What to know before renting a car
Renting a car with Avis: Everything you need to know
We appreciate that renting a car can often be a confusing experience. Whether you’re renting for the first time or unsure of the process, you may have questions like how does renting a car work or what to check before renting a car. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. We at Avis are focused on removing the stress and uncertainty that can come when renting a car.
There are plenty of reasons why you may need to rent out a car, whether your vehicle is being repaired, you’ve just landed at the airport, you’re travelling for work or perhaps you need a run-around for a weekend getaway. To get you on your way, here’s our no-nonsense guide on how to rent a car, including everything you need to know to let you rent with confidence.
Things to know before renting a car
So you don’t run into any unexpected dramas before any keys have even exchanged hands, we’ve put together this list of the most important things to know before renting a car.
What you should bring along when renting a car
If you are an Avis Preferred member and have booked via the Avis App, you may have completed an ID-verification process which enables you to bypass the counter entirely through one of our self-service car collection options available at certain locations..
For everyone else, when renting a car there are a few crucial things that you’ll need to bring with you. These include:
- Your driving licence - You need to hold a valid driving licence to rent out a car in the UK. Be sure to bring it with you when you pick up the vehicle, as our staff will not be able to let you drive away without seeing it.
- A credit card - You’ll need your credit or debit card with you to pick up your rental car, so don’t forget to bring it along.
- Any additional drivers - If you plan on sharing time behind the wheel with anyone else during your rental, they will need to be present when you pick up the car to complete the appropriate checks. Make sure they bring their driving licence along with them as well. It’s also important to remember that any additional drivers will incur additional costs. Read here to learn more.
- Photo ID (for international rentals) - If you are renting a car abroad, you’ll need to bring your photo ID with you, like a passport or driving licence.
How old do I have to be to rent a car?
While the law varies depending on the country you are in, the minimum age for renting a car in the UK is 23. You also need to have held a driving licence for at least one year. In addition, if you or your additional drivers are under the age of 25, you’ll need to pay an extra fee per day.
Age restrictions also vary by vehicle, with certain car groups not being available to drivers under the age of 25. For more details, read our Car Hire for Under 25s page.
What type of rental car should I get?
Before looking at how to rent a car, it’s important to consider your requirements.
If you’re after a rental car for an inner-city business trip, we offer a range of small vehicles, perfect for getting you around urban streets in a pinch.
For those after a bit more space, we have a number of mid-size cars to rent, ideal for those travelling with heavy luggage.
And for drivers looking to bring the whole family along, we have plenty of large cars in our lineup to offer some well-needed breathing space over longer journeys.
To view our full list of options, check out our fleet here. As availability will vary depending on the location you’re renting from, be sure to check beforehand that the vehicle you’re after is in stock.
What added extras are available with my rental car?
We offer several added extras to include in your car rental package, such as car seats for children in a range of sizes, accessible hand control systems for disabled drivers, our new Travel Companion, which features GPS, internet, free calls and plenty more.
For our full range of available add-ons, visit our car hire extras page. You can include any of these in your package during the online reservation process, or to amend a previous booking, visit our Manage Booking section.
Unsure if you need a car seat for your child? Check out our parents' car seat guide.
Car hire on your terms. Here’s what to expect:
- Fully flexible
Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers. - Savings on coverage
When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover. - Loyalty benefits
Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more. - Safety first
From our well-maintained fleet to protecting your data, we take safety seriously. - Faster collection
Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think. - VIP treatment
Get priority counter service on collection with Avis Preferred. At our larger locations you can use our Avis app to go straight to your car where the keys will be waiting for you.
Join our free Avis Preferred loyalty scheme and enjoy life in the fast lane
As a member you will have access to the perks of our priority service straight away. Plus, when you book direct with us you won’t find a cheaper Avis car anywhere else.
Here are some of the benefits that will come your way:
- A €15 voucher for your next trip after one rental.
- Priority service every time - jump the queue with pre-prepared paperwork and your vehicle at the ready.
- The full Avis App experience - Sign up, download our App and you’re in complete control of your car or van rental. Change or upgrade your rental as you approach a hire location, and choose the exact make and model you want. All at the touch of a button.
- A voucher for a free weekend after three rentals.
- Avis self-service car rental - in some locations, your keys and paperwork will be waiting for you in the car.
