How to contact Avis customer service by phone, email, and chat
Avis customer service can be reached by phone at 1-800-331-1212 for reservations and general questions. This number works from the United States and is available seven days a week. If you are calling about a current rental, roadside information, or an accident, the same number will route you to the appropriate department based on your situation.
For email inquiries, you can contact Avis through their website at avis.com by selecting "Contact Us" and choosing email as your preferred method. Email responses typically take 24 to 48 hours. Avis also offers live chat through their website during business hours, which is often faster than email if you need an answer the same day.
If you are an Avis Preferred member, you have access to a dedicated phone line at 1-800-354-2847, which typically has shorter wait times. Have your reservation number or membership number ready when you call, as this speeds up the process.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-331-1212 for reservations, billing questions, or roadside information; the line operates seven days a week.
- Email through avis.com takes 24 to 48 hours but works for detailed issues like damage disputes or billing corrections.
- Live chat on the Avis website is available during business hours and often resolves straightforward questions faster than phone or email.
- Avis Preferred members can call 1-800-354-2847 for faster service on account and rental-related issues.
- Have your reservation number, confirmation email, or membership number ready before calling to reduce wait time.
What to do if you have a problem during your rental
If something goes wrong during your rental — the car breaks down, you get a flat tire, or you are in an accident — call the roadside information number on your rental agreement or contract. This number is separate from the main customer service line and connects you directly to roadside support. They can arrange a tow, send a replacement vehicle, or provide other emergency help depending on your situation.
For mechanical issues that do not require a tow, many Avis locations can send a technician to you or direct you to a nearby repair facility. Document any damage or problems with photos and note the time and location. Keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses you incur, as you may be able to recover them through your claim.
If the issue is serious enough that you cannot safely continue your rental, tell the roadside team when ready. They have authority to end your rental early without penalty in genuine safety situations.
How to dispute a charge or damage claim on your Avis bill
Charges appear on your credit card or payment method within three to five business days of returning the vehicle. If you see a charge you do not recognize or believe a damage claim is incorrect, call 1-800-331-1212 and ask to speak with the billing department. Have your rental agreement, the itemized charges, and any photos you took of the vehicle condition ready.
Avis typically allows 30 days from the rental end date to dispute a charge. If you took photos at pickup showing the vehicle's condition, or if you have a receipt from a third-party damage assessment, provide those when ready. The billing department can place a hold on the charge while they investigate, which prevents it from posting to your account during the dispute.
If you rented through a third-party site like Kayak or Expedia, contact that site first, as they may handle billing disputes on your behalf. However, you can still contact Avis directly with your reservation number and they will work with you.
How to make changes to an existing reservation
You can modify most reservations online at avis.com by entering your confirmation number and last name. Changes you can make online include the pickup or return date, the vehicle class, and the location. If you need to change the driver, add a driver, or modify payment information, you will need to call 1-800-331-1212 instead.
If you are canceling a reservation, do so as soon as you know you will not need the car. Cancellation policies vary by rate type — some rates are fully refundable up to 24 hours before pickup, while others charge a cancellation fee. The confirmation email or the website will show your specific cancellation terms.
Changes made within 24 hours of your pickup time may not process online. Call the customer service line instead to may support the change goes through before you arrive at the location.
What happens if you have an accident or damage claim
If you are in an accident or damage occurs during your rental, report it to Avis when ready by calling the roadside information number on your rental agreement. Do not leave the scene of an accident without calling police and getting a report number if another vehicle is involved. Take photos of all damage, the other vehicle (if applicable), the scene, and any visible injuries.
When you return the vehicle, the Avis agent will inspect it and document any damage. If damage is found that was not disclosed at pickup, Avis will charge you for repairs. You have the right to request a damage estimate from an independent shop before accepting the charge. Keep all documentation — photos, police reports, repair estimates, and your rental agreement — for your records.
If you purchased damage waiver or collision coverage through Avis or your credit card company, that coverage may pay for repairs. Contact your insurance or credit card company when ready to report the damage and understand what is covered. Avis can provide a damage report to your insurer if needed.
How to reach Avis for roadside emergencies
The roadside information number is printed on your rental agreement and is available 24 hours a day. Call this number if your car breaks down, you have a flat tire, you run out of fuel, you are locked out of the vehicle, or you are in an accident. Roadside support can arrange a tow to the nearest Avis location or repair facility, provide a replacement vehicle, or send fuel or locksmith services depending on your situation.
When you call, have your rental agreement number, vehicle license plate, and current location ready. Tell them exactly what happened and whether you or anyone in the vehicle is injured. If you are on a highway or in an unsafe location, move to a safe spot before calling if possible.
Roadside information is included in most Avis rentals at no extra charge. If you purchased additional coverage, that may extend the services available to you or increase the coverage limits.
Understanding Avis membership programs and their customer service benefits
Avis Preferred membership is free to join and offers benefits like faster checkout, a dedicated phone line, and loyalty points toward future rentals. Members can call 1-800-354-2847 for faster service and often skip the counter entirely at pickup. Preferred members also receive email notifications about special offers and promotions.
Avis also offers Avis Plus, a paid membership tier that includes additional perks like may provide vehicle availability and discounted rates. Both programs allow you to manage reservations and view your rental history through the Avis mobile app or website.
If you have questions about membership benefits, how points work, or whether you are may be able to access for a discount, call the Preferred member line or visit avis.com. Membership status does not change how damage claims or billing disputes are handled, but it does give you a faster phone line to reach someone who can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Avis to respond to an email?
Email responses typically arrive within 24 to 48 hours. If your issue is urgent, use the phone line or live chat instead. For damage claims or billing disputes, email can be useful because it creates a written record, but follow up with a phone call if you do not hear back within two business days.
Can I cancel my reservation without a penalty?
Cancellation policies depend on the rate you booked. Some rates allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup, while others charge a fee regardless of when you cancel. Check your confirmation email for your specific terms, or call 1-800-331-1212 to ask about your rate before you cancel.
What should I do if I disagree with a damage charge?
Call 1-800-331-1212 and ask for the billing department within 30 days of your rental end date. Provide photos of the vehicle at pickup if you have them, and ask for an independent damage estimate. Avis will place a hold on the charge while they investigate.
Is roadside information included in my rental?
Yes, basic roadside information is included in most Avis rentals at no extra charge. The 24-hour roadside number is on your rental agreement. If you purchased additional coverage, you may have expanded services or higher limits.
How do I add a driver to my reservation?
You cannot add a driver online. Call 1-800-331-1212 or visit your Avis location before pickup. Additional drivers must present a valid driver's license and may incur an extra daily fee depending on your location and rate.