Avis vs Hertz: Which is Right For You? [2024]

Avis vs Hertz: For renting a car, it can be really daunting to decide which company to choose. Usually, many people opt for cars with cheap rental prices, better insurance policies, and convenient pickup & drop-off locations.

And while searching for companies, if your search shows comparable rates, consider a rental company with excellent reviews and a few other factors. 

Both Avis and Hertz are such top-tier companies for corporate travel and have amazing service. However, they differ in certain aspects! So, keep on reading to know more about Avis vs Hertz comparison. 

Avis vs Hertz: What are They?

Avis

Want to rent a car on the go? Don't worry, Avis Car Rental has got you covered! Avis is an American car rental provider to the commercial segment serving business travelers at major airports across the world and leisure travelers at off-airport locations.

Most of these off-airport locations are allowed operations rather than the company-owned and operated, when compared with the most airport locations. 

Avis states itself as the original innovative in the rental car industry to rent vehicles from airport locations and has now increased its service to operate in over 165 countries worldwide. And with over 1,400 locations in the United States, you'll never be too far from an Avis office. 

Hertz 

The Hertz is another American car rental company that operates around 12,000 corporate and franchise locations, both locally and internationally. 

As being one of the largest vehicle rental companies by locations, sales, and fleet size, it works in over 160 countries in Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

Hertz is a familiar brand among travelers and individuals who often need to rent a car, and there are various factors for deciding whether to go with this company for our next car rental.

Through Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership, it offers several distinct features, such as you can log in with a touch or facial ID, access to full rental history, change profile, preferences, and payments, and more.

Avis vs Hertz: How Does it Work?

Renting a car is a simple choice for people who require a temporary vehicle for a special event, vacation, business outing or during sometime when you are in between cars. 

Typically, renting a car is as simple as contacting the rental car company and answering a few questions about your requirements and your budget.

Yet, it chiefly varies from one company or location to another. So, read on further to know how Avis and Hertz's car rental apps work.

Avis

Requirements to Rent a Car Through Avis: 

• You must be at least 25 years old or older.
• Valid driver's license issued by US or Canada, or by another country that meets Avis requirements.
• No reckless driving convictions in the past 36 months, the record of possession of a stolen vehicle, or using a vehicle in a crime.
• Avis-honored credit cards, such as Avis Charge Card, American Express, China Union Pay, Diners Club International, Discover, GE Capital, JCB, MasterCard, Sears, or Visa.
• Additional form of ID like US passport ID or US Military ID.

You can also rent a car from the Avis fleet if you're age is 21-24, but you will have to pay an additional surcharge. Visit here for more information on age requirements.

Through Avis' Speed of Service,' you can easily make reservations across the world. Because it works with a standardized computer system called – the ‘Wizard System.'

This Wizard system is a real-time online system that transfers reservations through satellite within a few seconds. So, once you qualify the above requirements and have a certain form of payment to sign up, you can select a rental car through Avis. 

You will then get an Avis Wizard Number, which you can use as an Avis Preferred Program membership number. 

Use this number to log into your account after you've been enrolled and get information regarding rental conditions, rental rates, station address, vehicle types, insurance conditions, and more. 

Hertz

Requirements to Rent a Car Through Hertz: 

• You and any person driving the vehicle must be 25 years of age or over.
• Required to present a valid driver's license at the time of pickup.
• Pay Hertz for all charges with a credit, Visa/Mastercard debit or charge card that is accepted at the pickup location (Card) or by cash.
• Proof of address like a utility bill, bank statement, property lease agreement, telephone account, letter of employment, or official government paperwork.

You can also rent a car from the Hertz fleet if your age is 21-24, but you will have to pay an additional surcharge. For more information on the age requirements, you can visit here. 

Once you qualify for all the requirements mentioned above, you can rent a car through Hertz by contacting Hertz through various channels. 

Making a reservation through Hertz is like expressing your desire and interest to rent a vehicle of a certain vehicle class or a Hertz licensee at a specified time, location, and date.

Generally, Hertz only accepts reservations for a vehicle class but not for vehicles either of certain models or makes or with specific characteristics.

But you can get an exception if you reserve a vehicle under ‘Hertz Prestige Collection' or if you are a member of the Hertz Club. After you choose the model of your interest, you can just go and drive away! 

