Damage

What products reduce the amount I have to pay if the vehicle is damaged during the rental?
If you have Damage Waiver (CDW) and the vehicle, keys, any accessories or any vehicle documents are damaged, the amount you have to pay for the damage will be reduced to no more than the excess stated on your rental agreement meaning you will pay for the cost of repair or replacement plus a damage processing fee of CHF 32.40 or the excess, whichever is less. If you can show the damage was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund these costs to you. If you can show the damage was less than we said, we will refund you the difference.
How much is the excess?
This is stated on your rental agreement, and also in your booking confirmation email. You can reduce the excess even further by buying an excess reduction product.
How do I get Damage Waiver?
In most cases, Damage Waiver is provided with the vehicle as standard. If it is included, it will be stated on your rental agreement and in your booking confirmation email. If it is not included, the price depends on the vehicle you are renting and the place you are renting it from.
Is there an excess reduction product available to reduce my excess further?
Yes, Super Damage Waiver (SCDW) is an excess reduction product which reduces your excess to zero. The price depends on the vehicle and location, but you can expect it to cost between CHF 32.00 and CHF 59.00 a day.
Will I need to pay if the windscreen is damaged?
Yes, it will be treated the same as any other damage to the vehicle.
What happens if I damage any optional extras I rent from you?
If any optional extras are damaged, you have to pay for the cost of replacement, or their estimated repair costs in addition to the rental fee.
Are there any times when the excess would not apply?
Yes, the amount you pay will not be reduced if damage was caused by wilful act or gross negligence. Or as a result of:

• Water or fire damage, that was not your fault.
•  Driving the vehicle without due care and attention
• Driving or using the vehicle in breach of your contract

What do I have to pay if I do not have Damage Waiver?
If the vehicle, keys, any accessories or any vehicle documents are damaged during your rental, unless you can prove the damage was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, you will have to pay:

• Either the cost of replacement, or the estimated repair costs, whichever is cheaper
• Plus our loss of use
• Plus an administration fee

Where can I find information of damage charges I have paid?
If we find damage, we will charge the amount you have to pay to your card. Unless you have asked us to send you a receipt by post or email, you will be able to find details of this payment here http://www.avis.ch/invoice.

Theft

What products reduce the amount I have to pay if the vehicle is lost or stolen during the rental?
If you have Theft Protection waiver (TP) and the vehicle is stolen, the amount you have to pay will be reduced to no more than the excess stated on your rental agreement meaning you will pay for the cost of repair or replacement or the excess, whichever is less. If you can show the damage was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund these costs to you. If you can show the damage was less than we said, we will refund you the difference. If you can show the loss or theft was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund these costs to you.
How much is the excess?
This is stated on your rental agreement, and also in your booking confirmation email. You can reduce the excess even further by buying an excess reduction product.
How do I get Theft Protection waiver?
In most cases, Theft Protection waiver is provided with the vehicle as standard. If it is included, it will be stated on your rental agreement and in your booking confirmation email.
What happens if I lose any optional extras I rent from you or if they are stolen?
If any optional extras are lost or stolen, you have to pay for the cost of replacement in addition to the rental fee, unless you are not responsible for the loss.
Are there any times when the excess would not apply?
Yes, the amount you pay will not be reduced if the loss or theft was caused by wilful act or gross negligence, for example as a result of:

• Keys being left in the vehicle
• Keys being lost or stolen
• Using the vehicle in breach of the contract

What do I have to pay if I do not have Theft Protection?
If the vehicle, keys, any accessories or any vehicle documents are lost or stolen during your rental, you will have to pay:

• The cost of replacement
• Plus our loss of use

If you can show theft was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund these costs to you.
Where can I find information of theft charges I have paid?
If a loss or theft has occurred, unless you can prove the theft was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will charge the amount you have to pay to your card. Unless you have asked us to send you a receipt by post or email, you will be able to find details of this payment here www.avis.ch/invoice.

