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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Budget in Sacramento include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Budget counter in Sacramento when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Budget hire car at Sacramento International Airport?
Yes, picking up your Budget hire car at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is straightforward once you know the process.
After collecting your baggage, exit the terminal and head to the centre median or outer island curb to board the common hire car shuttle. This free shuttle runs 24 hours a day, arriving approximately every 10 minutes, and takes you to the consolidated hire car terminal at 6520 McNair Cir, Sacramento, CA 95837.
Allow 25 to 35 minutes total for the shuttle wait and ride, plus additional time for counter processing. During peak hours (4 to 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight), expect longer waits.
- Follow signs to baggage claim first, then exit to the shuttle stop
- Board the common hire-a-car shuttle (all brands share it)
- Proceed to the Budget counter at the consolidated terminal
- Present your documents and sign the hire agreement
The Budget counter at Sacramento Airport operates from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily, with 24-hour drop-off available. If you arrive outside counter hours, plan accordingly as after-hours pickup is not available.
What are the Budget counter hours at Sacramento Airport and downtown locations?
Budget operates multiple locations in Sacramento with different hours, so it is important to confirm which location matches your reservation.
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF), 6520 McNair Cir: open 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily, with 24-hour drop-off
- Downtown Sacramento, 901 16th St (near I St): Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Downtown Sacramento, 500 12th St (near E St): Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
If your flight arrives late or you plan to return the Budget vehicle outside these windows, the airport location is your best option since it offers 24-hour drop-off. After-hours returns are not available at the downtown Sacramento locations.
Always confirm hours on your booking confirmation, as hours can change on holidays or during special events in Sacramento.
Does Budget in Sacramento use FasTrak for tolls, and how does it work?
Yes, Budget hire cars in Sacramento and throughout California use the FasTrak electronic toll system, and all toll roads in the state are fully cashless.
When you pick up your Budget vehicle at Sacramento International Airport or a downtown Sacramento location, you will typically have two options for handling tolls:
- Unlimited toll package: a fixed daily rate of approximately US$11 to US$25 per day, covering unlimited toll usage during your hire
- Pay per use: the actual toll amount plus daily or administrative processing fees charged to your card, often billed days or weeks after the hire ends
If you drive near the San Francisco Bay Area from Sacramento, bridge tolls are significant. The Bay Bridge costs approximately US$8.50 per crossing with FasTrak, and the Golden Gate Bridge costs US$9.75 southbound. Express lanes on routes such as I-10 and I-110 use dynamic pricing and require a FasTrak transponder.
You may also opt out of the Budget toll programme and pay tolls directly through the FasTrak website or app, or by registering your hire plate. If you use your own transponder, inform the Budget counter agent so they can deactivate the vehicle's default device and prevent duplicate charges.
Can I get toll cashback on my Budget hire in Sacramento?
Yes, all Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Budget hires in Sacramento, include Tolls Cashback of up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your hire.
This benefit is especially useful in Sacramento because driving to the San Francisco Bay Area exposes you to bridge tolls of US$7 to US$15 per crossing, and express lanes on routes through Northern California add further costs. You still pay tolls normally through the Budget toll programme or directly, and Hola Car Rentals reimburses you afterwards.
To claim your cashback after returning your Budget vehicle in Sacramento:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the Budget hire agreement, and a toll receipt or statement showing charges paid
Example: if your Sacramento booking total is US$400, the cap is US$20. If you paid US$14 in tolls, you receive US$14 back. If you paid US$30, you receive US$20 (the cap). Refunds are processed to your original payment method within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
What documents do I need to pick up a Budget hire car in Sacramento?
To pick up your Budget hire car in Sacramento, you must bring a specific set of physical documents. Digital copies are not accepted at the counter.
- Valid driver’s licence (original, physical, unexpired) 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 hold (debit and prepaid cards are not accepted)
- Passport or valid government photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting from abroad
If your driver’s licence 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 licences in English or using a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required.
The IDP is a translation document only and must be carried alongside your original licence. It cannot be used alone. Obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling to Sacramento, as it cannot be issued abroad.
