VERIFIED REVIEWS
About hiring a car with Avis in Portsmouth
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Avis in Portsmouth include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Avis counter in Portsmouth when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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)
Which toll roads will I encounter driving from Portsmouth International Airport with an Avis hire?
Yes, toll roads are common around Portsmouth and throughout New Hampshire, so you should plan for them before picking up your Avis hire.
The main toll systems you are likely to use include:
- Blue Star Turnpike (I-95, from Seabrook to Portsmouth): up to US$2.00 per vehicle at cash lanes, or as low as US$1.40 with E-ZPass
- Spaulding Turnpike (NH Route 16, from Portsmouth towards Rochester): connects directly to Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM) and uses E-ZPass
- F.E. Everett Turnpike (I-93/293, Nashua to Concord): up to US$1.00 per vehicle, or US$0.70 with E-ZPass
All three systems accept both E-ZPass and cash at toll plazas. Your Avis vehicle will include an electronic toll device. At the Portsmouth counter you can choose an unlimited toll package or pay per use, where actual tolls plus a daily administrative fee are billed to your card after the hire. If you opt out, cash lanes remain available on these roads.
Use the official calculator at ezpassnh.com/toll-rate-calculator to estimate costs for your specific route.
How does the Avis toll programme work for hires in Portsmouth, New Hampshire?
Your Avis hire in Portsmouth comes equipped with an electronic toll device that can be activated in two ways: by opening the device box or by driving through a cashless toll lane.
At the Avis counter you will typically be offered two options:
- Unlimited toll package: a fixed daily rate (generally US$11 to US$25 per day depending on the programme) that covers all tolls during the hire period
- Pay-per-use: actual toll amounts plus a daily or per-transaction administrative fee billed to your card after the hire ends
If you prefer to avoid the programme entirely, you can opt out at the Portsmouth counter and pay cash at toll plazas on the Blue Star Turnpike (I-95), Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16), and other New Hampshire toll roads. Inform the Avis agent before signing the agreement so the device can be noted as inactive.
Be aware that toll charges are often posted days or even weeks after your hire ends, so a charge appearing on your statement after return is normal. Always review the hire agreement before signing to confirm the daily fee and any caps that apply to your Avis booking in Portsmouth.
Can I get cashback on tolls paid during my Avis hire in Portsmouth?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Avis hire in Portsmouth.
Given that New Hampshire toll roads such as the Blue Star Turnpike (I-95) and Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) are frequently used routes around Portsmouth, this benefit can offset a meaningful portion of your toll costs.
To claim your cashback after returning your Avis vehicle:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA followed by your confirmation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the Avis hire agreement signed at the Portsmouth counter, and a toll receipt or itemised invoice showing charges paid
The refund is issued to the same payment method used for your original booking and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Submissions received after 30 days are not accepted, so keep your toll receipts and act promptly after your Portsmouth hire ends.
What documents do I need to collect my Avis hire car in Portsmouth?
To collect your Avis hire in Portsmouth you must present all of the following physical documents at the counter:
- Your original, unexpired driver’s licence in the main driver’s name
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the physical card, used for the authorisation hold
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- 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, for example Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original licence. For licences in English or a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required by Avis in Portsmouth.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone are not accepted at the Avis counter. Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the authorisation hold, so bring a major credit card with sufficient available credit. A backup credit card is also a smart precaution in case your primary card is declined.
Is a credit card required to collect an Avis car in Portsmouth?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver’s name is required at the Avis counter in Portsmouth to cover the security deposit hold.
The hold is a temporary authorisation placed on your card at pickup, not an immediate charge, but it reduces your available credit until released after the hire. For standard vehicles at UK locations, Avis typically places a hold of around GBP 300 to GBP 400, though the exact amount can vary by vehicle class and location.
