Never again!!Stay away! The car we picked up at Dubrovnik airport was as expected. The additional fee for taking a ferry in Croatia was clearly stated. However were we unpleasantly surprised by the €5... See more
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I am disappointed with my recent experience with Avia Rent a Car. After returning the vehicle, I was charged €15 for vehicle cleaning and €35 for a vehicle category upgrade. The cleaning char... See more
Company replied
The people behind the Avia rental desk in Split Airport were very cold and unwelcoming. Despite having paid for extra insurance when we booked through BSP, which covered a wide range of issues, the... See more
Company replied
We had a great experience with AVIA in Pula. The vehicle handover and return process were both very quick and smooth, which made everything stress-free. The service was professional from start to fi... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
We are Croatian company founded in 2006. Our vehicle fleet is new, consisted of many models. Our professional team will welcome you at any of our office all over Croatia and provide top quality service.Visit us at www.avia-rentacar.hr and find that we do better !
Contact info
Ulica Narodnog lista 2, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
- +385952125790
- info@avia-rentacar.hr
- avia-rentacar.hr
2.9
Average
2k reviews
No recent history of asking for reviews
This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative
Replied to 93% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 48 hours
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Yup - same expensive mistakes as others.
Follow up and expected the response below from the company to justify their business practices. I know all of this is part of the business terms and conditions but why not do the right thing by your customers who just want to go on holiday and enjoy themselves rather than being fleeced with extortionate charges and leaving a bad taste for Croatia from the outset. Give alternative options such as allowing for another credit card to be used, adding on an additional driver to enable this to happen etc. why charge 300E for the mistake??? Pure profiteering. as for the clean to clean policy - that’s the most ridiculous element. We did not return a dirty car. I’ll be contacting the car rental broker and giving them this feedback as well.
Similar experiences to some of the 1 star reviews around the credit card debacle despite my wife having a credit card. I had challenges with accessing my PIN number so had to pay the £300 insurance despite paying for all sorts up front. Also the car cleaning.. washed it the day before and it just so happened to rain the morning of the car return. That’s £12 please for some rain dust and a few bits of grass that the kids had on the bottom of their shoes. We tend not to carry a hoover on our holidays. !!
Moral of the story - don’t use AVIA. Most distressing and expensive mistake I’ve made.
17 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
We strongly reject the claims made in your review as they are misleading and incorrect. All charges were applied strictly in line with the rental terms and conditions clearly stated on your voucher.
Credit Card & Insurance
The security deposit can only be authorized on a valid credit card belonging to the main driver and with an accessible PIN, as per international rental standards. Since you were unable to provide this, the only way to proceed with the rental was to apply the mandatory full insurance coverage. This was not optional under the circumstances and is a standard requirement when a security deposit cannot be held.
Currency of Payment
The entire transaction was processed in euros (EUR), as clearly specified in the rental agreement, and not in pounds sterling (GBP).
Cleaning Fee
The cleaning fee was applied because the vehicle was returned in a condition exceeding normal use, with visible dirt, grass, and other residues. Weather conditions or passenger activity do not exempt customers from this requirement, as the car must be returned ready for the next client.
All procedures were fully compliant with the agreed terms. At no point were you overcharged or treated unfairly; the additional costs resulted solely from non-compliance with the standard rental requirements.
Beware....Additional fees
Disliked the 50 euro charge for the plane arriving 15 mins late and the 12 euro charge for cleaning it. Company look to charge as much as they can once you've made the booking
5 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
We would like to clarify that all charges applied were strictly in accordance with the rental terms and conditions you accepted at the time of booking.
Late Arrival Fee
The €50 fee was applied because the vehicle pick-up occurred outside the scheduled time due to the delayed flight. This is clearly stated in the rental terms, as staff availability outside standard working hours incurs additional operational costs.
Cleaning Fee
The €12 cleaning fee was applied because the vehicle was returned in a condition requiring more than standard cleaning. This is a normal and transparent procedure outlined in the rental agreement and applied only when necessary to prepare the vehicle for the next customer.
At no point were you charged arbitrarily; all fees are clearly stated in advance, and we acted strictly within company policy. Avia team
I rented a car from Friday to Sunday-…
I rented a car from Friday to Sunday- just two and a half days. They charged me 125€ for crossing the border, which is completely unreasonable. My flight was delayed and they still charged a 50€ out of hours fee, even though their office was open and they had my flight informations in advance. They will charge you 12€ if you return car dirty despite the fact that you're paying for rental. Feels like a total scam. So total price for a little bit more then a two day was 335€ unreal.
