Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's on your mind? Here are the answers to your most pressing questions. If you can't find what you're looking for, please get in touch.CHOOSING YOUR HIRE VEHICLE
Can i choose the specific car i want to rent?
Usually you choose a car group, not a specific make or model. We’ll show you an example from that group to give you a clear idea of the type of vehicle you will get.
But hire in some countries from Avis Select Series and you get to pick the exact car you want. You can’t choose the colour, but that really won’t matter once you’re behind the wheel.
You could soon be driving the open road in a sassy Mini Cooper or a sporty Audi A5. We only offer quality models.
The choice is yours. Simply pick your perfect hire car.
Remember to book at least 72 hours before your journey so we can prepare your car.
Want to drive the open road in premium style? Hire from our Avis Prestige range in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland and the UK and make your journey that much more memorable. Choose from a selection of our most premium hire cars, from the latest convertible Porsches to the most luxurious Mercedes-Benz SUVs.
Planning a road trip? Start your journey.
Already planned a road trip? Check your booking.
But hire in some countries from Avis Select Series and you get to pick the exact car you want. You can’t choose the colour, but that really won’t matter once you’re behind the wheel.
You could soon be driving the open road in a sassy Mini Cooper or a sporty Audi A5. We only offer quality models.
The choice is yours. Simply pick your perfect hire car.
Remember to book at least 72 hours before your journey so we can prepare your car.
Want to drive the open road in premium style? Hire from our Avis Prestige range in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland and the UK and make your journey that much more memorable. Choose from a selection of our most premium hire cars, from the latest convertible Porsches to the most luxurious Mercedes-Benz SUVs.
Planning a road trip? Start your journey.
Already planned a road trip? Check your booking.
Fuel
Will my hire car come with a full tank of fuel?
Yes, all our hire cars come with a full tank of fuel. You have three options for returning your car.
Choose from:
1. Bring Back Full: If you return your hire car with a full tank of fuel, we won’t charge you – even if you chose Fuel Up Front when you collected it.
2. Fuel Up Front: You can pay for a full tank of fuel when you collect your car to save you refuelling at the end of your trip.
3. Pay On Return: If you don’t return your hire car full and didn’t choose Fuel Up Front, we can refuel it when you bring it back. But this is the most expensive option.
Don’t forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.
Planning a road trip? Start your journey.
Choose from:
1. Bring Back Full: If you return your hire car with a full tank of fuel, we won’t charge you – even if you chose Fuel Up Front when you collected it.
2. Fuel Up Front: You can pay for a full tank of fuel when you collect your car to save you refuelling at the end of your trip.
3. Pay On Return: If you don’t return your hire car full and didn’t choose Fuel Up Front, we can refuel it when you bring it back. But this is the most expensive option.
Don’t forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.
Planning a road trip? Start your journey.
PAYING FOR YOUR HIRE VEHICLE
How can i pay for my hire car?
You can pay online or at the counter when you collect your vehicle, using Visa (debit or credit), MasterCard (debit or credit), American Express, Diners and Discover. Don’t forget to bring this card when you check out your hire vehicle.
Unfortunately we don’t accept cards with Maestro, Solo, JCB or Cirrus logos.
Pre-paid cards are not accepted at the rental station at vehicle collection but can be used to take care of any unpaid balance at the end of your rental.
For information about payment methods outside Europe we advise you to contact the rental station. (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners and Discover are accepted everywhere.)
Remember, the name on the card must match the driving licence of the main driver. And don’t forget to bring your payment card when you collect your rental. For high value vehicles, you may need to bring two credit cards for added security.
Don’t forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.
Unfortunately we don’t accept cards with Maestro, Solo, JCB or Cirrus logos.
Pre-paid cards are not accepted at the rental station at vehicle collection but can be used to take care of any unpaid balance at the end of your rental.
For information about payment methods outside Europe we advise you to contact the rental station. (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners and Discover are accepted everywhere.)
Remember, the name on the card must match the driving licence of the main driver. And don’t forget to bring your payment card when you collect your rental. For high value vehicles, you may need to bring two credit cards for added security.
Don’t forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.
Planning a trip? Start your journey.
Already planned a trip? Check your booking.
EXTRA CHARGES
HOW MUCH IS THE EXCESS CHARGE?
The excess is the amount you pay if something goes wrong during your journey. For example, if you have an accident or your personal belongings are stolen from your hire vehicle. The amount you pay depends on the vehicle you hire, which country you hire it in and whether you choose to reduce the excess by upgrading your level of cover.
When you hire a vehicle with us, you’ll automatically receive third party, vehicle damage (Collision Damage Waiver) and vehicle Theft Cover to safeguard you on your journey. If you book on the US website you may find that vehicle damage and vehicle theft cover are not included, as some credit cards provide insurance for car hire.
Third party cover is the basic level you need to hire a vehicle – that’s why we always include it. Should you damage another vehicle or passengers and their property, you won’t have to pay for repairs or injuries.
But, if you have an accident you will still need to pay a fixed excess fee – unless you upgrade your cover. Find out how much you pay depending on what you hire and where you hire it. We also offer Personal Accident Insurance in case you’re injured in an accident.
Don’t forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.
When you hire a vehicle with us, you’ll automatically receive third party, vehicle damage (Collision Damage Waiver) and vehicle Theft Cover to safeguard you on your journey. If you book on the US website you may find that vehicle damage and vehicle theft cover are not included, as some credit cards provide insurance for car hire.
Third party cover is the basic level you need to hire a vehicle – that’s why we always include it. Should you damage another vehicle or passengers and their property, you won’t have to pay for repairs or injuries.
