Quick Summary
- Typical booking mistakes include choosing the wrong location or time, underestimating luggage needs and ignoring key terms.
- At pick up, rushing through inspection or misunderstanding fuel, tolls and protection can add unexpected costs.
- Hola Car Rentals clear pricing and checklists help you avoid surprises from reservation through to the moment you hand back the keys.
Booking mistakes to avoid
For many travellers, trouble starts before they even arrive. Mixing up airport codes, choosing the wrong pick up time or underestimating luggage needs are classic errors. When you search for a deal through Hola Car Rentals, make sure your car rental matches your flight time, number of drivers and the space you actually need for passengers and bags.
Another booking trap is ignoring the small print on mileage, one way fees and young driver charges. Very low prices can sometimes come with strict mileage caps or high excess amounts, so it pays to read each line. Choosing an all inclusive plus style rate with Hola Car Rentals can feel slightly higher upfront but reduces the risk of large deposits and surprise costs later.
Pick up day mistakes
At the counter, the biggest mistake is feeling rushed. Take a few calm minutes to walk around the vehicle, noting any existing scratches or wheel kerb marks on the form. Use your phone to take clear photos of all four sides and the interior, especially the fuel gauge and any marks that are already there.
If you are collecting from a busy location like a Miami Airport collection point, it is still fine to ask staff to add extra notes before you drive away. Confirm the fuel policy, the type of fuel required and how tolls are handled in that region so you are not guessing on the highway.
Mistakes while you are driving
On the road, speeding even slightly above the limit, ignoring school zones or missing toll plaza signage can quickly make your affordable trip more expensive. Stay alert to local signs and give yourself more time than the sat nav suggests so you are not tempted to rush. In big cities, plan where you will park before you arrive rather than circling blocks in a panic.
In the United States, distances can be long and weather can change fast. Checking your route for mountain passes, winter storms or hurricane season closures is just as important as mapping fuel stops. For a simple overview of documents and requirements, Hola Car Rentals already offers a step by step guide to renting in the United States that many travellers read before their first trip.
Return day mistakes
Towards the end of the journey it is easy to rush to the airport and forget the basics. Aim to refuel a short distance before you reach the drop off lane and keep the receipt in case there is any doubt. Leaving enough time for traffic jams and unfamiliar road layouts, especially at large hubs with several loops like the Los Angeles Airport return area, helps you avoid late fees.
Before you walk away, remove all personal items from seat pockets, under seats and the boot, and take photos of the mileage and fuel gauge. Ask for a copy of the final invoice or email confirmation so you can check it later, particularly if you used toll roads or pre paid fuel options.
By booking with Hola Car Rentals, choosing the right protection and taking a few extra minutes at each stage, you can turn a potential minefield into a smooth, predictable part of your trip.
FAQ
What is the most common mistake first time renters make? Rushing through the booking and pick up stages without checking details, especially location, times and fuel policy, is one of the biggest sources of stress and extra charges.
Is it really worth reading all the terms before I book? You do not need to memorise every clause, but understanding mileage limits, excess amounts, fuel rules and one way fees will help you choose the most suitable offer.
How early should I book in busy periods? For peak holiday dates or major events, it is wise to reserve several weeks or even a few months in advance, using free cancellation options where available so you keep flexibility.
What if I realise I booked the wrong location or time? Log into your Hola Car Rentals confirmation as soon as you spot the issue and see whether you can modify your booking well before the pick up date, which is usually cheaper than changing plans on the day.
