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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my minivan hire in Alberta through Hola Car Rentals include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is a premium partner of the leading car hire companies in Alberta, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes extra benefits that no other company can match:
- Full vehicle coverage with no excess (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: get back up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls charged during your hire
- Premium travel medical assistance for up to 5 passengers in case of emergency, covering up to CAD 200,000 (pre-existing conditions excluded)
- 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 at no additional cost, ensuring a unique hire experience with complete protection and peace of mind during your trip in Alberta.
Will I face unexpected charges when I hire a minivan in Alberta through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Alberta 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 Alberta 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)
Are there toll roads to worry about when driving a minivan in Alberta?
No, there are no toll roads anywhere in Alberta, so driving a minivan throughout the province is completely free of toll charges. Unlike neighbouring provinces or U.S. states, Alberta has no electronic toll systems, cashless motorways, or congestion charges of any kind.
This means you will not need a transponder, a toll pass, or any toll programme when collecting your minivan in Alberta. There are no per-use fees, no daily toll packages to purchase at the counter, and no risk of post-rental toll invoices appearing on your credit card.
If your Alberta minivan trip takes you into other provinces that do have toll roads, such as British Columbia or Ontario, any tolls incurred there would be billed separately by the rental partner. In that case, the Tolls Cashback benefit included with your booking lets you claim up to 5% of your total booking value back for tolls paid during the rental period.
What documents do I need to pick up a minivan hire in Alberta?
To collect your minivan hire in Alberta, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid, unexpired driver’s licence with a photo, in the main driver’s name
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card, used for the authorisation hold
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting from outside Canada
If your driver’s licence is not in English and uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence. The IDP is a translation only and is not valid without the original licence.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at any Alberta minivan hire counter. Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the authorisation hold.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a minivan in Alberta?
Not always, but it depends on your licence. In Alberta, visitors can generally rent a minivan using a valid foreign driver’s licence. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended if your licence is not in English.
An IDP is mandatory if your 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 when collecting your Alberta minivan hire.
A few important points to keep in mind:
- The IDP is a translation document only, not a standalone licence. It is invalid without your original licence
- You must obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling to Alberta, as it cannot be issued abroad
- Each additional driver listed on the Alberta minivan hire agreement must also meet the same licence and IDP requirements
When in doubt, obtain an IDP before your trip to avoid any issues at the counter.
Is third-party liability insurance included when I rent a minivan in Alberta?
Yes, a base level of third-party liability cover is included by law when you rent a minivan in Alberta. Canadian provincial law requires every hire vehicle to carry statutory third-party liability, so this protection follows the minivan automatically when you pick it up in Alberta.
This statutory cover protects you against bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the minivan. However, the included statutory limit may be lower than what you would want for full peace of mind on Alberta’s highways.
You can purchase supplementary liability cover (LIS/ALI/SLI) to increase your protection beyond the statutory minimum. This is worth considering if you plan to drive your Alberta minivan on busy routes between Calgary and Edmonton or through National park corridors.
- Statutory liability: included by law with every Alberta minivan hire
- Supplementary liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): optional add-on for higher limits, available at the counter
- CDW/LDW: separate cover for damage to the minivan itself, not the same as liability
Always verify the exact limits on your hire agreement when you pick up the minivan in Alberta.
Are snow tyres required on a rental minivan in Alberta during winter?
Yes, winter tyre requirements apply to certain Alberta roads and can affect your minivan hire. On Highway 93 North (the Icefields Parkway), snow tyres are required from 1 November to 31 March when the road is snow-covered. This rule applies to all vehicles, including rental minivans.
Before collecting your minivan in Alberta during the winter months, confirm with the rental partner at the counter whether the vehicle is already equipped with winter tyres. Major brands at Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG) typically prepare their fleets for Alberta winter conditions, but it is always worth verifying.
- Check real-time road conditions at 511.alberta.ca before driving your minivan on any Alberta highway
- There are no minivan-specific restrictions beyond the general tyre and equipment rules that apply to all vehicles
- Gravel roads in remote areas of Alberta are generally navigable by a standard minivan without special equipment
Planning your Alberta minivan itinerary around seasonal road conditions will help you avoid any compliance issues and keep your hire agreement valid.
What is the security deposit hold for a minivan hire in Alberta?
When you collect your minivan in Alberta, the rental partner will place a temporary authorisation hold on your credit card. For Canada, this hold is typically between GBP 200 and GBP 300, though some Alberta locations may require a minimum authorisation of approximately GBP 500, particularly for larger vehicles like a minivan.
This hold is not a charge. It temporarily reduces your available credit and is released after you return the minivan, once the hire agreement is closed. Your bank controls how quickly the hold disappears from your statement, which can take up to 15 business days.
- Only a major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card is accepted for the deposit hold in Alberta
- Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted
- The hold amount may be higher for premium minivan models or longer hire periods
- Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined
Before collecting your Alberta minivan hire, notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent the authorisation from being flagged as a suspicious transaction.
Where do I pick up my minivan hire at Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Alberta?
At Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Alberta, hire car counters for minivan brands including Enterprise, Alamo, National, Budget, Hertz, and Dollar are located on-site within the terminal complex. Follow the car hire signs after clearing arrivals.