I would never rent from this company again.
13 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your feedback. However, we must firmly correct several inaccurate statements and clarify the situation based on the agreed rental terms.
The cross-border authorization fee is a standard and mandatory procedure for any travel outside the borders of the Republic of Croatia. It is clearly stated in the rental terms and ensures that the accepted insurance coverage remains valid in other countries. Traveling without this authorization is strictly prohibited and subject to a contractual penalty of €500. The fee you paid was in full compliance with the rental agreement you accepted.
The €50 out-of-hours fee was correctly applied, as your pick-up took place outside regular office hours. The fact that staff were present does not change the policy, as additional staff must be scheduled for out-of-hours operations. Your flight information was provided; however, delays beyond the agreed pick-up time do not exempt this fee, as clearly stated in the rental conditions.
The €12 cleaning fee was not charged in your case, as the vehicle was returned in a clean condition, fully meeting the “clean-to-clean” policy introduced in 2024.
Finally, we must emphasize that all charges, including their exact amounts, were clearly stated on the voucher you received from the agency through which you made the booking. The total amount you paid corresponds exactly to the services requested and the accepted rental conditions. All procedures and fees were transparent, justified, and applied equally to all customers. Avia team
I dislike that I asked to change the…
I dislike that I asked to change the check in and the check out because in my town there was a fire and the airport was closed. They told me on BSP that it was OK but when I was in the agency they didn't want. I thought it was very incorrect
9 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your feedback. However, we would like to kindly clarify that your statement is not correct.
The pick-up and drop-off times were adjusted according to your request and without any additional charges, as confirmed in our system and fully in line with the rental terms.
All changes were handled transparently and in accordance with the agreed rental conditions. Avia team
Efficient polite and value for money
Had a speedy pickup, straight forward and no pushy sales techniques for extra insurance that I have had with most other companies.
The drop off was even more efficient, all done in minutes.
Will definitely be my company of choice in future.
7 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you were satisfied with our efficient service, polite staff, and straightforward process without unnecessary sales pressure.
We’re also glad the drop-off was quick and smooth. We look forward to welcoming you again and becoming your preferred choice for future rentals!
Avia Team
The staff at Avia very helpful and…
The staff at Avia were very helpful and courteous both a pick up and drop off. The car provided was a great choice for a family of 5 people.
Only issue was that there was no reversing camera or sensors.
27 June 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your kind review! We’re glad to hear our staff were helpful and courteous during both pick-up and drop-off, and that the car suited your family’s needs well.
Regarding the lack of reversing camera or sensors, we understand this can be a useful feature, but equipment may vary depending on the vehicle model within the booked category.
We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again soon!
Avia Team
very efficient, all staff spoke excellent English
very efficient, car was good, agent helped identify existing damages/scratches on the car & allowed me time to make a video of the car
3 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your positive feedback! We’re glad to hear that everything was efficient and that you were satisfied with the car. It’s great to know our agent assisted you in identifying existing damages and gave you time to record a video for your peace of mind. We look forward to serving you again! Avia team
Beware of cleaning charges
UPDATE In response to Avia's comments, I showed Tarik the contract from Economy Car Rental and the difference in price between what they said I would be charged at the desk and what Avia actually charged was 14 Euros. So either Avia or Economy Car Rental have not kept to the terms of the contract.
Avia have not commented on their cleaning charges which I heard others were receiving(even assuming mine was part of the contract, which it didn't appear to be), but this is not an industry standard. I have already hired cars abroad twice this year. My preferred rental companies are Avis, Hertz, Sixt and Alamo, but I have used others, made in probably about 20 different countries. None have charged a cleaning fee. Many times I have had brand new cars but I have never been made to feel as worried about renting as with this company. Of course I know you hire a class of car not a specific model. I was simply giving an appraisal of the vehicle we received. Furthermore, I booked a cross border card through the broker. I am not sure this was required for Slovenia and Italy but will give the benefit of doubt about this. I certainly didn't receive any documentation about this at the Avia desk and was told I don't need it.
