Avis Car Rental

- 1750 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410

When you are planning a weekend escape from Northwest Indiana, require a reliable temporary vehicle while yours is in the shop, or need a large passenger van for a group outing to the Indiana Dunes or Chicago, having a dependable local car rental service is a necessity. The Avis Car Rental branch, conveniently situated in Merrillville, IN, serves as a key travel partner for the region. Operating from the Merrillville Car Care Center on 81st Avenue, this location provides the broad selection of vehicles and professional standards expected from a major national brand.

This branch offers a fleet that includes everything from economical compact cars for cost-effective local commuting to full-size SUVs and 12-passenger vans, ensuring a vehicle is available for nearly any purpose. While the convenience of online reservation is a major benefit, local users planning to pay with a debit card should take special note of the location's policies. As noted in customer feedback, the rules for using a debit card—which often includes a stringent credit check and a significant security deposit, sometimes reaching $300 or more depending on the rental duration and payment method—are strictly enforced and can sometimes cause last-minute complications for travelers. It is always wise for users in Indiana to confirm all payment requirements and documentation directly with the branch prior to their scheduled pickup time to avoid unexpected issues.

Despite the strict adherence to corporate payment policies, Avis in Merrillville is committed to serving the local community. They actively offer discounts to the military community and ensure the facility is accessible for all patrons. Their dedicated location near the bustling US-30 corridor makes it a practical choice for both residents and visitors needing reliable wheels to traverse the Lake County area and beyond.

Location and Accessibility

The Avis Car Rental branch is strategically located in the heart of the Merrillville commercial and service district, providing excellent access for customers across Northwest Indiana.

• Address: 1750 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410, USA

The location's hours are generally designed to accommodate business and personal renters:

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Wheelchair accessible entrance is available.
• Designated wheelchair accessible parking spaces are provided.

Services Offered

Avis in Merrillville offers a comprehensive range of rental services to meet the diverse transportation needs of Indiana users, from short-term rentals to longer-term business arrangements.

• Extensive Car Fleet: Renters can choose from a wide variety of car classes, including fuel-efficient Economy and Compact cars, standard Midsize and Full-Size sedans like the Toyota Camry, and Premium or Luxury options such as the Genesis G70 or similar models.
• SUV and Crossover Rentals: A robust selection of SUVs is available, including Intermediate SUVs (like the Toyota Rav4), Standard SUVs (Ford Edge), Full-Size SUVs (Ford Expedition), and Premium SUVs (Chevrolet Suburban), perfect for family travel.
• Van Rental Agency: The branch specializes in larger group transport, offering Minivans (like the Chrysler Pacifica for 7 passengers) and large Passenger Vans, including 12-passenger models, suitable for group tours or event travel.
• Pickup and Specialty Trucks: Midsize Pickup trucks, such as the Toyota Tacoma, are generally available for rent, providing hauling capability for various tasks.
• Advanced Payment Options: The location accepts all major Credit Cards, Debit Cards (with specific policies and requirements in place for credit identification and deposits), and NFC Mobile Payments for convenient transactions.
• Optional Insurance and Protection: Customers can purchase Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and Extended Roadside Assistance to provide peace of mind during their rental period.
• Fuel Service Options: The branch offers convenient refueling options, allowing the customer to either prepay for a full tank or return the car under the required fuel level and pay for the refueling service.

Features / Highlights

The Avis Car Rental location on 81st Avenue in Merrillville stands out due to several key features designed to benefit its local customer base:

• Active Military Discounts: Avis is proud to offer discounts to U.S. military veterans, active duty military, National Guard, and Reservists, often providing significant savings (up to 35% off PAY NOW rates) through partner programs like WeSalute+.
• Wide Vehicle Selection: The availability of virtually every car class, including various SUVs, minivans, and 12-passenger vans, ensures that travelers from Northwest Indiana can find the right fit for any need, from a daily replacement vehicle to a group transport solution.
• Convenient Location near I-65: Being situated in the Merrillville Car Care Center, just off a major highway access point, simplifies vehicle pickup and return, reducing time spent in local traffic.
• Acceptance of Debit Cards: While subject to strict conditions (including a credit check and a substantial security hold on funds—often $200 plus estimated charges, or $250 if prepaid), the ability to use a bank debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo is a crucial feature for customers without a major credit card.
• Accessibility Focus: Providing a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot ensures that all members of the Indiana community can easily utilize the services.

Contact Information

For users in Indiana looking to make a reservation, inquire about vehicle availability, or confirm their payment documentation, here is the direct contact information for the Merrillville branch:

• Address: 1750 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410, USA
• Phone: (219) 769-2355
• Mobile Phone: +1 219-769-2355
• Types: Car rental agency, Van rental agency

What is Worth Choosing

Avis Car Rental in Merrillville is a highly attractive option for Northwest Indiana residents due to its robust fleet and convenient location. This branch is especially worth choosing if you are seeking the professionalism and vehicle quality of a national brand with the added benefit of local accessibility.

The strongest reason to choose Avis is its ability to handle complex and large-group logistics, specifically as a certified Van Rental Agency offering 12-passenger vans. This makes it an indispensable resource for local churches, schools, and organizations in Lake County planning trips requiring significant seating capacity. Furthermore, the dedication to offering active military discounts through various programs makes it a top consideration for military families and veterans who are eligible for significant savings.

However, potential renters, especially those planning to use a debit card, must recognize and respect the corporate policies to ensure a smooth transaction. Customers are required to have sufficient funds for both the full rental cost and a security hold, which can be a minimum of $200 to $300 or more, depending on the rental specifics. Being prepared for this requirement is the key to a hassle-free pickup and avoiding the last-minute stress that a few customers have regrettably experienced. By planning ahead and confirming all details, Indiana renters can confidently secure the reliable transportation they need from Avis at the Merrillville Car Care Center.

Avis Car Rental

1750 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410, USA