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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking in Tampa include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Tampa, 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 rental 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 rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Tampa.
Will I face unexpected charges at the counter when I rent a car in Tampa through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Tampa 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 Tampa 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 rental 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 rental car at Tampa International Airport?
At Tampa International Airport (TPA), all major rental brands including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, and Alamo are consolidated at the Tampa Rental Car Center, located at 5403-5409 Airport Service Rd, Tampa, FL 33607.
To reach the counter, follow these steps after arriving at TPA:
- After baggage claim, follow signs reading "To Terminal" then "Rental Cars" to the SkyConnect train station
- Board the SkyConnect automated train, which runs continuously and takes you directly to the Rental Car Center
- Exit at the Rental Car Center and proceed to your brand's counter (for example, Avis Preferred is on the 3rd floor)
- Complete your paperwork and collect your vehicle from the adjacent garage
The Tampa Rental Car Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so late-night or early-morning arrivals are accommodated. Budget at least 30 to 60 minutes from the time you land to the moment you drive away, accounting for baggage claim, the SkyConnect ride, counter processing, and vehicle pickup. There is no walking route from the terminal to the center; the SkyConnect train or a shuttle is required.
Are there extra fees when renting a car at Tampa Airport?
Yes, renting a car at Tampa International Airport (TPA) adds several location-specific fees on top of the base rental rate. These charges are standard at airport locations across the United States and are not unique to Tampa, but they can be significant.
Common fees you may see at the Tampa airport rental counter include:
- Airport Concession Recovery Fee (ACRF): a percentage-based fee charged by the rental company to recover the cost of operating at TPA
- Customer Facility Charge (CFC): a per-day or per-transaction fee that funds the Tampa Rental Car Center facility
- Bus Access Fee: a pass-through charge covering shuttle and SkyConnect infrastructure costs
- Florida state and local rental taxes
These fees combined can add a substantial amount to your total, sometimes representing 20% or more of the base rental cost. Your booking confirmation will show which fees are included in your prepaid rate and which are due at the Tampa counter under "Total to pay at destination." If a fee appears at the counter that was not disclosed on your confirmation, the No Extra Charges© guarantee may apply.
How do tolls work when renting a car in Tampa?
Tampa's toll roads, including the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway and other regional expressways, are almost entirely cashless. There are very few cash toll booths remaining in the Tampa area, so your rental vehicle will come equipped with an electronic toll device or a plate-based billing system.
At the Tampa rental counter you will typically have two options:
- Unlimited toll package: costs approximately US$11 to US$15 per rental day in Florida, covering all tolls during your rental period regardless of how many gantries you pass
- Pay per use: if you decline the package, the rental company records each toll via transponder or license plate photo (Toll-by-Plate) and bills the toll amount plus an administrative fee to your credit card, sometimes days or weeks after you return the car
Estimated daily toll costs in the Tampa area run approximately US$3 to US$10, depending on which roads you use. If you plan to use your own visitor toll pass, inform the Tampa counter agent so they can deactivate the vehicle's default device and prevent duplicate charges.
Florida has no congestion charges or emissions zones, so tolls are the only road-use fee you need to plan for in Tampa.
Can I get toll cashback on my Tampa car rental?
Yes, all Hola Car Rentals bookings include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Tampa rental.
Given that Tampa's expressways such as the Selmon Expressway are cashless and tolls accumulate daily, this benefit can offset a meaningful portion of your toll costs. Here is how to claim it:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning your Tampa rental vehicle
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA followed by your confirmation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the rental agreement signed at the Tampa counter, and a toll invoice or statement showing the charges paid
The refund is calculated as the lesser of the actual tolls you paid or 5% of your booking total. For example, if your Tampa booking total was US$500, the maximum cashback is US$25. If you paid US$18 in tolls, you receive US$18 back. Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
What documents do I need to pick up a rental car in Tampa?
To pick up a rental car in Tampa, you must present all documents in physical form at the counter. Digital copies are not accepted.
Required documents include:
- Your original, unexpired driver's license in the main driver's name
- A physical major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express) with the driver's name printed on the card, for the security deposit hold
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID (required for international visitors at Tampa locations)
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting Tampa from abroad
If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. For licenses in other non-English scripts, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation only and must be carried alongside your original license.
At Tampa airport locations, the name on your license, passport, and credit card must all match. Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined at the Tampa counter.
Is there a young driver surcharge for renting a car in Tampa?
Yes, drivers under 25 years old face a daily young-driver surcharge when renting a car in Tampa. The minimum age to rent without a surcharge in Florida is 25.
Typical daily surcharge amounts at Tampa locations vary by rental brand:
- Avis and Budget: surcharge applies for drivers aged 21 to 24; the Avis/Budget underage fee exception for Latin American and Caribbean travelers may waive this fee on eligible rates
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day for drivers under 25
- Some Tampa airport brands charge US$22.00 per day for drivers under 25, and US$25.99 per day for drivers under 21
In addition to the daily surcharge, drivers under 25 in Tampa are restricted from renting most vehicle classes. Economy, compact, medium sedan, standard sedan, compact SUV, and medium SUV categories are generally available, while premium, luxury, full-size SUV, minivan, and convertible classes typically require the driver to be at least 25.
Drivers aged 18 to 20 may face additional restrictions depending on the Tampa rental brand. Always confirm eligibility for your specific vehicle class before booking.
How does the security deposit work for car rentals in Tampa?
When you pick up your rental car in Tampa, the rental company places a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge; it reduces your available credit until the hold is released after you return the vehicle.
