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Ever wonder what the deal is with rental car gas policies?
Specifically, how Avis handles it?
Renting a car should be fun, not filled with questions about the gas tank. So, we’re here to clear up any confusion
Avis Full Tank and Fueling Policy
When you rent a car with Avis, you are usually provided with a full tank of fuel at the start of your rental period.
The expectation is that you will return the vehicle with a full tank as well, or at least at the same level as when you picked it up.
This mirrors a straightforward principle: use what you refill, ensuring fairness and clarity in fuel usage for both parties.
However, Avis understands that circumstances can vary, and refueling might not always fit into your schedule or plans. Therefore, they provide three primary fuel options catering to different needs:
- Fuel up Front: This option allows you to buy a full tank of fuel at the beginning of your rental. The price is set to be no higher than local petrol station rates, according to the company. This saves you the hassle of finding a petrol station before you return the car, but no refund is given for unused fuel unless you return the car full.
- Pay on Return: If you didn’t choose Fuel up Front and can’t or don’t want to refuel the vehicle yourself, Avis offers the Pay on Return option. This service includes a refueling service charge, but you will only be billed for the actual liters of fuel you use. The cost of this service can be confirmed when you pick up your vehicle.
- Bring Back Full: Simply return the car with a full tank, and there will be no additional fuel charges. Even if you selected the Fuel up Front option, returning the car full means you won’t face any fuel-related costs from Avis. Thankfully, this is the default option and can be advisable as long as you adhere to the instruction of “return as you got” – this eliminates the possibility of getting extra charges or being billed at a higher petrol rate that you may possibly face going with the “fuel upfront” option.
Moreover, Avis has implemented a new fuel measurement system in select vehicles and locations to enhance accuracy and transparency in fuel charges.
This system measures the vehicle’s fuel level in one-tenth of a gallon increments at both the start and end of the rental.
This precise measurement ensures that customers are charged fairly for the fuel they use and can even receive a credit if the car is returned with more fuel than initially provided.
What Happens If You Don’t Refill the Tank?
When you rent a car from Avis, the expectation is that you’ll return it with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up, usually a full tank.
This practice is pretty standard across car rental companies. But life happens, right?
Maybe you’re running late for your flight, or perhaps you just couldn’t find a petrol station nearby. So, what next?
Avis has thought about this and offers options to make life easier, but it’s important to know that these options come at a cost.
If you haven’t refueled the car, Avis will do it for you when you return the vehicle.
This service is convenient, sure, but it’s also more expensive than refueling the car yourself. The charge includes the cost of the fuel plus a refueling service fee.
The exact cost can vary.
Avis uses a per-gallon or per-liter charge based on the local fuel rates, but remember, the service fee for refueling adds to the overall cost.
While this might seem like a pricey option, it’s really about convenience. If you’re pressed for time or prefer the ease of not having to refuel yourself, this service is available.
Conclusion
What’s the takeaway here? If you can, refuel the car before returning it to avoid extra charges. If that’s not possible, be prepared for the convenience fee that comes with Avis refueling the car for you. It’s all about balancing the cost against the convenience and your personal circumstances at the end of your rental period.
