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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking in Austin include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Austin, 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 Austin.
Will I face unexpected charges at the counter when I rent a car in Austin through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin-Bergstrom International Airport?
Rental cars at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) are not located inside the Barbara Jordan Terminal. All major rental brands operate from an off-site Rental Car Facility at 3819 Presidential Boulevard, Austin, TX 78719.
After collecting your baggage, follow the signs for "Ground Transportation" or "Rental Cars / Rental Car Center" to reach the shuttle pick-up area outside the terminal. Board the dedicated rental car shuttle, which runs frequently. The shuttle ride is short, but you should allow 15 to 25 minutes for the transfer alone. Alternatively, you can exit the terminal and cross to the Rental Car Facility via marked pedestrian crosswalks.
Once inside the facility, follow posted signs for your specific rental brand and proceed to the counter. Some brands offer self-service kiosk check-in to reduce wait times.
In total, plan for 30 to 60 minutes from baggage claim to driving away, accounting for the shuttle, queueing, paperwork, and vehicle inspection. If you are arriving at Austin late at night, confirm your brand's counter hours in advance, as some close earlier than others.
What are the rental car counter hours at Austin Airport?
Counter hours at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Rental Car Facility vary by brand. As a general reference, airport counters in Austin tend to operate from early morning through late night, with some brands open until 1:00 AM on weekdays and Sundays, and slightly shorter hours on Saturdays.
Downtown Austin locations, such as the Avis branch at 1104 N I-35 (at 11th Street), operate on shorter schedules, typically Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and weekends from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. These city-center locations are not a practical option for late-night or early-morning arrivals.
For after-hours returns at Austin Airport, 24-hour drop-off is available at the Rental Car Facility. Follow the signs for the rental return area, park the vehicle, and use the key drop box. Keep a photo of the fuel gauge and odometer before leaving.
Always confirm the exact hours for your specific brand on your booking confirmation, as hours can change on public holidays.
Are there toll roads in Austin I should know about before renting a car?
Yes, Austin has toll roads you will likely encounter, and they are almost entirely cashless. Texas operates several regional toll systems, and the Austin area is served primarily by TxTag, managed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). State Highway 130 (SH 130), which runs east of Austin, is one of the most commonly used toll roads by renters looking to bypass I-35 traffic.
Because there are virtually no cash toll booths in Austin or anywhere in Texas, your rental vehicle will already include an electronic toll device (transponder or plate-based billing). At the Austin rental counter you will typically have two options:
- Unlimited toll package: a fixed daily rate of approximately US$11 to US$25 per rental day, covering all toll usage during your rental
- Pay per use: the rental company bills you the actual toll amounts plus daily or administrative processing fees, which may appear on your card days or weeks after you return the vehicle
If you plan to drive only one or two toll segments during your Austin trip, pay-per-use may cost less. If you expect frequent highway driving around Austin, the unlimited package is often better value. Texas has no congestion charges or emissions zones.
Can I get cashback on tolls paid during my Austin car rental?
Yes, all Hola Car Rentals bookings include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Austin rental.
Given that Austin's toll roads, including SH 130 and other TxTag-managed highways, are fully cashless and charges can accumulate across multiple gantries, this benefit helps offset those costs after your trip.
To claim your cashback after returning your Austin rental:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA[Your Confirmation Number]
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the rental agreement signed at pick-up, and a toll receipt or statement showing charges paid during the rental period
The refund is issued to the same payment method used for your booking and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted. Note that this benefit reimburses toll charges only, not administrative or processing fees added by the rental company.
What documents do I need to pick up a rental car in Austin?
To collect your rental car in Austin, you must bring the following physical documents. Digital copies are not accepted at the counter.
- Original, unexpired driver's license in the main driver's name
- International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic. An IDP is also recommended if your license is not in English. It must be carried alongside your original license, not as a replacement
- A major credit card physically printed with the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold. Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted
- Passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the United States)
In Austin, as in all U.S. locations, visitors can generally drive on a valid foreign license. However, if your license is not in English or uses a non-Latin script, bring an IDP obtained in your home country before traveling. The AAA in the U.S. does not issue IDPs to non-U.S. license holders.
Name mismatches between your license, passport, and credit card are one of the most common reasons for problems at the Austin counter, so verify all documents match before you travel.
Can I rent a car in Austin and return it in another city?
Yes, one-way rentals from Austin are available through several partner brands, including Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and others, allowing you to return the vehicle in a different city such as San Antonio, Dallas, or Houston.
A drop-off fee may apply depending on the route, the rental brand, the vehicle class, and the dates selected. This fee is route-specific and is shown during the booking process under the "To pay at destination" section. It cannot be prepaid and is separate from mileage, fuel, and tolls.
Some general patterns to keep in mind for Austin one-way rentals:
- Austin Airport to a nearby city in Texas: a drop-off fee typically applies and varies by distance and car class
- Same-city airport to downtown Austin: often no drop-off fee
- Long-distance or cross-state routes: fees are higher and availability may be limited
If you need to change your drop-off location after picking up the vehicle in Austin, contact the rental company in advance. Changing the return location without notice can result in unauthorized return fees. Always verify the drop-off fee shown on your confirmation matches what the counter presents at pick-up.
Is there a young driver surcharge for renters under 25 in Austin?
Yes, drivers aged 21 to 24 renting a car in Austin are subject to a daily young-renter surcharge, and most vehicle classes are restricted to drivers aged 25 and older.
Typical daily surcharge amounts by brand for Austin rentals:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per rental day plus taxes, capped at US$65 plus taxes
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per rental day plus taxes, capped at US$189 plus taxes
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day plus taxes
Vehicle classes typically restricted to drivers 25 and older include full-size sedans, SUVs, minivans, convertibles, luxury, and premium categories. Drivers aged 21 to 24 in Austin are generally limited to economy, compact, intermediate, and compact SUV classes.