Key points about the Tampa deposit process:
- Typical hold amount in the United States is approximately US$300 to US$400 for standard vehicles; premium or specialty cars may require a higher hold
- The hold must be placed on a physical, major credit card in the main driver's name with the driver's name printed on the card
- Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit at Tampa rental counters
- After you return the car in Tampa, the hold is released; your bank controls how quickly it reappears as available credit, which can take up to 15 business days
At some Tampa airport locations, debit card renters face a US$500 deposit requirement charged immediately at pickup, with refunds taking 5 to 14 business days. To avoid complications, bring a major credit card with sufficient available credit to cover both the hold and any incidental charges. Bringing a backup credit card is also recommended in case your primary card is declined at the Tampa counter.
Can I add an additional driver to my Tampa car rental?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Tampa car rental, either at no cost if your rate includes it or for a daily fee paid at the counter.
Daily additional driver fees at Tampa locations vary by brand:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per rental day, capped at US$65 plus taxes
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per rental day, capped at US$189 plus taxes
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day plus taxes
To add a driver at the Tampa counter, the additional driver must be physically present at pickup with their valid driver's license. If their license is not in a Latin alphabet, they will also need an International Driving Permit. Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the Tampa rental agreement.
Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered by the vehicle's protections such as CDW/LDW and liability coverage. Anyone who drives the Tampa rental car without being named on the contract may void those protections. Check your booking confirmation before arriving at the Tampa counter to see whether your rate already includes one free additional driver.
What travel assistance is included with my Tampa car rental booking?
Most Hola Car Rentals bookings include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can be valuable if an unexpected situation arises during your Tampa trip or while driving Florida's highways.
Core benefits typically included are:
- Travel and medical insurance covering up to 5 passengers for accidents and non-pre-existing illnesses
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident in or around Tampa
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline on your way to Tampa
- Flight cancellation insurance
This coverage is designed for travelers visiting Tampa from abroad. It does not apply to US or Canadian residents. It also does not cover damage to the rental vehicle itself (that is handled by CDW/LDW) or liability to third parties (covered by LIS/ALI/SLI).
If you need assistance while in Tampa, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day:
- Phone (toll-free/collect): +1 888 980 9992
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call. Always check your specific booking confirmation for the exact coverage limits and conditions that apply to your Tampa rental.
Can I rent a car in Tampa and return it in a different city?
Yes, one-way rentals are available in Tampa, allowing you to pick up at TPA or a Tampa city location and return the vehicle in a different city. However, a drop-off fee may apply depending on your route.
How one-way fees work for Tampa rentals:
- Same-city trips, such as picking up at Tampa International Airport and returning to a downtown Tampa branch, often have no drop-off fee
- Routes between Tampa and another Florida city such as Orlando or Miami typically carry a drop-off fee that varies by distance, vehicle class, and rental brand
- Cross-state routes from Tampa to another US state usually incur a higher one-way fee
- Some routes or vehicle classes may not be available for one-way rental at all
The drop-off fee for your Tampa one-way rental will be shown during the booking process under the "To pay at destination" section. It cannot be prepaid and is settled at the Tampa pickup counter or the return location. If you change your return location after booking, the fee may be recalculated. Always confirm the one-way fee on your booking confirmation before traveling.
What insurance coverage do I need for a Tampa car rental?
When renting a car in Tampa, two main types of coverage are worth understanding before you arrive at the counter.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) covers damage to the rental vehicle itself from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation states zero deductible. CDW/LDW does not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people on Tampa roads.
Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving in Tampa. Florida state law does not universally require rental companies to include minimum liability coverage, so this protection is not always automatic. Hola Car Rentals strongly recommends adding Liability Insurance Supplementary (up to US$300,000) to your Tampa rental.
Common exclusions to be aware of in Tampa:
- Tires, wheels, and undercarriage damage are often excluded from CDW/LDW
- Driving on unpaved roads or off-road areas voids coverage
- Only drivers named on the Tampa rental agreement are covered
Review your booking confirmation to confirm which coverages are included in your Tampa rate before arriving at the counter.
What is the fuel policy for rental cars in Tampa?
The standard fuel policy for Tampa car rentals is Full-to-Full. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges.
Steps to follow for your Tampa rental:
- At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge before leaving the Tampa counter
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of your Tampa return location so the gauge does not drop before you arrive
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address as proof
If you return the Tampa rental with less than a full tank, the rental company will charge you for the fuel shortfall at their refueling rate, which is typically higher than pump prices, plus a refueling service fee. For after-hours returns at the Tampa Rental Car Center, leave your fuel receipt in the key drop envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone.
Some Tampa counter locations may offer a Prepaid Fuel option, which allows you to return the car at any fuel level. If you accept it, any unused fuel is generally non-refundable, so it is only worthwhile if you expect to return the car nearly empty.
How do I return my rental car at Tampa International Airport after hours?
Returning a rental car at Tampa International Airport after hours is straightforward because the Tampa Rental Car Center at 5403-5409 Airport Service Rd operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for major brands including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, and Alamo.
Steps for returning your Tampa rental:
- Follow "Rental Car Return" signs from the TPA road network to the Rental Car Center garage
- Park in the designated return area for your brand
- If the counter is unstaffed at the time of your return, use the 24-hour key drop box at your brand's counter location
- Leave your fuel receipt in the key drop envelope and keep a photo of the full fuel gauge and odometer as evidence
- Keep all paperwork including the rental agreement until you receive your final receipt
The Tampa Rental Car Center is accessible via the SkyConnect train from the main terminal, so if you need to return to the terminal after dropping off the car, the train runs continuously. For offsite Tampa rental providers that use a separate shuttle, call the number on your rental agreement to arrange pickup from Bus Stop G. Always confirm after-hours return procedures specific to your brand on your Tampa booking confirmation before your return date.
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