Avis Car Rentals FAQs Avis Car Rentals FAQs

Avis provides public liability coverage for its vehicles as required by applicable law. In most instances, this will include coverage for the renter or authorized driver up to the financial responsibility limits of the jurisdiction in which an accident occurs, at no additional charge. In some provinces, particularly Ontario, the liability protection provided is secondary to any other applicable coverage. This means the renter's personal auto liability insurance is used first, and the Avis protection will not apply until the renter's or driver's insurance, if any, has been exhausted. Please check with the rental agent or nearest Avis reservation center regarding the applicability of Avis' automobile liability protection for specific locations and jurisdictions. You should also check with your own insurance company to determine the level of your protection under their policy.

You do not need to purchase optional coverage from Avis. Please make sure that your insurance provider covers you for all accidents, damages and liability.

Avis offers several optional insurance plans that are available for an additional daily charge. The renter is responsible for all damage or theft of the Avis vehicle subject to certain exclusions contained in the Avis rental agreement.

For an additional fee, Avis will waive or limit the renter's liability through the purchase of a Loss Damage Waiver at the time of rental. In some cases, renters may be covered for loss or damage to the rental vehicle under their personal insurance or charge card. Such coverage may contain a deductible or may not be primary coverage. Please check with your insurance company or charge card company before you rent.

See additional coverage information below:
Public Liability and Property Damage Protection 
Group insurance 
Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) 
Personal Accident Insurance Plus (PAI-Plus) 
Personal Effects Protection (PEP)

No. If an Avis vehicle, such as a van, is being used to transport an organized group (such as a team, camp, etc.), the Group must provide Avis with their own Group Auto Liability Insurance. Please call 1-800-879-2847 for more information.

Renters may purchase a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) that reduces the renter's financial liability to a minimum amount for loss or damage to the Avis vehicle as long as the renter complies with the terms of the Avis rental agreement. Cost of LDW, for each full or partial rental day, may vary by location, vehicle group and rate. You should check to see if you have coverage for damage to the rental vehicle through your personal insurance or charge card, and if it is satisfactory for your needs as it may have restrictions or limits (e.g. size or value of the vehicle, length of rental etc.) and could affect your personal auto insurance premium.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and Personal Effects Protection (PEP) are optional coverages available at time of rental. PAI and PEP are sold together as an optional protection package at an additional daily charge.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) provides accidental death and dismemberment coverage to the renter and all passengers in the Avis vehicle:

• The renter is covered up to $100,000 CDN for accidental death 24-hours a day during the rental.
• The passengers are covered up to $10,000 CDN for accidental death while in the vehicle.

A brochure outlining the complete schedule of benefits is available at the rental counter.

PAI provides the renter with up to $50 CDN towards Emergency Road Service for:

• Battery service
• Changing of tire from rack to wheel
• Cold weather starts
• Delivery of gas to stranded vehicle
• Key Lock Service
• Mechanical first-aid service
• Rescuing vehicle from ditch, snow or mud

PAI also provides emergency towing and transportation coverage:

• up to $50 CDN towards Mechanical Breakdown Towing to take the vehicle to the nearest service establishment for repairs
• up to $100 CDN towards Collision Towing if the vehicle is disabled due to an accident* OR
• up to $100 CDN in Emergency Transportation funds to help cover necessary transportation costs*

*Payable only when accompanied by Police report of the accident.

For the full brochure, please click here

Personal Effects Protection (PEP) offers protection for renters who have purchased coverage, and up to 8 eligible traveling companions for their personal belongings while in the rental vehicle. The maximum covered amount per reservation is $2,000 CDN with a per limit item of $1,000 CDN.

Public Liability Insurance is the liability coverage for vehicles that is required by applicable law if a driver causes injury to a third party. Avis provides this liability protection for its vehicles. In most instances, this will include coverage for the renter or authorized driver up to the minimum financial responsibility limits of the jurisdiction in which the accident takes place. This is at no additional charge. In some provinces, particualrly Ontario, the liability coverage which is provided is secondary to any other applicable coverage. This means the renter's personal auto liability insurance is used first, and the Avis protection will not apply until the renter or driver's insurance, if any, has been exhausted. Please check with the rental agent or nearest Avis reservation center regarding the applicability of secondary protection for specific locations and jurisdictions. You should also check with your own insurance company to determine the level of your protection under their policy.