Key points to bear in mind for your Portsmouth collection:
- The card must be a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) with the driver’s name printed on the physical card
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual or single-use card numbers are not accepted for the deposit
- The card must have sufficient available credit to cover the hold plus any expected charges
- Even if you prepaid your booking online, you must still present a physical credit card at the Avis counter in Portsmouth
After you return the vehicle, the hold is released, but your bank controls how quickly it reappears on your available credit, which can take up to 15 working days.
What driving quirks in central Portsmouth should I know before collecting my Avis hire?
Portsmouth's compact centre has several features that can catch first-time drivers off guard, especially if you are accustomed to multi-lane urban roads.
Key things to be aware of with your Avis hire in Portsmouth:
- One-way loop: State Street, Congress Street, Daniel Street, and Market Street form a one-way circulation system. Navigation apps help, but the loop can be disorienting during your first pass through the city centre
- Drawbridge delays: The Memorial Bridge over the Piscataqua River opens regularly for marine traffic. When it lifts, queues build quickly from Market Square westward along Middle Street and Congress Street, adding unexpected wait times
- Yield streets: Some centre streets are narrow, under 20 feet wide, and operate as two-way yield lanes where drivers must negotiate passage. This is different from typical UK urban driving
- Pedestrian and cyclist priority: Portsmouth's Complete Streets design gives strong priority to pedestrians and cyclists in the city core. Bike corrals and on-street parking buffers reduce travel lane width
- Route 1 (Lafayette Road): This corridor is undergoing long-term NHDOT planning improvements, so lane configurations and signage may differ from what mapping apps show
Allowing extra time when driving your Avis hire into or through central Portsmouth, particularly during the afternoon peak between 5 PM and 6 PM, will make the experience much smoother.
Can I return my Avis hire in Portsmouth outside opening hours?
Yes, after-hours returns are generally available at Avis locations in Portsmouth, though you should confirm the specific procedure for your collection point when you collect the vehicle.
The standard after-hours return process at most Avis locations works as follows:
- Park the vehicle in the designated hire return area
- Lock the doors and place the keys in the key drop box at the facility
- Your responsibility for the vehicle continues until the Avis agent inspects it at the next business opening
- Keep a photo of the fuel gauge and odometer before you leave, as well as any pre-existing damage documentation from collection
For your Portsmouth Avis hire, refuel before returning the vehicle. The full-to-full fuel policy means you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full to avoid a refuelling charge at the partner's rate, which is typically higher than pump prices. Refuelling within roughly 10 miles of the return location is recommended so the gauge does not drop before you arrive.
Check your booking confirmation for the exact address of your Avis return location in Portsmouth and any specific after-hours instructions noted there.
Does Avis in Portsmouth charge a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25?
Yes, Avis in Portsmouth applies a young-driver surcharge for drivers between 21 and 24 years old, in line with standard UK hire policy.
Here is what to expect:
- Drivers aged 21 to 24 can hire from Avis in Portsmouth but will pay a daily underage fee of GBP 13 per hire day plus taxes, capped at GBP 65 plus taxes for the hire period
- Drivers under 21 are generally not eligible to hire from Avis in Portsmouth
- Vehicle class restrictions apply: categories such as full-size, SUV, premium, luxury, minivan, and convertible are typically reserved for drivers aged 25 and older
- Economy, compact, and intermediate vehicles are usually the available options for under-25 drivers
One exception worth noting: if you are a resident or citizen of Latin America or the Caribbean, aged 21 to 24, and your Hola Car Rentals confirmation explicitly states that the underage fee is waived, Avis may waive this surcharge for the main driver on eligible vehicle categories. This exception does not apply to additional drivers under 25 or to travellers from other regions.
Always verify your Portsmouth Avis confirmation before arriving at the counter to confirm whether the surcharge applies to your booking.
Does travel assistance cover a breakdown on New Hampshire highways with my Avis hire from Portsmouth?
Yes, most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can support you in situations such as a breakdown or accident on New Hampshire highways near Portsmouth, including the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) or I-95.