All documents presented at the Budget counter in Sacramento must be physical originals.
Is a credit card required to pick up a Budget car in Sacramento?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver’s name is required to pick up your Budget hire car in Sacramento. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual or digital wallet cards are not accepted for the security deposit hold.
At the Budget counter in Sacramento, a temporary authorisation hold will be placed on your card. For standard vehicles in the United Kingdom, this hold is typically around US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount varies by vehicle class and location. The hold reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after the hire ends, which can take up to 15 business days.
- The card must be physical, not a virtual or single-use number
- The driver’s name must be printed on the card
- The card must have sufficient available credit to cover the hold plus any expected charges
- Even if you prepaid your Hola Car Rentals booking, you must still present a credit card at the Sacramento counter
It is a good idea to bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined. If you are travelling internationally, notify your bank before arriving in Sacramento to prevent fraud blocks on in-person transactions.
How do I add an additional driver to my Budget hire in Sacramento?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Budget hire in Sacramento, but the process must be completed in person at the counter.
The additional driver must be physically present at the Budget counter, either at Sacramento International Airport (6520 McNair Cir) or at a downtown Sacramento location, with a valid driver’s licence and any required identification. Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement.
Regarding fees for Budget in Sacramento:
- The additional driver fee for Budget is US$13 per hire day plus taxes, with a maximum charge of US$65 plus taxes per hire period
- If your Hola Car Rentals confirmation explicitly states that an additional driver is included at no charge, no fee applies
- For Budget in Sacramento, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old at the time of pickup
Some family relationships may qualify for a fee waiver under Budget’s policy. Confirm this directly at the Sacramento counter when adding the driver.
If someone drives the Budget vehicle who is not listed on the hire agreement, insurance protections such as CDW and liability coverage may be voided. Always add every driver before leaving the Sacramento pickup location.
Is there a young driver surcharge for Budget hires in Sacramento?
Yes, Budget in Sacramento charges a young driver surcharge for renters between 21 and 24 years old. The standard minimum age to hire without a surcharge is 25.
For Budget at Sacramento International Airport and downtown Sacramento locations, drivers aged 21 to 24 are subject to a daily young-renter fee in addition to the base hire rate. Vehicle class restrictions also apply, with most premium, full-size, SUV, luxury, and speciality categories restricted to drivers 25 and older.
There is one notable exception for Budget in Sacramento. If you are a citizen or resident of Latin America or the Caribbean, aged 21 to 24, and your Hola Car Rentals confirmation explicitly states that the underage fee is waived, you may avoid this surcharge. This exception applies only to eligible vehicle categories such as economy, compact, medium saloon, standard saloon, compact SUV, and medium SUV.
- Main driver must be 21 to 24 years old
- Must hold a passport or ID proving Latin American or Caribbean nationality or residency
- The waiver must appear on your Hola Car Rentals confirmation
- Applies only to Budget hires in the United Kingdom, including Sacramento
This exception does not apply to additional drivers aged 21 to 24, who remain subject to standard Budget surcharge rules at the Sacramento counter.
Can I pick up my Budget car in Sacramento and return it to a different city?
Yes, one-way hires with Budget in Sacramento are possible, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your return location.
When you book a one-way hire picking up in Sacramento and returning to a different city or airport, the drop-off fee is route-specific and varies by distance, vehicle class, and season. This fee is set by Budget and cannot be prepaid through Hola Car Rentals. It will appear under the "To pay at destination" section during the booking process and on your confirmation.
- Same-city routes (for example, Sacramento Airport to downtown Sacramento) often have no drop-off fee
- Routes between Sacramento and other Californian cities or states typically carry a drop-off fee
- Cross-country or remote routes may carry higher fees or may not be permitted
- Premium and large vehicle classes may have stricter one-way rules
Cross-border one-way hires, such as returning a Budget vehicle from Sacramento to Canada or Mexico, are generally restricted or require prior authorisation. Always check your booking confirmation for the exact drop-off fee and any territory restrictions before departing Sacramento.
