How Avis Optional Services Charge Works

Avis provides a variety of optional services to enhance customers’ car rental experience, or at least, as they claim.

This includes a ton of extra services such as e-Toll options for electronic toll payments and additional features like insurance coverage, GPS navigation, and satellite radio, each with specific fees and terms.

It may be luring to want to get into them and it’s fine, however it’s may just be as important to know that they’re the culprit behind the “optional service” charge you may have come across.

This article aims to demystify how all these works.

How Optional Services Work In Avis

Optional service fees in car rentals, such as those offered by Avis, are additional charges for supplementary services or features that customers can choose to add to their basic rental package.

Unlike the standard fees, these fees are only charged to your credit card when a rental card is returned. This makes them all the more unscrupulous.

For instance, one most common optional services is e-Toll, which allows renters to use electronic toll collection systems without the need for cash payments.

Avis offers two main e-Toll options:

1. e-Toll Standard: This service charges a convenience fee of $6.95 for each day you incur a toll, up to a maximum of $34.95 per rental period (not exceeding 30 days). In addition to this fee, you’ll be responsible for paying all tolls at the maximum prevailing non-discounted or cash rates posted by the toll authority.
2. e-Toll Unlimited: This all-inclusive option covers both tolls and convenience fees. The daily flat fee ranges from $10.99 to $25.99, depending on the checkout location, for each day of the rental period. This fee is charged regardless of whether you use any tolls, up to a maximum of $54.95 to $129.95 per week.

It’s important to note that if you don’t actively opt out of e-Toll services and use a cashless toll road, you’ll automatically be enrolled in the e-Toll program, making you pay an optional service fee.

In some regions, such as Canada, this automatic enrollment comes with a flat fee of $17.00 plus GST/HST per rental, in addition to any incurred toll charges.

Other optional services offered by car rental companies may include:

• GPS navigation systems
• Satellite radio
• Additional insurance coverage options
• Child safety seats
• Additional drivers

Each of these services typically comes with its own fee structure.

For example, adding an additional driver to your Avis rental may incur a daily fee, while opting for a GPS unit might have a flat rate for the entire rental period.

It’s only important for renters to carefully consider which optional services they truly need, as these fees can significantly increase the total cost of the rental.

Read the terms and conditions associated with each optional service, and don’t hesitate to ask the rental agent for clarification on any charges you don’t understand.

Fueling Optional Service Charge

Avis offers three main fuel service options to provide flexibility for customers when it comes to refueling their rental vehicles:

• Pay on Return: If customers don’t opt for Fuel Up Front and are unable to refuel before returning, Avis can refuel the vehicle for them. However, this service includes a premium charge, which typically consists of a refueling service fee plus the cost of the fuel used.
• Bring Back Full: This option allows customers to return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel, avoiding any additional charges. It’s ideal for those who prefer to manage their own refueling and potentially save money by finding competitive fuel prices.
• Fuel Up Front: With this option, customers can purchase a full tank of fuel at a discounted rate when picking up the car. This is advantageous for renters who anticipate using a full tank or want to avoid the hassle of finding a petrol station upon return, especially when on a tight schedule. If you choose this option but end up returning the car with a full tank, Avis will not charge you for the fuel.

It’s noteworthy that if you fail to bring your car full and you don’t fuel up front, you’ll be automatically logged into the Avis fueling service which can be pricey if you don’t know how it works.

It’s also important to note that Avis provides a full tank of fuel at the start of every rental, regardless of the fuel option chosen. 

For shorter trips, Avis may offer an “EZ Fuel” option in some locations.

For instance, in Belgium, if you’ve driven 75 miles/120km or less, Avis will refuel your vehicle for a flat fee of €24.00. 

If you fill up anyway, you can present the receipt when returning the vehicle for a refund of this fee.

Customers should be aware that some Avis vehicles are equipped with technology that can measure fuel levels to 0.1 gallons. This precise measurement means that even if you’ve filled up close to the return location, you might still be charged for a small amount of fuel if the tank isn’t completely full.

Insurance Excess Waivers

When you rent a car, you may be responsible for paying a certain amount of money if the car is damaged or stolen. This amount is called an “excess.”

However, Avis offers a way to reduce or eliminate this excess through something called an “insurance excess waiver.”

This means that for an additional fee, Avis will waive or limit your responsibility for the excess amount.

For example, if you purchase an insurance excess waiver and the car is damaged during your rental period, you may not have to pay anything towards the repair costs, depending on the terms of the waiver.

It’s basically an extra layer of protection that you can choose to add to your rental agreement to give you peace of mind during your trip.

Just remember that the cost of the waiver will depend on the type of car you are renting and the location you are renting from and you’d pocket will pay for this the moment you agree to sign up.

Additional Equipments

Things like GPS navigation system can be a lifesaver if you’re unfamiliar with an area.

Similarly, if you’re traveling with little ones, renting a child safety seat ensures their safety throughout the journey.

In snowy regions, ski racks and snow tires can be quite good for smooth and safe travel.

Unfortunately, each piece of additional equipment comes at a reasonable daily rate, adding to the overall cost of your rental.

Delivery and Collection

If you’re pressed for time or prefer the comfort of starting your journey from a specific location, Avis can deliver the rental car right to your doorstep.

Similarly, at the end of your rental period, Avis can collect the car from a location of your choosing.

This service is available for an additional charge and can be a great time-saver, especially for business travelers or those with tight schedules.

It’s also a beneficial option if you’re staying at a location far from the nearest Avis rental station

Road Fund Licence

The Road Fund Licence (RFL) is a fee that car rental companies, including Avis, often include in their rental charges.

This fee is related to vehicle registration, licensing, and other vehicle-associated taxes that local governments charge.

Rental car companies usually incur these costs for their fleet and pass them on to customers.

The RFL is known by different names in various regions, such as Vehicle License Recovery Fee, Vehicle Licensing Cost Recovery, or License Reimbursement.

It may vary depending on the specific location’s tax regulations, and it’s typically bundled under a singular charge in the rental agreement.

Roadside Safety Net

This is one optional add-on on Avis designed to provide peace of mind during your rental period.

This service includes additional roadside assistance, covering common issues like lockouts, lost keys, flat tires, and dead batteries.

If you encounter any of these problems, Avis will assist without additional charges. Opting for the Roadside Safety Net means you won’t face extra fees for these specific roadside issues, making your journey smoother and less stressful.