Avis Car Rental

- 24779 Lorain Rd, North Olmsted, OH 44070

For residents in the western suburbs of Cleveland and beyond, the Avis Car Rental location on Lorain Road in North Olmsted, OH, presents itself as a convenient option for short-term and long-term vehicle needs. As a branch of a globally recognized brand, Avis typically offers a reliable and diverse fleet, making it a go-to choice for everything from replacement vehicles after an accident to weekend getaways across the Buckeye State. Located off a major commercial thoroughfare, it provides easy access for local users, differentiating it from the busier Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) counters.

However, potential renters in Ohio should proceed with a heightened degree of caution when dealing with this specific branch. Publicly available customer reviews raise serious concerns about service practices, including alleged pressure to book online rather than over the phone, unexpected and significant cost increases upon arrival, and undisclosed background checks and security deposits that drastically alter the final price. Reports also mention issues with vehicle reliability, maintenance needs being ignored, and instances of confirmed reservations being canceled with minimal notice. While the brand name promises quality, local Ohio users should meticulously verify all details before committing to a rental.

Despite these concerning service reports, the core offerings of this Avis branch include a comprehensive fleet and standard corporate policies on insurance, one-way rentals, and optional services. The aim of this article is to provide local users with all the factual information needed—including contact details and operational notes—to make an informed decision and prepare for a potential rental experience at this North Olmsted location.

The Avis Car Rental branch is situated at 24779 Lorain Rd, North Olmsted, OH 44070, USA. This places it in a highly trafficked commercial area, easily accessible to residents of North Olmsted, Westlake, Fairview Park, and other western Cleveland suburbs. The location is generally described as being situated between Great Northern Boulevard and Columbia Road, making it a central point of business activity in the area.

As a neighborhood location, accessibility is designed to be convenient for local pick-ups and returns.

• Proximity to Commerce: Its presence on Lorain Road means it is close to shopping centers and other local services, facilitating errands or vehicle swaps.
• Hours of Operation: The branch maintains consistent hours to serve local commuters and weekend renters.
  • Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• After-Hours Returns: Avis typically offers an after-hours return option, where customers can park the car, lock the doors, and place the keys in a designated drop box. Customers should be aware that they are responsible for the condition of the car until the business officially opens and staff processes the return.
• Pick-up Service: The company officially states that a free pick-up service is generally available, though customers must call the rental location directly to arrange this service.

The Avis North Olmsted branch provides the standard range of vehicles and services expected from a major national car rental company, catering to various Ohio travel needs:

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Offering a comprehensive selection of cars, including:
  • Economy and Compact Cars (e.g., Kia Rio, Kia Soul): Ideal for fuel efficiency and city driving.
  • Medium and Large Sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry): Suitable for business travel or family road trips.
  • SUVs (e.g., Toyota RAV4, Jeep Grand Cherokee): Popular choices for Ohio families needing more space and versatility.
  • Minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica): Excellent for larger groups or significant cargo.
  • Luxury Vehicles (e.g., Cadillac CT5): Available for those special occasions or premium travel.
• Insurance and Protection: Availability of standard coverage options such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and additional liability insurance to meet individual protection requirements.
• Optional Equipment: Renters can add useful accessories like GPS navigation units, child safety seats (infant, child, booster), and SiriusXM satellite radio.
• One-Way Rentals: Options are generally provided for picking up the vehicle in North Olmsted and returning it to a different Avis location, either elsewhere in Ohio or out-of-state, subject to availability and a possible drop-off charge.
• Authorization Holds: Standard company policy involves placing an authorization hold on the customer's card. This is typically the estimated cost of the rental plus an additional security amount ($200 to $300 USD for credit cards, $250 USD if a prepaid rental was secured with a debit card).

While the Avis brand is known for certain features, it is imperative to address them in light of the highly negative local feedback:

• Established Loyalty Program: The Avis Preferred program is a key feature, designed to allow members to skip the counter and proceed directly to their vehicle, theoretically saving time for frequent Ohio renters.
• Acceptance of Debit Cards: Avis allows the use of debit cards for payment, which can be a vital feature for many Ohio customers. However, this is usually accompanied by stricter requirements, including credit checks and the aforementioned security deposit/authorization hold.
• Clear Ancillary Policies: Standard policies are available regarding additional drivers ($15 per day, spouse/domestic partner free), cross-border travel (allowed into Canada but not Mexico), and a pet policy (pets allowed, but cleaning fees may apply if the vehicle is not returned clean).
• Critical Caution on Transparency: A significant and repeated theme in customer reviews for this location is the lack of transparency regarding fees and security deposits. Customers report original quotes of around $200 escalating to nearly $600 upon arrival due to unexpected costs, security deposits, and background/credit checks. Renters must insist on a final, all-inclusive price breakdown during the reservation process.
• Vehicle Reliability and Availability Concerns: Customers have reported being notified minutes before scheduled pick-up that no car was available despite a confirmed reservation, and others noted receiving cars flagged as needing maintenance, suggesting potential issues with fleet readiness at this branch.
• Customer Service Complaints: The staff has been repeatedly described in reviews as unwilling to assist, indifferent ("shrug their shoulder"), and focused only on getting the money, which is a major red flag for Ohio consumers expecting professional service.

Ohio residents are strongly advised to use the following contact details to confirm all reservation details, including the final price, security deposit amount, and vehicle availability, prior to traveling to the North Olmsted branch:

Address: 24779 Lorain Rd, North Olmsted, OH 44070, USA

Phone: (440) 777-3970

Mobile Phone: +1 440-777-3970

The Avis Car Rental in North Olmsted is an option for Ohio renters who require the convenience of a neighborhood location in the western Cleveland suburbs and value the broad fleet selection and standardized protocols of a national brand. For those who are already Avis Preferred members and who have a proven, positive track record with the company, this branch may provide a convenient local alternative. The ability to reserve a specific type of vehicle (SUV, Minivan, etc.) for a scheduled need is a primary reason to consider a large-scale rental agency.

However, the overwhelming consensus from local Ohio customer feedback demands that any potential renter adopt a defensive strategy.

• Do not rely solely on the online reservation total; call the branch directly to confirm the final price including all taxes, fees, and the required authorization hold/security deposit.
• Ask specific questions about the security deposit refund policy, as reports indicate difficulty in retrieving these funds.
• If booking is necessary at this location due to its convenience, arrive with documentation of the confirmed rate and be prepared to cancel the reservation if the quoted price dramatically increases due to surprise charges.

In short, the North Olmsted Avis location offers the potential of a high-quality rental, but its worth is conditional on the user's diligence in protecting themselves against the reported issues of unexpected fees and poor service. For the informed Ohio consumer, knowing the risks ahead of time is the best way to secure a successful rental.

Avis Car Rental

24779 Lorain Rd, North Olmsted, OH 44070, USA