Hello! This is my first time posting on FT. I've been reading for many years and have used many tips here so first off, thank you!

I am planning a trip in Sept. from Seattle to Hartford, CT with a one way rental for 9 days. I just want to ask a few questions before booking. I have been reading up and here is what I've found to be the best combos.

1) Is it true that I can book my rental on Avis.ch being an american citizen and receive insurance coverage included in the rate? If so, I can use either code H811101 or N744400 correct? These both seem to work right now on the site. Do I need to show anything for these codes to work at the counter?

2) If I do end up using the US Avis site, it seems that the best code besides the employee code (which is too risky) is the HP code A515100. Will I be asked to verify anything for this code?

Any other advice or tips on these plans? Thank you in advance for any help/suggestions. Looking forward to the trip!

Pay now, pick up later
 

I put in the Bombardier code for renting over a weekend in Manhattan NYC. What I found is that if I pick up on a friday morning with a return on a sunday night, it is $148 for a full size. If I pick up anytime AFTER 12:30pm, it jumps to over $500.
Anyone know if I could reserve for an early pick up, get the lower rate, go there and given them the credit card BUT actually pick up the car later? This saves me from paying for parking in Manhattan until I actually need it friday night or saturday morning?

thanks.

I used the (C062090) code in Kansas City last week with no issues at all...

Using it again this week locally

Unfortunately no.
That's BA Gold I believe? I am a BA Blue and used theirs and got a free additional driver but no discount on either.
Thanks

Thanks, i just rented my card for $210 the week (7 days) with ALI and LDW using the Swiss site and Simons Mall AWD.

If you didn't specifically add CDW, LI, TP, I doubt they are there on a booking from avis.com - you really should read the small print on the T&Cs (or call Avis).

That's the main reason I never use Avis.com - US$30 per day or so for the insurances (I am non-US) just kills any deal.

I thought that even if booking on avis.com there are some mandatory insurance products that have to be taken when renting in EU countries?

Definitely not in all EU countries.

Only in the countries where CDW are mandatory, such as Italy. In those countries Avis.com would gray out the option to opt NOT to have CDW. As long as that option is not grayed out, then the CDW is not mandatory.

Rented in France, Germany and Croatia - never paid a penny on CDW. Every time told the counter we relied on credit coverage. Counter at SPU, Croatia reluctantly agreed after seeing the pdf file on Visa Signature benefits but insisted to put 1600 euro preauthorization on the card. They tried to get 65K HRK which would be 10K USD and we chuckled, though that amount WAS listed in Avis Europe doc under Croatia. I had that pdf file myself. However we all know that ain't going to happen.
Then they tried 1800 euro and the request was declined. We told them they should make up their mind as the card may not take too kindly on multiple request then the issuer would lock the card... They tried 1600 euro that went thru. Preauthorization only, fell off on Day 5 from what I can tell. We rented 14 days.

For US nationality, the Hilton HHonor AWD which is a public code anyone can use, often offers the best rates on European rentals - that is, without CDW - but anyone from US should have a CC that offers the coverage which requires the cardholder to decline any CDW coverage from rental car except in mandatory countries. After spending a lot of time fooling around on different Avis country-specific sites, we are back to the HHonor code which remains the best for US nationality.

The only additional insurances on offer are:
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
Liability Insurance

Included are:
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Theft Protection

Could you please elaborate on this?

I am getting an incredible deal with these rate codes for a European rental. Less than 50% of what I would otherwise pay and am tempted to use it. What if I have a US address/CC/license - should I rent under the US website of Avis to avoid a problem renting in the EU with this code?

Edited to add: this rate only gives me 100km/day for my rental :(

Used the Bombardier code at YUL (Bombardier HQ) last week. One day intermediate rate of CAD$32.50 (US$24.70).
No issues and I got a PC upgrade to a BMW 328i. :cool:

The European site will accept a US address and it shouldn't matter. I found that the US site didn't apply the discount correctly, nor allow me to select certain features, sizes, etc. Had no problems using one of these codes as the rental office at the Dover port didn't ask for validation!

You can even create a UK or EU Avis profile using a United States address.

Hey guys can someone explain me the benefits of creating an Avis Pref account, or using it?

I've been renting at Avis exclusively for the past 5 years, 4 weeks per year average. Not much, only when i need a car here in Miami. I do Avis as i get $200 /per week (7 days) with taxes and fully insured by Avis car. I don't think anyone can find a cheaper rate than me? for a fully insured rental?

So, i was just wondering if it would make a difference getting the Avis app or joining/using Avis Preferred when booking the cheapest car available. (Subcompacts, etc)

#1 benefit is to bypass the counter and head to your car, turn on ignition, drive to exit, show DL and leave. Think of how many hours you waste standing in line at the counter and then waiting for the agent to complete the rental agreement. With a Preferred account, you avoid all of that.