Frequently Asked Questions

Get help with your bookings, picking up of vehicle, emergencies and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is purchase of Coverage mandatory?

No, the purchase of Coverage is not mandatory to rent a vehicle.

Can I pay with a different card that wasn't the one used for deposit?

Yes, you may change credit cards for payment at the time of return.

Can I make payments with cash?

Yes. When you return your car, you may pay for your final rental costs with cash, credit or debit card. However, to release a car to you at rental pick-up time, you must provide a deposit using a credit card.

Is it possible to pick up at one location and return at another?

Yes, a one-way rental charge will be applied to your rental agreement. Drop charges range from $75.00 to $200.00 depending on the location you choose to return the vehicle to. If you rent a vehicle and you choose to return it to a different branch, you will be charged the one-way drop fee. whether or not you bring the vehicle back to your original rental location or the different office as stated on the Rental Agreement.

Can I rent a car to take a driving test?

Yes, it is possible to use a rental car for driving test. You may rent a car for your G license test if you have had your G2 license for a minimum of 8 months.

Can I reserve a specific make or model of vehicle?

Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee a specific make or model of vehicle. However, we can guarantee you the rate and vehicle class you reserved.

Can you drive your rental car outside the province?

Yes, On occasion, permission for border crossing must be acquired from the rental office directly. Since specific restrictions may apply, it’s always best to ask about any cross-border restrictions.

Can I use a “key ring” (miniature) credit card when I rent a car?

No, currently we do not accept the miniature key tag style credit cards. A standard-size credit card is required to rent a vehicle with Advantage.

Am I allowed to make use of a credit card that isn't mine?

No, at the time of rental you would have to meet all qualifications. The name, address, driver’s license, and major credit card must match.

Can I use someone else’s credit card with their consent?

No. At the time of rental, the renter is required to present a valid driver’s license and credit card with his/her name imprinted on it. The name/address on the credit/debit card MUST match the name/address on the driver’s license.

Can someone else drive the car that I rent?

Yes. Additional drivers must meet all qualifications as the primary drivers in regards to age, license, and major credit card.

Do the rental vehicles have daytime running lights?

Advantage’s fleet is equipped with daytime running lights as a standard feature.

What are the options for fuel service??

There are three ways you can do this: 

  1. Return the car with the same amount of fuel that was available during pick up. 
  2. Return the car with a full tank of fuel and a fuel receipt and you will avoid any additional fueling charges
  3. Return the car without refueling and our team will take care of the process. However, this will come with an additional service charge. 
Show more

Can Customers get their rental vehicles delivered?

Vehicle delivery services are available at certain locations. Please contact the nearest location to you to find out availability of vehicle delivery services.

Do you offer insurance replacement while the car I own is being serviced?

Yes, and Advantage makes it easy! You’ve always had a choice in your car rental preferences, and Advantage offers you even more choices when it comes to your Vehicle Replacement needs.

 

To receive more information, please visit our insurance replacement page.

Do you offer pick-up services?

Yes, However, pick up services are only available at certain locations and offered via appointments. Appointments must be booked 24 hrs in advance. Please contact the nearest location to you to find out more about pick-up services.

Do you rent cars by the hour?

We require all customers to rent the vehicle for a minimum of 24 consecutive hours. If you return the vehicle prior to 24-hours, you will be charged for the full day regardless of whether you return the vehicle early. However, some locations may have hourly rentals available during specific seasons. Please call (888) 433-2222 for more information.

Do you require a credit card to make a reservation?

In most instances, no. Advantage doesn’t require that customers present a credit card to make a reservation through the Advantage reservation center at (888) 433-2222 or on the Advantage website at www.advantagecarrentals.com.

However, some Advantage locations may require a credit card (usually for high-demand cars or in instances where only one vehicle is available within a popular make/model), or may require prepayment of the entire rental to secure a rate. In the case of high-demand seasons, some Advantage locations will require a credit card pre-authorization to secure your car rental reservation.

Show more

Do you require a deposit to rent a vehicle?

Yes, we’ll require a credit card hold of total estimated rental charges plus 25% or $350, whichever is greater

Does Advantage accept international driving permit?

Yes, international driving permits are accepted as long it is presented with a driver’s license of the issuing country along with a valid passport.

Does Advantage accommodate, Lost and Found?

If you have left a personal item in the vehicle you just returned, pleasecall the Advantage branch you rented the car from, as soon as possible. We highly recommend that you report your lost items at your earliest convenience and we will do our best to find them.

Are there any specific instructions for pets?

Advantage does not have a strict pet policy, but please be sure to return your rental vehicle clean (i.e. free of pet hair), and without pet damage to avoid cleaning fees and charges for pet damage.

Does Advantage offer roadside assistance?

Yes. Advantage offers a 24/7 roadside assistance.

