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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Alamo in San Jose include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in San Jose, 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 San Jose.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Alamo counter in San Jose when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in San Jose 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 San Jose 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 does the Alamo pickup process work at San Jose Airport?
The Alamo hire facility at San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) is located at 1659 Airport Blvd, San Jose, GB 95110. The process differs depending on which terminal you arrive at.
- From Terminal A: take the shuttle bus to the consolidated hire car facility at 1659 Airport Blvd.
- From Terminal B: walk directly from baggage claim to the hire car facility.
Once at the facility, go to the Alamo counter on the 1st floor to complete your hire agreement and receive your contract. Then take the lifts up to the 6th floor, where an Alamo representative will direct you to your assigned vehicle.
The Alamo counter at San Jose Airport operates daily from 06:00 to 23:00. If you are arriving outside those hours, review your booking confirmation for after-hours instructions. For after-hours returns, park as directed and drop your keys in the designated dropbox.
What toll system is used near San Jose, and how does Alamo handle toll charges?
California uses FasTrak as its statewide electronic toll system, and it applies to all toll facilities you may encounter when driving your Alamo hire in or around San Jose. This includes Bay Area bridges such as the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge, as well as express lanes on motorways like I-580 and I-680.
All Alamo hire vehicles at San Jose come equipped with an electronic toll device or plate-based billing system. At the Alamo counter you will typically have two options:
- Unlimited toll package: a fixed daily rate of approximately US$11 to US$25, covering all toll usage during your hire period.
- Pay per use: if you decline the package, the actual toll amounts plus administrative processing fees will be charged to your credit card, sometimes days or weeks after you return the vehicle.
You may also opt out at pickup and pay tolls directly through the FasTrak website or app. If you plan to use your own transponder, notify the Alamo counter agent so they can deactivate the vehicle's default device and prevent duplicate charges.
Typical Bay Area bridge tolls range from approximately US$7 to US$15 per crossing. Express lanes use dynamic pricing and generally require a FasTrak transponder to avoid violations.
What documents do I need to pick up my Alamo hire car in San Jose?
To collect your Alamo hire in San Jose, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid, original driver’s licence in the main driver’s name.
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card, in the main driver’s name, for the security deposit authorisation hold. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted.
- A 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 Kingdom).
If your driver’s licence uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory and must be carried alongside your original licence. For licences in other non-English scripts, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation document only and is not valid without the original licence.
All documents must be physical. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Alamo counter in San Jose.
Does Hola Car Rentals offer toll cashback for Alamo rentals in San Jose?
Yes, all Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Alamo hires in San Jose, include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your hire.
This benefit is especially useful in San Jose because California's FasTrak toll network covers Bay Area bridges and express lanes, meaning toll costs can add up quickly depending on your route.
To claim your cashback after returning your Alamo vehicle in San Jose:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle.
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA followed by your confirmation number.
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the Alamo hire agreement, and a toll receipt or statement showing charges paid during your hire 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 tolls you paid, it does not mean tolls are included in your booking rate.
Is a credit card required to pick up an Alamo car in San Jose?
Yes, a major credit card is required to pick up your Alamo hire in San Jose. The card must be in the main driver’s name with the driver’s name physically printed on the card, and it must be presented in person at the Alamo counter.
At pickup, Alamo will place a temporary security hold on your card. For standard vehicles in the United Kingdom, this hold is typically around US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount depends on the vehicle class and location. The hold reduces your available credit until it is released after you return the vehicle, which can take up to 15 business days depending on your bank.
- Debit cards are not accepted for the security deposit hold.
- Prepaid and virtual cards are not accepted.
- Digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay are not accepted for the deposit.
Even if you prepaid your Alamo booking in San Jose online, you must still present a physical credit card at the counter for the hold. It is a good idea to bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined, and to notify your bank of your travel dates to prevent fraud blocks on the authorisation.
Are there speed cameras or automated enforcement I should know about when driving an Alamo rental in San Jose?
Yes, San Jose participates in California's expanded automated enforcement programme, which is an important consideration for anyone driving an Alamo hire in the area.
As of 2026, automated speed cameras, red-light cameras, and transit lane cameras are actively deployed in San Jose. Fines are issued by post to the registered vehicle owner, which in the case of a hire means Alamo, who will then pass the charge on to you along with an administrative processing fee. Each camera location has a 60-day warning period before fines are issued, but this applies per camera and you will not know which cameras are in the warning phase.
Additional driving rules to be aware of in San Jose and throughout California:
- California's move-over law now requires drivers to slow down or change lanes for any stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights, not just emergency vehicles. This is stricter than the rules in many other U.S. states.
- The Joe Colla Interchange in San Jose connects I-280, I-680, and US-101 across four levels with complex ramp configurations. Navigation assistance is strongly recommended when approaching this interchange.
- The area near San Jose Airport along US-101 features reconstructed partial cloverleaf exits and widened lanes that can create unexpected merging patterns.
Fines received during your Alamo hire in San Jose will typically appear as post-hire charges on your credit card.
Can I return my Alamo hire in a different city after picking it up in San Jose?
Yes, one-way hires are possible with Alamo when picking up in San Jose and returning to a different location. However, a drop-off fee may apply depending on the return city, the distance, the vehicle class, and the time of year.
When booking a one-way Alamo hire from San Jose, the drop-off fee will be shown on the rate details page under the section labelled as amounts due at the destination. This fee is not prepaid and is paid directly at the Alamo counter in San Jose at pickup.
