Question 1

What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with National in Spain include that other companies don't offer?

Accepted Answer

Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the leading car hire companies in Spain, 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 EUR 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 hire experience with full protection and peace of mind throughout your trip in Spain.

Question 2

Will I face unexpected charges at the National counter in Spain when I book through Hola Car Rentals?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

What documents do I need to pick up a National hire car in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will need several physical documents to collect your National hire car in Spain. Digital copies are not accepted at the counter.

A valid, original driver’s licence in the main driver’s name. EU and EEA licences are fully valid in Spain. If your licence is not issued by an EU or EEA country, the Spanish traffic authority (DGT) recommends carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence. An IDP is mandatory if your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic.
A major credit card physically printed with the main driver’s name, for the authorisation hold. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted.
A valid passport or government-issued photo ID.
Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside Spain).

Remember that the IDP is a translation only and must always be carried together with your original licence. National, like all hire partners operating in Spain, follows local desk requirements, so bring all documents in physical form.

Question 4

Do I need an International Driving Permit to hire from National in Spain?

Accepted Answer

It depends on where your licence was issued. For National hires in Spain, EU and EEA licence holders do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP), as those licences are fully recognised.

If your licence was issued outside the EU or EEA, the Spanish DGT recommends obtaining an IDP to accompany your original licence. An IDP is strictly required in Spain if your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script.

Key points to keep in mind:

The IDP is a translation document 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 to Spain, as it cannot be issued abroad.
Present both your original licence and IDP together at the National counter in Spain.

Always verify the specific requirements shown on your booking confirmation, as National and local Spanish law govern what is accepted at the pick-up desk.

Question 5

How do toll roads work for a National hire car in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Spain has a network of toll motorways identified by the AP prefix, known as autopistas de peaje. When driving a National hire car in Spain, you have several options for paying tolls.

Cash or card at the toll booth: The most common method for visitors. You collect a ticket when entering the motorway and pay at the exit booth based on distance travelled and vehicle type. Average costs run approximately EUR 8 per 100 kilometres.
Via Verde transponder: Spain's primary electronic toll system uses a transponder fixed to the windscreen linked to a credit card. Some National locations in Spain can provide a Via Verde transponder at an additional daily cost.
Unlimited daily toll pass: National, through programmes such as Verra Mobility, may offer a fixed daily fee covering all tolls incurred during the hire period. This option is available in regions including the Basque Country, Galicia, and Andalucia, and includes cross-border interoperability for driving into Portugal.

If you use a toll road in Spain without a valid payment arrangement, the hire company may add administrative or traffic violation charges to your final bill. Always confirm the toll programme options with the National counter agent at pick-up in Spain.

Question 6

Can I get cashback on tolls paid during my National hire in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all bookings include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your National hire in Spain.

Spain's toll motorways (AP-prefix roads) can add up, especially on longer routes through regions like Andalucia, the Basque Country, or Galicia. This benefit helps offset those costs after your trip.

To claim your cashback after returning the National vehicle in Spain:

Email soporte@holacarrentals.com within 30 days of vehicle return.
Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - Reservation [Your Confirmation Number].
Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed hire agreement from National, and a toll receipt or invoice showing charges paid during the hire period in Spain.
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. Submissions received after 30 days are not accepted. This benefit covers toll charges only, not fines or administrative fees.

Question 7

What credit card do I need for the security deposit at National in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a major credit card is required to collect your National hire car in Spain. The card must be physically present at the counter and must have the main driver’s name printed on it.

Key requirements for the deposit hold in Spain:

The card must be a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) with a line of credit, not a debit or prepaid card.
It must be in the main driver’s name, with the name physically printed on the card.
Digital wallets, virtual cards, and single-use card numbers are not accepted.
For National hires in Spain, the typical security hold is approximately EUR 200 to EUR 300 for standard vehicles, though this varies by vehicle class, location, and season.

The hold is a temporary authorisation, not a charge. It reduces your available credit until released after you return the car. Your bank controls the release timeline, which can take up to 15 business days.

Before travelling to Spain, notify your bank of international use and confirm your card has sufficient available credit to cover both the hold and any expected charges. Bringing a backup credit card is strongly recommended.

Question 8

Can I add an additional driver to my National hire in Spain?

Accepted Answer

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

Some rates explicitly include one additional driver at no extra cost. Check your booking confirmation for the line "Additional driver free of charge" to confirm whether this applies to your reservation.

If the additional driver is not included in your rate, National charges a daily fee at the counter in Spain. For Alamo, National, and Enterprise, the fee is US$15 per day plus applicable local taxes.

Requirements for adding a driver in Spain:

The additional driver must be physically present at the National counter at pick-up in Spain.
They must present a valid driver’s licence and, if required, an International Driving Permit (mandatory for non-Latin alphabet licences).
They must meet the minimum age requirements for Spain.
Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement.

Only drivers listed on the hire agreement are covered by protections such as CDW and liability cover. Never allow an unlisted person to drive the National vehicle in Spain.

Question 9

What is the fuel policy for National hire cars in Spain?

Accepted Answer

National hires in Spain operate on a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.

Steps to follow for a smooth fuel return in Spain:

At pick-up, check the fuel gauge with the National agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement.
Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge.
Use the correct fuel type. Spain has both petrol (gasolina) and diesel (gasóleo) vehicles. Using the wrong fuel is not covered by the fuel policy and may generate significant charges.
Refuel within approximately 10 to 15 kilometres of the National return location in Spain so the gauge does not drop before arrival.
Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address.

If you return the National vehicle in Spain below the recorded starting level, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner’s refuelling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a refuelling service fee. Returning the car full is always the most cost-effective option.

