VERIFIED REVIEWS
About hiring a car with Alamo in London
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Alamo in London include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the leading car hire companies in London, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate offers additional benefits that no other company can match:
- Full vehicle coverage with no excess (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, covering up to GBP 100,000 for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of 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 at no extra cost, guaranteeing you a unique car hire experience with full protection and peace of mind throughout your trip in London.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Alamo counter in London when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in London 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 London 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)
What documents do I need to pick up my Alamo hire car in London?
Yes, you will need several physical documents to collect your Alamo hire car in London. Digital copies are not accepted at the counter.
- A valid, original driver’s licence in the main driver’s name
- A passport or government-issued photo ID
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the physical card, used for the authorisation hold
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the UK)
If your driver’s licence is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script), you must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence. The IDP is a translation only and is not valid on its own.
Many visitors to London can drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months, depending on their status and country of origin. Check official UK government guidance before your trip to confirm your entitlement. Alamo counter staff in London will verify all documents at pick-up, so bring every item in physical form.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent from Alamo in London?
Not always, but it depends on your licence. For your Alamo hire in London, an IDP is strongly recommended if your driver’s licence is not in English or was not issued by an EU or EEA country.
An IDP is mandatory if your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script. In that case, you must carry both your original licence and the IDP together at the Alamo counter in London.
If your licence is in English or uses a Latin alphabet, you may be able to drive in London without an IDP, though some circumstances (such as paper licences) may still require one. Always obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling, as it cannot be issued abroad. The IDP is a translation document only and will not be accepted without your original licence.
What is the London Congestion Charge and does it affect my Alamo hire?
Yes, the London Congestion Charge can affect your Alamo hire if you drive into central London during charging hours. This is one of the most important local fees to understand before driving in London.
The Congestion Charge applies to vehicles entering the central London zone, typically Monday through Friday and on weekends during set hours. In addition to the Congestion Charge, London also operates an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) that covers a much wider area of the city.
- The Congestion Charge is a daily fee for driving in the central zone
- The ULEZ applies across a large part of Greater London and charges vehicles that do not meet emission standards
- These charges are the driver’s responsibility unless otherwise stated in your hire agreement
- If your Alamo vehicle does not meet ULEZ standards, you may be billed for the daily ULEZ charge
Ask the Alamo counter in London which emission zone category your assigned vehicle falls into before you drive away. Keep records of any zone charges you pay, as these may be eligible for the Tolls Cashback benefit included with your booking.
Can I get cashback on London tolls and congestion charges with my Alamo booking?
Yes, all bookings include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls and road charges you pay during your Alamo hire in London.
London has several road-based charges that may apply during your hire, including the Congestion Charge for central London and charges related to emission zones. These are your responsibility to pay directly, but you can claim cashback after your hire ends.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after your Alamo hire in London:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed Alamo hire agreement, and a receipt or statement showing the toll or charge paid
The refund is capped at 5% of your booking total. For example, if your booking total is US$ 500, the maximum cashback is US$ 25. If your actual London road charges were less than that cap, you receive the exact amount paid. Refunds are processed to your original payment method within 7 to 10 working days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
How does the fuel policy work for Alamo hires in London?
Yes, Alamo hires in London follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. You receive the car with a full tank and must return it full to avoid extra charges.
- At pick-up, check the fuel gauge with the Alamo agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge
- Ask the agent about the nearest petrol station to the return location in London
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km of the return point so the gauge does not drop before you arrive
- Keep your final fuel receipt as evidence in case of any dispute
If you return the Alamo vehicle in London with less fuel than recorded at pick-up, you may be charged for the shortfall at the partner's refuelling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a service fee. Always verify the starting fuel level is correctly noted on the agreement before leaving the London branch.
What credit card do I need for the security deposit on an Alamo hire in London?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver’s name is required at the Alamo counter in London to cover the security authorisation hold. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual or digital wallet cards are not accepted for the deposit.
For Alamo hires in London, the typical security hold on a credit card is approximately GBP 300 to GBP 400 for a standard vehicle. This is a temporary authorisation, not a charge, and it reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after the hire ends.
- The card must be physical and have the driver’s name printed on it
- The name on the card must match the hire agreement
- Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions and has sufficient available credit
- Set a travel notice with your bank before arriving in London to prevent fraud blocks
- Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined
Even if you prepaid your Alamo booking online, you must still present a physical credit card at the London counter for the hold. The hold is released after drop-off, but your bank may take up to 15 working days to reflect the release.
Can I add an additional driver to my Alamo hire in London?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Alamo hire in London, either as part of your rate or by paying a fee at the counter.
For Alamo hires, the additional driver fee is US$15 per day plus applicable taxes when not included in your rate. Check your booking confirmation to see if an additional driver is already included at no extra cost.
- The additional driver must be present at the Alamo counter in London at pick-up
- They must bring a valid driver’s licence and, if required, an International Driving Permit
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement
- Only drivers listed on the agreement are covered by protections such as CDW and liability cover
If someone drives the Alamo vehicle in London who is not named on the hire agreement, cover may be void and additional charges could apply. Do not allow unlisted drivers to operate the vehicle at any point during your London hire.
Does my Alamo London hire include travel assistance if something goes wrong?
