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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my SUV hire in New York through Hola Car Rentals include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in New York, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your hire period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected car hire experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in New York.
Will I face unexpected charges when I hire an SUV in New York through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in New York are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in New York charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with the hire partner to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
How do I pick up my SUV hire at JFK Airport in New York?
Your SUV hire at JFK Airport in New York is not collected inside any terminal. All hire brands operate from the Federal Circle facility, also known as Station C.
- After baggage claim, follow the signs inside your terminal to the AirTrain.
- Board the AirTrain and ride to Federal Circle (Station C). The journey takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes and is free for on-airport travel between terminals and Federal Circle.
- At Federal Circle, follow the Hire Car signs to your brand's counter and vehicle area.
The AirTrain runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with lifts and escalators at each station. Hire counters at Federal Circle also operate 24 hours. Allow extra time after an international flight for immigration and baggage before heading to the AirTrain. From arrival at the gate to driving away in your New York SUV, plan for 45 to 90 minutes in total depending on queues and time of day.
What documents do I need to pick up an SUV hire in New York?
To collect your SUV hire in New York, you must bring the following physical documents to the counter. Digital copies are not accepted.
- A valid, original driving licence in the main driver's name. If your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic), you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a translation alongside your original licence.
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID.
- A physical, major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the authorisation hold.
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the United Kingdom).
Name mismatches between your licence, passport, and credit card are one of the most common reasons for problems at the counter. Make sure all names match before you travel. For your New York SUV hire, the credit card must have sufficient available credit to cover the authorisation hold, which is typically GBP 300 to GBP 400 for standard vehicles in the United Kingdom, and may be higher for larger SUV classes.
Is a credit card required for an SUV hire deposit in New York?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name is required for the authorisation hold on any SUV hire in New York. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual or digital wallet cards are not accepted for the deposit.
At pickup, the hire partner places a temporary authorisation hold on your card. For SUV hires in New York, this hold is typically in the range of GBP 300 to GBP 400 for standard vehicles, and may be higher for larger or premium SUV classes. This is not a charge; it reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after you return the vehicle, which can take up to 15 working days.
- The card must be physical, with the driver's name printed on it.
- It must be in the main driver's name, not a third party's card.
- Ensure your card is enabled for in-person transactions in the United Kingdom and that no fraud blocks will prevent authorisation.
- Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined.
Even if you prepaid your New York SUV booking online, you must still present a physical credit card at the counter for the hold.
How do tolls work for an SUV hire in New York?
Toll roads in New York are almost entirely cashless, meaning your SUV hire will be billed electronically for any tolls you pass through. There are no cash lanes at most major crossings.
At pickup, you typically have two options for managing tolls during your New York SUV hire:
- Unlimited toll package: a fixed daily rate of approximately GBP 11 to GBP 25 per day, depending on the hire company. This covers all tolls during the hire period.
- Pay per use: if you decline the package, the hire company charges you the actual toll amounts plus daily or administrative processing fees after you return the vehicle. These charges can appear days or even weeks after the hire ends.
Toll costs in the New York area can be significant. Each bridge or tunnel crossing in the NYC area costs approximately GBP 15 to GBP 25 or more. If your SUV hire takes you across multiple crossings in a day, costs can exceed GBP 40 per day before any programme fees are added.
If you have a personal E-ZPass transponder, you can inform the counter agent at pickup and ask them to deactivate the vehicle's default toll device to avoid duplicate charges.
What is the NYC congestion pricing charge for an SUV hire in New York?
Yes, NYC congestion pricing applies to SUV hires in New York and is an additional charge separate from bridge and tunnel tolls.
The congestion zone covers most of Manhattan south of and including 60th Street, down to the southern tip of the island. If your New York SUV hire enters this zone on local streets, a daily congestion fee of approximately GBP 8.99 plus taxes applies. Key details to know:
- The charge is applied once per calendar day, regardless of how many times you enter and exit the zone that day.
- You can travel on the FDR Drive or the West Side Highway (Route 9A) without triggering the charge, as long as you do not exit onto local streets within the zone.
- Cameras automatically detect vehicles entering the area. There are no traditional toll booths.
- This fee is not covered by insurance or hire protection packages and will appear on your hire bill separately from other tolls.
If you plan to drive your SUV hire into central Manhattan during your New York trip, budget for this daily congestion fee in addition to any bridge, tunnel, or motorway tolls you may encounter.
Can I get tolls cashback on my SUV hire in New York?
Yes, all bookings include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your New York SUV hire. Given that New York has some of the highest toll exposure in the United Kingdom, including bridge and tunnel crossings of GBP 15 to GBP 25 each and the daily NYC congestion pricing fee, this benefit can add up meaningfully.
To claim your cashback after returning your New York SUV hire:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle.
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation confirmation number.
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed hire agreement, and a toll receipt or statement showing the charges paid during your hire period.
The refund is calculated as the lesser of the total tolls you paid or 5% of your booking total. For example, if your booking total was GBP 600, the maximum cashback is GBP 30. Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 working days after approval. Submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
What is the minimum age to hire an SUV in New York?
New York has a specific rule that makes it different from most other US states: hire companies are required by state law to hire to licensed drivers aged 18 and older. This means you can hire an SUV in New York at 18, but a young-renter surcharge will apply if you are under 25.
- Drivers aged 18 to 24 are subject to a daily young-renter surcharge, which varies by hire partner.
