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Welcome to Avis

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.

Don't forget: Please don't include credit card details in any of your messages.

AFTER YOU'VE BOOKED

What’s an ‘on request’ booking?

If you have an unusual or specific request we may put your booking ‘on request’. For example, you may want to drive a particular Mercedes model. Your booking will be placed ‘on request’ while we see if this can be arranged.

We will contact you within three days and try to deliver exactly what you desire. Of course, we won’t take payment until your request is confirmed.

If you choose a car from our luxury Prestige range, your booking will automatically be placed ‘on request’ while we confirm your choice. 

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COLLECTING YOUR HIRE VEHICLE

What type of driving licence do I need to hire a vehicle?

Whether you’re hiring a car, van or scooter, you just need a clean driving licence that covers the vehicle you’re hiring.

Don’t worry if you have points on your driving licence. You can still hire a car in the UK if you have six or less points. 

You must have held your driving licence for at least three years and it must be from the country you live in.

Please bring your driving licence with you when collecting your vehicle.

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Do I need to arrive early to collect my hire car?

No, but if you do arrive early we will try our best to accommodate you.

If you’re collecting your hire at the weekend, remember pickup times can be restricted so please call ahead. Likewise, please call if you think you’re going to be more than half an hour late. 

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What will happen when I collect my hire vehicle?

Collecting your hire vehicle is quick and effortless, because we don’t want to hold you up on your journey.

Remember to bring both parts of your driving licence and a credit card (or two cards - where required - for high value vehicles).

We will then check your hire car for any existing damage. Once you are satisfied, simply sign the rental agreement. Then, the road is yours 

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The car group I reserved isn’t available. What are my options?

We always aim to provide the model you desire.

On the rare occasion we are unable to offer you a car from your chosen group, we will provide an equivalent or premium alternative.

This won’t cost you a penny extra, because we want everything to be just right for your journey.  

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What should I do if I see any damage on my hire vehicle that isn’t marked on my rental agreement?

We always check our hire vehicles thoroughly, but mistakes can happen.

Should you notice any damage on your hire vehicle not marked on your rental agreement, please call us as soon as possible after you collect it. For example, if it’s dark when you collect your vehicle please call us straight away the following morning.

Our number is on the front of your rental agreement.

If your vehicle was delivered, please call the number on the front of your rental agreement. 

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I have an international driving licence. Can I still hire a vehicle?

Yes, if you are driving abroad and the country requires it. But this alone isn’t enough to hire a vehicle. You also need a driving licence from your resident country. 

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I can’t find the paper part of my driving licence. Can I still collect my hire vehicle?

In many countries around the world the paper counterpart is not required today, so there will be no change. Anyone collecting their rental vehicle from an Avis or Budget store outside of the UK will, as previously, need to bring their photocard licence.
 
We understand customers may feel uneasy about the changes, so for peace of mind, UK customers renting cars abroad can also choose to visit the DVLA's 'Share Driving Licence' portal and bring along a print out of their licence, which shows current restrictions and penalties.
 

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I only have the card part of my driving licence. Can I still collect my hire vehicle?

Unfortunately you can’t. We really need to see your full driving licence before you get behind the wheel.

Please remember to bring all parts of your driving licence when you collect your vehicle. Or if you’re having your vehicle delivered, please be ready to show us both parts.  

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The address on my driving licence is out of date. Can I still hire a vehicle?

Yes, but you need to provide another form of identification showing your current address.

A recent utility bill or bank statement is perfect.  

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Car Hire in the UK, Europe & Worldwide | Avis Car Rental
Frequently Asked Questions

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