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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my SUV hire in Chicago through Hola Car Rentals include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Chicago, 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 Chicago.
Will I face unexpected charges when I hire an SUV in Chicago through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Chicago 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 Chicago 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 SUV hire at Chicago O'Hare Airport?
After landing at Chicago O'Hare, collecting your SUV hire is straightforward thanks to the Airport Transit System (ATS).
- After collecting your bags, follow signs to the ATS train inside your terminal (Terminals 1, 2, 3, or 5 all have stations).
- Ride the ATS free of charge to the MMF / Rental Cars stop. The journey takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
- Inside the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) at 10255 W. Zemke Blvd., Chicago, IL 60666, proceed to your brand counter. All major partners including Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz operate from this consolidated building.
- Present your driving licence, physical credit card, and booking confirmation to complete the hire agreement.
- Before driving off, inspect your Chicago SUV hire for any pre-existing damage and report findings to the agent.
The ATS runs 24/7, so this process works whether you arrive during the day or late at night. From landing to driving away, allow approximately 30 to 45 minutes total.
Are there toll roads I should know about when driving an SUV in Chicago?
Yes, there are several toll roads you will likely encounter when driving an SUV in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Illinois operates multiple major toll roads managed by the Illinois Tollway. The most relevant for Chicago SUV drivers include:
- Illinois Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80): runs from the Wisconsin state line to South Holland, with tolls ranging from US$2.35 to US$4.70.
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90): connects Chicago towards Rockford, with tolls from US$2.75 to US$5.50.
- Chicago Skyway (I-90/I-94): links Chicago to the Indiana border, with tolls ranging from US$4.80 to US$47.60 depending on vehicle class and time of day.
- Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88): heads west from Chicago towards Dixon, with tolls from US$5.10 to US$10.20.
Illinois uses a cashless system. Most gantries read transponders (I-Pass or E-ZPass) or capture your SUV's licence plate for pay-by-plate billing. There are no congestion charges or city-centre driving fees in Chicago beyond these toll roads.
Toll rates also vary by time of day: daytime rates apply from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and overnight rates from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Should I use the hire company toll programme or pay-by-plate for my SUV in Chicago?
Both options work for your Chicago SUV hire, and the right choice depends on how many toll roads you plan to use.
Hire company toll programmes (such as a daily E-Toll or TollPass service) charge a flat daily fee, typically between US$11 and US$25 per hire day, regardless of how many tolls you actually use. For example, National's TollPass Waiver Programme at Chicago O'Hare and select downtown locations is priced at US$11.99 per hire day. This option is convenient if you expect to use toll roads frequently during your Chicago SUV trip.
Pay-by-plate is the simpler alternative. Illinois Tollway cameras automatically photograph your SUV's licence plate and bill the vehicle at the standard plate rate, which is slightly higher than the discounted I-Pass rate but avoids daily programme fees on days you do not use tolls.
Important: if you drive a toll road without enrolling in any programme, you are automatically billed via pay-by-plate. Ignoring toll bills can result in escalating penalties and administrative fees charged back through the hire company. Always settle toll charges promptly after your Chicago SUV hire ends.
Can I get a tolls cashback on my SUV hire in Chicago?
Yes, all bookings include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Chicago SUV hire.
Given that Illinois toll roads such as the Tri-State Tollway, the Chicago Skyway, and the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway are commonly used by SUV drivers in the Chicago area, this benefit can meaningfully offset your toll costs.
To claim your cashback after returning your Chicago SUV hire:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return.
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - Reservation [Your Confirmation Number].
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals 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.
The refund is issued to your original payment method and typically processes within 7 to 10 working days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted, so keep your toll receipts or transponder statements from your Chicago SUV trip.
What documents do I need to pick up my SUV hire in Chicago?
To pick up your SUV hire in Chicago, you must bring the following physical documents to the counter:
- A valid, unexpired driving licence in the main driver's name.
- A physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, for the security deposit hold.
- Your passport or valid government photo ID.
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
- Round-trip flight tickets or travel itinerary showing your return date.
If your driving licence uses a non-Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original licence. For licences in other non-English scripts, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation only and cannot be used without your original licence.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at Chicago SUV hire counters. Name mismatches between your licence, passport, and credit card are a common reason for delays, so verify all names match before your pickup at Chicago O'Hare or any downtown location.
Is a credit card required to pick up an SUV hire in Chicago?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name is required to pick up your SUV hire in Chicago.
The credit card is used to place a temporary security hold (authorisation) on your account at the counter. For a standard SUV hire in the United States, this hold is typically around US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount varies by hire brand, vehicle class, and location. Premium or full-size SUV categories may carry a higher hold.
Key points to keep in mind for your Chicago SUV pickup:
- The card must be physical with the driver's name printed on it. Virtual cards, digital wallets, and single-use card numbers are not accepted.
- Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security hold.
- Even if you prepaid your Chicago SUV booking online, you must still present a credit card at the counter for the deposit.
- Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined.
- Notify your bank of your travel dates to prevent fraud blocks on in-person authorisations.
The hold is released after you return the SUV. Your bank controls how quickly the funds reappear, which can take up to 15 working days.
Can I pick up my SUV hire in Chicago at a downtown location instead of O'Hare?
Yes, several hire brands offer downtown Chicago pickup locations for SUV hires, which can be more convenient if you are staying in the city centre rather than arriving by air.
Downtown Chicago SUV hire options include:
- Avis and Budget at 214 N Clark St (Clark and Wacker), Chicago, IL 60601.
- Budget at 335A S Franklin St (Traders parking garage), Chicago, IL 60606.