Damage to people and their property

What do I have to pay if I injure someone whilst driving?
Third Party Liability (TPL) cover is provided with the vehicle as standard. This means that if you have an accident in our vehicle and you injure someone, including any of your passengers, or you damage anything which belongs to them, you will not have to pay any of their costs. Third Party Liability cover does not cover any death or injury suffered by the driver of our vehicle or any damage to personal items in our vehicle.
Are there any times when third party liability cover would not apply?
If the law requires us to provide you with third party liability cover, the minimum cover required by law will still apply but we, or our insurer, may seek to recover our costs from you if the accident was caused by:

• By you breaking the contract (for example allowing someone we had not approved drive the vehicle of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other unlawful substance),
• By you breaking the law
• As a result of your negligence or recklessness.

What products cover the driver of the vehicle?
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) covers the driver of the vehicle in the event of an accident. Personal Accident Insurance provides the following benefits:

• A maximum of CHF 99,720.00 in the event of deat

Which payment cards do you accept?
We accept:

• American Express (excluding American Express Travellers Cheque cards)
• Diners Club
• Visa credit cards
• MasterCard credit cards
• Avis-issued charge cards

Prepaid cards can only be used for making payments at the end of your rental. To rent a car from us, you will have to present the payment cards listed above.

We do not accept Visa Electron cards, Maestro cards, V-Pay cards, Cirrus cards, JCB cards or any other cards not listed above.

We do not accept Digital Payment Cards.

Can I pay by cash?
No, regrettably, we are not able to accept cash.

What happens if I am late in making payment?
If you are late in paying us, interest will be calculated at the statutory rate.

Debit cards are not accepted.

Do I need to bring my driving licence with me?
Yes.  All drivers must bring all parts of their valid driving licence with them.  They must bring both their driving licence and either an international driving licence or an official German, French, Italian or English translation, by a notary, of their driving licence for any of the following situations:

• A driving licence was issued in a non-European country
• A driving licence was issued in a non-Roman alphabet like Arabic, Greek, Russian, Hebrew or Japanese.

We do not accept digital driving licenses.

Is there a minimum length I must have held my licence for?
Yes.  All drivers must have held their licences for at least 6 months.  For vehicles in categories F, H, J and P, drivers must have held their licenses for at least 3 years.  If a licence does not show the driver has held it for the minimum period, then they must provide evidence, such as one of the following:

• Previous driving licences
• Letter from their driving licence authority stating that they have held it for this minimum period.

Information not available at this time, please check at time of rental.

Information not available at this time, please check at time of rental.

Public liability insurance is in accordance with the insurance laws of the country.  Customer may inquire at the time of rental for additional information of the benefits, conditions and acceptance.

Note: Some credit cards provide insurance coverage, with certain limitations, as a benefit of using the card to rent vehicles.  The customer is advised to contact the card issuer before the rental.  Any waiver must be discussed directly with the location upon arrival.

How old do I need to be to drive a rental vehicle?

To drive our vehicles, all drivers need to be at least 21 years old and have held a full, valid driving licence for at least ½ year at the start of your rental. Higher as well as lower minimum age limits as well as a minimum holding period of 3 years may apply to certain vehicles.

How do I know if there are minimum age restrictions on my rental?

When you book, you will be told if there are any minimum age restrictions for the vehicle you request. If you are not sure, please check your booking confirmation email or call the Reservations team.

I am under 25, do I need to pay a young driver surcharge?

If you or any of your drivers are under 25 when you pick up the vehicle, you will each have to pay a young driver surcharge. The cost for this will depend on where you are picking the vehicle up from but you can expect it to be between CHF 20.00 and CHF 24.00 per day.
If you rent the vehicle for more than 10 days, you will only be charged for a maximum of 10 days and get cover for the duration of your rental, up to 28 days.

Are there any maximum age restrictions?

No, as long as you hold a full, valid driving licence for at least ½ year or 3 years with regard to certain vehicles.

