CAR HIRE TIPS: HOW TO RENT A CAR WITH AVIS

Renting a car and taking to the open road can be the perfect getaway. It might sound easy but, truth be told, renting a car can sometimes be a little confusing and time-consuming.

To give you a helping hand, we are here to guide you through car hire with a number of top car rental tips and tricks so you can enjoy your journey without any of the hassle.

Where possible, book early for the best deal …
As you can imagine, the sooner you book, the lower the prices will be and the wider the variety of vehicles you will have access to. If time is an issue, we suggest booking in advance using the Avis App, which allows customers to speed up and manage their booking process themselves from start to finish. Avis Preferred customers (sign up for the free membership programme) can skip the queues at the rental desk in certain locations and benefit from pre-prepared paperwork, meaning you’ll be on your way quicker and more easily. If you’re worried about booking early in case your plans change, don’t fret. You can amend or upgrade your vehicle choice using the app. It doesn’t get much easier than that. 

… and book direct on this website
There are countless myths around whether the ease of booking direct compromises the price you pay. It not only makes things easier: booking direct enables customers to make the most of the promotional deals companies frequently offer when you book through the website, such as the Avis Price Promise.

Just hearing the word ‘insurance’ can be a very dull start to a trip, but it goes without saying, the right insurance for your holiday car hire will give you complete peace of mind. Be sure to consider the type of cover you wish to receive before continuing with the booking. Renting a vehicle automatically entitles you to third party vehicle damage and theft cover. If you’d rather increase your protection, there is always the option to upgrade.

Remove car rental stress with our comprehensive cover package.​​​​​​​

To make a reservation, enter your details in the booking panel above or call our reservations centre from 8am to 9pm, 7 days a week.

Our chat team are also available from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 7 pm, to help you with your reservation.

When deciding on a rental car, ask yourself the following questions: How far will you be driving your rental car to your destination and will you be driving for long periods of time throughout your holiday? How many bags are you taking with you—will you need extra boot space? What type of driving will you be doing and what is the terrain like? Do you need a sporty vehicle for motorway driving or something more robust for the rugged mountain roads?

Selecting the right car for your needs can make a huge difference. Some rental companies offer an extensive range of vehicles so be sure to take advantage of what is on offer. Those looking for something a bit more luxurious can choose from the Avis Prestige range.

Avis UK customers can benefit from a number of ‘extras’ when booking in advance, including satellite navigation (GPS) or car seats for the little ones to make things easier.

The last thing holidaymakers want to deal with is the hassle of an accident or a breakdown while hiring a car; unfortunately, it can happen, and for peace of mind, better safe than sorry.

Most major car rental companies offer standard breakdown cover, but you will find they also provide customers with the option to pre-book extras such as upgrading their roadside assistance cover online, giving people added security in the unfortunate event of an emergency.

With Flight Arrival Number (FAN) technology, car rental is now easier than ever for those picking up a rental vehicle at selected European airports after their flight has landed. FAN is a tool that ensures Avis car rental staff wait for customers to collect their vehicle, even when their flight is delayed, giving them peace of mind while up in the air.

When booking directly through Avis, customers have the option to share their flight number so that their estimated time of arrival can be tracked.

Take the correct car hire documents
Not to state the obvious, but it’s surprising how many people turn up at the desk to collect their rental vehicle without the correct identification papers. Check what is accepted as ID and for payment beforehand – you can find this information in your rental agreement.

Always read the Terms and Conditions prior to booking a vehicle. For example, check age restrictions in the place you’re hiring a car, as it varies from one country to another. While there is often no maximum age limit on booking a rental vehicle, documentation and restrictions do vary per rental company and country, sometimes even varying depending on the type of vehicle.

Because of this, we ask customers to check the location-specific conditions. If need be, you can find out more by contacting the location directly or calling our reservations team.

Finally, remember to keep your car hire documents safe at hand – you never know when you may need them.

Ask as many questions as you want at the rental desk; that’s what the agents are there for. This will help avoid any miscommunication and ensure you leave the rental location with a complete understanding of what you have agreed to. They are also the best people to ask for advice or directions to your final destination.

Take photos in case of any damage
Before heading off, it’s always worth inspecting your vehicle inside and out. If you find anything amiss, take a photo—even of small imperfections, such as marks on doors or the interior. The rental car company will also inspect your vehicle, but having your own record can help make sure everyone is on the same page. Avis rental agents use their own Maintenance and Damage Management System, which is a smartphone app that logs all vehicle damages electronically. This saves you time when collecting and returning your car, and as everything is electronically saved to the email contract automatically, you can be assured that nothing has been missed.

If travelling in the EU, don’t forget to use free data roaming and use your mobile data to access GPS maps without being charged. That said, remember not to use your mobile phone while driving. In many countries, even outside of Europe, you can add Avis Mobile Wi-Fi to your car hire, keeping you connected and avoiding any roaming data charges from your mobile phone provider.

Fill up before you drop off
Always remember to return the car with the agreed amount of fuel, which will be indicated in your rental agreement. You will have the option to pay the rental company for any missing fuel; however, you can probably save money if you fill it up yourself. With Avis UK you can opt to pay for fuel upfront at the average, national fuel pump rate.