Car Hire in Connecticut

Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Connecticut, 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 Connecticut.

No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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)

At Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, all major hire brands are consolidated in the Ground Transportation Centre at 180 Schoephoester Road, adjacent to Terminal A. No shuttle is required if you arrive at Terminal A.

• After collecting your baggage, follow the Hire Car signs to level 2 and exit through door 6 via a sheltered corridor that connects directly to the Ground Transportation Centre.
• Counter locations by floor: Avis and Budget are on floor 2, Enterprise, National, and Alamo are on floor 3, and Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty are on floor 4.
• If you arrive at Terminal B, you will need to take a shuttle to Terminal A first before walking to the hire centre.

When returning the vehicle in Connecticut, follow airport signs back to the Ground Transportation Centre. After-hours returns are available: Enterprise has a key drop box in the parking garage, and Avis and Budget offer 24-hour key drop access. From the centre's third floor, a walkway connects back to Terminal A.

No, Connecticut itself does not have state-operated toll roads. You will not encounter any toll plazas while driving within Connecticut's borders.

However, tolls do apply when you cross into neighbouring states from Connecticut. Common toll situations include:

• Entering New York via I-95 or the Mario Cuomo Bridge (formerly Tappan Zee Bridge), where E-ZPass is the standard payment method.
• Driving into Massachusetts on the Massachusetts Turnpike, which is also cashless and uses E-ZPass.
• Crossing into Rhode Island on I-95, which has toll gantries that are fully electronic.

All of these regional toll systems are cashless, meaning there are no cash booths. Your Connecticut hire vehicle comes pre-equipped with an electronic toll device. If you plan to drive into neighbouring states, you can enrol in the hire company's toll programme at the counter (typically US$3.95 to US$10.99 or more per usage day, depending on the brand and plan, plus the actual toll amounts). If you drive through a toll without enrolling, the hire company will bill the toll at the cash rate plus an administrative fee of roughly US$4.95 to US$6.95 per day.

To collect your hire car in Connecticut, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:

• A valid, original driver’s licence in the main driver’s name. If your licence is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original licence.
• A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card, in the main driver’s name, for the authorisation hold. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the deposit.
• A passport or valid government photo ID.
• Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
• Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting Connecticut from abroad.

All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at Connecticut hire counters. Note that some Connecticut-issued driver’s licences marked with phrases such as "Not For Federal Identification" or "Driving Privilege Only" cannot be used as a standalone ID, so a passport is especially important in those cases.

Yes, all bookings include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your hire, including any tolls you pay when driving from Connecticut into neighbouring states like New York, Massachusetts, or Rhode Island.

Since Connecticut itself has no toll roads, this benefit applies primarily when you cross state lines and encounter E-ZPass cashless toll systems in the region.

To claim your cashback after returning your Connecticut hire vehicle:

• Email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return.
• Include your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the signed hire agreement, and a receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid.
• Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation number.

The refund is issued to the same payment method used for your booking and typically processes within 7 to 10 working days after approval. For example, if your Connecticut booking total is US$500, the maximum cashback is US$25. If you paid US$18 in tolls crossing into New York, you receive US$18 back.

Counter hours at Connecticut airports vary by brand and location. Here is what to expect at the main airports:

• Bradley International Airport (BDL): Enterprise is open daily from 4:00 AM to 11:59 PM, with after-hours returns to a key drop box in the parking garage. Avis and Budget offer 24-hour key drop access after counter hours.
• Groton-New London Airport (GON): Budget operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. After-hours key drop may be available, but the renter remains liable for the vehicle until the next working day.
• Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN): Avis has an on-site counter near baggage claim with an after-hours key drop box.

For any Connecticut airport return, lock the vehicle in the designated area, drop the keys and contract in the drop box, and keep a photo of the vehicle condition and fuel gauge. You remain responsible for the vehicle, including fuel level and any damage, until staff inspects it the next working day. Always confirm current hours on your hire agreement, as holiday schedules may differ.

Yes, drivers aged 21 to 24 hiring a vehicle in Connecticut are subject to a daily young-renter surcharge, which is paid at the counter and varies by hire brand.

• Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per day plus taxes, capped at US$65 plus taxes.
• Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per day plus taxes, capped at US$189 plus taxes.
• Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day plus taxes.

In Connecticut, as in most UK jurisdictions, the minimum hire age is 25 without a surcharge. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can hire but face both the daily fee and vehicle class restrictions. Most brands limit under-25 drivers to smaller categories such as economy, compact, and intermediate SUVs. Premium, luxury, full-size SUV, minivan, and convertible classes are typically restricted to drivers 25 and over.

If you are from Latin America or the Caribbean and aged 21 to 24, certain Avis and Budget rates may waive the underage fee. Check your booking confirmation to see if this exception applies to your Connecticut reservation.

Connecticut has several driving rules that differ from neighbouring states and are important to know before getting behind the wheel of your hire vehicle.