Question 10

Does my National hire in Spain include insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Yes, National hires in Spain booked through Hola Car Rentals include insurance cover, and by law all hire vehicles in Spain must carry third-party liability insurance valid across the EU.

Here is a summary of the main coverages relevant to hiring from National in Spain:

Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): EU law requires this to be included in every hire in Spain. It covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the National vehicle.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Reduces your financial liability for damage to the National hire car itself. A deductible or excess may apply unless your confirmation states zero. In Spain and other European countries, a Super CDW option may be available at the counter to reduce or eliminate the deductible.

CDW and LDW do not cover third parties (that is what liability cover handles), your personal injuries, or your belongings. Always review your booking confirmation to confirm exactly which coverages are included in your rate for Spain, and check the hire agreement at the National counter before signing.

Question 11

Is travel assistance included with my National hire in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most bookings for a National hire in Spain include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection at no extra cost. This benefit is designed for situations such as a medical emergency on a Spanish motorway, a breakdown in a remote area, or a flight disruption affecting your trip.

Core benefits typically included:

Travel and medical cover for up to 5 passengers.
Legal assistance in the event of an accident in Spain.
Compensation for luggage lost by the airline.
Flight cancellation insurance.

Important eligibility note: This cover applies only to non-North American customers. Residents of the United States and Canada do not qualify for this benefit.

If you need assistance during your National hire in Spain, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day:

Phone (toll-free or collect): +1 888 980 9992
WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
Email: asistencias@twglobalprotection.com

Always provide your full name and your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number when opening a case. Check your booking confirmation for the exact coverage limits and conditions that apply to your Spain reservation.

Question 12

Can I pick up a National car in one city in Spain and return it in another?

Accepted Answer

Yes, one-way hires with National in Spain are generally available, allowing you to pick up in one city and return in another. However, a drop-off fee may apply depending on the route.

How drop-off fees work for National hires in Spain:

The fee is route-specific and varies by the cities involved, distance, season, and vehicle class.
Same-city airport to downtown returns often carry no drop-off fee. Longer routes between different cities or regions typically do incur a fee.
Cross-border one-ways, such as picking up in Spain and returning in Portugal, may be restricted or carry higher fees depending on National’s partner rules. Always confirm cross-border permissions before booking.
The drop-off fee, if applicable, will appear under the "To pay at destination" section during checkout and on your booking confirmation. It cannot be prepaid.

If the National counter in Spain charges a drop-off fee that was not disclosed on your confirmation, keep all paperwork and contact support. The No Extra Charges© guarantee covers undisclosed counter charges after verification.

Question 13

What happens if I use a toll road in Spain without paying through National's programme?

Accepted Answer

If you drive on a toll motorway in Spain without a valid payment arrangement through the National hire programme or another accepted method, you risk additional charges being added to your hire bill after the trip.

Spain's toll motorways (AP-prefix roads) are monitored electronically. If a toll is not paid at the booth or through a transponder such as Via Verde, the toll agency can identify the vehicle by its licence plate and bill the hire company, which then passes the charge to you along with an administrative or processing fee.

To avoid unexpected charges on your National hire in Spain:

Ask the National counter agent in Spain about the available toll payment options at pick-up, including any unlimited daily toll pass or Via Verde transponder.
If you choose to pay cash at toll booths, use the staffed or card lanes rather than the Via Verde-only lanes.
Keep all toll receipts during your hire period in Spain.
If toll charges appear on your bill after returning the National vehicle, you can submit them for the Tolls Cashback benefit within 30 days of return.

Administrative fees added by National for processing unpaid tolls in Spain are separate from the toll amount itself and are generally not reimbursable.

Question 14

How do I find the National hire counter at airports in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Finding the National counter at airports in Spain follows a standard process, though the exact layout varies by airport. Your booking confirmation is the best starting point, as it confirms the operating brand and location type.

General steps to locate National in Spain:

Check your confirmation for the pick-up location type: on-airport terminal counter, consolidated hire centre, or shuttle-served facility.
At major Spanish airports such as Madrid Barajas (MAD) or Barcelona El Prat (BCT), follow the "Car Hire" or "Alquiler de coches" signs from the arrivals hall. National is part of the Enterprise Holdings group, so look for National or Enterprise signage.
If the hire centre is off-terminal, follow signs to the designated shuttle stop. Shuttles cycle regularly and are marked with brand logos.
At smaller regional airports in Spain, the National counter may be located inside the terminal or in a shared hire area just outside arrivals.
If the counter appears closed or you cannot locate it, use the airport information desk or the courtesy phones typically found near the hire area.

Bring all required documents so the National pick-up process in Spain is as quick as possible once you reach the counter.

Question 15

What are the pick-up and return hours for National hires in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Pick-up and return hours for National locations in Spain vary by airport and city branch. Not all counters operate 24 hours, and hours may change on Spanish public holidays.

Key points to plan around when hiring from National in Spain:

Always confirm the specific counter hours shown on your booking confirmation before travelling.
Spain observes local and regional public holidays that may affect branch hours. Plan your return time accordingly and refuel before the counter closes.
National, like other hire partners in Spain, will typically hold your reservation for up to 24 hours after the scheduled pick-up time if your flight is delayed. If your delay exceeds 24 hours, contact support as soon as possible.
The standard grace period on return is approximately 30 minutes. Returning the National vehicle in Spain beyond that window may result in charges for extra hours or an additional day, plus a late fee.
After-hours returns may be available at some National locations in Spain. If offered, follow the key-drop instructions provided at pick-up and understand that liability for the vehicle continues until the branch formally checks it in.

If you are unsure about hours at your specific National location in Spain, check your confirmation or contact the branch directly using the number provided in your hire agreement.

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