ORIGINAL POST The rental was taken through Economy Car Rentals which did come up with an all inclusive good price. While waiting at the car hire desk at Pula Airport, I listened to the customer in front of me complaining about the cleaning charge. I was greeted by Tarik who was friendly. Contracts, as everywhere, get sent electronically which is fine. However, we had to give 3 or 4 signatures on a piece of paper which did not seem to relate to anything and also some electronic signatures which were not related to any wording on the screen. This made me feel uncomfortable. Tarik was surprised to read our contract included cleaning. However when it came to paying, the amount was 14 Euros more than Economy Car Rental contract. I argued about it. He gave me the option of not paying this but Tarik said I would have to clean the car inside and out. In 40 years of hiring cars I have never come across a cleaning charge. You don't usually have the time to do a full clean before catching a flight. And if you can't do this at the airport, chances are the car will get dirty again. I ended up paying for cleaning.
Tarik showed us how clean the outside and inside was including the seats being spotless and that it only had 400km on the clock. A sticker on the glove box also told us we would be fined 100 Euros for food, drink and beach mess inside the car. Though I respect others property, the pressure of the way all this was done made us nervous. This was a fussy company. This became evident as our party rented two other vehicles from them. Unfortunately a nine year old broke his arm within hours of getting there and his plaster left a mark on the seat. I can't say how bad this was but they were fined 60 Euros.
We rented a VW T-roc through the broker but got a Peugeot 2008, which I never heard of before. The boot space was a little smaller than a T-Roc but luckily we squeezed everything in. On a positive, driving the car was smooth and the comfort for passengers was good. It had warning systems for exceeding speed limits and not staying in lane. Though it had parking sensors, there were no cameras which is unusual for modern cars. Also, at first I thought there was no cruise control but later found out the stalk was hidden behind the lighting stalk. As a result I didn't use it. There was no navigation system without plugging our phones in but this didn't work. The big bonnet also makes it difficult judging the front of the car. This car was a cheap replacement for a T-roc.
On our return, an Avia rep quickly came to the car before I had the chance to photograph everything. He pressured me for the key. I was not happy about this before having the chance to do everything including taking photos. He then told me to come to the desk. There he told me everything was fine and I was free to go. I find it interesting that we have to sign everything, but car hire companies don't have to sign anything when you get back. To be fair, this is not only Avia.
If returning to Croatia, I probably won't use Avia again.
21 June 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your detailed feedback. However, we must firmly clarify several points to avoid any misunderstandings.
The cleaning charge was included in your reservation and in the final rental price, which was exactly the same as the price stated on your booking confirmation. No additional cleaning fees were charged, and the amount paid fully corresponded to the confirmed reservation details.
We cooperate with many booking agencies, and each agency defines differently what is included in the price. Some reservations include the cleaning fee in advance, as in your case, while others do not, which naturally results in price differences.
Regarding the unfortunate accident involving the child, we sincerely sympathize; however, traces of plaster require special cleaning procedures to ensure the vehicle is hygienically prepared for the next customer, which fully justifies the additional cleaning charge applied in that separate case.
As for the vehicle provided, we must emphasize that exclusively a vehicle category is booked, not a specific model. Each category consists of various models and brands of similar size and characteristics. The Peugeot 2008 you received belongs to the same category as the VW T-Roc according to standard rental classifications and was therefore an appropriate replacement based on availability. In fact, the Peugeot 2008 is 7 cm longer than the VW T-Roc.
The vehicle was equipped with numerous advanced features, including line assist, a camera that reads speed limits, cruise control (tempomat), and several other modern driving aids, all fully functional. The lack of a built-in navigation system was because navigation was not booked as an additional option. It appears that some of these features were simply not recognized or used by you during the rental.
We are glad that you found the car clean, new, and comfortable to drive. However, all procedures and charges applied were fully in accordance with the accepted rental conditions and industry standards. Avia team
Extra charge for nothing then threats!
Upon arriving late at Zadar airport, we were 15 minutes late to collect the car - this was explained by Avia that if our booking agent had given them our flight number, we would not have had to pay this but as they didn't provide it, the charge was applied. We were asked if we would like to pay a cleaning charge up front for €9 but as we had no plans to use the cars for anything but 'normal' driving on tarmac roads we declined this and, bearing this in mind, gave the car insides a thorough brushing out before we returned them.