- Enterprise at 10 E Grand (Hilton Garage, Floor 2), Chicago, IL 60611.
- National at 203 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60601.
Downtown locations have more limited hours than the 24/7 Multi-Modal Facility at O'Hare. Typical weekday hours are 7:00 to 7:30 a.m. through 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., with weekend hours generally 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you need to pick up or return your Chicago SUV hire outside those hours, the airport location is the better choice since the MMF operates around the clock.
Check your booking confirmation for the exact address and hours of your assigned counter before heading to any downtown Chicago location.
What is the minimum age to hire an SUV in Chicago?
The minimum age to hire an SUV in Chicago without a young-driver surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can hire in Illinois but will be charged a daily young-renter fee at the counter, and most full-size or premium SUV categories are restricted to drivers 25 and older.
For Chicago SUV hires, the typical age rules are:
- 25 and older: no surcharge, access to most SUV classes.
- 21 to 24: young-renter surcharge applies daily; vehicle class options are limited, generally to compact or intermediate SUV categories.
- Under 21: not permitted at most Chicago locations.
If you are 21 to 24 and from Latin America or the Caribbean, certain Avis and Budget rates booked through Hola Car Rentals may waive the underage fee for the main driver on eligible SUV categories such as compact SUV or medium SUV. This waiver must appear explicitly on your booking confirmation to be valid at the Chicago counter.
Always bring proof of age and, if applicable, proof of nationality to the Chicago SUV hire counter to avoid disputes over surcharges.
Does travel assistance cover me if my SUV breaks down on a Chicago motorway?
Yes, most bookings include travel assistance through Terrawind Global Protection, which provides support if something goes wrong during your Chicago SUV hire, including incidents on Illinois motorways.
Core benefits typically included are:
- Medical cover for up to 5 passengers in the event of an accident or non-pre-existing illness.
- Legal assistance in case of an accident involving your Chicago SUV hire.
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
To reach assistance 24/7 from anywhere in the Chicago area or on Illinois toll roads, call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or contact WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
Important: this travel assistance benefit applies only to non-North American customers. Travellers who are residents of the United States or Canada do not qualify for this cover. It also does not cover damage to the SUV itself (that is handled by CDW/LDW) or third-party liability (covered by LIS/SLI).
Review your booking confirmation for the exact coverage limits and terms applicable to your Chicago SUV hire.
What fuel policy applies to SUV hires in Chicago?
SUV hires in Chicago follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the SUV with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Steps to follow for your Chicago SUV hire:
- 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 gauge and odometer.
- During your Chicago trip, use the correct fuel type as shown in the vehicle (petrol or diesel). Wrong-fuel incidents are not covered and may generate significant charges.
- Before returning your SUV, refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location, whether that is the Multi-Modal Facility at O'Hare or a downtown Chicago counter.
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address as proof.
If you return your Chicago SUV hire with less than a full tank, the hire company may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refuelling rate, which is typically higher than pump prices, plus a refuelling service fee. Ask the agent at pickup where the nearest fuel station to the return location is so you can plan ahead.
How do I add an additional driver to my SUV hire in Chicago?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Chicago SUV hire, either at no cost if your rate includes it or for a daily fee paid at the counter.
When an additional driver fee applies for Chicago SUV hires, the typical daily rates are:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per hire day, capped at US$65.
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per hire day, capped at US$189.
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day.
To add an additional driver to your Chicago SUV hire at the counter:
- The additional driver must be physically present at pickup with a valid driving licence (and IDP if required).
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement.
- Verify the additional driver's name appears on your paperwork before leaving the counter.
For Avis and Budget Chicago locations, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old. Only drivers listed on the hire agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW. Check your booking confirmation to see if an additional driver is already included in your Chicago SUV rate.
What insurance options should I consider for an SUV hire in Chicago?
When collecting your SUV hire in Chicago, two main types of cover are worth understanding before you reach the counter.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability for damage to the SUV itself from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may still apply unless your confirmation shows zero excess. Note that CDW/LDW 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 your Chicago SUV hire. Some U.S. states require hire companies to include a state-minimum liability, but not all do. For Chicago SUV hires, adding supplementary liability cover of up to US$300,000 is strongly recommended, especially when driving on busy Illinois highways and toll roads.
Common exclusions to be aware of for your Chicago SUV hire:
- Tires, wheels, and undercarriage are often not covered by standard CDW/LDW.
- Off-road use, DUI, or unauthorised drivers void cover.
- Incidents must be reported immediately to the hire partner.
Review your booking confirmation to confirm which covers are already included in your Chicago SUV rate before accepting or declining anything at the counter.
Can I hire an SUV in Chicago and return it to a different city?
Yes, one-way SUV hires in Chicago are possible, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your return location and the hire partner.
Key points to know about one-way Chicago SUV hires:
- Returning your SUV to a different city or state from Chicago typically triggers a drop-off fee. The amount varies by route, hire brand, vehicle class, and season.
- Returning within the same Chicago area (for example, picking up at O'Hare and dropping off at a downtown Chicago location) may not incur a drop-off fee, but this depends on the specific partner and route.
- Cross-border one-way hires (for example, Chicago to Canada) are often restricted or carry significantly higher fees. Always confirm with the hire partner before booking.
- Large SUV categories can carry higher repositioning fees than smaller vehicle classes.
The drop-off fee for your Chicago SUV hire will be shown during the booking process under the section labelled as amounts due at the destination. It cannot be prepaid and is not covered by No Extra Charges© unless it was not disclosed at the time of booking.
If you need to change your return location after booking your Chicago SUV hire, contact support as soon as possible, since mid-hire route changes must be approved by the partner and may increase the fee.
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