Remember that you may or may not be approved to rent a car through Hertz. Therefore, you'll have to meet the needed requirements and follow its terms and conditions. 

Pricing

When renting a car, finding the cheapest deals tends to be the number one factor in order to choose which company to go with.

Not only that, but you'll also have to keep in mind extra costs like taxes, late fees, car seats, etc., which make the base rental price double. Read on further to know more about the Avis vs Hertz comparison in terms of pricing.

Avis

Avis Preferred program is their loyalty offering that is entirely free to join. It gives you complete control of your rental and even provides special offers. 

And to check the price of your rental car, you can submit the pickup and drop-off information into the reservation form. And when you choose ‘Select My Car' you can see all the available vehicles and the prices. 

Still, remember that your car rental cost changes based on a few factors like availability, length of the rental period, location, car type, and other add-ons.

Hertz

Hertz also has a membership plan called Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership that offers rewards for renting cars. For instance, you can earn a point for every dollar spent on Hertz rental cars.

This rewards program is quite amazing as it comes with many advantages when compared to Avis. And thus, making it useful to consider joining their rewards program even if you don't often rent cars. Visit here for more information.

Avis vs Hertz: How Much Do They Hold on to Your Card?

Like any other major car rental company, both Avis and Hertz will put a hold on your debit card or credit card when you rent a car. This is equal to the total cost of the reservation, as well as a security deposit. 

Also, it covers a few situations like additional fuel charges or late returns. Keep on reading to find out more about Avis vs Hertz comparison regarding how much they hold on to your card.

Avis

To rent a car from Avis, you'll need to pay a deposit upfront. This security deposit amount is based on various factors, such as the pickup location and how you are paying. 

For instance, if you pay with a debit or credit card, it'll place hold of $200 along with the estimated rental charges. Yet, these funds are not accessible to you during the rental period. 

And when returning the vehicle, it'll return any unused amount of the hold. This process can usually take up to two weeks to get into your account through your bank. 

Although Avis does not accept debit cards in some areas, there is still some exception. For example, if renters arrive by air and can present a round-trip ticket, they can access the cars by using debit cards.

However, the only catch is that, at these airport locations, the debit card hold will be the predicted rental charges along with $350. 

Hertz

When you book with Hertz, it will charge a hold of up to $200 along with predicted rental charges. This money is frozen until your credit card company returns it.

If you don't return the car on time, Hertz could put an additional hold. Therefore, make sure to notify the car rental office if you have any schedule changes.

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Avis vs Hertz: Fleet 

Avis

Avis offers a wide range of models, with a choice of sizes and styles to suit your preferences and requirements. 

All Avis vehicles are, on average, under 6 months old and undergo regular maintenance and service checks prior to every rental. Note that bookings can only be made by car group and are subject to availability.

Hertz

Hertz has a wide variety of sports, luxury, and hybrid vehicles available to meet every car rental requirement. You just have to take your pick of a Lamborghini, Ferrari, Tesla, Aston Martin, Porsche, and more. 

Discover its entire range of Hertz Collections (special range of cars) and reserve your model. And also, enhance your driving plan with Hertz NeverLost navigation and allow SiriusXM Satellite Radio to be the soundtrack to your road trip.

When Do They Return Your Deposit?

For Avis, when you return the car, it'll refund your deposit completely if there are no additional charges for late returns, fuel replacement, or other incidentals. However, how fast you get your security deposit depends on how you pay.

The same goes for Hertz; it'll refund your deposit completely if there are no additional charges for late returns, fuel replacement, or other incidentals. And the time of refund is also depended on how you paid.

If You Rent With A Credit Card

Avis puts a hold on your account for the complete cost of the rental with the security deposit. And when you return the vehicle, it will release the hold and only charges the full cost of the rental. Also, the security deposit of the hold will instantly disappear. 

On the other hand, Hertz functions the same, but it will release the hold on the deposit within 24 hours. For instance, if you rent a car that costs $300 and the security deposit is $100.

During your pickup, it'll put a hold of $400 on your credit card, and when you return the car, your credit card will be billed $300. In this way, you can get your hold of $100 within a day.

If You Rent A Car With Cash 

Although it is possible to rent a car with cash, it is quite difficult. With Avis, even if you are allowed to pay for the rental with cash, you'll still need a debit or credit card upfront and place a hold for a security deposit.