Approximate total includes base rate, taxes, and surcharges. Items such as coupon discounts, child safety seats, winterization fee from (15 Nov - 15 Apr) and gas are NOT included in the estimated total. Optional coverages and one-way fees are subject to tax in certain locations. This tax is not reflected in the Estimated Total.

Estimated total is subject to change based upon exchange rates at the time of rental.

For vehicle Groups: F (Intermediate), G (Premium), H (Luxury), K (Convertible), P (Full Size Pickup), W (Standard), L (Full Size SUV), Z (Premium SUV) and all Group X (Specialty Vehicles).

At locations in Canada, you may be asked to provide an additional form of identification as a condition to rent a vehicle. Acceptable forms of additional identification are: 

• Military ID
• Certificate of Indian Status
• Canadian passport
• Canadian Permanent Resident Card
• Foreign passport that meets the requirements
• Nexus or Fast/Express card
• Non-driver's license issued by a province or territory
• ID card issued by the federal government, provincial or territorial government
• Credit card (other than the one being used for payment of rental) in Customer's name

Rather than requiring customers to be 25 to rent, Avis at this location now rents to customers between the ages of 21-24.  An underage surcharge may apply and will automatically be applied to the reservation. Additionally, the following restrictions also will apply for renters between the ages of 21-24: Rentals of luxury cars, mini-vans, 12-passenger vans, specialty cars, and SUVs will not be permitted.

Snow Tires are mandatory for rentals within the Province of Quebec, CA, during the Winter Season.  There will be a daily charge up to a maximum $3.99 CAD per day, applied to the rental.  Snow Tires may also be available within other locations in Canada, with a fee of $10.00 CAD per day charge.

Approximate total includes base rate, taxes, and surcharges. Items such as coupon discounts, child safety seats and gas are NOT included in the estimated total. Optional coverages and one-way fees are subject to tax in certain locations. This tax is not reflected in the Estimated Total.

Estimated total is subject to change based upon exchange rates at the time of rental.

Can I pick up the vehicle from one rental location and return it to another?
Yes, some rental locations let you collect the vehicle and any optional extras from one rental location and return them to another.
How much is the One-Way fee?
The price depends on the rental location. If you want to pick up the vehicle and return it to a different location please ask the rental station.
How do I get a One-Way rental?
You can request a one-way rental when you book or you can ask for it when you get to the rental location.
If you asked for a one-way rental when you booked, the fee will be included in your rental price.
How much will it cost if I did not request a One-Way rental but return the vehicle to a different location?
You will be charged a one-way fee at the pay at location prices available on the day you return the vehicle.

The prices we give you for optional extras when you book will generally be the price you will pay. Exchange rates or other reasons beyond our control may alter prices.

Customers with disabilities

I have a disability, do you offer adapted vehicles?
No, regrettably, we do not currently offer adapted vehicles.
I have a disability, do you offer hand controls?
No, regrettably, we do not currently offer panoramic mirrors at this time. However hand controls are available at some of our rental locations. Please call the Reservations team for more information.

