What Avis offers through Uber's platform
Avis is a car rental company that appears as an option within the Uber app alongside ride-sharing services. When you open Uber and select the car rental section, Avis locations near you show up with available vehicles, rates, and rental terms. You book and pay through Uber, but you pick up the actual car at an Avis location and return it there when done.
This is different from Uber's ride services — you are renting a car for your own use, not hiring a driver. The rental period can be a few hours, a full day, or multiple days, depending on what Avis has available at that location.
Key Takeaways
- You book Avis rentals directly through the Uber app by selecting the car rental option and choosing a pickup location and date.
- Payment happens in the Uber app, but you pick up the physical car at an Avis location and show your driver's license and payment method in person.
- Rates vary by location, vehicle type, and how long you rent — hourly, daily, and multi-day options are typically available.
- You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card to complete the rental at the Avis counter.
- Cancellation and damage policies are set by Avis, not Uber, so review the terms before you confirm your booking.
How to book an Avis rental through Uber
Open the Uber app and tap the car rental icon (usually labeled "Rent" or shown as a car symbol). Enter your pickup location, pickup date and time, and return date and time. The app will show available Avis locations near you with vehicle options and prices.
Select the vehicle type you want — compact, sedan, SUV, or whatever is available — and review the total price. The price shown includes the rental rate plus any applicable fees. Tap to confirm your booking, and you will receive a confirmation number in the app.
You do not take possession of the car until you arrive at the Avis location. Bring your driver's license, a valid credit card, and proof of insurance. At the counter, an Avis agent will verify your information, show you the vehicle, and hand over the keys.
What documents and information you need
Before you book, have these items ready: a valid driver's license (from any U.S. state or an international license if you are visiting), a credit card in your name, and proof of auto insurance. Some Avis locations accept insurance from your personal auto policy; others require you to purchase coverage through Avis.
When you arrive for pickup, the Avis agent will ask to see your license and credit card. They may also ask about the insurance you plan to use. If you do not have personal auto insurance or do not want to use it, Avis offers damage waiver and liability coverage options that you can purchase at the counter — these are optional but recommended.
You will also sign a rental agreement at the counter that outlines mileage limits, fuel policy, and damage responsibility. Read this carefully before signing, as it is a legal contract between you and Avis.
Pricing and what is included
The price shown in the Uber app is the base rental rate for the vehicle and time period you selected. This typically includes the car itself and basic liability coverage required by law in your state. It does not usually include fuel, tolls, parking fees, or optional add-ons like extra insurance or GPS.
Avis charges for fuel in one of two ways: you can return the car with a full tank (you pay for the fuel you used), or you can prepay for a full tank when you rent (Avis fills it before you leave). Prepay is often cheaper per gallon than paying for fuel after you return the car. Ask the agent which option makes sense for your trip.
Mileage is usually unlimited for daily rentals, but hourly rentals may have a mileage cap. Check the booking details in the Uber app before you confirm — it will show whether mileage is limited and what overage charges apply.
Cancellation and changes to your booking
You can cancel or modify your booking through the Uber app up until a certain time before your pickup — usually 24 hours, but this varies by location. If you cancel within the allowed window, you will receive a refund to your original payment method. If you cancel after that window closes, Avis may charge a cancellation fee.
To change your pickup or return time, open your booking in the Uber app and select the option to modify. The app will show you the new price if your dates or times change. Confirm the change, and Avis will update your reservation.
If you need to extend your rental after you have already picked up the car, call the Avis location directly or ask the agent at the counter. You can usually extend for additional hours or days, though availability and pricing may differ from your original booking.
Damage, fuel, and return procedures
When you return the car, an Avis agent will inspect it for damage, check the fuel level, and verify the mileage. If the car has new damage beyond normal wear, Avis will charge you for repairs. If you purchased a damage waiver when you rented, that coverage may reduce or eliminate your responsibility — review your rental agreement to see what is covered.
Return the car with the fuel level you agreed to at pickup. If you prepaid for a full tank, return it full. If you agreed to return it full, fill it up at a gas station before you arrive — Avis fuel is more expensive than retail gas. If the tank is low when you return it, Avis will charge you for fuel at their rate, which is typically higher than market price.
Return the car on time. If you are late, Avis will charge you for additional hours or days depending on how late you are. Return it to the same Avis location where you picked it up unless your booking specifies a different location.
Insurance and liability coverage
Your personal auto insurance may cover a rental car, but you need to verify this before you rent. Call your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rental vehicles and what the deductible is. Some policies do not cover rentals, or they cover only certain types of vehicles.
If your personal insurance does not cover rentals or you do not have auto insurance, you must purchase coverage from Avis. The two main options are a damage waiver (which covers damage to the rental car) and liability coverage (which covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property). Avis will offer these at the counter when you pick up the car, and you can add them to your rental charge.
Credit card companies sometimes offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit, but this coverage is often secondary to your personal insurance and may have limits. Check your credit card's benefits guide or call the card issuer before you rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book an Avis rental if I do not have a credit card?
No. Avis requires a credit card in your name to hold the reservation and to complete the rental at the counter. Debit cards are not accepted. If you do not have a credit card, you will need to open one or find another rental option.
What happens if I return the car late?
Avis charges for additional time. If you are a few minutes late, you may be charged for an extra hour or day depending on the location's policy. If you know you will be late, call the Avis location as soon as possible — sometimes they can extend your reservation without an extra charge if availability allows.
Can I add a second driver to my rental?
Yes, but you must add them at the Avis counter when you pick up the car, not through the Uber app. The second driver must have a valid driver's license and be present at pickup. Avis may charge an additional fee for a second driver; ask the agent for the cost.
What if the Avis location does not have the car I booked?
If the vehicle you booked is not available when you arrive, Avis will offer you a comparable vehicle at no extra charge, or you can cancel and receive a refund. Ask the agent what alternatives they have before you decide.
Do I need to return the car to the same Avis location where I picked it up?
Usually yes, unless your booking shows a different return location. Some Avis locations allow one-way rentals, but these are less common and may cost more. Check your booking confirmation in the Uber app to see where you are required to return the car.