Avis Car Rental Review

Avis is a globally recognized car rental company well-known for its reliable service and impressive vehicle fleet, which includes a wide range of cars, trucks, and vans.

It was founded in 1946 by Warren Avis, and its flagship office at Willow Run Airport in Detroit provided it with the distinction of being the first car rental company in the world to operate out of an airport.

Since its launch almost 80 years ago, Avis has grown into one of the world’s leading rental providers, operating across more than 550 venues in over 165 countries.

The company is part of the Avis Budget Group, which is headquartered in New Jersey, USA, and also includes Budget Rent a Car, Budget Truck Rental, and Zipcar.

When Does It Make Sense to Use Avis?

Avis enjoys a solid reputation in the car rental market, so they are a company that can be used in many situations.

As many of their offices are at airports, they are a good option when you are flying into a new destination and need reliable transportation. One strong selling point of the company is that they offer convenient airport pick-ups, which allow you to start your onward journey without experiencing delays.

If you are a business traveler, you should also enjoy Avis’ premium and luxury car options, as this will help you maintain a professional image in the vehicle of your choice. At the same time, anyone planning to visit remote destinations or go on a road trip can choose spacious SUVs or minivans, depending on their preference, with equal comfort and decent luggage space.

Avis is also ideal for those who need a temporary vehicle while their car is in repair or if they want to test-driving a specific model before by something. Moreover, if you’re moving to a new home or transporting bulky items, the company’s fleet of vans, trucks and larger vehicles will accommodate your needs.

If your circumstances dictate that you will be a frequent renter or you are a member of the Avis Preferred program, it also makes sense to hire a vehicle from the company.

When Doesn’t It Make Sense?

Avis has a very good reputation in the car rental market industry and can be relied upon when you need to make a booking for a hire vehicle.

However, there are situations where doing so may not be the best option for you. For instance, if you only need a vehicle for a few hours, a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft might be more cost-effective, quicker, and convenient for you than renting a car for an entire day.

Similarly, if public transportation is widely available and affordable in your destination, using buses, trains, or trams could save you money and the hassle of parking or trying to find your way from A to B. Particularly in major cities with heavy traffic and expensive parking fees, renting a car may be more trouble than it’s worth.

While Avis is not as expensive as other car hire companies, there are other companies that might be cheaper. Therefore, if you are on a strict budget, and you are looking for the absolute cheapest rental option available, and don’t require premium service or a large fleet selection, a smaller provider may suit your needs better.

As Avis charges a young driver fee, if you are under the age of 25, you might find that renting a vehicle from them is more expensive when compared to other companies on the market.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Vehicle From Avis

Every company has some things they do very well and others not so, and Avis is no exception. Here is a brief overview of their pros and cons.

Pros:

Perhaps the biggest benefit of booking with Avis is its extensive global network, which incorporates a presence in over 165 countries and all continents, including Antarctica.

For travelers, this means that in most major cities, you should be able to rent a vehicle at airports, city centers, or popular tourist destinations with confidence, thanks to their brand name.

Avis also caters to different budgets and preferences due to their wide range of vehicles, which include everything from economy cars to luxury models.

Moreover, their loyalty program, Avis Preferred, provides some excellent perks, such as expedited check-in and exclusive discounts for frequent renters, while their customer service is available 24/7.

Cons:

On the downside, Avis can be more expensive to rent cars from than smaller, local companies, especially when you factor in additional fees like insurance, young driver surcharges, and extra services.

In some remote or less popular locations, vehicle availability can also be limited during peak seasons, which might cause you inconvenience if you don’t book in advance.

Some customers have also reported low levels of satisfaction due to experiences they have had at local branches – although it must be said that these do not seem to be regular occurrences.

Booking Experience

Avis has invested a lot of time to ensure the customer experience of booking a vehicle with them is as straightforward and user-friendly as possible.

The Avis website and app allow customers to easily search for whatever vehicles they have available, compare prices, and customize their reservation with nice add-ons such as GPS, child seats, or additional insurance coverage.

The booking system also provides clear pricing and rental terms, which makes it easier for the customer to understand exactly how much they have to pay and what is expected of them before confirming a reservation.

However, although Avis aims to facilitate a quick and efficient process, it appears that wait times for vehicles can vary depending on the location from where you pick them up.

Moreover, while most customers find the booking process smooth, some have reported issues such as unexpected fees or not getting the vehicle they wanted due to it not being available.

Important Things to Note Before Renting with Avis

As mentioned, Avis enjoys a generally positive reputation in the car hire marketplace and is seen as one of the main players in the industry overall.

However, there are some things you should know about the company before making a booking with them. They include the following:

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Avis does provide competitive rates against many companies, but like most of them, they can often hit you with additional charges under certain circumstances.

Things like taxes, airport surcharges, young driver fees (for renters under 25), and extra add-ons like GPS or additional drivers can increase the final price, so you should carefully review the total cost before committing to hiring a vehicle with them.

Insurance & Deposit Policies

Avis offers various insurance options, including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection.

While taking out insurance is always optional with them, and some travelers opt for third-party insurance if you decline to take out such coverage, Avis might hold a high-security deposit on your credit card.

Vehicle Condition & Inspection

It is essential to take a comprehensive video of your rental before leaving the lot and when you bring it back to Avis.

If you don’t check for existing scratches, dents, or any pre-existing damage and ensure the company documents them, you could find yourself hit with expensive additional charges.

Cancellation & Refund Policies

Avis offers flexible cancellation policies, but you should be aware that fees may apply depending on the booking type.

Typically, prepaid rentals have stricter refund conditions, while pay-later reservations allow a bit more flexibility. But again, you should always review the terms and conditions before finalizing your booking.

Customer Service

Avis is known for providing professional customer service, although personal experiences can vary by location.

However, the company does offer 24/7 support to its customers via phone, email, and live chat, which provides them with assistance for bookings, general enquiries, roadside issues, or other emergencies.

Alternatives to Avis

If you would prefer not to make a booking through Avis there are plenty of alternatives you can choose instead.

In most cities and larger rural destinations, you should find that the likes of Hertz, Budget and Enterprise have offices either in or around the CBD, main tourist areas, or the airport.

Additionally, you may also find other players, such as Europcar, Alamo, Dollar, and Sixt, have a presence in the area, as well as smaller, independent agencies that operate on a local level.

If you prefer not to drive at all, you should consider using a ride-sharing app like Uber or catching a regular taxi.

Final Verdict: Should You Rent from Avis?

There is no question that Avis is a reliable option for those who want to hire a car. Therefore, doing so becomes a matter of whether you feel comfortable with them.

At the end of the day, only you can answer that. However, most people who use the company are satisfied by the quality of the vehicles they can hire, the value for money they represent, and the overall level of service they get.

That said, there is no harm in shopping around to see if you can get a better deal for what you need from somewhere else.