VERIFIED REVIEWS
About hiring a car with Avis in Birmingham
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Avis in Birmingham include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Birmingham, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your hire period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected car hire experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Birmingham.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Avis counter in Birmingham when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Birmingham are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in Birmingham charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with the hire partner to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
Where is the Avis counter at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport?
The Avis counter at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is located in the Rental Car Facility at Section 1B on the ground floor of the airport parking deck, at 5900 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35212. After collecting your luggage, proceed directly to the parking deck and follow signs for the Rental Car Facility on the ground floor. All Avis pickups and drop-offs at Birmingham Airport take place at this consolidated facility.
Counter hours at the Birmingham Airport Avis location are:
- Monday to Friday: 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
No shuttle is required from the terminal. Plan for approximately 20 to 45 minutes from arrival to driving away, accounting for paperwork and vehicle selection at the Birmingham Avis facility.
What documents do I need to pick up my Avis hire car in Birmingham?
To pick up your Avis hire car in Birmingham, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid, original driver’s licence in the main driver’s name
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card (prepaid, debit, and virtual cards are not accepted for the excess)
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting from abroad
If your driver’s licence is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory at the Birmingham Avis counter. For licences in English or using a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted by Avis in Birmingham or at any partner counter.
How does the security deposit work for an Avis hire in Birmingham?
When you pick up your Avis hire car in Birmingham, the counter agent will place a temporary authorisation hold on your credit card. This is not a charge; it reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after you return the vehicle.
For standard vehicles at Avis locations in the United States, including Birmingham, the typical hold is approximately US$300 to US$400. The exact amount can vary based on the vehicle class, hire duration, and location policies. Premium or specialised vehicles may carry a higher hold.
- Only a major credit card in the main driver’s name with the name printed on the card is accepted for the deposit
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted
- Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined
- Notify your bank before travelling to prevent fraud blocks on the authorisation
After you return the vehicle, Avis in Birmingham releases the hold. Your bank controls how quickly it reappears in your available balance, which can take up to 15 working days.
Are there toll roads near Birmingham, and how do they work for Avis renters?
Yes, Alabama has toll roads that Avis renters driving around Birmingham may encounter, depending on their route. Alabama operates its toll system under the Alabama Freedom Pass, which is separate from National systems like E-ZPass or SunPass.
Common toll roads and their costs for standard 2-axle vehicles include:
- Montgomery Expressway Bridge (Alabama River Parkway): US$1.50
- Tuscaloosa Bypass (Joe Mallisham Parkway): US$1.50
- Emerald Mountain Expressway (Dozier Road): US$1.75
- Foley Beach Express Toll Bridge: US$2.75
Tolls in Alabama can be paid with the Alabama Freedom Pass transponder, credit or debit card, or cash at toll booths, so cashless-only constraints are less of a concern here than in some other states.
Your Avis hire vehicle in Birmingham may include an electronic toll device. At pickup, you can choose an unlimited toll package (typically US$11 to US$25 per day depending on the programme) or pay per use, in which case Avis will bill actual tolls plus administrative processing fees to your card after the hire ends. Review the hire agreement before signing to understand which option applies.
What airport fees and taxes should I expect on my Avis hire at Birmingham Airport?
Hiring an Avis car at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) means your total cost will include several fees and taxes beyond the base rate. These are standard for airport hire locations in the United States and are not unique to Avis.
Typical charges at the Birmingham Airport Avis location include:
- Alabama state vehicle hire tax (approximately 7 to 10 per cent)
- Airport concession recovery fee (approximately 8 to 10 per cent of the base rate)
- Customer facility charge (approximately US$4.50 per day)
- Potential city or tourism surcharges
Combined, these airport-specific fees can add 20 to 30 per cent on top of your base rate. Off-airport Avis locations in Birmingham typically carry lower fees, often 15 to 25 per cent less than the airport total, because they are not subject to the same concession and facility charges.
Your booking confirmation will show which taxes and fees are included in your prepaid rate and which are due at the Birmingham Avis counter. If your confirmation states taxes and fees are included, you should not be billed again for those items at pickup.
Can I get Tolls Cashback on my Avis hire in Birmingham?
Yes, all Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Avis hires in Birmingham, include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5 per cent of your total booking value for tolls paid during your hire.
If you drive on Alabama toll roads around Birmingham, such as the Tuscaloosa Bypass or the Montgomery Expressway Bridge, you can claim this benefit after returning the vehicle. Here is how it works:
- Pay tolls normally during your Avis hire in Birmingham, whether through the hire company's toll programme or directly at the booth
- Within 30 days of returning the vehicle, email [email protected] with the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the Avis hire agreement signed at pickup, and a receipt or statement showing the toll charges
- Refunds are issued to your original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 working days after approval
Example: if your Birmingham Avis booking total is US$400, the maximum cashback is US$20. If you paid US$12 in tolls, you receive US$12 back. If you paid US$30, you receive US$20 (the cap). Late submissions after 30 days are not accepted.
How does the fuel policy work for Avis hires in Birmingham?
Avis hires in Birmingham follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
To avoid fuel fees on your Birmingham Avis hire:
- Check the fuel gauge with the agent at pickup and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge before leaving the lot
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the Birmingham return location so the gauge does not drop before you arrive
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
If you return the Avis vehicle in Birmingham with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refuelling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refuelling service fee.
Fuel prices in Birmingham can vary, so refuelling near the return location before drop-off is the most cost-effective approach. For after-hours returns at the Birmingham Airport facility, leave your fuel receipt in the return envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone.
