Avis Mountain View is a rental location, not a dealership
Avis in Mountain View is a car rental branch, not a place to buy a vehicle. If you arrived here looking to purchase a car, you want a dealership instead — a business that sells used or new vehicles outright. Avis rents vehicles by the day, week, or month, which is different from ownership.
The Mountain View Avis location sits in Silicon Valley and serves people who need a temporary vehicle — travelers, people whose cars are in the shop, or locals who want to try a different vehicle type before committing to a purchase. Understanding the difference matters because rental and buying involve completely different contracts, costs, and responsibilities.
Key Takeaways
- Avis Mountain View is a rental location where you pay daily or weekly rates to use a vehicle temporarily, not a dealership where you buy a car.
- Rental agreements hold you responsible for damage, fuel, and mileage overages, so read the contract carefully before signing.
- You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card to rent from Avis.
- If you want to buy a vehicle instead, search for new car dealerships or used car lots in Mountain View rather than rental agencies.
What you need to rent a car from Avis
To rent from Avis Mountain View, you must bring a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Some locations accept debit cards, but Avis typically requires a credit card to hold the rental and cover any damage charges. The credit card does not need to be used for payment — it is a security hold.
You must be at least 25 years old to rent most vehicles without paying an underage driver fee. Drivers under 25 can rent, but Avis charges an additional daily fee. If you are renting for business, bring your company's insurance information as well as your personal policy, since some corporate policies cover rental vehicles and others do not.
How rental costs work and what you are responsible for
Avis charges a base daily or weekly rate, but the final bill includes fuel, mileage overages, insurance, and damage. Most Avis rentals come with unlimited mileage, but some promotional rates do not — check your reservation confirmation. If you exceed the mileage limit, you pay per mile, which adds up quickly on longer trips.
You are responsible for any damage to the vehicle, even minor dents or scratches. Avis offers damage waiver coverage (sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW), which you can purchase at rental time. This coverage protects you from paying for damage, but it costs extra and comes with a deductible. Your personal auto insurance or credit card may cover rental damage — call your insurer before renting to know what is already covered.
Fuel works on a prepay or return-full model. If you prepay for a full tank, you keep any unused fuel but cannot get a refund. If you return the car without prepaying, Avis charges you for whatever fuel is missing, usually at a higher per-gallon rate than a gas station. Returning the car with a full tank avoids this charge.
Reservation and pickup at the Mountain View location
You can reserve a car online through Avis.com, by phone, or in person at the Mountain View location. Online reservations let you compare vehicle types and prices before committing. When you arrive for pickup, bring all required documents and allow 15 to 30 minutes for the rental agent to inspect the vehicle with you and explain the contract.
The agent will walk you through the vehicle's condition, pointing out any existing damage on a form called a condition report. Take photos or video of the car's exterior and interior before leaving the lot — this protects you if Avis later claims you caused damage you did not. Ask the agent to show you how to operate features like the fuel door, windshield wipers, and infotainment system.
Insurance and damage responsibility
Your personal auto insurance may cover rental vehicles, but not all policies do. Before renting, call your insurance company and ask whether rental cars are covered under your collision and comprehensive coverage. If they are, you may not need to buy Avis's damage waiver.
Credit card companies sometimes offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit, but this coverage is usually secondary — it pays only after your personal insurance is exhausted. Read your credit card's benefits guide or call the card issuer to understand what is covered. If you have no personal insurance and your credit card does not cover rentals, purchasing Avis's damage waiver is the safer choice, even though it costs more per day.
Returning the car and avoiding extra charges
Return the vehicle on time and with a full fuel tank to avoid late fees and fuel surcharges. Avis charges a daily rate for each day you keep the car past the return time, even if you return it a few hours late. If you need the car longer, call ahead and extend your reservation — this is cheaper than paying late fees.
Inspect the car before returning it and note any new damage. Take photos if you see anything you did not cause. When you return the car, the agent will inspect it again and compare it to the condition report from pickup. If new damage appears, Avis will charge you. If you disagree with a damage charge, ask for photos and a written explanation before paying.
If you are looking to buy a car instead
If you came to this page looking to purchase a vehicle, Avis is not the right place. Dealerships in Mountain View sell new and used cars; rental agencies do not. Search for "new car dealerships Mountain View" or "used car lots Mountain View" to find businesses that sell vehicles outright.
Some people rent from Avis to test-drive a vehicle type before buying — for example, renting an SUV for a weekend to see if you like driving one. This is a legitimate way to try before you commit to a purchase. If that is your plan, rent the vehicle type you are considering and use the rental period to evaluate comfort, visibility, fuel economy, and handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car from Avis Mountain View if I do not have a credit card?
Most Avis locations require a credit card to hold the rental and cover damage. Some locations accept debit cards, but this varies. Call the Mountain View Avis location directly to ask whether they accept debit cards for your specific rental dates.
What happens if I return the car late?
Avis charges a daily rate for each day the car is late, sometimes at a higher rate than your original reservation. If you are running late, call the location and ask to extend your reservation — this is usually cheaper than paying late fees. Always return the car on the agreed date and time.
Am I covered if I get in an accident in a rental car?
Your personal auto insurance should cover accidents in rental cars, but you must verify this before renting. Call your insurer and ask whether collision and comprehensive coverage explore to rental vehicles. If not, purchase Avis's damage waiver at rental time. Without coverage, you pay for all accident damage out of pocket.
Can I rent a car if I am under 25?
Yes, but Avis charges an additional daily fee for drivers under 25. The fee varies by location and vehicle type. You still need a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. Call ahead or check your reservation to see the underage driver fee for your rental dates.
What is the difference between renting and buying a car?
Renting means you pay a daily or weekly rate to use a vehicle temporarily and return it in good condition. Buying means you own the vehicle outright or finance it through a loan, and you keep it long-term. Rental is cheaper for short trips; buying makes sense if you need a car regularly or long-term.