• Hands-free phones only: Connecticut enforces a strict ban on handheld mobile phone use while driving. No texting, calling, or any electronic communication is permitted without a hands-free device. This is stricter than some neighbouring states.
• Speed limits and reckless driving: Interstate speeds are generally 65 to 70 mph, but driving over 85 mph anywhere in Connecticut is classified as reckless driving, a criminal offence that can result in fines of US$100 to US$300, licence suspension, or imprisonment. I-95 and I-91 are heavily enforced corridors.
• Right turn on red: Permitted unless a sign prohibits it, consistent with most UK jurisdictions.
• Merritt Parkway (Route 15): This historic Connecticut highway has no shoulders. If your hire vehicle breaks down, you must reach a designated breakdown area. Pulling over on the roadside is not possible, which is a significant difference from standard motorways.
• Winter conditions: Connecticut roads, especially in the northwest hills and on coastal bridges, are prone to black ice, steep icy grades, and freeze-thaw potholes. Exercise extra caution in winter months.

When collecting your hire vehicle in Connecticut, the hire company will place a temporary authorisation hold on your credit card at the counter. This is not a charge but reduces your available credit until it is released after you return the vehicle.

For standard vehicle classes at Connecticut locations, typical holds are approximately US$300 to US$400 on a major credit card. Premium or speciality vehicles may carry higher holds. The exact amount is set by the hire partner at the counter and can vary by brand, location, and season.

• Only a major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card is accepted for the deposit. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted.
• The card must be in the main driver’s name and presented physically at the Connecticut counter.
• After you return the vehicle, the hold is released, but your bank controls when the credit becomes available again, which can take up to 15 working days.

To avoid issues, notify your bank before travelling to Connecticut, confirm your card is enabled for in-person UK transactions, and bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined.

Yes, most bookings include travel assistance through Terrawind Global Protection, which can help if you face a medical or travel emergency during your Connecticut hire. However, this benefit does not apply to customers who are residents of the United Kingdom or Canada.

For eligible international visitors driving in Connecticut, the coverage typically includes:

• Medical cover for up to 5 passengers for accidents or non-pre-existing illnesses.
• Legal assistance in the event of a road accident.
• Compensation for baggage lost by the airline.
• Flight cancellation insurance.

If you need assistance while in Connecticut, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or via WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Provide your full name, your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number, your location in Connecticut, and a description of the situation. Follow the coordinator's instructions before incurring any medical expenses, as some reimbursements require prior authorisation.

This cover does not include damage to the hire vehicle (that is CDW/LDW) or liability to third parties (that is LIS/ALI/SLI). Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms that apply to your Connecticut trip.

The standard fuel policy for Connecticut hires is Full-to-Full. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.

• At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and gauge.
• During your Connecticut hire, use the correct fuel type. Wrong-fuel incidents are not covered and may generate significant charges.
• Before returning, refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km 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 as proof in case of any dispute.

If you return the vehicle below the recorded starting level, the hire company may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refuelling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refuelling service fee. At Connecticut airports like BDL, fuel stations are available on roads near the airport. Ask the counter agent at pickup to point you to the nearest station to the return location.

Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Connecticut hire, either included in your rate or for a daily fee paid at the counter.

If your booking confirmation states "Additional driver free of charge," the first extra driver is covered at no cost. If it is not included, the daily fees at Connecticut counters are:

• Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per day plus taxes, capped at US$65 plus taxes.
• Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per 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 Connecticut pickup counter with a valid driver’s licence and any required ID. If their licence is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet, they will also need an International Driving Permit. For Avis, Budget, and Payless hires in Connecticut, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old. Any driver not listed on the hire agreement is not covered by the vehicle’s protections, including CDW/LDW and liability cover.

Coverage depends on the rate plan selected for your Connecticut hire. Here is what the main protections cover:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Reduces your financial liability for damage to the hire vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation states zero. This does not cover damage to other vehicles or injuries to other people.
• Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): Covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving in Connecticut. Some UK states require a minimum liability to be included, but not all do. It is strongly recommended to add supplementary liability cover up to US$300,000 for your Connecticut hire.

Neither CDW/LDW nor LIS/ALI/SLI covers your personal injuries (that requires PAI) or your belongings (that requires PEC). Always review your booking confirmation to confirm which protections are included in your Connecticut rate and whether any deductible applies. If you are unsure, check the rate details before completing your booking.

Yes, one-way hires from Connecticut to another state are generally available, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on the route, hire brand, vehicle class, and season.

Common one-way scenarios from Connecticut include:

• Connecticut to New York: A drop-off fee is likely given the different state, though short routes between nearby cities may carry lower fees.
• Connecticut to Massachusetts or Rhode Island: Fees vary by distance and brand.
• Long-distance routes such as Connecticut to Florida or the West Coast: Drop-off fees are typically higher and availability may be limited for certain vehicle classes.

The drop-off fee is shown during the booking process under the "To pay at destination" section and is confirmed on your booking confirmation. This fee cannot be prepaid and is paid at the Connecticut pick-up counter or the drop-off location. It is separate from fuel, tolls, and taxes.

If you need to change your drop-off location after booking, the hire may be re-priced and the drop-off fee recalculated. Always confirm the fee before finalising any changes to your Connecticut reservation.