If the Budget counter charges a different drop-off fee than what appears on your confirmation, keep all paperwork and contact support after the hire.
What insurance is included with a Budget hire in Sacramento?
The insurance and cover included with your Budget hire in Sacramento depends on the rate plan selected when booking through Hola Car Rentals.
Most Hola Car Rentals rate plans for Budget in Sacramento include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), which reduces your financial liability for damage to the hire vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible or excess may still apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero deductible.
CDW and LDW do not cover:
- Third-party liability, meaning injury or property damage you cause to others
- Tires, wheels, undercarriage, or roof damage (unless specifically included)
- Damage caused by prohibited use such as off-road driving or driving under the influence
- Drivers not listed on the Budget hire agreement in Sacramento
For third-party liability protection in Sacramento, you can add Liability Insurance Supplementary (LIS) to your booking. In California, state-minimum liability is not always automatically included, so reviewing your confirmation carefully is important.
Always verify what is listed on your Hola Car Rentals confirmation and confirm cover details with the Budget agent at the Sacramento counter before signing the hire agreement.
What local fees and taxes should I expect on top of my Budget rate in Sacramento?
Yes, hiring a Budget car in Sacramento involves several local fees and taxes that are added on top of your base hire rate. These are standard Californian and airport-related charges.
Common fees you may see at the Budget counter in Sacramento or on your final receipt include:
- Airport concession recovery fee (ACRF): typically 10 to 12% of the base rate, applied at Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- Customer facility charge (CFC): approximately US$4.50 per day, covering the consolidated hire car terminal at SMF
- Vehicle licence fee or vehicle licence recovery fee: typically 9 to 10% of the base rate
- California state and local hire taxes
If your Hola Car Rentals confirmation shows "Taxes and Fees: Included," these charges should be covered in your prepaid rate and you should not be billed again at the Budget counter in Sacramento. If you are charged for items already marked as included, keep your paperwork and contact support after the hire, as the No Extra Charges© guarantee may apply.
Hiring from a downtown Sacramento Budget location rather than the airport may reduce or eliminate some airport-specific fees such as the ACRF and CFC, though the base rate difference varies.
Are there driving rules in Sacramento I should know before picking up my Budget car?
Yes, Sacramento has some driving characteristics that are worth knowing before you pick up your Budget hire car, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the city’s street layout.
Downtown Sacramento has an extensive network of one-way streets that were historically engineered for high-capacity, motorway-like traffic flow. These streets are currently undergoing conversion to two-way operations as part of the Central City Mobility Project, which means signage, lane configurations, and access points are actively changing. This can cause confusion, especially near Sacramento Valley Station and the central grid.
- Some streets that were previously one-directional now operate in both directions, with reduced lane counts
- Bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure have been added in areas where lanes were removed
- Navigation apps may not always reflect the most recent street direction changes in downtown Sacramento
California uses a fully cashless toll system called FasTrak. Your Budget hire vehicle will include an electronic toll device or plate-based billing. There are no cash toll booths on Californian roads.
California law requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance. Your Budget hire agreement in Sacramento serves as this documentation. Speed limits are posted in miles per hour, and right turns on red are generally permitted unless a sign prohibits it.
Does my Budget hire in Sacramento include travel assistance if something goes wrong?
Yes, most Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Budget hires in Sacramento, include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection at no extra cost. However, this benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada.
If you are visiting Sacramento from outside North America and something goes wrong during your hire, such as a medical emergency on a Sacramento highway or a legal situation following an accident, this cover can help.
Included benefits typically cover:
- Travel insurance with medical cover for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in case of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
To get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Call: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free)
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
When you call, provide your full name, your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number, your location in or around Sacramento, and a brief description of the situation. Follow the coordinator's instructions and keep all receipts and reports for any reimbursement claims.
This cover does not include damage to the Budget hire vehicle (that is CDW) or liability to third parties (that is LIS). Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms applicable to your Sacramento hire.
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