- Same-city routes such as airport to downtown San Jose typically do not carry a drop-off fee.
- Routes between different cities or states usually include a one-way fee that varies by distance and vehicle class.
- Cross-country or remote routes may carry higher fees or may not be permitted depending on Alamo's policies for that specific route.
If you need to change your return location after booking, be aware that this may reprice your hire and recalculate the drop-off fee. Always verify the drop-off fee shown on your booking confirmation matches what the Alamo counter presents at pickup in San Jose.
What travel assistance is included with my Alamo booking in San Jose?
Most Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Alamo hires in San Jose, include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection. This benefit is particularly relevant in San Jose given the complex motorway interchanges and the possibility of incidents on busy corridors like I-280, I-680, and US-101.
The travel assistance typically covers:
- Medical coverage for up to 5 passengers for accidents and non-pre-existing illnesses during your trip.
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident.
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
If you need assistance during your Alamo hire in San Jose, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
Important limitations to be aware of:
- This coverage does not apply to residents of the United Kingdom or Canada.
- Pre-existing medical conditions are excluded.
- This is not a substitute for CDW/LDW, which covers damage to the Alamo vehicle itself.
Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms, coverage limits, and contact details specific to your reservation.
Is there a young driver surcharge for Alamo hires in San Jose?
Yes, drivers under 25 years old are subject to a young driver surcharge when hiring with Alamo in San Jose. In the United Kingdom, the standard minimum age to hire without a surcharge is 25.
For Alamo hires in San Jose specifically:
- Drivers aged 21 to 24 may hire but will be charged a daily young driver surcharge of US$15 per day plus applicable taxes, paid at the Alamo counter in San Jose at pickup.
- Drivers under 21 are generally not permitted to hire with Alamo in California.
- Certain vehicle classes such as full-size SUVs, premium, luxury, convertibles, and vans are typically restricted to drivers aged 25 and older.
The young driver surcharge is separate from the security deposit and is not included in your prepaid booking total. Budget for this additional daily cost when planning your San Jose hire.
If you are between 21 and 24 and want to minimise costs, choosing a compact, economy, or intermediate vehicle class at the Alamo San Jose counter gives you the best chance of avoiding class-based restrictions. Always confirm eligibility and surcharge amounts directly at the counter, as amounts can vary by location and season.
How does the fuel policy work for Alamo hires in San Jose?
Alamo hires in San Jose follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You will receive the vehicle with a full tank and are expected to return it full to avoid fuel charges.
At pickup at the Alamo counter in San Jose:
- Check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on your hire agreement.
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge.
- Ask the agent for the nearest petrol stations to the return location at 1659 Airport Blvd, San Jose.
When returning your Alamo vehicle in San Jose, 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 with less than a full tank, Alamo may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their refuelling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refuelling service fee. For after-hours returns at San Jose Airport, leave your fuel receipt in the return envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone as documentation.
Can I add an additional driver to my Alamo hire in San Jose?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Alamo hire in San Jose, but the additional driver must be present at the Alamo counter at pickup with their own valid driver’s licence to sign the hire agreement.
Whether the additional driver fee is included or charged at the counter depends on the rate you booked:
- If your booking confirmation states that an additional driver is included, the first extra driver is free of charge.
- If it is not included, Alamo charges US$15 per day plus applicable taxes for each additional driver in San Jose.
Requirements for any additional driver at the Alamo counter in San Jose:
- Must be present in person at pickup with a valid driver’s licence.
- Must meet the minimum age requirements. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
- Must present an International Driving Permit if their licence uses a non-Latin alphabet.
Only drivers listed on the Alamo hire agreement in San Jose are covered by the vehicle's protections such as CDW/LDW and liability cover. Anyone not named on the contract who drives the vehicle may void those protections entirely.
What insurance coverage is included in my Alamo booking in San Jose?
The insurance and protection options included in your Alamo hire in San Jose depend on the rate plan you selected when booking through Hola Car Rentals. Always check your booking confirmation for the exact coverages listed.
The two main protections to look for are:
- Collision Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to the Alamo vehicle 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.
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the Alamo hire in San Jose. Some UK states require a minimum level of liability cover, but not all do. Adding supplemental liability cover up to US$300,000 is strongly recommended.
CDW/LDW typically does not cover tyres, the undercarriage, the roof, or personal belongings inside the vehicle. Only drivers named on the Alamo hire in San Jose are covered by these protections.
If you are unsure what is included in your specific Alamo booking, review the rate details on your Hola Car Rentals confirmation before arriving at the San Jose counter.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for my Alamo hire in San Jose?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory for your Alamo hire in San Jose if your driver’s licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic. In that case, you must carry both the IDP and your original licence at all times.
If your licence is in a Latin-based script but not in English, an IDP is strongly recommended, though not strictly required in most cases. Visitors can generally drive in California with a valid foreign licence, but the Alamo counter agent may request an IDP as a translation document.
Key points to remember:
- The IDP is a translation booklet only. It is not a standalone licence and will not be accepted without your original licence.
- Obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling. It cannot be issued to non-residents once you are in the United Kingdom.
- All documents presented at the Alamo counter in San Jose must be physical originals. Digital copies are not accepted.
If you are unsure whether your licence qualifies, obtain an IDP before your trip to avoid any issues at the Alamo pickup in San Jose.
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