Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions

Our service teams are happy to help you in any way that we can. If you have a specific question, first try using the search bar for an answer.  If the article you find does not fully answer your question, or you would like further assistance, you will be provided with an opportunity to contact us through live chat, e-mail or telephone with the correct department based on the question you are asking by using the icons at the bottom of the article during office hours.

If you have questions about your reservation or would like to make, amend or cancel a reservation, you may do so on our website, our app, via e-mail to our Reservations team: UK.Reservations@abg.com, or via phone using the icons below. 
 
If you are currently on rental and need immediate roadside assistance, please refer to the contact numbers located on your rental documentation.

 

If you are unable to find an answer to your question, and would like to speak with one of our dedicated departments, please click here.

Our policy usually dictates that Avis and Budget will supply customers with a full tank of fuel at the beginning of their rental. Customers are also expected to return the vehicle with a full tank (or at the same level as the vehicle was picked up.

If you don’t have the time to refuel, we can do it for you but please keep in mind that this will incur an additional fee. Want some more information? Check out our refueling options.

 

You just need to bring your:

  • Driving licence*
  • Credit card (if it’s a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card)
  • Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer)
  • Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence)

*If you hold a UK driving licence and are renting a car or van in the UK, you must bring a DVLA licence code with you when collecting your vehicle. Codes can be requested at this link (you will be asked to submit your driving licence number, National Insurance number and home postcode), or by calling the DVLA on 0300 083 0013 (Monday to Friday 8am – 7pm, Saturday 8am – 2pm). The code (which will be valid for a maximum period of 21 days from the point it is generated) must be presented to the store and still be valid when picking up any vehicle from us.

You may also need to bring proof of where you live, which could include a recent utility bill or bank statement.  Your driving licence will not be accepted as proof of address.  For more information on the rental requirements where you wish to rent, please review our location specific terms and conditions.

Lastly, if you booked online or over the phone, don't forget to bring a hard or digital copy of your email confirmation showing your unique booking reference.

Need more advice? Contact us using the below icons.

 

Don't forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.

Planning a trip? Start your journey.

Already planned a trip? Check your booking.

We understand you might get delayed, so we try to be flexible. If you’re running late or need to extend your car rental, please make sure you contact us as soon as possible. Should you return the vehicle late – without notifying us or extending your hire – you may be subject to a late return fee. If you fail to extend the rental and you are more than 29 minutes late returning the vehicle, your rental will be extended and you will be charged an extra day’s rental at current pay at location prices plus a late return processing fee for each day or part of a day until the vehicle is returned.

If you overrun past your agreed return date and time, you will incur a late return fee. If you still haven’t returned the vehicle 24 hours later, then another late return fee will be applied. A late return fee will continue to be added every 24 hour period thereafter, until you return the vehicle to the rental station.

Depending on the country of rental, the daily late return fee will be (inclusive of VAT): £15.00/CHF 20.00/150.00 (DKR, NKR or SKR)/ Between €15 and €18.60 (country dependent) or the equivalent amount in local currency.

 

Don’t forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.

Planning a trip? Start your journey.

Already planned a trip? Check your booking.

We understand that you may need to amend or cancel your booking for many different reasons. To make any changes or to cancel your existing booking, please visit our website here.  If you have booked through a third party, such as a travel agent or broker, please contact the booking source directly for assistance.

It is important that you have read and understood our cancellation policy which is included in our booking terms and conditions.


If you cannot find your rental car keys, please first call our agents at the rental agency (listed on your rental documentation) and report the lost keys. Usually, we have a spare key for vehicles in a central storage location, which is then ordered for you by the agency.

Additionally, there may also be times when we need to have the rental car towed by a breakdown service if the keys cannot be secured otherwise.

You will be responsible for any loss or damage to the rental car keys. The amount of these costs depends on the country of rental. Costs resulting from loss of keys, such as towing service and replacement of the keys, must be paid by the customer.

We offer many cars in different styles and sizes, so you can hire the perfect model for your journey. These cars belong to various groups, such as Group A or Group J.

Ordering cars into groups helps us provide a premium service, because there is never any confusion over the car you are hiring and whether you're eligible to drive it. Sometimes you're only eligible to hire cars from certain groups. For example, in the UK if you hire a car under the age of 25 you can choose from Group A (such as a Hyundai i10), Group B (such as a Ford Fiesta), Group C (such as a Seat Leon), Group E (such as Vauxhall Astra) or Group I (such as VW Golf Auto).

The car groups also help you understand useful information, such as the amount you pay (the excess) if you're involved in an accident, which can vary from group to group.

Discover our full range of hire vehicles.

 

Don't forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.

Planning a trip? Start your journey.

Already planned a trip? Check your booking.

The excess is the amount you pay if something goes wrong during your journey, for example damage or theft of the vehicle. The amount you pay depends on the vehicle you hire, which country you hire it in and whether you choose to reduce the excess by upgrading your level of cover. When you hire a vehicle with us, you'll automatically receive third party, vehicle damage (Collision Damage Waiver) and vehicle theft cover to safeguard you on your journey. If you book on the US website you may find that vehicle damage and vehicle theft cover are not included, as some American credit cards provide insurance for car hire. Third party cover is the basic level you need to hire a vehicle – that's why we always include it. Should you damage another vehicle or passengers and their property, you won't have to pay for repairs or injuries. But, if you have an accident you will still need to pay a fixed excess fee – unless you upgrade your cover. Find out how much you pay depending on what you hire and where you hire it. We also offer Personal Accident Insurance in case you're injured in an accident, however this must be purchased at the counter. 

Need more advice? Call our reservations team.

 

Don't forget to review the terms and conditions when you book, which include everything you need to know ahead of your journey.

Planning a trip? Start your journey.

Already planned a trip? Check your booking.

Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Calls are free from a UK BT landline. Calls from mobiles will be charged at your network's chosen rate.

The below numbers are free from a UK BT landline; calls from mobiles will be charged at your network’s chosen rate.

Reservations – Pre-rental enquiries – Open Monday to Friday, 0800 – 1700

Please use this number for enquiries before reserving your hire vehicle: 0808 284 4444

Email: reservations@budget-emea.com

Or use our Email Contact Form

Customer Services

Please use this number for enquiries after your rental has taken place.  0808 284 3455 (08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday).  Freephone from UK BT landlines. Calls from mobiles will be charged at your network’s chosen rate.

Email: uk.budgetcustomercare@abg.com

Personal Accident Insurance Claim

To make a Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) claim, please call 0345 602 9429.

24 hour Roadside Assistance

Please use this number if you breakdown in the UK or need help on the road.

0800 200 888

Open: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Law Enforcement Enquiries

Security2@abg.com

Contact us by post

Avis Budget UK Limited
Avis Budget House
Park Road
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 2EW
United Kingdom

Dispute resolution

We are a member of the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA). If you make a complaint and are unhappy with our final response you can refer your dispute to the relevant conciliation service. These organisations independently review disputes with no additional cost to you.