When returning them the employees approached us in the car park and told us there was a €12 cleaning charge due to a thin layer of dust on the back window. We explained this was normal use and they should expect to give the cars a clean before renting them out again, this being part of the cost of rental. The employee stated that this was a new charge which had started from 01/06 (1 week before) and they had been directed to charge this to everyone unless it was perfectly clean. He said we could go into the office to speak to his colleagues but we declined to do this as he had stated it was a new company policy. On returning to the UK we contacted our booking agent to check if the flight number had been provided which they stated it has and the €50 out of charge is just as per the terms, this is fine but why are the employees stating different?
I contacted Avia to put my points forward and asked for their comments before I wrote a review (which I do for many experiences, good and bad) to which they replied my writing a review would be "subject to legal actions since it seems like blackmail along with any false statements."
Bad customer service all round Avia and poor policies.
8 June 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your feedback. However, we must firmly clarify several inaccuracies in your statement.
It is not true that you were only 15 minutes late. The agreed pick-up time stated in your booking was 20:00, while the actual pick-up took place at 21:23. As clearly outlined in the rental terms you accepted at the time of booking, pick-ups outside standard working hours are subject to an additional charge. This fee is standard practice in the car rental industry and applies regardless of the reason for the delay.
Regarding the cleaning charge, you declined the optional pre-paid cleaning service, which allows customers to return the car without additional cleaning obligations. The “clean-to-clean” policy, introduced in 2024, is clearly stated both in the rental terms and on the booking voucher. Vehicles must be returned in a reasonably clean condition inside and out, and a dusty rear window does not meet this standard. The €12 cleaning fee was therefore fully justified and is applied equally to all customers to ensure that vehicles are properly prepared for the next rental.
Finally, regarding your mention of “threats,” our response to you simply clarified that any false public statements damaging the company’s reputation could be subject to legal action, which is standard legal practice and not a threat.
All procedures, charges, and communication in your case were strictly in accordance with the agreed rental terms and standard industry practice. Avia team
ANSWER TO UPDATED REWIEV:Thank you for your update. We must categorically state that there were no irregularities or unclear charges in your case, as all details were clearly stated on your booking voucher and rental agreement.
According to the voucher issued by your agency when you made the reservation on 04/02/2025, the rental was booked for the period 21/06 to 05/07/2025 with the following confirmed items:
Base rental price (including the cleaning fee) – €281.56
Cross-border travel to EU countries (explicitly requested by you) – €80
Additional driver (explicitly requested by you) – €37.50
The total price of €399.06 was exactly the amount charged at pick-up, in full compliance with the booking confirmation.
The cleaning fee was included in the total rental price, but, as per standard procedure, it is listed separately on the reservation and rental agreement for full transparency.
Regarding cross-border travel, we emphasize that prior authorization from the rental company is mandatory. This is clearly stated in the rental terms and noted in the agreement, as it is required for the accepted insurance coverage to be valid outside the territory of the Republic of Croatia. Unauthorized border crossing constitutes a serious breach of contract and is subject to a contractual penalty of €500, as explicitly stated in the rental terms you accepted.
All charges and procedures in your case were applied strictly in accordance with the accepted rental terms, leaving absolutely no room for misunderstanding. Avia team
Great new car
Great new car, quick service, without convincing you to buy additional insurance. Everything clear and nice!
6 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your kind review! We’re glad to hear you were satisfied with the quick service, clear process, and that you enjoyed driving a great new car. We look forward to welcoming you again! Avia team
Underhand tactics from rep
As I’ve already filled one in I’ll repeat. I was happy with everything apart from the pressure upselling of full insurance which I already paid for through economybooking.com. I think because I’m an inexperienced traveller Avia rep claimed it could be very hard to get my money from Booking.com if there was an accident so I took out the insurance again with Avia. So I believe I was hoodwinked into parting with £350.00 For this I wouldn’t go with Avia again.
Interesting reply from Avia, stock answer from company id expect. But very well versed considering they weren’t there.
28 June 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased to hear that you were otherwise satisfied with the service; however, we would like to clarify an important point regarding insurance.
The insurance purchased through third-party platforms such as Booking.com is separate reimbursement insurance and does not replace the coverage provided directly by Avia Rent a Car. In case of damage, you would first need to pay the rental company and then claim reimbursement from the third-party insurer, which can sometimes take time and depends entirely on their procedures.