Popular optional extras to rent

I have small children, do you offer child seats?
Yes, we offer baby, child and booster seats. A baby seat is typically suitable for a child from birth to 12 months old and weighing no more than 13 kilos. An infant seat is typically suitable for a child aged 9 months to 4 years old and weighing between 9 and 18 kilos. A child seat is typically suitable for a child aged 4 to 11 years old and weighing between 15 and 36 kilos. A booster seat is typically suitable for a child aged 8 to 11 years old and weighing between 20 and 45 kilos.
In some rental locations, we may arrange for a third party to fit the seat for you. But remember, it is always your responsibility to check the seat is fitted correctly before you drive away.
Please note: In Switzerland, all children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 150 cm tall.
How much are your child seats?
The fee for renting a seat will depend on where you are renting, but you can expect it to cost between CHF 45.00 and CHF 78.00 per rental.
If the seat is damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement. This is likely to cost between CHF 20.00 and CHF 250.00 on top of the hire fee. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
I am not familiar with the area; can I rent a GPS (satellite navigation system)?
Yes, the fee for renting a GPS will depend on where you are renting, but you can expect it to cost between CHF 14.00 and CHF 16.80 a day. If you rent the vehicle for more than 10 days, you will only be charged for a maximum of 10 days and get to use the GPS for the duration of your rental, up to 28 days.
If the GPS is damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement. This will cost CHF 150.00 on top of the hire fee. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
Please note: In some countries, it is against the law to use a GPS that tells you where speed cameras are. It is illegal in Switzerland. If you rent a GPS from us, it will not give you speed camera information.
Do you offer an audio tour guide service on your GPS?
No, unfortunately we do not offer an audio tour guide service at this time.
I want to be able to access the internet anywhere I go, do you offer a solution?
Yes, we offer Mobile Wi-Fi devices. To use this service you will need to read and agree to separate terms and conditions. We will give you these terms and conditions at the rental location.
Please note: In many countries, including Switzerland, it is illegal to drive while using a handheld mobile phone, tablet or other communications device. It is your responsibility to drive safely and according to the laws of the country you are driving in.
How much does Mobile Wi-Fi cost?
The fee for hiring mobile Wi-Fi will depend on where you are renting, but you can expect it to be between CHF 15.00 and CHF 20.00 a day.
If the mobile Wi-Fi device is damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement. This will cost CHF 150.00 on top of the hire fee. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
If any mobile Wi-Fi accessories are damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement. This is likely to cost from CHF 3.00 to CHF 150.00 on top of the hire fee. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
I am intending to drive along toll roads; do you offer a device to make this quicker and easier for me?
No, unfortunately we do not offer any electronic toll charging devices at this time.

Winter equipment to rent

I am concerned about the road conditions, do you offer winter tyres?
Yes, if the rental location you are hiring from is in an area where it is illegal to drive without winter tyres at certain times of year, the vehicle will automatically be supplied with them and the fee will be included in your rental fee or contract.
We can also supply winter tyres for a fee. This will depend on where you are renting, but you can expect it to be between CHF 9.80 and CHF 12.00 a day. If you rent the vehicle for more than 10 days, you will only be charged for a maximum of 10 days and get to use the winter tyres for the duration of your rental, up to 28 days.
If any winter tyre is damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement pair. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
Please give us at least 24 hours notice if your rental does not automatically include winter tyres and you want to hire them. If you need them at shorter notice, please call the Reservations team.
Not sure if you need winter tyres? Please ask a member of our team.
I am going skiing, do you offer snow chains?
Yes, if the rental location you are hiring from is in an area where it is illegal to drive without Snow Chains or winter tyres at certain times of year, the vehicle will automatically be supplied with snow chains and the fee will be included in your rental fee. You can ask not to have these but we recommend that you take either snow chains or winter tyres at these locations.
Snow chains are also available in some other rental locations. The fee for snow chains depends on where you are renting, but you can expect it to be between CHF 50.00  and CHF 60.00 per rental.
If any snow chain is damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement pair. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
We can not fit snow chains for you, and we can not arrange for them to be fitted.
Not sure if you need snow chains? Please ask a member of our team.
I am have brought my own skis with me, do you rent ski racks?
Yes, all rental locations offer ski racks. You can expect to pay between CHF 50.00 and CHF 70.00 per rental to rent a Ski Rack from us.
Ski racks can not be fitted to all our vehicles, so you may need to upgrade if you need one. This may increase the price of the vehicle and any excess you have to pay.
If the ski rack is damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement. This is likely to cost between CHF 100.00 and CHF 300.00 on top of the hire fee. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
Please give us at least 24 hours notice if you want to hire a ski rack. If you need it at shorter notice, please call the Reservations team.

How old do I need to be to drive a rental vehicle?

To drive our vehicles, you and all of your drivers need to be at least 21 years old and have held a full, valid driving license for at least 1 year at the start of your rental. For the rental of a selection of vehicles, if you have a Mou'v card, you and all of your drivers need to be at least 19 years old and have held a full, valid driving license for at least 1 year at the start of your rental. 

