Have used Avis rental car for business on many occassions. The service is typical of a national/international hire car company. Collection desk at airport arrives is usually manned by friendly helpful agents. The cars are usually a short walk away in a short term carpark. The cars are always very new, spotlessly clean and ready to drive. You always need to check for any stratches etc before you take the car and get any damage agreed in advance lse you may be charged for it. This is their head office in Bracknell. They have branches all over the UK / World. read more

I booked a car rental on 14 Sept from Avis in Taunton, U.K. and picked up the car on 1 October. The rental was for four days usage and paid in advance. I had also taken the optional "premier coverage" (an expensive mistake!). Heading west, I experienced simultaneously two tire punctures and called for help from the Avis roadside assistance line. A few hours later a van arrived with instructions to return the car to the Avis franchise in Taunton, only 16 miles away. Before we could leave, the help van driver was instructed to take the car (and my wife and I to Bristol Airport, some 60 miles northeast and in the opposite direction from our destination. Avis would not consider any alternative so we had no choice but to proceed to our destination independently. I responded to Avis questionnaire regarding circumstances relating the the flat tires. Avis charged me a sum of $316, even claiming I had used 6 litres of diesel fuel in 16 miles and charging me $27 for that. My written appeals were rejected and the financial accounting was specious - but probably a legal rip-off. Lessons learned: (1) stay away from poorly run franchises (e.g., Taunton); (2) don't fall for the 'premier coverage' insurance scam particularly as it obviates credit card insurance; (3) some Avis franchises like to close early on Friday (e.g., Taunton) and stay closed over the weekend, so customers are out of luck if they require assistance; (4) Avis headquarters does not listen to their customers and will grab every penny they possibly can. read more

Guys, My experience with Avis UK is unpleasant every time I make or want to change a reservation involves a hours phone call. Every agent you require to explain every thing again who in turn inform you different information. Your credit card gets charged the same amount again for a full rental after all ready pre-paying for your reservation when I simply just called back to have my car a few extra days in advance. My complaint has taken 4 months and no response from my last reply to two different people over a month ago. I deal with Avis in Australia very often in the past with no real dramas who are a lot more on the ball. Please tell me why I should choose Avis again for my next rental in a few weeks time? Will I hear from you for a final offer to settle my last bad experience with left me out of pocket on my holiday? Do I need to personally hire a car to visit your head office to have this escalated? I hope to hear back from Mr Avis soon. Thanks read more