Windsor Airport Car Rental Guide

Your Guide to Car Rentals at Windsor Airport

Arriving at Windsor Airport and need wheels to explore the city or surrounding areas? Understanding your car rental options is key to a seamless travel experience. While Windsor Airport itself may not host numerous rental car companies directly within its terminal, reputable providers are readily accessible nearby, often with convenient shuttle services.

Finding Your Rental Car at Windsor Airport

The primary car rental provider conveniently located at Windsor Airport is Avis. Avis operates on-site, making it straightforward for travellers to collect their pre-booked vehicles or arrange rentals upon arrival. It's always recommended to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred vehicle and potentially better rates.

For travellers looking for other options, while not directly within the terminal, other major car rental companies typically have presence in the vicinity of Windsor Airport. These may include companies like Hertz, Budget, Enterprise, and National. Often, these companies provide a shuttle service from the airport terminal to their off-site locations. It's advisable to check their specific locations and shuttle arrangements beforehand.

Avis Rental Policies: What You Need to Know

Avis has specific policies regarding reservations, payments, and pick-up procedures. Familiarising yourself with these can prevent any last-minute complications.

Reservations and Modifications

Your reservation confirmation number is crucial. Keep it safe, as it's required for any modifications, cancellations, or no-show refund requests. Changes to a prepaid reservation can be made on the Avis website (Avis.com, Avis.com.au, or Avis.co.nz) or at the rental counter. Be aware that current rates, taxes, and fees will apply at the time of modification.

Payment Methods

Avis accepts most major credit cards for rental payments and as credit identification at the time of rental. Accepted cards include:

However, it's important to note that some locations might not accept all of these cards. Prepaid debit/gift cards are generally not accepted for credit identification to pick up a vehicle. They are typically only accepted at the time of return.

Debit Card Usage

Debit cards can be used for prepayment online, but their acceptance for the required credit hold at pick-up can vary by location. While a debit card might be accepted for the rental itself, it may not be sufficient for the security deposit. Always review the terms and conditions specific to the pick-up location regarding debit card acceptance for holds.

Credit Holds and Authorisations

At the time of rental, a hold will be placed on your credit card. This hold is typically for the estimated rental charges plus a percentage (e.g., 20%), or a fixed amount, whichever is greater. For example, in Canada, this might be $750.00 CAD or the estimated rental charges plus 20%. These funds will not be available for your use while the hold is active. Avis is not responsible for any returned checks or overdrafts resulting from these holds.

Prepaid Reservations

Prepaid reservations are offered at participating locations. The credit or debit card used for a "Pay Now" reservation must be presented at the rental counter for identification. Vouchers, Avis rental certificates, and gift cards (Avis or any other) cannot be used with prepaid reservations.

Driver and Vehicle Requirements

Age Requirements

Avis has adjusted its age policies. While the traditional minimum age to rent a car is 25, Avis now rents to customers between the ages of 21 and 24. However, drivers in this age group will be subject to an additional underage surcharge. Furthermore, renters aged 21-24 face restrictions on the types of vehicles they can rent, excluding luxury cars, mini-vans, 12-passenger vans, specialty cars, full-size SUVs, and premium SUVs.

Specific regional variations exist. For instance, in Quebec, the minimum age for certain vehicle groups (A, B, C, D & E) is 21 with a daily underage fee for renters aged 21-24. For all other vehicle groups in Quebec, the minimum age is 25. In Saskatchewan, the minimum age is 18, and no underage fee applies.

Driver's Licence and Identification

At the time of rental pick-up, all drivers must present a valid driver's license and a credit card in the driver's name. The name on all rental credentials, including the driver's license and credit/debit card, must match the name on the reservation. If these names do not match, it's considered a non-permissible change, and you may need to cancel and re-book. Positive identification beyond a driver's license may also be required. Drivers are expected to have a safe driving record, and renters may be subject to an electronic DMV check.

Additional Drivers

In Canada, there is a daily charge for each additional driver. Certain exemptions apply, such as for an employer or fellow employee on company business, or for disabled renters who have completed the necessary forms.

Rental Period and Returns

Daily Rentals

Vehicles are rented on a daily (24-hour) basis. Be mindful of return times to avoid additional charges.

Late Returns

Avis offers a 29-minute grace period for returns. If you return the vehicle between 30 minutes and 90 minutes late, a partial day charge will apply, plus taxes. Returns more than 90 minutes late will incur a full-day late charge, plus taxes. It's important to note that there is no grace period for rental fees, surcharges, or optional equipment. Extensions or late returns will always result in additional charges.

Fuel Services

If you opt for a Fuel Service Option, the fuel price is not included in your initial reservation total. The prevailing market rate will be added when you return the vehicle. You can choose to refuel the vehicle yourself before returning it to avoid these charges, but ensure it meets the required fuel level specified in your rental agreement.

Coupons and Promotions

Coupons can be applied to prepaid rentals. However, remember that vouchers or Avis rental certificates cannot be used in conjunction with a prepaid reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Where exactly can I find the Avis rental desk at Windsor Airport?
A1: Avis operates directly within the Windsor Airport terminal, making it easily accessible upon your arrival.

Q2: Can I rent a car with a debit card at Windsor Airport?
A2: You can use a debit card for prepayment online. However, for the required credit hold at pick-up, acceptance can vary. It's best to check Avis's specific terms for the Windsor location or have a credit card available.

Q3: What is the minimum age to rent a car from Avis at Windsor Airport?
A3: The minimum age is 21, but drivers aged 21-24 will incur an underage surcharge and may have restrictions on vehicle types.

Q4: What happens if I return the car late?
A4: There is a 29-minute grace period. After that, late return fees will apply, potentially up to a full day's charge.

Q5: Can I change my prepaid reservation?
A5: Yes, you can modify your prepaid reservation online or at the counter, but current rates and fees will apply. Certain changes, like the method of prepayment or the pick-up country, require cancellation and re-booking.

Planning your car rental at Windsor Airport, particularly with Avis, involves understanding their policies on payment, age, and reservations. By preparing in advance and familiarising yourself with these details, you can ensure a smooth and efficient pick-up, allowing you to start your journey in and around Windsor without delay.

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