No pressure was applied by our staff; the additional insurance option was offered and explained in detail, which is a standard procedure to ensure customers are fully informed about all available options. The decision to purchase the additional insurance was made by you, and it remains entirely optional. All procedures are strictly in line with the agreed rental terms and standard industry practice. Avia team
Good service and nice car
5 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your kind review! We’re glad to hear you were satisfied with our service and the car. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future! Avia team
Rude and grumpy workers
I was disappointed with the service I received. There was a severe lack of communication and willingness to assist, turning what should have been a smooth and easy process into a frustrating ordeal. We were left waiting, which was particularly challenging since we had small children with us, and there was no explanation or attempt to update us on the situation. Given this experience, I would not recommend renting from this company again
12 July 2025
Unprompted review
Good srrvice
Essy booking, excelent car.
Don't try to sell onother car insurance,
When ee alresdy having one from yoir partner....
10 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your review!
Easy booking and an excellent car experience are great to hear. Please note that it is standard procedure for our staff to explain all insurance options at the counter, including those already purchased through our partners. This is only to ensure that every customer is fully informed about coverage and additional options, but of course, purchasing extra insurance is never mandatory. Avia team
Absolutely great service at Avia
Absolutely great service at Avia, helpful and friendly, we will definitely rent a car here next time we need a car. Everything worked out and was absolutely perfect.
4 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great experience with Avia and found our service helpful and friendly. It’s fantastic to know everything worked out perfectly for you. We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you again next time you need a car! Avia team
A nearly new car
A nearly new car , very clean and comfortable , very efficient handovers, would definitely recommend
11 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your kind review!
We’re glad you enjoyed the nearly new, clean, and comfortable car, and that the handovers were quick and efficient. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again in the future! Avia team
Jeep avenger
I'm not satisfy cause I had to pay extra 80 eur (our flight was delayed and we get our car outside working hours. Additionally, the car had problems with the air conditioning, which worked until the car stopped. Then, it blew hot air. The only solution was to switch the car to sports mode. Then, the air conditioning cooled constantly. The staff was very nice and friendly. We received the car clean.
1 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your experience. We’re glad to hear that our staff was friendly and that you received a clean car.
Regarding the extra 80 EUR charge, please note that fees for pick-up outside working hours are stated in the rental terms and apply in cases such as flight delays.
We’re sorry to hear about the air conditioning issue. For any technical or mechanical problem, we kindly ask our customers to report it to us immediately so we can assist or provide a replacement if necessary. Avia team
Very disappointing experience with AVIA…
Very disappointing experience with AVIA Zadar – avoid at all costs!
We returned the car after cleaning it thoroughly for over an hour, especially the interior, on the very morning of the return. Despite this, we were told at the airport that the car was not clean enough, due to supposed footprints on the pedals (accelerator and clutch). We wiped them off in front of the employee using cleaning wipes – but what more can one do, float in mid-air between cleaning and drop-off?
Then they claimed there were dirt marks on the exterior body of the car. We've never heard such a thing from any car rental company before! And when we started wiping those so-called marks with cleaning wipes, they told us: “No, it’s useless, we’ll charge you anyway, that leaves streaks…”
Unbelievable bad faith, disrespectful customer service, and a clear attempt to overcharge.
We strongly advise against renting from AVIA in Zadar.
A truly disappointing way to end our trip.
8 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you for your feedback. However, we categorically reject the accusations made in your statement. Our staff acted fully professionally and strictly in line with the accepted rental terms, which are clearly stated on the booking voucher you agreed to when making the reservation.
The “clean-to-clean” policy explicitly requires that vehicles be returned in a clean condition both inside and outside. The car was returned dusty, including visible dirt on the exterior, which clearly does not meet the agreed standard. The charge was therefore fully justified and applied in accordance with standard procedures that are enforced equally for all customers, without exception.
Your comparison with other rental companies is irrelevant, as each company applies its own policies. You accepted rental terms when booking, and we stand by the fact that all actions taken were correct, justified, and strictly in compliance with the agreed rental conditions. Avia team
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 We're really happy to hear you were satisfied with the car, the price, and our service. We're always here if you need anything — and we truly look forward to welcoming you again in the future!
Avia team
Great costumer service
Great costumer service, friendly staff, easy car pick up and drop off at the airport and
affordable prices.
9 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Avia Rent a car
Thank you so much for your kind feedback! 😊 We're delighted to hear that you were happy with our customer service, staff, and the convenience of pick-up and drop-off at the airport. We're also glad you found our prices affordable. We truly appreciate your support and hope to see you again soon! Avia team
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