Key details for your Alberta minivan pickup at YYC:
- On-airport counters are the most convenient option, with no shuttle required for the major brands
- Confirm your operating brand on your booking confirmation before arriving at the counter, as some brands share desk space
- Bring all required documents: driver’s licence, credit card with your name printed on it, passport, and your booking confirmation
- If your flight is delayed by less than 24 hours, the hire company will hold your minivan reservation. If the delay exceeds 24 hours, contact support as soon as possible
Counter hours at YYC generally align with standard airport operations, but hours can vary by brand and season. Check your booking confirmation for the specific counter details for your Alberta minivan hire, and allow extra time after landing to complete the collection process.
How does the Tolls Cashback benefit work for a minivan hire in Alberta?
Yes, the Tolls Cashback benefit is included with every minivan hire booked through Hola Car Rentals, and it applies even in Alberta, where there are no local toll roads.
If your Alberta minivan trip takes you into another province or region where toll roads exist, such as British Columbia or Ontario, you can claim back up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during the hire period.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after returning your Alberta minivan:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation confirmation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed hire agreement, and a receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid
- Include your full name, travel dates, and the last 4 digits of the card used for the booking
Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Claims submitted after 30 days are not accepted, so keep your toll receipts throughout your Alberta minivan trip.
Is there a young driver surcharge for renting a minivan in Alberta under age 25?
Yes, a young driver surcharge typically applies if the main driver or an additional driver is under 25 years old when hiring a minivan in Alberta. The exact fee varies by hire brand and location.
Here is what to expect at Alberta minivan hire counters:
- Enterprise charges a young driver fee for renters under 25, with the amount varying by Alberta location
- National requires drivers aged 21 to 24 to present a valid driver’s licence and a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex; no debit or prepaid cards), and they must also take Loss Damage Waiver cover
- For Avis and Budget, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old
- The minimum hire age in Alberta is typically 21, though some brands may require renters to be 25
Young driver surcharges are paid at the counter and are not included in your prepaid rate. If you are under 25 and planning to hire a minivan in Alberta, confirm the surcharge amount and any additional requirements directly with the hire brand before your collection date.
Can I add an additional driver to my minivan hire in Alberta?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your minivan hire in Alberta, either as part of your rate or for a fee paid at the counter.
If your booking confirmation states that an additional driver is included, the first extra driver is free. If it is not included, the daily fees at Alberta minivan hire counters are approximately:
- Alamo, National, Enterprise: GBP 11 per day plus applicable taxes
- Avis, Budget, Payless: GBP 9 per rental day plus taxes, with a maximum charge of GBP 55 plus taxes
- Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty: GBP 9.50 per rental day plus taxes, with a maximum charge of GBP 132 plus taxes
The additional driver must be present at the Alberta minivan collection point with their own valid driver’s licence and any required IDP. They must sign the hire agreement before driving the minivan. Anyone who drives the minivan in Alberta without being listed on the agreement is not covered by CDW/LDW or liability protections.
For Avis and Budget hires in Alberta, additional drivers must be at least 25 years old.
What fuel policy applies to minivan hires in Alberta?
Minivan hires in Alberta follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the minivan with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Here is how to manage the fuel policy correctly during your Alberta minivan hire:
- At collection, 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 fuel gauge before leaving the counter
- Refuel within approximately 15 km of the return location at YYC or YEG so the gauge does not drop below full before you arrive
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
- For after-hours returns, leave the receipt in the key envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone
If you return the Alberta minivan with less than a full tank, the hire partner may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refuelling rate, which is typically higher than pump prices, plus a service fee. Using the correct fuel type for the minivan is also important, as wrong-fuel incidents are not covered by the fuel policy.
Does CDW insurance cover my minivan hire in Alberta?
Yes, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) cover reduces your financial liability for damage to the minivan during your Alberta hire. Whether it is included in your rate or available as an add-on depends on the plan you selected at booking.
CDW/LDW for your Alberta minivan typically covers:
- Collision damage to the hire minivan from an accident
- Theft or vandalism of the minivan
- Repairs up to the vehicle's value, minus any applicable excess
CDW/LDW does not cover:
- Third-party liability, meaning injury or property damage you cause to others while driving the minivan in Alberta (that requires LIS/ALI/SLI)
- Damage from prohibited use such as off-road driving, DUI, or driving in restricted areas
- Tires, wheels, undercarriage, or roof damage unless specifically included
- Drivers not listed on the Alberta minivan hire agreement
If an incident occurs during your Alberta hire, report it to the rental partner immediately using the number on your confirmation. Delays in reporting can invalidate your CDW/LDW cover.
Is travel assistance included with my minivan hire in Alberta?
Travel assistance is included with most Hola Car Rentals bookings, but there is an important eligibility restriction: this benefit does not apply to Canadian or U.S. residents. If you are visiting Alberta from outside North America and hiring a minivan, you are likely covered.
The travel assistance benefit, provided by Terrawind Global Protection, typically includes:
- Travel and medical cover for up to 5 passengers in the minivan
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident during your Alberta hire
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
If you experience a medical emergency or accident while driving your minivan in Alberta, including on remote stretches of highway between Calgary and Edmonton or near National park areas, contact the assistance line immediately:
- Phone (24/7, toll-free or collect): +1 888 980 9992
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call. This benefit covers travel assistance, not damage to the minivan itself. For vehicle damage, CDW/LDW applies separately.
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