Whereas for Hertz, it needs extra paperwork and advances planning in addition to the upfront deposit of $500. If the counter has cash available, the amount can be returned immediately. Otherwise, it would mail the check. 

And also, remember that users willing to pay in cash through Hertz will have to apply for a special identification card that needs a $15 non-refundable processing fee. But the only catch is that this process might take up to a month.

 If You Rent A Car With A Debit Card

Renting with a debit card is almost similar to renting with a credit card. All it needs are some extra steps like different forms of identification, and the airport rentals need you to show a return airline ticket.  

Avis

Avis will put a hold of $200 on your bank account that is associated with your debit card. Your signed agreement gives the right rental car the right to withdraw the security deposit amount from your bank account to cover any damage repair or late fee. 

And when you return the vehicle on time and undamaged, your debit card is charged for the rental and the rental, and the hold on the security deposit is lifted. 

However, remember that it can take around 10-14 days for the funds to be available in your bank account based on your bank. 

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Hertz

Hertz will put a hold of $500 on your bank account associated with your debit card. Your signed agreement gives the right rental car the right to withdraw the security deposit amount from your bank account to cover any damage repair or late fee. 

All you require is enough funds available in your bank account to cover the rental and extra deposit that are mentioned in the rental requirements. Usually, the deposit is returned within 24 hours. 

But, based on your bank, it can take around 10-14 days for the funds to be available in your bank account. 

Also, remember that you cannot use a debit card to secure a rental reservation in cities like Atlanta, New York, Boston, and more unless they are already tied to the renter's Hertz Gold Plus Rewards or an insurance replacement rental. 

Hertz vs Avis: Top Differences

Before going any further, it is important to know that Hertz and Avis are entirely two different car rental companies and they both are considered Premium car hire companies.

	Avis	Hertz
Car hiring locations	Available in over 160 countries including Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East	Works in over 9,700 locations across Australia, Canada, Latin America, Asia, the United States, Europe, Caribbean
Types of cars available	Vans/trucksSports carsCompact carsSUV/minivansEco-friendly vehicles Sedan Commercial vehicles 4WDSpecialty vehicles	Vans4WDsHybrid vehicles High performances vehiclesCompact carsSUVs/minivansSedansTrucksWheelchair accessible vehicles
Type of insurance included	All standard rentals come with a loss damage waiver. Third-party insurance is also included at selected locations and additional insurance is available for purchase	Includes accident damage excess to reduce your liability for loss or damage to the vehicle. Additional insurance packages can be purchased
Fueling agreement	Add Fuel Service Option in advance for a full tank of gas and return the car back empty	Prepaid fuel, refueling service fee or you refuel before returning the vehicle
Can I smoke or carry a pet in the car?	You cannot smoke but you can carry pets at most Avis locations	You cannot smoke but you can carry pets with no additional fees
Can I drive out of state?	Yes	Yes
Do I require a deposit?	No	No
What are the car rental requirements?	Drivers should be at least 25 years old Valid driver’s license that has been held for a consecutive 12 months License not in English need an International Driving Permit	Drivers should be at least 21 years old Valid driver’s license License not written in English should be accompanied by International Driving Permit
Can I pay in cash?	Yes	Yes
Will they pick me up?	Yes, if you are within five miles of the rental facility	Yes, if you are renting a vehicle at a Hertz neighborhood car rental location
Does it allow reservation cancellation?	Yes, Changes and cancellations can be made online up to 24 hours before the rental period without a fee. However, changes after or during the rental period need a fee	Yes, Cancellations and changes can be made to the return time, date and location before the rental begins with extra charges
Can I add extra driver?	Yes, Additional drivers include family members and work colleagues without a fee. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay a $5 fee daily which is capped at $25	Can be hired at $5 per day or $25 capped for 5 days

Available Locations

Avis is available in over 5,000 locations in Asia, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, the United States, Australia, the Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America.

Whereas Hertz is available in more than 10,000 locations across Australia, Canada, Latin America, the United States, Asia, Europe, New Zealand, and the Caribbean. So, we can say that both services are available in several locations across the world.

Booking Requirement

Avis or Hertz, both services need the same booking details as mentioned above. The driver must be above 21 years and have a valid driver's license. Besides, you don’t require a Deposit to book a ride, which is an amazing thing.