The travel assistance benefit typically covers:
- Medical cover for up to 5 passengers in the event of an accident or non-pre-existing illness
- Legal assistance in case of an accident involving your Avis hire
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
To reach assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Call: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free)
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Provide your full name, your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number, your location on the New Hampshire road network, and a brief description of the situation. Follow the coordinator's instructions and keep all receipts and reports.
Important: this travel assistance benefit does not apply to residents or citizens of the United Kingdom or Canada. It also does not cover damage to the Avis hire vehicle itself, which is handled separately by CDW/LDW cover. Always check your Portsmouth booking confirmation for the exact terms applicable to your reservation.
Can I add an additional driver to my Avis hire in Portsmouth?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Avis hire in Portsmouth, either as part of your rate or for a fee paid at the counter.
Check your booking confirmation first. If it states additional driver included or additional driver free of charge, the first extra driver is covered at no cost. If it is not included, Avis charges GBP 13 per hire day plus taxes, capped at GBP 65 plus taxes for the hire period.
Requirements for adding a driver at the Portsmouth Avis counter:
- The additional driver must be present at pickup with a valid driver’s licence
- They must meet the minimum age requirement: for Avis in Portsmouth, additional drivers should generally be at least 25 years old
- If their licence is not in English or uses a non-Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit is also required
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement
Only drivers listed on the Avis hire agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW and liability cover. Anyone who drives the Portsmouth hire without being named on the contract may void those protections and expose you to additional charges.
Can I hire an Avis car in Portsmouth and return it in a different city?
Yes, Avis supports one-way hires, so you can pick up your car in Portsmouth and return it to a different location.
A drop-off fee may apply depending on the route. This fee is set by Avis and varies based on the cities involved, the distance between them, the vehicle class, and the season. For your Portsmouth Avis booking, the drop-off fee will be shown during the checkout process under the section labelled to pay at destination, and it will also appear on your booking confirmation.
A few things to bear in mind:
- Same-city routes, such as Portsmouth International Airport to a downtown Portsmouth location, often carry no drop-off fee
- Routes between different cities or regions typically do carry a one-way fee
- Cross-border one-way hires, for example from Portsmouth to France, may be restricted or require prior approval from Avis
- Changing your return location after booking may reprice the hire and recalculate the drop-off fee
If the Avis counter in Portsmouth charges a drop-off fee that was not shown on your confirmation, keep all paperwork and contact support. The No Extra Charges© guarantee can help resolve undisclosed charges after verification.
What insurance cover should I consider for my Avis hire in Portsmouth?
When collecting your Avis hire in Portsmouth, two main types of cover are worth understanding before you arrive at the counter.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability for damage to the Avis vehicle itself, including collision, theft, and vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero. CDW/LDW does not cover damage or injury you cause to other people or their property.
Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving your Avis hire in Portsmouth. New Hampshire does not universally mandate that hire companies include state-minimum liability in every hire, so confirming your liability cover before you drive is strongly recommended. Hola Car Rentals recommends adding Liability Insurance Supplementary (up to US$300,000) to your Portsmouth Avis booking.
Common exclusions to be aware of:
- Tires, wheels, undercarriage, and roof damage are often not covered by standard CDW/LDW
- Driving under the influence or in restricted areas voids cover
- Only drivers listed on the Avis hire agreement are covered
Review your booking confirmation to see which protections are already included in your Portsmouth Avis rate before accepting or declining anything at the counter.
What is the fuel policy for Avis hires in Portsmouth?
Your Avis hire in Portsmouth operates on a full-to-full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Steps to follow for a smooth fuel return:
- At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the Avis agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the gauge and odometer
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the Portsmouth return location so the tank does not drop before you arrive
- Keep the final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
- For after-hours returns, leave the receipt in the key envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge
If you return the Avis vehicle in Portsmouth below the recorded starting level, 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.
Gas stations along Route 1 (Lafayette Road) and near the I-95 interchange are convenient options for refuelling before returning to the Portsmouth Avis location. Using the correct fuel type is also important: wrong-fuel incidents are not covered by the fuel policy and may generate additional charges.
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