- Most premium and large SUV classes are restricted to drivers aged 25 and older. If you are under 25, you will generally be limited to smaller vehicle categories such as compact or intermediate SUVs.
- Drivers aged 25 and older pay no underage surcharge and face no class restrictions based on age alone.
If you are aged 21 to 24 and travelling from Latin America or the Caribbean, certain Avis and Budget rates may waive the young-renter fee for eligible vehicle categories. Check your booking confirmation to see if this waiver is shown. For your New York SUV hire, always confirm the vehicle class is available for your age group before booking.
Can I add an additional driver to my SUV hire in New York?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your SUV hire in New York, but the additional driver must be physically present at the pickup counter to sign the hire agreement and show their documents.
- The additional driver must present a valid, original driving licence and a passport or government-issued photo ID.
- If their licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, they must also carry an International Driving Permit.
- They must meet the minimum age requirements for New York, which is 18 under state law, though a young-renter surcharge may apply for drivers under 25.
Whether the additional driver fee is included or charged at the counter depends on your rate. If your booking confirmation states the additional driver is included, no extra fee applies for the first additional driver. If it is not included, typical daily fees are:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: GBP 13 per day, capped at GBP 65
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: GBP 13.50 per day, capped at GBP 189
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: GBP 15 per day
Only drivers listed on the hire agreement are covered by the vehicle's protections. Never let an unlisted person drive your New York SUV hire.
What driving rules should I know before taking my SUV hire in New York City?
Driving a SUV hire in New York City involves several rules that differ significantly from other US cities and from most international driving environments.
- Right turns on red are prohibited throughout all five boroughs of New York City unless a sign explicitly permits it. This applies city-wide and surprises many visitors accustomed to standard US driving rules.
- The standard speed limit in New York City is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. School zones drop to 15 to 20 mph during school hours.
- Speed and red-light cameras are widely deployed across New York, particularly near schools and intersections. Fines are mailed to the registered vehicle owner, which means they will be passed on to you through the hire company.
- Using a handheld mobile device while driving is illegal and carries heavy fines. Only hands-free devices are permitted.
- Headlights are required from one half hour after sunset to one half hour before sunrise, or whenever visibility is less than 1,000 feet.
For SUV hires in New York, be aware that larger vehicles face additional restrictions in narrow city streets. Camera-based enforcement means violations can arrive as post-hire charges on your credit card weeks after your trip ends.
What is the fuel policy for an SUV hire in New York?
The standard fuel policy for an SUV hire in New York is Full to Full. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
- At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and gauge.
- During your hire, use the correct fuel type as shown in the vehicle. Wrong-fuel incidents are not covered by the fuel policy.
- Before returning your New York SUV, refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km of the return location so the gauge does not drop below full before you arrive.
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address as proof in case of any dispute.
If you return the SUV with less than a full tank, the hire partner may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refuelling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a refuelling service fee. For after-hours returns at JFK or city locations, leave the receipt in the key drop envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone.
How does the SUV hire return process work at JFK Airport in New York?
Returning your SUV hire at JFK Airport in New York follows a straightforward process. All vehicles are returned to the Federal Circle facility, the same consolidated hire car centre where you collected the vehicle.
- Drive to Federal Circle (Building 308, Federal Circle, Jamaica, NY 11430) and follow the signs for your hire brand's return lane.
- A hire agent will typically meet you in the lot to inspect the vehicle and close out your contract.
- After-hours key drop boxes are available at the Federal Circle lots if you are returning outside staffed hours.
- Before leaving the vehicle, take a photo of the fuel gauge and odometer as a record.
- Refuel your New York SUV before arriving at Federal Circle. The nearest fuel stations are along the airport roads near the Belt Parkway exits.
After the contract is closed, the authorisation hold on your credit card will be released. Your bank controls how quickly this appears back on your available credit, and it can take up to 15 working days. If any post-hire charges such as tolls or fuel appear on your card after your New York SUV hire ends, these are normal and may be billed days or weeks later by the toll authority or hire partner.
Does travel assistance come with my SUV hire in New York?
Yes, most bookings include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection, and this applies to your SUV hire in New York as well. However, this benefit is available only to customers who are not residents of the United Kingdom or Ireland.
The coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical cover for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
If you experience a breakdown, accident, or medical emergency while driving your SUV hire in New York, including on motorways such as the Belt Parkway or the New York State Thruway, you can reach the assistance line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact the team by calling the number on your booking confirmation, or via WhatsApp at the number provided by Terrawind. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
Check your booking confirmation for the exact coverage limits and terms that apply to your specific reservation. This benefit does not cover damage to the hire vehicle itself (that is handled by CDW/LDW) or third-party liability (covered by LIS/SLI).
What insurance options are available for an SUV hire in New York?
When collecting your SUV hire in New York, you will typically encounter two main types of protection to consider.
Collision Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW) reduces your financial liability for damage to the hire SUV itself from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero deductible. CDW/LDW does not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people.
Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving your New York SUV hire. In New York, not all hire locations are required to include state-minimum liability by default, so it is strongly recommended that you add supplementary liability cover to your booking.
- CDW/LDW covers the hire SUV only, not third parties.
- LIS/SLI covers third parties only, not the hire vehicle.
- Both coverages apply only to drivers named on the hire agreement.
- Prohibited use such as driving under the influence, off-road use, or unauthorised drivers voids both coverages.
Check your booking confirmation to see which protections are already included in your New York SUV hire rate and whether a deductible applies. If an incident occurs, report it to the hire partner immediately using the number on your agreement.
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