Yes, most bookings include travel assistance through Terrawind Global Protection, which can be useful if you experience a medical emergency or other covered incident during your Alamo hire in London.
This benefit is available to non-North American customers. Residents of the United States and Canada do not qualify for this cover.
Covered benefits typically include:
- 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 need assistance during your Alamo hire in London, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free or collect), or reach them via WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001, or email [email protected]. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
This travel assistance does not cover damage to the Alamo hire vehicle (that is handled by CDW or LDW) or third-party liability (covered by LIS or SLI). Review your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your London hire.
Are there toll roads near London I should know about for my Alamo hire?
Yes, there are several road-based charges and toll systems relevant to your Alamo hire in London and the surrounding UK road network.
- London Congestion Charge: applies to vehicles entering the central London zone during charging hours. This is a daily fee paid by the driver
- Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ): covers a large area of Greater London and charges vehicles that do not meet emission standards. Confirm with the Alamo counter whether your assigned vehicle is compliant
- M6 Toll: if you drive north from London towards the West Midlands, the M6 Toll is a 26-mile cashless motorway. A car without an account pays approximately GBP 10.30 for all three zones or GBP 8.30 for two zones
- Other tunnels and bridges across the UK may also carry tolls, billed by number plate recognition after your journey
Most UK toll roads are fully cashless with no payment booths, so charges are processed electronically. Tolls are the driver’s responsibility unless your Alamo hire agreement states otherwise. Keep receipts for any charges you pay in London or elsewhere in the UK, as these may be eligible for the Tolls Cashback benefit included with your booking.
What insurance is included with an Alamo hire in London?
Yes, Alamo hires in London include mandatory third-party liability insurance by law. Under UK and EU regulations, all hire vehicles must carry third-party liability cover, so this is included in the hire price.
Beyond the legally required liability cover, your booking may also include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), which reduces your financial responsibility if the Alamo vehicle is damaged or stolen in London. A deductible or excess may still apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero.
- CDW or LDW covers damage to the Alamo hire vehicle from collisions, theft, or vandalism, subject to exclusions
- It does not cover damage to other vehicles or injuries to other people (that is third-party liability)
- It does not cover tyres, undercarriage, roof, or keys unless specifically included
- Only drivers named on the Alamo hire agreement in London are covered
Review your booking confirmation carefully to confirm which coverages are included and what deductible applies. If you want to reduce or eliminate the deductible for your London hire, ask the Alamo counter about Super CDW options at pick-up.
Can I return my Alamo car to a different location in London or another UK city?
Yes, one-way hires are possible with Alamo, but a drop-off fee may apply if you return the vehicle to a different location from where you picked it up in London.
The drop-off fee is route-specific and varies based on the distance between locations, the vehicle class, and the season. It is not included in any rate plan and cannot be prepaid.
- Returning to a different London location (for example, from Heathrow to a city-centre branch) may or may not carry a fee depending on the route
- Returning to a different UK city from London will typically incur a drop-off fee
- Cross-border one-way hires (for example, London to mainland Europe) may be restricted or carry higher fees and require prior approval from Alamo
During the booking process, any applicable drop-off fee will be shown under the "To pay at destination" section on the details page. Review your confirmation to verify the fee before your London pick-up. If the Alamo counter charges a different amount than what your confirmation shows, keep all paperwork and contact support after the hire ends.
Where do I find the Alamo counter when picking up my hire car in London?
Yes, finding the Alamo counter in London is straightforward once you know what to look for, though the exact setup depends on which London location you booked.
At London Heathrow Airport (LHR), hire car counters are typically located in a dedicated Rental Car area. Follow the car hire signs from your arrival terminal. Alamo operates as part of the Enterprise Holdings group, so at some locations the Alamo desk may be shared with or adjacent to Enterprise and National counters.
- Check your booking confirmation for the exact branch address and any specific pick-up instructions
- Match the operating brand shown on your confirmation to the signage at the airport or city location
- At Heathrow, a shuttle bus or terminal connection may be required to reach the hire car facility depending on your arrival terminal
- If the Alamo desk appears closed or unstaffed, ask airport staff or use a courtesy phone to reach the hire car centre
For city-centre London locations, your confirmation will include the branch address. Bring the exact address and allow extra time, as city branches may have limited parking or specific access instructions. If you arrive after hours, review your confirmation for key-drop or after-hours instructions before leaving the terminal.
What happens if my flight to London is delayed and I miss my Alamo pick-up time?
Yes, Alamo will generally hold your London reservation if your flight is delayed, but the hold has limits you should be aware of before you travel.
- If your delay is less than 24 hours from your original pick-up time, Alamo will hold your booking. Make sure you arrive during the branch’s opening hours in London
- If your delay exceeds 24 hours, contact support as soon as possible via WhatsApp at +1 (786) 999-8312 or by email at [email protected] to explore options
- If you do not collect the vehicle within 24 hours of the original pick-up time and have not contacted support, the booking may be forfeited with no refund
For Alamo hires in London, also confirm the branch hours on your booking confirmation, as some London locations may have limited late-night or early-morning service windows. If you are arriving at Heathrow or another London airport late at night, verify in advance whether the Alamo counter will be open when you land. Keeping your confirmation accessible during travel will help you contact the right support quickly if your plans change.
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