I am under 25 do I need to pay a young driver surcharge?

If you or any of your drivers are under 25 when you pick up the vehicle, you will each have to pay  a young driver surcharge. The cost for is 32,60 EUR per day, for each driver.
If you rent the vehicle for more than 10 days, you will only be charged for a maximum of 10 days and get cover for the duration of your rental, up to 30 days.

Are there any maximum age restrictions?

No, so long as you hold a full, valid driving license for at least 1 year.

Should I bring the vehicle back with a full tank of fuel?
Yes. The vehicle will normally be supplied with a full tank of fuel. You must return it to us with the same amount of fuel it had in it when you picked it up usually a full tank as shown on the factory-installed fuel gauge.  We recommend you fill up as close to the return location as you can on the return date, and keep the receipt to show us. If you don't return the vehicle with a full tank and you can't show us a receipt for fuel we will charge you.Fuel Options

I plan to travel more than 120kilometres, and want peace of mind, do you have a fuel option for me?
Yes, with Fuel Up Front you pay for a full tank of fuel, based on the manufacturer's stated fuel tank capacity for your vehicle plus our costs of refueling the vehicle for you. Then you just return the vehicle with whatever's left in the tank (even if it's virtually empty) so long as the engine still runs.
How do I calculate the cost of Fuel Up Front?
Depending on where you’re renting, this cost could be up to 0.05 EUR per liter lower than the average fuel price at the start of your rental period as stated on this EU fuel index:. However, you don't get a refund for any fuel you don't use.
Can I get Fuel up Front at any time?
No, if you want to take advantage of Fuel Up Front, you must ask for it during the booking process or when you pick up the vehicle.
I plan to travel less than 120 kilometers, do I still need to fill up?
Yes, often the fuel gauges stills look "full" so we ask you to fill up the tank near to the return location and show us a copy of the receipt.  If you don't have time to fill up the tank, or can't show us a receipt, we will apply EZ Fuel to cover our costs of refueling the vehicle for you.  
How much is EZ Fuel?
Depending on where you're renting, you pay of fixed fee of between 14.50 EUR and 17.00 EUR.  

What are my options if I don't return the vehicle full and haven't bought Fuel up Front?
Pay on Return will apply if you have driven more than 120 kilometers and:

• Don't buy Fuel Up Front
• Don't return the vehicle with a full tank

How do I calculate the cost of Pay on Return?
You pay for fuel based on the factory installed fuel gauge rounded down to the nearest eighth (1/8) of a tank. This is based on the manufacturer's stated fuel tank capacity.
We charge between 1.5 and three times the average fuel price at the end of the rental period for France as stated on this EU fuel index: plus a service fee between 13 EUR and 15 EUR. The price per liter will be stated on your rental agreement. This charge covers our cost of driving to the nearest petrol station at short notice, and potentially delaying the next customer's rental.

Electric Vehicles

How much battery charge should I return an electric vehicle with?

You must return the vehicle with at least a 70% battery charge, or the same % battery charge as it had at the time of pick-up.

What am i charged if I fail to return an electric vehicle with the required 70% battery charge, or the same % battery charge as it had at the time of pick-up?

We charge a fixed amount dependent on the battery life showing on the factory-installed battery gauge. This is the Pay on Return rate. the amounts charged are set out below:

Personal Effects Insurance (PEP) is available under Super Personal Accident Insurance (SPAI) - is a counter sale only product that covers personal property in the Avis car.

Details available at time of rental.

Customer may inquire for additional information of the benefits, conditions and acceptance at the time of rental.

Full Credit and Fixed Value Voucher rentals are accepted.

For Fixed value vouchers, renters are required to make an additional cash deposit or present an Avis-honored charge card.  The fixed value voucher, plus cash deposit must equal total estimated rental charges plus 20%.

Exception: Mercedes in Premium, 4X4 & Luxury (car groups H, I & J) and Saab, BMW in Premium, 4X4 & Wagon (car groups H, I, & P):  Quote Mercedes Policy