VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Avis in San Diego include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in San Diego, including Avis, 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 rental 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 Avis rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in San Diego.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Avis counter in San Diego when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Avis booking in San Diego 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 Avis 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 Avis counter in San Diego 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 Avis 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)
How do I pick up my Avis rental car at San Diego Airport?
At San Diego International Airport (SAN), the Avis counter is located at the Consolidated Rental Car Center at 3355 Admiral Boland Way, Suite R175, on the northeast side of the airport. You do not walk directly from the terminal to the counter.
- After collecting your baggage, follow airport signs for Rental Car Return or Rental Car Center.
- Board the free shuttle bus from the terminal to the Rental Car Center. The ride typically takes around 5 to 10 minutes.
- Once at the center, locate the Avis counter inside the building and present your booking confirmation, driver's license, and credit card.
The Avis counter at San Diego Airport operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so late arrivals and early morning flights are both covered. After-hours drop-off is also available at the same location. Allow extra time after landing for the shuttle ride and counter process before you are on the road.
What are the Avis counter hours at San Diego downtown locations?
Avis operates two downtown San Diego locations with hours that differ significantly from the 24-hour airport counter.
- 6th Ave (Downtown): 1350 6th Ave, Suite 170, between Ash St and A St. Open Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 1 PM. Vehicles are located inside the 6th and A parking garage. Free pickup is available if you call the location in advance.
- Little Italy: 1670 Kettner Blvd, Suite 1, entrance on Cedar St. Open Monday to Friday 8 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 8 AM to 12 PM. Vehicles are on-site. Free pickup is also available. This location is approximately 1 mile from the cruise port and 0.5 miles from Santa Fe Station.
If you plan to return your Avis vehicle to a San Diego downtown location after hours, note that a key drop may be available at some sites, but you remain liable for any damage or theft until the next business day. If no key drop is available, you should return during operating hours or drop the vehicle at the San Diego Airport location, which accepts returns around the clock.
Do toll roads exist near San Diego, and how does Avis handle tolls?
San Diego itself has very limited toll exposure compared to other parts of California. The main toll facilities you may encounter are express lanes on certain freeways and, if you drive north toward Los Angeles or Orange County, toll roads such as SR-73, SR-133, SR-241, and SR-261.
All of California's toll roads use the FasTrak electronic system. There are no cash toll booths. Your Avis rental vehicle in San Diego will include an electronic toll device or a plate-based billing system.
At the Avis counter in San Diego you will typically be offered two options:
- Unlimited toll package: a fixed daily rate of approximately US$11 to US$25 per day, covering all toll usage during the rental.
- Pay per use: you decline the package and Avis charges you the actual toll amounts plus administrative processing fees after the rental ends. These charges can appear on your card days or even weeks after you return the vehicle.
If you plan to avoid toll roads entirely while driving around San Diego, most major highways in the area are free. Toll costs only become significant if you use express lanes or travel into Orange County.
Can I get toll cashback on my Avis rental in San Diego?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include Tolls Cashback, which applies to your Avis rental in San Diego and any toll roads you use during the trip.
The benefit reimburses the lesser of the total tolls you paid or up to 5% of your total booking value. For example, if your booking total is US$500, the maximum cashback is US$25. If you paid US$18 in tolls, you receive US$18 back. If you paid US$40, you receive US$25 (the cap).
To claim your cashback after returning the Avis vehicle in San Diego:
- 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 rental agreement signed at pickup, and a toll receipt or statement showing charges paid during the rental.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted. This benefit does not mean tolls are included in your booking; you still pay tolls normally and claim reimbursement afterward.
What documents do I need to pick up my Avis car in San Diego?
When collecting your Avis rental in San Diego, you must present the following physical documents at the counter. Digital copies are not accepted.
- Your original, unexpired driver's license in the main driver's name.
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the deposit.
- Your passport or valid government photo ID.
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
- Round-trip flight tickets or cruise tickets if you are visiting from abroad.
If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original license. For licenses in English or using a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required. The IDP is a translation document only and cannot be used without your original license.
All named drivers must be present at the Avis counter in San Diego and must show their own valid license. Name mismatches between your license, passport, and credit card are a common cause of problems at pickup, so verify these match before you travel.
How much is the security deposit for an Avis rental in San Diego?
When you pick up your Avis vehicle in San Diego, the counter will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge; it reduces your available credit until the bank releases it after you return the car.
For Avis rentals in the United States, including San Diego, the typical hold is approximately US$300 to US$400 for a standard vehicle. The exact amount can vary depending on the vehicle class, rental duration, and the specific location (airport versus downtown).
- Premium or specialty vehicles may carry a higher hold.
- The hold is released after drop-off, but your bank controls when it appears back on your account, which can take up to 15 business days.
- You must present a physical major credit card with your name printed on it. Virtual cards, prepaid cards, and debit cards are not accepted for the deposit.
Even if you prepaid your Avis booking in San Diego online, you are still required to present a physical credit card at the counter for the security hold. Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined, and notify your bank of your travel dates to prevent fraud blocks on the authorization.
Can I add an additional driver to my Avis rental in San Diego?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Avis rental in San Diego, either as part of your rate or by paying a fee at the counter.
If your booking confirmation states that an additional driver is included, the first extra driver is free. If it is not included, Avis charges US$13 per rental day plus taxes, with a maximum cap of US$65 plus taxes for the rental period.
Requirements for adding a driver at the Avis counter in San Diego:
- The additional driver must be physically present at pickup.
- They must present a valid driver's license and any required ID.
- For Avis in San Diego, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old. Drivers aged 21 to 24 may not be accepted as additional drivers or may incur a young-driver surcharge.
