Hertz exited the rideshare rental space in 2024. Since then, Avis has been the big-brand option Uber pushes through its in-app rental tab. RideshareRenter is the peer-to-peer alternative — owners listing cars directly to drivers. I've used both. Here's the side-by-side from someone who's actually driven on each.
If you want lower weekly rates, more vehicle variety, and the ability to negotiate with a real human, RideshareRenter wins. If you want airport pickup desks and a corporate help line, Avis wins. The price gap is the biggest factor — Avis runs $100–$220 more per week for comparable vehicles in most markets.
Here are real quotes I pulled in May 2026 for a one-week rental in three different markets. Vehicle class: midsize sedan, hybrid preferred.
| Market | Avis Uber program (weekly) | RideshareRenter (weekly) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $419 | $285 | $134 less on RideshareRenter |
| Phoenix, AZ | $389 | $270 | $119 less on RideshareRenter |
| Las Vegas, NV | $459 | $315 | $144 less on RideshareRenter |
| Orlando, FL | $429 | $295 | $134 less on RideshareRenter |
That's a $400–$600 monthly difference. For full-time drivers, that's the gap between a profitable week and a break-even week.
The catch: the Avis price typically includes liability insurance and unlimited miles. RideshareRenter listings vary — some owners include all the same, others have mileage caps or require a deposit. You have to read each listing carefully.
I rented through Avis for six weeks back in early 2025 to compare. Here's what stood out:
Vehicle was clean, fairly new (2023 Corolla, 18k miles). Pickup at the airport was 40 minutes from arrival to actually driving away. The line was long.
Mileage is unlimited, which sounds great until you realize the weekly rate already prices that in. If you're a part-time driver doing under 800 miles a week, you're paying for capacity you don't use.
Maintenance was hands-off. Got an oil change reminder, dropped it at any Avis location, swap car, done. That's a real benefit for high-mileage drivers.
Insurance was straightforward. Standard Avis liability, basic gap for rideshare period 1. Same coverage shape as most platforms.
Customer support was a phone tree. Wait times averaged 18 minutes. Two of my support interactions resolved well, one didn't.
The biggest pain point: you can't pick the specific car. You get assigned what's available at your pickup location. I asked for a hybrid three times, got a hybrid once.
You're renting from a private owner — usually someone who lives in your metro and owns one to five vehicles. The interaction model is different:
You see specific listings. Photos, year, mileage, fuel type, terms. You pick the exact car.
You message the owner directly before booking. I always ask about charging if it's an EV, cargo if it's an SUV, and toll transponder. Owners respond within a few hours.
Pickup is in-person at the owner's address, usually a quick handoff. About 20–30 minutes including inspection and key transfer.
Maintenance is the owner's responsibility but you coordinate. If something breaks during your rental, you message the owner, they handle the repair shop. Sometimes you get a swap vehicle, sometimes you wait. Less smooth than Avis on this dimension.
Insurance runs through RideshareRenter's platform coverage for the rental period. Coverage levels are comparable to Avis's standard product.
You can negotiate weekly rates on longer commitments. I knocked $35 off a weekly rate by committing to a 6-week rental.
Cost. The $100–$220 weekly savings is the headline. Over six months that's $2,600–$5,700 you keep.
Vehicle variety. Want a specific Tesla Model 3 with the Long Range battery? You can find it. Want a Honda CR-V hybrid because you drive XL? You can find that too. Avis assigns what's available.
Owner relationships. The good owners on RideshareRenter become repeat partners. I've been renting from the same guy in Phoenix for 14 months. He gives me priority on his hybrid, swaps tires before I have to ask, calls me when his Model Y is available.
Flexibility. I once needed to extend a rental on three hours' notice. The owner said yes via text. Try that with Avis.
Convenience for travelers. If you're driving rideshare in a city that isn't your home and you fly in, Avis at the airport is genuinely easier. RideshareRenter requires meeting the owner.
Mechanical reliability and swaps. If your car breaks down at 11 PM, Avis has a hotline and a tow truck. The owner on RideshareRenter is more likely to be asleep. You'll get help, but maybe not until morning.
Standardized terms. Avis is the same contract every time. RideshareRenter listings vary owner to owner. If you don't like reading rental agreements, that's a tax on RideshareRenter.
Coverage areas. Avis has locations in cities where RideshareRenter inventory is thin. Smaller metros, secondary markets.
| Feature | Avis Uber program | RideshareRenter |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly rate (midsize hybrid) | $389–$459 | $260–$330 |
| Vehicle choice | Class assigned | Specific car you pick |
| Pickup location | Avis lots / airport | Owner address |
| Mileage cap | Unlimited | Varies by listing (commonly 1,500/wk) |
| Insurance | Included, standard liability | Included via platform |
| Maintenance | Avis handles, swap available | Owner coordinates |
| Roadside assistance | 24/7 phone | Varies |
| Negotiation | None | Yes, especially long-term |
| Owner relationships | None | Build them over time |
| Tolls/transponder | Variable add-on | Owner-dependent |
Use Avis if:
Use RideshareRenter if:
I hear two complaints repeatedly from drivers who've tried RideshareRenter and didn't stick with it:
"The car wasn't in the condition I expected." This is usually a function of not reading the listing carefully and not messaging the owner before booking. The good listings have honest photos and dated mileage. The bad ones don't. Filter accordingly.
"Pickup was awkward." Meeting a stranger at their house feels weird the first time. After the second one it's normal. The owners doing this seriously treat it like a real business — clean car, paperwork ready, brief inspection, handoff in 25 minutes.
Can I switch from Avis to RideshareRenter mid-contract? You can return the Avis vehicle at any time. No early termination fee under most programs, but you'll lose any prepaid days. Pick up a RideshareRenter car the same week.
Does Avis's Uber program require an existing Uber account? Yes. You sign up through the Uber driver app. RideshareRenter doesn't require an existing account — you can sign up there first, then start your Uber driver application with the rental confirmation in hand.
What about Avis vs Hertz? Hertz exited rideshare rentals in 2024 after major fleet issues. Avis is now the primary big-brand option for Uber. Some independent regional fleets compete too.
Are RideshareRenter rentals reported to credit? No. Standard rental agreements aren't credit lines. Some platforms run a soft credit check at signup. Drivers with poor credit have a much easier time on RideshareRenter than at traditional rental counters.
Can I drive for both Uber and Lyft on a RideshareRenter vehicle? Yes, unless the specific listing restricts it. Most don't. Check the listing terms.
How fast can I start driving after picking up a RideshareRenter car? Same-day, in most markets. Submit your inspection photos to Uber/Lyft and you're activated within hours. Avis's process is similar.
If you're driving rideshare seriously and you want to keep more of what you earn, peer-to-peer is the better long-term play. RideshareRenter is the platform I keep coming back to.
If you're an owner reading this — those drivers who walk away from Avis because of the price are looking for your listing. Drivers who flee corporate rental are some of the most committed renters on RideshareRenter. List your car and you'll see them inquire within days.
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