What are the one-way hire options with Avis in Birmingham?
Yes, Avis offers one-way hires from Birmingham, allowing you to pick up at one location and return at a different one, subject to availability and applicable fees.
Key things to know about one-way hires with Avis in Birmingham:
- A drop-off fee may apply when returning the vehicle to a different city or airport. This fee is route-specific and varies by distance, vehicle class, and season
- Same-city one-ways, such as picking up at Birmingham Airport and returning to a downtown Avis location, often carry no drop-off fee, but confirm during booking
- Cross-state or long-distance one-ways from Birmingham typically include a drop-off fee shown under the To Pay at Destination section of your booking confirmation
- Cross-border one-ways, such as driving from Birmingham into another country, are generally restricted or require prior approval from Avis
The drop-off fee cannot be pre-paid and is settled at the Birmingham Avis counter at pickup. If a fee appears on your confirmation, verify it matches what the agent presents before signing the hire agreement. If a fee was not disclosed during booking, keep your paperwork and contact support after the hire.
Does travel assistance come with my Avis hire in Birmingham?
Yes, most Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Avis hires in Birmingham, include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection. However, this benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada.
For eligible renters driving in and around Birmingham, the coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical cover for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
If you experience a medical emergency or accident while driving your Avis hire in Birmingham, such as on I-65 or I-20/59, contact the assistance line immediately before incurring expenses, as some reimbursements require prior authorisation:
- Phone (24/7, toll-free): +1 888 980 9992
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call. Check your booking confirmation for the exact coverage limits and conditions that apply to your specific Avis hire in Birmingham.
What is the minimum age to hire an Avis car in Birmingham?
The minimum age to hire an Avis car in Birmingham without a young-driver surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can hire from Avis in Birmingham but will be charged a daily underage fee of US$13 per day, capped at US$65 plus applicable taxes.
Additional age-related rules to know for Avis in Birmingham:
- Drivers under 25 are restricted from hiring certain vehicle classes, including full-size, premium, luxury, SUV, minivan, and convertible categories
- Economy, compact, and intermediate vehicles are generally available to drivers aged 21 to 24
- All drivers, regardless of age, must present a valid driver’s licence and a major credit card in their name
There is one exception for Avis in Birmingham: if you are aged 21 to 24 and are a citizen or resident of Latin America or the Caribbean, the underage fee may be waived on eligible Hola Car Rentals rate plans. This waiver must appear explicitly on your booking confirmation and applies only to eligible vehicle categories. It does not apply to travellers from Europe, Asia, Africa, or other regions.
Drivers under 21 cannot hire from Avis in Birmingham or elsewhere in Alabama.
How do I add an additional driver to my Avis hire in Birmingham?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Avis hire in Birmingham, either as part of your rate or by paying a fee at the counter.
For Avis in Birmingham, the additional driver fee is US$13 per hire day, capped at US$65 plus applicable taxes, when not included in your rate. Check your booking confirmation for the line Additional Driver Free of Charge to see if it is already covered.
Requirements for adding a driver at the Birmingham Avis counter:
- The additional driver must be present at pickup with a valid driver’s licence
- If their licence uses a non-Latin alphabet (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic), they must also present an International Driving Permit
- For Avis in Birmingham, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement
Only drivers listed on the Avis hire agreement in Birmingham are covered by the vehicle’s protections, including CDW/LDW and liability cover. If someone not listed on the contract drives the vehicle, cover may be void. If you need to add a driver after pickup, visit an Avis branch in Birmingham to update the agreement.
What driving challenges should I know about before hiring an Avis car in Birmingham?
Birmingham's city centre road layout presents some specific challenges for drivers unfamiliar with the city, and knowing them in advance will make your Avis hire experience smoother.
Key driving considerations in Birmingham:
- Downtown Birmingham relies heavily on one-way street pairs with 3 to 5 lanes per direction. Streets like 17th Street N (southbound) and 18th Street N (northbound) run parallel and require counterintuitive routing if you miss a turn, necessitating looping around entire blocks
- Connecting from the downtown one-way grid to motorways such as I-65 or I-20/59 requires anticipating exits in advance, as the one-way system does not allow easy correction once you pass a ramp
- Wide lane widths on downtown arterials can make driving feel faster than expected, especially when merging onto motorway ramps
- Intersections within the one-way grid include unsignalised stop-controlled crossings that may catch first-time visitors off guard
Using a GPS or navigation app is strongly recommended when driving your Avis hire in Birmingham, especially for the first time. The Avis counter at Birmingham Airport can advise on the best routes to your destination. Planning your route before leaving the hire facility will help you avoid backtracking in the one-way grid.
How do I return my Avis hire car at Birmingham Airport?
Returning your Avis hire car at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is straightforward. The return facility is at the same location as pickup: the Rental Car Facility in Section 1B on the ground floor of the airport parking deck at 5900 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35212.
Steps for a smooth return of your Avis vehicle in Birmingham:
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the Birmingham Airport return location to comply with the Full-to-Full fuel policy
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
- Drive to Section 1B of the parking deck and follow Avis return signage on the ground floor
- An agent will inspect the vehicle and close out your contract; ask for a printed or emailed final receipt before leaving
- The Birmingham Airport Avis facility supports 24-hour drop-off, so you can return outside standard counter hours if needed
If you are returning after hours, leave your keys as directed by the Avis agent or signage at the Birmingham facility and keep a photo of the fuel gauge and vehicle condition for your records. Any post-hire charges, such as tolls processed after return, will be billed to the credit card on file.
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