But, if you have an accident you will still need to pay a fixed excess fee – unless you upgrade your cover. Find out how much you pay depending on what you hire and where you hire it. We also offer Personal Accident Insurance in case you’re injured in an accident.
Don’t forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.
Planning a trip abroad? Start your journey.
Already planned a trip abroad? Check your booking.
COLLECTING YOUR HIRE VEHICLE
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WHEN I COLLECT MY HIRE VEHICLE?
You just need to bring your:
• Driving licence
• Credit card (if it's a high value vehicle, perhaps two for added security. Please check your booking)
• Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card)
• Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or photo driving licence)
If you’re an Avis Preferred member, simply bring your membership card and your full driving licence.
Lastly, if you booked online or over the phone, don’t forget to bring a copy of your email confirmation showing your unique booking reference.
• Driving licence
• Credit card (if it's a high value vehicle, perhaps two for added security. Please check your booking)
• Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card)
• Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or photo driving licence)
If you’re an Avis Preferred member, simply bring your membership card and your full driving licence.
Lastly, if you booked online or over the phone, don’t forget to bring a copy of your email confirmation showing your unique booking reference.
Planning a trip? Start your journey.
Already planned a trip? Check your booking.
STARTING YOUR BOOKING
HOW FAR CAN I DRIVE MY HIRE CAR?
In some countries your mileage will be capped. This will be shown in the third step (Prices and Extras) of your booking journey and on your rental agreement.
If you have chosen a car from our range of Prestige vehicles, there is a mileage limit. This is set by the (country) hire station. We’ll let you know the limit before you book.
Don’t forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.
If you have chosen a car from our range of Prestige vehicles, there is a mileage limit. This is set by the (country) hire station. We’ll let you know the limit before you book.
Don’t forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.
Planning a trip? Start your journey.
Already planned a trip? Check your booking.
RETURNING YOUR HIRE VEHICLE
CAN I RETURN MY HIRE CAR TO A DIFFERENT HIRE STATION?
We always try to be as flexible as we can to make your journey easy and a pleasure. That’s why you can book a one-way trip for national, inter-regional and cross-continental trips. We recommend returning your car to the same pick-up location, because dropping it somewhere else will cost more. But don’t worry, any extra cost will be included in your booking fee, so you know upfront.
Don’t forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.
Don’t forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.
Planning a trip? Start your journey.
Already planned a trip? Check your booking.
DRIVING ABROAD
CAN I DRIVE MY CAR ABROAD?
We want you to enjoy as much freedom as possible – the road is yours after all. Just request this option at least for 3 days before your jorney and we'll prepare all necessary documents.
Find out if you can hire a car for your journey by contacting our reservations team or check when you book online. Don't forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.
Find out if you can hire a car for your journey by contacting our reservations team or check when you book online. Don't forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.
Planning a trip? Start your journey.
Already planned a trip? Check your booking.
RETURNING YOUR HIRE VEHICLE LATE
I´M GOING TO RETURN MY HIRE CAR LATER THAN AGREED. IS THIS OK?
We understand you might get delayed, so we try to be flexible. If you’re running late or need to extend your car rental - do make sure you contact us as soon as possible. Should you return the vehicle late - without notifying us or extending your hire - you may be subject to a late return fee.
How is a late return fee applied?
If you overrun past your agreed return date and time, you will incur a late return fee
If you still haven't returned the vehicle 24 hours later, then another late return fee will be applied
A late return fee will continue to be added every 24 hour period thereafter, until you return the vehicle to the rental station
Please note, if you return your vehicle after the agreed date and time, you will pay an additional days rental charge - plus a late return fee for each day (or part of a day) that you are late.
How much is a late return fee?
Depending on the country of rental, the daily late return fee will be (inclusive of VAT):
£12
CHF16.20
125 (DKR, NKR or SKR)
Between €10 and €12.30 (country dependant)
Or the equivalent amount in local currency
Rental agreement:
Please always review the rental terms and conditions and your rental agreement when you check the vehicle out. You can also find the relevant contact details on your rental agreement.
How is a late return fee applied?
If you overrun past your agreed return date and time, you will incur a late return fee
If you still haven't returned the vehicle 24 hours later, then another late return fee will be applied
A late return fee will continue to be added every 24 hour period thereafter, until you return the vehicle to the rental station
Please note, if you return your vehicle after the agreed date and time, you will pay an additional days rental charge - plus a late return fee for each day (or part of a day) that you are late.
How much is a late return fee?
Depending on the country of rental, the daily late return fee will be (inclusive of VAT):
£12
CHF16.20
125 (DKR, NKR or SKR)
Between €10 and €12.30 (country dependant)
Or the equivalent amount in local currency
Rental agreement:
Please always review the rental terms and conditions and your rental agreement when you check the vehicle out. You can also find the relevant contact details on your rental agreement.
Planning a trip? Start your journey.
Already planned a trip? Check your booking.
INVOICING
HOW DO I REQUEST AN INVOICE ONLINE, OR GET A COPY OF MY INVOICE OR RENTAL AGREEMENT?
You can retrieve your latest invoice online using your booking reference number, rental agreement number or Avis Preferred Customer Number.
Retrieve your invoice online here.
If you already tried to retrieve your invoice online but aren’t having much luck, your invoice may not yet be available. Call our customer services team for help.
Retrieve your invoice online here.
If you already tried to retrieve your invoice online but aren’t having much luck, your invoice may not yet be available. Call our customer services team for help.
Planning a trip? Start your journey.
Already planned a trip? Check your booking.