One exception: if you are a Latin American or Caribbean resident aged 21 to 24 and your Hola Car Rentals confirmation explicitly states the underage fee is waived, Avis and Budget may waive the surcharge for the main driver on eligible vehicle categories. Bring your passport as proof of nationality at the Austin counter.
Drivers under 21 cannot rent in Austin or anywhere else in Texas outside of New York and Michigan state rules.
How does the security deposit work when renting a car in Austin?
When you pick up your rental car in Austin, the rental company places a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge, but it reduces your available credit until the hold is released after you return the vehicle.
For standard vehicles at Austin locations, typical holds are approximately US$300 to US$400 on a major credit card. Premium or specialty vehicles may carry higher holds. The exact amount is set by the rental company at the counter and can vary by brand, vehicle class, and season.
Important requirements for the Austin counter:
- The card must be a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) physically printed with the main driver's name
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual card numbers are not accepted for the deposit
- The card must have sufficient available credit to cover the hold plus any expected charges
After returning your Austin rental, the hold is released by the rental company, but your bank controls when it appears back on your available credit. This can take up to 15 business days. If you are traveling internationally, notify your bank before arriving in Austin to prevent fraud blocks on the in-person authorization.
Does travel assistance cover me if something happens during my Austin rental?
Yes, most Hola Car Rentals bookings include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can be useful if an unexpected situation arises during your Austin rental, such as a medical emergency or a flight cancellation on your way home.
Core benefits typically included:
- Medical coverage for up to 5 passengers (non-pre-existing conditions and accidents)
- Legal assistance in case of a road accident in Austin or elsewhere
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
This coverage is designed for travelers visiting Austin from abroad. It does not apply to U.S. or Canadian residents.
If you need assistance during your Austin trip, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day:
- Phone (toll-free or collect): +1 888 980 9992
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Have your full name and Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call. Note that this travel assistance does not cover damage to the rental vehicle (that is CDW/LDW) or liability to third parties (that is LIS/ALI/SLI). Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms applicable to your Austin reservation.
What is the fuel policy for rental cars in Austin?
The standard fuel policy for rentals in Austin is Full to Full. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
At pick-up at the Austin Rental Car Facility or any downtown Austin location, 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 gauge.
When returning your Austin rental, refuel within approximately 10 miles 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.
If you return the vehicle below the recorded starting level, the rental company may charge:
- A fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than the retail pump price
- A refueling service or administrative fee on top of the fuel cost
For after-hours returns at Austin Airport, leave the fuel receipt in the key drop envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone as evidence. There are fuel stations near the Austin Airport Rental Car Facility on Presidential Boulevard and along the main access roads, making it straightforward to refuel before returning.
What driving challenges should I expect in downtown Austin?
Austin's downtown street layout is one of the more confusing in the United States for first-time drivers, and it is worth understanding before you pick up your rental car.
The core issue is a mixed one-way and two-way street grid. Some streets, such as 5th and 6th Streets, remain one-way to accommodate transit lanes and bike facilities. Others, including 7th, 9th, 10th, and Brazos Streets, have been converted to two-way traffic. This patchwork creates counterintuitive navigation and increases the risk of wrong-way turns, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with Austin's layout.
Additionally, I-35 through central Austin is undergoing a major reconstruction project, the Cap and Stitch program, valued at approximately US$4.5 billion. This work is lowering the highway trench, adding land bridges, and widening connecting structures, causing ongoing lane shifts and detours that divide downtown from East Austin.
Practical tips for driving your Austin rental in the city center:
- Use a GPS or navigation app and keep it updated, as road configurations in Austin change frequently due to construction
- Approach intersections carefully on streets you are unfamiliar with, checking for one-way signage before turning
- Allow extra time when crossing I-35 between downtown and East Austin
How do I add an additional driver to my Austin rental?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Austin rental, either at no cost if your booking includes it, or for a daily fee paid at the counter.
Check your booking confirmation for the line "Additional driver free of charge." If it appears, the first additional driver is included at no extra cost. If it does not appear, the daily fees at Austin counters are:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per rental day plus taxes, capped at US$65 plus taxes
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per rental day plus taxes, capped at US$189 plus taxes
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day plus taxes
The additional driver must be present at the Austin pick-up counter with a valid driver's license and, if required, an International Driving Permit. Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement. Anyone who drives the Austin rental but is not listed on the agreement is not covered by CDW/LDW or liability protections.
For Avis, Budget, and Payless rentals in Austin, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old. If you need to add a driver after pick-up, visit a branch location to update the agreement.
Is insurance included in my Austin car rental booking?
Coverage included in your Austin rental depends on the rate plan selected at booking. In the United States, Hola Car Rentals offers All Inclusive and All Inclusive+ rate plans, which differ in the protections they include.
Common coverages available for Austin rentals:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to the rental vehicle. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation states zero deductible
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving in Austin. Some U.S. states require a minimum liability, but not all do. Adding supplemental liability up to US$300,000 is strongly recommended
CDW/LDW does not cover third parties, and LIS/ALI/SLI does not cover damage to the rental vehicle itself. They are separate protections that work together.
Common exclusions to be aware of for your Austin rental:
- Tires, wheels, undercarriage, and roof damage are often excluded from CDW/LDW
- Driving under the influence or off-road use voids coverage
- Only drivers listed on the Austin rental agreement are covered
Always review your booking confirmation and the rental agreement at the Austin counter to confirm exactly what is included before signing.
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