Avis Review

Avis is a premium global car rental brand operating in 165+ countries under the Avis Budget Group umbrella. Known for its "We Try Harder" slogan, the company targets business travelers and premium leisure renters with its connected car technology and Avis Preferred loyalty program.

Avis maintains a well-curated fleet that emphasizes quality and modernity over sheer variety. The selection covers all standard categories from economy through luxury, with a focus on reliable models from manufacturers like Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, and Hyundai. Premium vehicles from BMW and Mercedes are available at select locations. The fleet is generally newer than average, with most vehicles carrying the current or previous model year. This translates to modern safety features, current infotainment systems, and generally low mileage. The consistent quality across locations reflects Avis's positioning as a premium brand within the Avis Budget Group portfolio. The Avis Signature Series offers a curated selection of premium vehicles for travelers seeking something special. These include luxury SUVs, high-end sedans, and sports cars at competitive rates compared to standalone luxury rental companies. Availability is limited to major airport locations but expanding. Electric and hybrid vehicles are available in select markets, though Avis's EV fleet is smaller than Hertz's more aggressive rollout. The company has taken a measured approach to electrification, gradually increasing availability as charging infrastructure improves in key rental markets.

Avis operates at the premium end of the rental market, with base rates typically 15-25% higher than its sibling brand Budget and 10-20% higher than Enterprise. The premium pricing reflects the newer fleet, connected car features, and brand positioning rather than dramatically different vehicles. The pricing structure offers multiple tiers including "Pay Now" (cheapest, non-refundable), "Pay Later" (flexible, higher price), and corporate rates for business accounts. AWD (Avis Wizard Discount) codes are widely available through employers, organizations, and credit card partnerships. Always check for applicable discount codes before booking at the standard rate. Where Avis's pricing becomes difficult to justify is in the extras category. Additional driver fees ($13-15/day), GPS rental ($15/day), and toll transponders ($5-10/day) are among the highest in the industry. These add-ons can easily double the base rental cost for a family trip. Bringing your own navigation and toll equipment is strongly recommended. The Avis Preferred Points loyalty program provides a path to free rentals, but the earning rate requires significant spending to reach meaningful rewards. Business travelers with corporate accounts typically get better value, as negotiated corporate rates and included extras make the premium pricing more palatable.

Avis's Connected Car technology is its most distinctive feature, allowing renters to locate their vehicle in the parking lot, lock and unlock doors, and check fuel level through the Avis app. This technology is deployed across a growing portion of the fleet and provides a genuinely useful level of vehicle control from your smartphone. The Avis Preferred program offers counter-skipping convenience at major airports, where members proceed directly to the Avis Preferred lot, find their name on the display board, and drive away in the assigned vehicle. The ability to modify the vehicle assignment through the app before reaching the lot adds flexibility to the process. The booking platform is straightforward and functional, with clear pricing, vehicle photos, and detailed terms displayed during the reservation process. The mobile app mirrors the desktop experience and adds location-based features for finding nearby Avis branches and managing active rentals. Avis's business travel features are well-developed, with corporate account management tools, centralized billing options, detailed receipts for expense reporting, and policy compliance features. These enterprise capabilities make Avis a popular choice for corporate travel programs despite the higher consumer pricing.

Avis offers the standard suite of rental car insurance products, with CDW/LDW reducing or eliminating the damage deductible, SLP providing supplemental liability coverage, PAI covering personal injury, and PEC protecting personal belongings. The basic CDW included in the rental rate leaves a deductible of $500-2,500 depending on the vehicle class. The LDW upgrade that eliminates the deductible costs $20-35 per day at most locations, placing it at the higher end of the industry range. Combining all available insurance products can add $50-65 per day to the rental cost, which often exceeds the daily base rate for economy vehicles. Avis's damage claims process is professionally managed but, like other major brands, can feel one-sided. The company uses standardized vehicle inspections at return and provides detailed damage reports when charges are assessed. Disputed claims are reviewed by a central team, with resolution typically taking 2-4 weeks. For business travelers, corporate accounts often include insurance coverage as part of the negotiated rate, eliminating the need for individual insurance purchases. Personal travelers should check credit card rental coverage and existing auto insurance policies before accepting counter insurance, as this represents the single biggest opportunity to reduce rental costs.

Avis customer support is professional and accessible through multiple channels, including phone, email, live chat, and social media. Phone support is available during extended hours with average wait times of 5-8 minutes. Avis Preferred members benefit from a dedicated support line with shorter wait times and agents familiar with the loyalty program. The support quality is generally consistent across channels, with agents able to handle booking modifications, cancellations, and basic complaint resolution. More complex issues like damage disputes or cross-border rental problems may require escalation, which can extend resolution timelines. In-app support features include quick access to rental agreement details, nearby location finder, and the ability to extend or modify active rentals. The Connected Car features also feed into support, allowing agents to remotely assist with vehicle lock-outs and location issues. Post-rental support follows industry standard timelines, with billing inquiries resolved in 5-10 business days and damage claims in 2-4 weeks. Avis maintains a customer advocacy team for escalated complaints that have not been resolved through standard channels. This escalation path exists but is not prominently advertised.