Does my own insurance protect me in the event of an accident?

You should call your own auto insurance company for more information.

Does the cost of the rental include fuel?

Rates at Advantage do not include fuel.

How can I get a copy of my rental agreement receipt?

After returning your rental vehicle, a closed rental agreement/invoice will be emailed to you instantly. For any questions or inquiries regarding your invoice, you can contact your booking location or contact the customer via email at [email protected]

How can I view or modify my reservation on advantagecarrentals.com?

Please visit www.advantagecarrentals.com home page and click on: RESERVATIONS. Then View → Modify → Cancel.

How do I cancel an existing reservation?

You can cancel your Advantage reservation via the Advantage website at www.advantagecarrentals.com or via calling Advantage customer service at 888-433-2222 and/or email.

All the required details are available on our contact us page.

Show more

How does the grace period apply?

A rental day is each 24 hour time period commencing with the date/time indicated on the rental agreement (contract) at the time of rental. There is a 59 minute grace period for return. Hourly charges may apply after this grace period. After three hours, a full-day charge may apply.

How is my rental rate calculated?

The rates are based on a 24 hour rental day starting with the hour you pick up the vehicle.

Is seatbelt use mandatory in Canada?

All provinces have mandatory seat belt laws. Advantage encourages all drivers and passengers to always buckle up.

Is smoking permitted in rental cars?

No. Advantage maintains a 100% smoke free fleet. Just as renters are assessed a fee for cleaning the car’s interior for excessive stains, dirt or soiling attributable to the renter’s use, customers will be assessed an additional charge if the car smells of smoke when it is returned.

What is the best way to make a reservation?

Our best deals are always available on www.advantagecarrentals.com

Is there an extra cost for additional drivers?

Yes. The fee is $10/day.

May I use an Advantage car to tow?

No, towing is never permitted. Doing so could irreparably damage the rental vehicle and it is against the rental policies.

What are surcharges?

Taxes, fees and other charges always vary by location. A breakdown of all surcharges will be provided to you during the online reservation process.

What are the benefits of purchasing coverage?

The purchas eof any Advantage optional protections provides you with peace of mind and assurance that you are protected against any damage.

What are the minimum age requirements for renting?

Minimum age for renters and drivers is 21.

Renters under 25 are subject to additional rental rules and surcharges.

Drivers between the ages of 21-24 will not be permitted to rent luxury cars, mini vans, 8- passenger vans, specialty vehicles, full-size SUVs or premium SUVs.

If an underage renter wishes to add an additional driver to the rental policy, the second driver must be 25 or older and present their valid driver’s license and credit card at the time of rental pick up. Renters under the age of 25 are required to provide their own transferable automobile policy.

Show more

What happens if I don’t return the car on the designated return date?

You must contact the location you rented your vehicle from and notify them about extending your rental agreement. Additional rules, surcharges and penalties will apply if you do not contact the location.

What happens if the vehicle is stolen?

Call 911 immediately and then contact the rental location. You can also contact the corporate office at 416.493.5250 ext. 8842.

What if I accidentally lock the keys in the vehicle?

If a customer accidentally locks the keys in the trunk or in the vehicle, they are fully responsible for all charges and must contact a locksmith and then contact the rental location at the phone number provided in the rental agreement.

What if I receive a parking ticket or use a toll road?

Parking tickets issued and use of toll roads during the rental period is the financial responsibility of the renter. You are responsible for payment of any parking, toll and moving traffic violations along with a $45 administrative fee, so please drive safely and observe all ordinances. Payments for these violations may be processed by a designated agent for this purpose.

What if I run out of fuel?

Even though this is an extremely tough situation, Advantage does not take any responsibility 

What coverage do you offer while I’m renting?

Optional coverage is not required to rent a vehicle. Details are available at rental counter. Personal Accident Coverage (PPC): Personal property coverage protects against damage to personal effects owned by the renter, as well as immediate family members of the renter, who permanently reside in the renter’s household and are traveling with the renter. Personal accident coverage provides accidental death and accidental medical expense benefit to the renter and their passenger (s). The death and medical expense benefit will both pay in addition to any other coverage that might be applicable to the renter or passenger (s).

Loss Damage Waiver (This is not insurance): This is a waiver for damage to the rental vehicle only. When accepted at the time of rental, Advantage will waive the right to collect for damages to the rental vehicle when the vehicle involved in an accident with a set amount of deductible.

Show more

What qualifications do the driver(s) require?

