When planning a trip, selecting the right car rental company is a crucial decision that can affect your travel experience. Among the many options, Avis and National Car Rental have established themselves as industry leaders, offering extensive car rental locations, competitive pricing, and customer-focused loyalty programs. But which one is better suited for your needs? This guide provides a detailed comparison of Avis vs National, helping you determine the best car rental company based on your preferences, budget, and travel plans.

What Sets Avis and National Apart?

While both companies provide top-notch rental cars, they cater to different types of travelers. Avis is known for its emphasis on customer convenience and competitive pricing, while National focuses on offering premium services, especially for business travelers. Understanding the core differences between these two car rental companies can help you choose the one that aligns best with your rental journey.

Loyalty Programs: Maximizing Your Rewards

Loyalty programs are a significant factor for frequent travelers. They can help you save money, enjoy exclusive perks, and make your rental journey seamless. Both Avis and National have robust loyalty offerings tailored to different types of customers.

Avis Preferred Program

Avis Preferred is a straightforward loyalty program that rewards customers for every dollar spent. Members can earn avis preferred points and access benefits like:

• Priority Service: Skip the line at the rental counter with fast checkouts.

• Points Redemption: Earn free rentals by accumulating points with every booking.

• Avis Preferred Plus: Achieved after 12 rentals or spending $5,000 annually, this tier includes vehicle upgrades, bonus points, and personalized customer service.

The program also integrates seamlessly with airline miles and hotel points programs, offering flexibility for travelers who want to maximize their rewards.

National’s Emerald Club

The Emerald Club by National Car Rental takes a unique approach by emphasizing vehicle selectionand convenience. Members can enjoy:

• Emerald Aisle Service: Choose any car in the designated aisle without additional fees.

• Elite Tiers: Higher levels like Executive and Executive Elite offer guaranteed vehicle upgrades, no security deposits, and expedited service at rental counters.

• Points Flexibility: Points earned can be used for free rentals, transferred to other loyalty programs, or redeemed for exclusive travel perks.

National’s program stands out for frequent business travelers who prioritize flexibility and control over their rental experience.

Rental Locations and Accessibility

The number and distribution of rental locations are critical when choosing a car rental company. Both Avis and National have extensive networks across the U.S. and internationally, but there are differences in their availability.

Avis Rental Locations

Avis operates in over 5,000 locations worldwide, including major airports, city centers, and non-airport locations. This broad reach makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking convenience and accessibility.

National Car Rental Locations

National Car Rental, part of the Enterprise Holdings group, has slightly fewer locations but focuses on high-demand areas, especially airport locations. This strategic placement caters to frequent customers traveling for business or leisure.

Travelers in Wisconsin can enjoy seamless car rentals at locations like Green Bay Car Rental, Appleton Car Rental, and Oshkosh Car Rental.

Pricing and Value for Money

Cost is often the deciding factor for many renters. Both Avis and National offer competitive pricing, but their pricing structures and promotions cater to different preferences.

Avis Pricing and Promotions

Avis provides some of the lowest prices on economy cars and short-term rentals, making it a budget-friendly choice. Key highlights include:

• Discounts for small businesses and long-term renters.

• Regular promotions offering double avis preferred points.

• Bundled deals that include personal accident insurance and roadside assistance.

National Pricing and Promotions

National focuses on offering value through its loyalty program rather than upfront discounts. Key features include:

• Discounts on one way rentals and weekly rentals.

• Flexible pricing for rental durations, with lower rates for longer rentals.

• Exclusive savings for Emerald Club members.

Whether you prioritize upfront savings or long-term rewards, both companies provide opportunities to save money through rewards programs and promotions.

Vehicle Options and Flexibility

Having access to a wide range of vehicle classes is essential for a tailored rental experience. Avis and National offer diverse fleets to suit different travel needs.

Avis Vehicle Selection

Avis excels in offering a variety of vehicles, including:

• Economy Cars: Affordable and fuel-efficient for budget-conscious travelers.

• Luxury Vehicles: For those seeking a premium experience during their rental period.

• Specialty Vehicles: Including SUVs and trucks for group travel or specialized needs.

National Vehicle Selection

National sets itself apart with its Emerald Aisle, which allows members to select any car in their reserved category without additional charges. This feature is particularly useful for travelers who value vehicle upgrades and flexibility.

If you’re planning a trip to Wisconsin, consider options like Door County Car Rental or Shiocton CarRental for access to both economy and premium vehicles.

Additional Benefits and Perks

Beyond basic rentals, both companies offer additional benefits to enhance your travel experience.

Avis Perks

• Personal Accident Insurance: Protects you and your passengers during the rental.

• Personal Effects Coverage: Covers personal belongings in the vehicle.

• Express Service: Skip the lines at rental counters with priority access.

National Perks

• Emerald Club Executive Perks: Includes guaranteed availability of luxury vehicles.

• Earn Airline Miles: Convert points to miles with major airlines.

• Hotel Points Integration: Redeem points for stays at partnered hotels.

Both companies also offer roadside assistance and other travel-specific perks, making them reliable choices for long or complex trips.

Customer Satisfaction and Service

Excellent customer service can make or break your rental journey. Avis and National are both known for their commitment to good service, but they excel in different areas.

Avis Customer Satisfaction

Avis focuses on providing a seamless experience through its express service, clear pricing, and reliable customer support. Customers appreciate the ease of booking and the quality of vehicle options.

National Customer Satisfaction

National is renowned for its efficient rental counter process and superior support for Emerald Clubmembers. Its high jd power ratings reflect its commitment to customer satisfaction.

Insurance Options: Peace of Mind on the Road

Both Avis and National offer robust insurance options to ensure a worry-free rental experience.

• Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical expenses in case of an accident.

• Collision Damage Waivers: Protect against unexpected repair costs.

• Personal Effects Coverage: Safeguard your belongings in the vehicle.

These options, combined with roadside assistance, provide comprehensive coverage for travelers.

Choosing the Right Option

Whether you’re renting for a weekend getaway or a month-long business trip, your choice between Avis and National depends on your priorities. Avis is ideal for cost-conscious renters looking for convenience and straightforward rewards. National caters to travelers who value premium service, elite status, and vehicle selection.

If you’re traveling in Wisconsin, explore local options like Manitowoc Car Rental or Sheboygan CarRental to find the perfect car for your needs.

Final Thoughts: Avis vs National

When deciding between Avis vs National, consider what matters most to you: pricing, convenience, rewards, or vehicle options. Both companies offer robust loyalty programs, extensive rental locations, and a wide range of benefits that make renting cars easier and more enjoyable.

With locations across Wisconsin and beyond, you can rely on either company to provide good service and a stress-free rental experience. Start your journey by booking with Fond du Lac CarRental or Shawano Car Rental for reliable service and premium options.