The agent will inspect the car for damage, check the fuel level, and print a final receipt showing any charges beyond your reservation.

Keep your receipt. It shows the total amount charged, any damage fees, fuel charges, or other costs. If you rented through a third-party site like Expedia, your receipt from Avis may differ from what that site quoted — always verify the final charge against your credit card statement. Avis typically processes the final charge within a few days of return.

Common add-ons and optional services

At pickup, Avis offers several optional purchases. A Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) limits your liability if the car is damaged; the cost varies by location and car type but typically runs $15 to $30 per day. Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others; this is optional if your personal insurance is sufficient. Personal Effects Coverage reimburses you for items stolen from the car.

Equipment add-ons include GPS navigation (though most phones have free maps), child car seats, ski racks, and roof boxes. Some locations offer Avis Preferred membership, which speeds up the rental process by storing your information and letting you skip the counter on future rentals. There is no membership fee, but you must enroll online or at the counter.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you have an accident, mechanical problem, or other issue while driving, call Avis's roadside information line — your rental agreement includes the number. Avis will arrange a tow, a replacement car, or repairs depending on the situation. For accidents, you'll file a report with Avis and your insurance company; keep photos and the police report number if law enforcement responded.

If you're charged for damage you believe you didn't cause, contact Avis customer service with your receipt and photos taken at pickup. Avis investigates damage claims and may reverse charges if the damage was pre-existing or if you have documentation. Disputes can take several weeks to resolve, so follow up in writing (email) to create a record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?

Yes, but Avis charges an additional daily fee for drivers under 25, typically $15 to $25 per day depending on location. Some car classes (luxury vehicles, large SUVs) may not be available to drivers under 21. Check the Avis website when you search for your rental — it will show age restrictions for each vehicle type.

What if I return the car late?

Avis charges you for each additional day at the daily rate from your reservation. If you're running late, call the return location to let them know; some locations offer a grace period of 29 minutes before charging for an extra day. Always return by your scheduled time if possible to avoid surprise charges.

Do I have to buy Avis's insurance?

No. If your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars, you don't need to purchase Avis's damage waiver. Bring proof of your coverage to the counter. If you don't have coverage, Avis's Loss Damage Waiver is optional but recommended to limit your financial risk if the car is damaged.

Can I add another driver to my reservation?

Yes. You can add an additional driver at the time of booking or at the rental counter. The additional driver must present a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years old (or 21 depending on location). There is usually no extra charge for an additional driver, but verify this when you book.

What if I need to extend my rental?

Call Avis or visit avis.com to extend your reservation before your return date. Avis will extend the rental at the rate available on that date, which may be higher or lower than your original rate. Extensions are subject to car availability at your return location.