Driving in Massachusetts and encountering toll roads can be a common experience. When you rent a car, understanding how tolls are handled is essential for a smooth and worry-free journey. Rental companies like Avis provide services to manage these tolls, and this guide will explain everything you need to know about using a Car Rental Tool for tolls, specifically focusing on Avis’ e-Toll service.
Understanding Avis e-Toll Service: A Convenient Car Rental Tool
Avis e-Toll is designed as a car rental tool to simplify toll payments for their customers. Instead of fumbling for cash at toll booths, Avis vehicles come pre-equipped to electronically process tolls. This system ensures you can use electronic toll lanes without stopping, saving you time and making your travel more efficient. However, it’s important to understand the fee structure associated with this car rental tool.
Standard e-Toll Fees
With the standard e-Toll service, you’re automatically enrolled if you pass through an electronic toll and haven’t opted out. This car rental tool comes with two types of charges:
- Convenience Fee: Avis charges a convenience fee of $6.95 for each day you incur a toll, with a maximum daily charge, up to $34.95 per rental period (for rentals not exceeding 30 days).
- Toll Charges: You will also be responsible for paying the actual toll amounts, charged at the maximum non-discounted or cash rates set by the toll authority.
Essentially, using standard e-Toll as your car rental tool provides convenience, but it adds extra costs beyond the base toll amount.
e-Toll Unlimited Option
For renters who anticipate using toll roads frequently, Avis offers e-Toll Unlimited. This enhanced car rental tool includes both the cost of tolls and the convenience fees within a single flat daily rate. The daily fee for e-Toll Unlimited ranges from $10.99 to $25.99, depending on the rental location. This is charged for each day of your rental period, regardless of whether you actually incur tolls on a given day, up to a weekly maximum of $54.95 – $129.95.
Choosing e-Toll Unlimited as your car rental tool can be cost-effective if you expect to encounter multiple tolls daily. However, it must be selected when you reserve or pick up your vehicle. If you don’t specifically choose e-Toll Unlimited, you’ll be subject to the standard e-Toll fees if you utilize the service.
Opting Out of e-Toll: Alternative Car Rental Tool Approaches
If you prefer not to use Avis’ e-Toll service and avoid the associated fees, you have the option to opt out. To do so, ensure the transponder shield box in your rental car is in the “closed” position. By opting out of the automatic e-Toll car rental tool, you take responsibility for paying tolls yourself using one of the following methods:
- Cash Payment: Pay cash at toll booths where available.
- Personal Toll Device: Use your own adequately funded and compatible electronic toll device. Ensure it is properly mounted and works in Massachusetts.
- Direct Payment to Toll Authority: Pay the toll authority directly online or through other services as per their rules and requirements.
- Avoid Toll Roads: Plan your routes to completely avoid electronic toll roads and passages.
Choosing to opt-out means you are forgoing the convenience of the Avis car rental tool, but it allows you to manage toll costs directly and potentially save money.
Understanding the Toll Administrator
When you use the standard e-Toll service, a third-party Toll Administrator, contracted by Avis, manages the toll payment process. This administrator processes each electronic toll you incur during your rental and charges your provided credit or debit card for the tolls and convenience fees.
It’s important to note that by using e-Toll, you agree to allow Avis to share your personal information, including contact and payment details, with the Toll Administrator. You also authorize both the Toll Administrator and Avis to charge your card for all applicable e-Toll fees. Be aware that it may take 4-8 weeks after your rental concludes for these charges to appear on your statement.
In conclusion, Avis e-Toll provides a convenient car rental tool for navigating toll roads in Massachusetts. Understanding the different options, fees, and your choices for opting out will help you make the best decision for your travel needs and budget when renting a car. Whether you choose the convenience of e-Toll or prefer to manage tolls yourself, being informed is key to a stress-free rental experience.
