Proof of Address Request by Avis UK
Sep 24, 2017, 7:53 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: UK. BAEC AAdvantage
Programs: Mucci Des Oeufs Brouilles et des Canards
Posts: 3,671
Proof of Address Request by Avis UK
Booked a car for my partner for Manchester City via BA.com like we've done many times before.
When he gets there, he gets asked for proof of address, like a bank statement or utility bill - something everyone carries with them on a holiday and despite the staff stating it's been some time since they'd seen him. They told him to trek 15 mins to the nearest branch of our bank only to be told there they don't print statements anymore. In the mean time I'd managed to log on to my their website via my mobile and download one and email it to him. They just looked at the screen, not even seeing what it was for or checking the date.
He queried it when first asked and the manager who was sitting nearby backed up the firsts claim.
This is what appears on the Avis.co.uk FAQ page:
He was doing a local rental, ie all in the UK. So I don't see why they suddenly imposed an extra condition without warning.
He's not back until the end of the week, so I plan to complain when he gets back. Where is the best place to complain to?
When he gets there, he gets asked for proof of address, like a bank statement or utility bill - something everyone carries with them on a holiday and despite the staff stating it's been some time since they'd seen him. They told him to trek 15 mins to the nearest branch of our bank only to be told there they don't print statements anymore. In the mean time I'd managed to log on to my their website via my mobile and download one and email it to him. They just looked at the screen, not even seeing what it was for or checking the date.
He queried it when first asked and the manager who was sitting nearby backed up the firsts claim.
This is what appears on the Avis.co.uk FAQ page:
What do I need to bring when I collect my hire vehicle?
You just need to bring your:
•Driving licence
•Credit card (if it's a high value vehicle, perhaps two for added security. Please check your booking)
•Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card)
•Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence)
If you’re an Avis Preferred member, simply bring your membership card and your driving licence.
Lastly, if you booked online or over the phone, don’t forget to bring a copy of your email confirmation showing your unique booking reference.
You just need to bring your:
•Driving licence
•Credit card (if it's a high value vehicle, perhaps two for added security. Please check your booking)
•Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card)
•Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence)
If you’re an Avis Preferred member, simply bring your membership card and your driving licence.
Lastly, if you booked online or over the phone, don’t forget to bring a copy of your email confirmation showing your unique booking reference.
He's not back until the end of the week, so I plan to complain when he gets back. Where is the best place to complain to?
Sep 26, 2017, 7:12 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Singapore - the hot, little red dot
Programs: BA, SQ
Posts: 861
Given the current UK terrorist threat I don't think their request is unreasonable.
However they really should stipulate this when booking or on the reservation confirmation.
Are you sure it's not on there as that's where the basis of the disagreement will revolve around to who's right.
However they really should stipulate this when booking or on the reservation confirmation.
Are you sure it's not on there as that's where the basis of the disagreement will revolve around to who's right.
Nov 4, 2017, 5:02 am
#6
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 19,179
I have rented many times out of LGW and LHR and other than the credit card and licence, I have never been asked for proof of my address or anything else.
The last rental was out of LHR on 23rd October - so I think that this was a Manchester thing.
The last rental was out of LHR on 23rd October - so I think that this was a Manchester thing.
Nov 17, 2017, 5:13 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: BAEC Silver, Avis Preferred, Hilton Gold
Posts: 521
I haven't shown anything at all (not even a driving license) or even signed anything for my last 2 Avis rentals in the UK. I've phoned ahead to confirm arrival time then just walked in and grabbed the key from the counter and driven away.
Nov 17, 2017, 6:15 am
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
I strongly suspect that something behind the scenes triggered this. The DL has the photo & address so easy to match. If that was not accepted as proof of address, there might have been for good reason or an error, some record suggesting that OP's partner does not reside at the address on the DL or used for the reservation.
I am interested to know the specific reason stated at the counter as to why the DL was not, in this case, accepted as proof of address.
I am interested to know the specific reason stated at the counter as to why the DL was not, in this case, accepted as proof of address.