Mileage Concerns

If you are concerned about mileage and wondering which is better, Avis or Hertz, well, neither Avis nor Hertz charge you per mileage.

Unlike Hertz or Avis, various car rentals come with limited mileage. That means if you exceed the capped mileage, you’ll be charged extra for the extra miles you drove.

Insurance Inclusion

Both Avis and Hertz provide insurance coverage on rentals. However, Avis standard rentals come with a loss damage waiver and in some locations, you can go with a third-party issuer.

Whereas Hertz rentals comprise accident damage excess, which assists you to reduce your liability for any damage on the rental vehicle. Moreover, you can also buy extra insurance coverage if you want.

Premium Services and Add-Ons

With Avis or Hertz, you can add an additional driver. Both the services offer a loyalty program, which offers discounts on your bookings.

Hertz’s Gold Plus Reward Program provides a lot of benefits and Avis’s loyalty program – Avis Preferred comes with a bunch of benefits.  

Fleet

Avis’s fleet contains trucks, sedans, hybrid vehicles, compact SUVs, sports cards, buses, minivans, utility vehicles, and technically every car that you’d require, including premium and luxury models.

Similarly, Hertz’s fleet comprises the same set of cars, with the addition of extra vehicles – wheelchairs, and performance cars. So, in this case, we can say that Hertz is better than Avis because it has more models and car types than Avis.

Subsidiaries

Avis’s parent organization – The Avis Budget Group also owns Payless, Zipcar, and Budget Car Hire. Whereas the parent organization of Hertz Car Hire – Hertz Global Holdings Inc. owns Dollar Rent-A-Car and Thrifty Rent-A-Car.

Avis vs Hertz: Comparison

Features	Avis	Hertz
Loyalty Program	Avis Preferred loyalty programme allows members skip the rental counter in selected locations and access exclusive deals and rewards	Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards Programme allows members enjoy speedy pick-up and drop-off and other exclusive offers
Locations	Available in over 5,500 locations	Available in over 9,700 locations
Types of cars	Compact cars, Vans, SUVs, 4WDs, Sedans, Hybrid Vehicles, Trucks, Luxury Vehicles, Buses, Utility Vehicles	Compact cars, Vans, SUVs/Minivans, 4WDs, Sedans, Hybrid Vehicles, Trucks, Luxury Vehicles, Buses, Utility Vehicles, High performance vehicles, Wheelchair vehicles
Requirements	Must be at least 21 or 25 years, Have valid driver’s license	Must be at least 21 or 25 years, Have valid driver’s license
Insurance	It comes with a loss damage waiver and third-party insurance is also included in certain locations	Hertz rentals comprises accident damage excess to lower your responsibility for loss or damage to the vehicle. Also, extra insurance packages can be purchased
Unlimited Mileage	Yes, and sometimes a few rentals have a mileage limit	It depends on the pick-up location and the type of vehicle
Payment Methods	Cash, Credit card, Visa debit card, Mastercard and Traveller’s cheque	Cash, Credit card, Visa debit card, Mastercard and Charge card
Cancellation charges	Yes	Yes
Pick up	No, it doesn’t pick you up	Sometimes it picks you in some locations
Extra Drivers	Yes. Partners and colleagues for completely free and other drivers can be added at a rate of $5 per day, capped at $25	Yes. Immediate family and partner can drive for free and other drivers can be added at a rate of $5.50 per day, capped at 5 days
Extra Fee	Additional fee for drivers aged 21-25	Additional fee for drivers aged 21-25

Wrapping Up: The Ultimate Results of Avis vs Hertz Comparison!

For daily rentals, Hertz does have some of the highest rates among the options, which may not be very suitable for those needing a car for just a couple of days. So, if you don't need the car for an entire week, check out for weekend rentals, and they offer cheaper prices.

Although Avis and Hertz prices for daily rentals are among the highest, it does possible to get better rates the more in advance you book. And renting in a non-airport location can also make prices better. 

Besides, when it comes to fleet of cars available, Hertz has a better selection with options for almost every type of customer with simple models and cars in good conditions and fast sports cars and choices on hybrid cars.  

So, to decide what wins between Avis vs Hertz is really a tough call but we hope you have checked out all the benefits and drawbacks attached to both companies. And have selected the best car rental according to your requirements. 

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