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement.
Only drivers listed on the Avis rental agreement are covered by the vehicle's protections such as CDW and liability coverage. If someone drives who is not named on the contract, coverage may be void. If you need to add a driver after pickup, visit an Avis branch in San Diego to update the agreement.
Is there a young driver surcharge for under-25 renters at Avis in San Diego?
Yes, Avis in San Diego applies a young-driver surcharge for renters between the ages of 21 and 24. California does not have a state law requiring rentals to drivers under 21, so the minimum age at most Avis locations in San Diego is 21, with a daily underage fee applied.
Drivers aged 21 to 24 should also be aware that most vehicle classes are restricted. Economy, compact, and intermediate categories are typically available, while full-size sedans, SUVs, minivans, convertibles, premium, and luxury vehicles generally require the main driver to be 25 or older.
There is one notable exception for Avis in San Diego: if you are a citizen or resident of Latin America or the Caribbean, aged 21 to 24, certain Hola Car Rentals rate plans with Avis waive the underage fee for the main driver. To qualify:
- Your Hola Car Rentals confirmation must explicitly state that the underage fee is waived.
- You must present a passport or government ID proving Latin American or Caribbean nationality or residency at the Avis counter in San Diego.
- The vehicle must belong to an eligible category (economy, compact, medium sedan, standard sedan, compact SUV, or medium SUV).
This exception does not apply to additional drivers aged 21 to 24, and it does not apply to travelers from Europe, Asia, or other regions.
Can I rent a car from Avis in San Diego and return it in Los Angeles?
Yes, Avis offers one-way rentals from San Diego to Los Angeles and many other destinations across the United States. You select a different drop-off location, such as an Avis location at LAX, when making your booking.
A drop-off fee may apply for one-way rentals depending on the route, vehicle class, and season. This fee is shown during the booking process under the section labeled as charges due at the destination, so you can see the cost before confirming. The fee is not prepaid and is paid at the Avis counter in San Diego at pickup.
- San Diego to Los Angeles is approximately 125 miles and around two hours of driving.
- Routes between cities in the same region may or may not carry a drop-off fee; the booking tool will show the exact amount for your specific route.
- Cross-border one-way rentals (for example, returning the car in Mexico) are generally not permitted without prior authorization from Avis.
If you change your drop-off location after booking, the rental may be repriced and the drop-off fee recalculated. Review your confirmation carefully to confirm the return location and any fees before you travel.
What fuel policy applies to Avis rentals in San Diego?
Avis rentals in San Diego 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.
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 rental agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the gauge and odometer.
- During the rental, use the correct fuel type as shown in the vehicle (gasoline or diesel). Wrong-fuel incidents are not covered and may generate significant charges.
- Before returning the car, refuel within approximately 10 miles of the Avis return location in San Diego. Keep your receipt showing the date, time, and station address.
- At drop-off, show the gauge at full and keep the receipt in case any dispute arises.
If you return the Avis vehicle in San Diego with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a refueling service fee. Some Avis locations may offer a prepaid fuel option at the counter; if you accept it, any unused fuel is generally non-refundable.
What insurance coverage is included in my Avis booking in San Diego?
The insurance and protection options included in your Avis rental in San Diego depend on the rate plan you selected when booking through Hola Car Rentals. It is important to review your confirmation carefully before arriving at the counter.
The two main types of coverage relevant to your Avis rental in San Diego are:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to the Avis rental vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation states zero deductible. CDW and LDW do not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people.
- Third-Party Liability (LIS or SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving. Some U.S. states require a minimum level of liability, but not all do. Hola Car Rentals strongly recommends adding supplemental liability coverage for your San Diego rental.
CDW and LDW do not cover tires, undercarriage, roof, keys, or personal belongings. Only drivers named on the Avis rental agreement are covered. If an incident occurs, report it to Avis immediately using the number on your rental agreement and gather photos, location details, and any police report number.
Does my Avis San Diego booking include travel assistance coverage?
Most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, and this applies to your Avis rental in San Diego. However, this benefit is available only to travelers who are not residents or citizens of the United States or Canada.
If you qualify, the coverage typically includes:
- Medical coverage for up to 5 passengers for accidents and non-pre-existing illnesses during the trip.
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident, which can be particularly useful if you are involved in an incident on San Diego freeways or highways.
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
This coverage does not protect the Avis rental vehicle itself (that is handled by CDW or LDW) and does not cover third-party liability to others (handled by LIS or SLI).
If you need assistance during your Avis rental in San Diego, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day:
- Phone: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free)
- 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 terms and coverage limits that apply to your reservation.
What happens if I return my Avis car in San Diego after hours?
The after-hours return process for your Avis rental in San Diego depends on which location you are returning to.
- San Diego Airport (3355 Admiral Boland Way): 24-hour drop-off is available. You can return the Avis vehicle at any time, day or night, without needing to wait for the counter to open. Follow signs to the Rental Car Center and leave the vehicle in the designated Avis return area.
- 6th Ave Downtown location: After-hours return procedures are not specified for this site. If you cannot return during operating hours (Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 1 PM), consider returning the vehicle to the San Diego Airport location instead.
- Little Italy location: A key drop may be available. If you use it, you remain liable for any damage or theft until the next business day when Avis staff inspect the vehicle. If no key drop box is present, do not leave the vehicle unattended. Return during operating hours or arrange to drop off at the San Diego Airport Avis location.
For any after-hours return, take photos of the vehicle's condition, fuel gauge, and odometer before leaving. Keep all paperwork. If you have questions about your specific Avis return in San Diego, check your rental agreement for the contact number provided by Avis.
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