Avis "Grace" Period

[peg2001]

I am finding a significant difference in price to reserve a car from Avis for one day depending on whether I put in 24-hours or 26-hours. Do they informally provide any "grace" period. For example, if I reserve a car for 10 AM, is there any problem likely to pick it up at 9 AM? Similarly, if I reserve a car to be returned the next day at 10 AM and then return it at 11 AM, will they likely add on an hourly fee or "forgive" my tardiness?

Thank you,
Peggy

 

[CarolA]

The grace period is normally 60 minutes or less. (Actually some of the companies are down to NO grace period, you might want to call and see). Once you go over the grace period you get charged for all extra times. So if you retuned 2 hours late you would get charged for 2 hours. Rental car companies don't "forgive" much if they can get a buck!

 

[CarolA]

Also, your 24 hours starts when you pick up, not based on your rental time. SO in your case, your 24 hour period would begin at 9 A.M. They will normally let you pick up early if the car is ready.

 

[peg2001]

Ok, thanks! I've rented cars many times but almost always on business trips so I didn't worry what the final cost was.

I guess I'll just have to pay for those extra hours. Amazing how 2 hours can cost almost as much as a day.

Peggy

 

[Lewisc]

Peg for most rental companies after 2 hours you're billed for an extra day. On the other hand 5 days plus 2 hours usually gets you the weekly rate which is usually cheaper.