The primary renter and any additional driver must be at least 25 years of age. Advantage will check the driver’s license to ensure that it is valid. Advantage will be unable to allow a driver if the driving history reveals any of the following issues:

  • Invalid, suspended, or revoked license
  • Any convictions for reckless driving within 36 months
  • One DUI, DWI, or DWAI conviction within 48 months
  • Failure to report an accident/leaving the scene of an accident within 36 months
  • Possession of a stolen vehicle or use of a vehicle in a crime
  • Expired license
  • Three or more convictions for moving violations within 24 months (including seatbelt violations)
  • Three or more accidents within 36 months
  • Other activities suggesting an unsatisfactory driving record.

Add drivers to your rental at the counter when you pick up your car. Drivers must be present with their required credentials to be added.

Show more

What are the steps a customer is expected to take in case of an accident?

Firstly, you must call the police to file an accident report, next,  contact the rental location at the phone number provided on the rental agreement.

What should I do if I get a flat tire?

Drive the car to a safe place and change the tire; then contact the rental location at the phone number provided on the rental agreement.

What should I do if I have problems with the car?

Call the rental location at the phone number provided on the rental agreement.

What types of vehicles do you offer?

Advantage Car & Truck Rentals offers variety of vehicle classes to suit your car rental needs. You may review our fleet here.

Why does the price fluctuate based on my booking dates?

Car rental rates change much as airline prices do.  Advantage promises that the rate you reserve is the rate you’ll pay– but we can’t promise that the rate you reserve today will apply if you lengthen or shorten your rental period. Also, if you revise your rental period, you might not realize that you’re actually changing your daily vs. weekend vs. weekly rate schedule. Generally speaking, the longer the rental period, the lower your per-day rate.

Where is Advantage located?

Advantage has 9 locations within the Greater Toronto Area. You may find the locations details by going to our locations page.

Which credit, charge and debit cards do you accept?

At the time of rental, we require a major credit card, American Express, Diners Club, Discovery, JCB, MasterCard and Visa.

Who do I contact for questions on claims?

Call the Claims Department at 416.493.5250 ext. 8842.

What is the best method to report customer service issue?

In case of any customer service issue, it is best to contact  the Advantage location from where you rented the car directly or write your feedback to [email protected].

Why am I being billed for surcharges?

Surcharges are mandated for all car rentals by the local municipality, province/federal or airport authorities.

Why are you quoting me a higher rental rate than the last time I checked prices for the same

Car rental pricing is a lot like airfare and hotel pricing – our rates change depending on car availability, location popularity, and many other factors. We adjust our pricing on a minute-by- minute basis to remain competitive in the marketplace. Unless it’s an advertised special offer, there generally isn’t one set rate for a particular kind of car, but rather a range of prices depending on the length and dates of your reservation. Even with special offers, the advertised rate usually applies to a limited supply of cars because we have only so many makes and models at each location. When you see a great rate for the car you want – RESERVE IT IMMEDIATELY – because it might not be available later!

Show more

Why is it expensive to refuel a car on fuel services with advantage?

Refueling Service charge takes into account both our direct and indirect costs of the fuel and maintaining our refueling infrastructure. The intention is d to motivate customers to fuel the car themselves. We do not have an on-site refueling infrastructure so we prefer that renters stop at a local station and refuel the car before returning it. However, customers can always choose not to refuel their rental prior to return, however customers will be charged a premium for dong so.

Show more

Will Advantage check my driving record?

Once a customer opens a rental agreement, but before the transaction is completed, some Advantage locations might contact the issuing ministry of transportation to perform a driver’s license verification for primary and additional drivers. Advantage reserves the right to deny rental if the driving history reveals any of the following:

  • invalid, suspended or revoked license
  • one or more convictions for reckless driving within 48 months
  • one DUI, DWI or DWAI conviction within 48 months
  • failure to report an accident/leaving the scene of accident within 36 months
  • possession of stolen vehicle or use of a vehicle in a crime
  • expired license
  • three or more convictions for moving violations within 24 months (excluding seatbelt violations)
  • two or more accidents within 36 months
  • other activities that suggest an unsatisfactory driving record.
Show more

Will I be charged over kilometer that I drive?

Most Advantage rental rates include either unlimited kilometers or a pre-designated number of included kilometers per day/week/month as part of the rate structure. If you exceed the number of pre-designated kilometers, a per kilometer charge will apply for the additional kilometers driven. If there is a kilometer allowance as well as an additional kilometer charge, you will be advised at the time you request your rate information. It will also be mentioned on your rental document.

Show more

Will you accept any other form of identification instead of a driver’s license?

Advantage accepts a foreign-issued driver’s license. An international driving permit is not acceptable without the driver’s license of the issuing country.

Non-Canadian residents are required to present a valid driver’s license and a passport from their home country in order to rent a vehicle from Advantage. If the information on your driver’s license is not written in the Roman alphabet, you must also present an International Driving Permit. If you have indicated on your reservation that you are a non-Canadian resident, you must also present proof of your return trip back to your resident country or your confirmed reservation rate will change.

Show more