Avis Car Rental

- 1750 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410

For residents across the Hoosier State, particularly in the bustling Northwest Indiana region, reliable transportation is a cornerstone of daily life and travel. Whether your own vehicle is undergoing maintenance, you're planning a family road trip to a state park, or you simply need an extra set of wheels for a specific event, a trustworthy car rental service is an invaluable resource. Avis Car Rental, a globally recognized leader in vehicle rentals, maintains a significant presence in Indiana, including a conveniently located branch in Merrillville. This article is designed with the local Indiana user in mind, providing a clear, engaging, and factual overview of the Avis Car Rental location at 1750 81st Ave in Merrillville. Our aim is to help you understand their offerings and determine if they are the ideal choice for your next car rental in Northwest Indiana.

The demand for dependable car rentals extends far beyond airport terminals. Locals frequently seek out rental solutions for a myriad of reasons, from temporary vehicle replacements during repairs to acquiring a larger vehicle for moving or group outings. Avis in Merrillville strives to meet these diverse needs, offering a blend of professional service and a wide selection of vehicles right in the heart of Lake County. While customer experiences can vary, as with any service provider, understanding the nuances of their operations, including policies on payment methods and deposits, is crucial for a smooth transaction.

By delving into the specifics of this Merrillville Avis branch, we will highlight what makes it a practical option for Indiana residents. From its easy-to-access location and the range of vehicles available to their operational hours and common customer feedback, we'll cover key aspects to help you make an informed decision for your transportation requirements in Indiana.

Location and Accessibility

The Avis Car Rental branch in Merrillville, IN, is conveniently located at 1750 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410, USA. This address places it strategically within Merrillville, a prominent town in Lake County, known for its commercial centers and accessibility. 81st Avenue, also known as US Route 30 in this stretch, is a major east-west thoroughfare in Northwest Indiana, making the branch easily reachable from various points across the region.

The location's proximity to I-65, a vital interstate highway running north-south through Indiana, further enhances its accessibility. This allows for straightforward travel to and from nearby cities like Gary, Crown Point, Valparaiso, and even connections to Chicago for those commuting or traveling across state lines. For local residents in Merrillville and surrounding communities, the branch is typically a short drive away, providing a convenient option for their rental needs without requiring a trip to a major airport.

Avis at this location is open for business generally from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, with shorter hours on Saturdays (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) and Sundays (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM). This range of operating hours provides flexibility for customers picking up or returning vehicles. The branch is also situated approximately 2 miles west of I-65 on the north side of Highway 30, making it easy to spot and access. While Avis generally offers a free pick-up service, it is advised to call the location directly to confirm availability and arrange this service. The overall accessibility makes this Merrillville Avis location a practical choice for numerous Indiana residents.

Services Offered

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Avis in Merrillville typically offers a wide array of vehicle categories to suit various travel needs. This includes economical options like compact cars (e.g., Kia Rio, Kia Soul) for efficient city driving, mid-size and full-size sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry) for comfort on longer journeys, and various SUVs (e.g., Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox) ideal for families, groups, or those needing extra cargo space for trips to Indiana Dunes National Park or other outdoor activities. Van rentals are also available for larger groups or specific hauling needs.
• Flexible Rental Durations: Customers can typically rent vehicles for short periods (e.g., a single day for car detailing, as per customer review) or for longer durations, including weekly or monthly rentals, catering to both immediate and extended transportation needs.
• Optional Add-ons: To enhance the rental experience, Avis commonly offers various optional add-ons. These include GPS navigation systems to assist with directions, child safety seats (infant, toddler, and booster) for families traveling with young children, and roadside assistance plans for peace of mind during your journey. Satellite radio (SiriusXM®) may also be available.
• Fuel Options: Avis provides various fuel policy options, generally including returning the car with a full tank or purchasing a full tank upfront. It's crucial for customers to clarify these policies to avoid unexpected charges.
• Protection Products: Avis offers a range of optional rental protection products, such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS), allowing customers to choose coverage that suits their needs and existing insurance.
• Debit Card Policy: While Avis locations often accept debit cards, it's important to note that specific policies apply. For this Merrillville location, a deposit is typically required when using a debit card (e.g., a $250 authorization hold if prepaid with a debit card, or generally $200 plus estimated charges for other debit card uses). A credit check may also be performed, and a second form of identification might be required.

Features / Highlights

• Local Convenience: The Merrillville branch's location on a major road (81st Ave/US-30) and its proximity to I-65 make it highly accessible for residents throughout Northwest Indiana, providing a convenient alternative to airport rental locations.
• Customer Service Potential: While one review highlights a strict debit card policy, another review, though not for this specific location, praises "super customer service" and a "friendly, genuine" attendant, suggesting Avis, as a company, values helpful and professional interactions. This indicates the potential for positive customer experiences.
• Variety of Vehicles for Local Use: The wide selection of sedans, SUVs, and vans makes it suitable for various local needs, from daily errands and commuting to longer family trips across Indiana or to neighboring states.
• Avis Preferred Program: For frequent renters, the Avis Preferred loyalty program offers benefits such as expedited service at the counter, allowing members to go straight to their vehicle at select locations, earning points, and receiving upgrades, enhancing convenience for regular users.
• After-Hours Returns: The option for after-hours returns provides added flexibility for customers needing to drop off their vehicle outside of regular business hours, a beneficial feature for those with early morning or late-night schedules.

Contact Information

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

Phone: (219) 769-2355

Mobile Phone: +1 219-769-2355

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents across Indiana, especially those residing in the Northwest region, Avis Car Rental at 1750 81st Ave in Merrillville stands as a suitable and accessible option for their transportation needs. Its strategic location on a major thoroughfare and close proximity to I-65 ensures easy access for individuals and families throughout Merrillville and its surrounding communities. Whether you need a temporary car while yours is being serviced, a spacious SUV for a family outing to Indiana's beautiful natural landscapes, or a reliable sedan for business travel, this Avis branch offers a diverse and well-maintained fleet.

While a specific concern regarding debit card deposit policies has been raised by a customer, it is part of a broader company policy often applied to mitigate risk. Locals should be aware of these terms and clarify them upfront, ensuring a smooth rental experience. Conversely, the general commitment to customer service, as highlighted in other positive reviews for Avis as a brand, suggests that the staff aims to be helpful and professional. The convenience of its operating hours and the availability of popular vehicle types make this Merrillville location a practical choice for numerous local scenarios.

Ultimately, for Indiana residents seeking a dependable and convenient car rental solution in Northwest Indiana, Avis in Merrillville provides a strong option. By understanding their policies and leveraging the available vehicle selection, locals can effectively utilize this branch to meet their diverse mobility requirements, ensuring they can navigate their daily lives and explore all that the Hoosier State has to offer with ease.

Avis Car Rental

1750 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410, USA