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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my van hire in New York 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 New York, 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 New York.
Will I face unexpected charges when I hire a van in New York through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in New York 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 New York 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 collect my van hire at JFK Airport in New York?
All hire brands at New York JFK International Airport serve customers from a single facility at Federal Circle (Station C). After collecting your bags, follow the signs inside your terminal to the AirTrain, board to Federal Circle, and then follow the Hire Car signs to your brand's counter and vehicle area.
- The AirTrain ride from any terminal to Federal Circle takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes
- On-airport AirTrain travel between terminals and Federal Circle is free of charge
- The AirTrain operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with lifts and escalators at each station
- Hire counters at JFK operate 24 hours
When you arrive at the counter to collect your New York van hire, bring your physical driving licence, passport, a major credit card in the main driver’s name with the name printed on the card, and your booking confirmation.
What documents do I need to collect a van hire in New York?
To collect your van hire in New York, you must present all documents in physical form. Digital copies are not accepted at the counter.
- A valid, original driving licence in the main driver’s name
- A passport or government-issued photo ID (required for visitors from outside the United Kingdom)
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card, used for the authorisation hold
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the United Kingdom)
If your driving licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original licence. For licences in Latin script but not in English, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation only and is not valid without your original licence.
New York state law allows licensed drivers aged 18 and older to hire a van, though a young-renter surcharge applies for drivers under 25. Note that most van categories are restricted to renters aged 25 and older, so confirm eligibility before booking.
Is a credit card required for a van hire deposit in New York?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver’s name is required to collect a van hire in New York. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual or digital-wallet cards are not accepted for the authorisation hold.
At pickup, the hire partner places a temporary authorisation on your card. For a van in New York, the hold is typically in the range of US$300 to US$400 for standard vehicles, though the exact amount varies by brand, location, and vehicle class. 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 have the driver’s name printed on it and be presented physically at the counter
- Even if you prepaid your booking online, a credit card is still required at pickup for the hold
- 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 in New York
How do tolls work for a van hire in New York?
Toll roads in New York are almost entirely cashless, meaning your van hire will be billed electronically for every toll crossed. There are no cash lanes at most major bridges, tunnels, or tolled highways in the New York area.
At pickup you typically have two options:
- Unlimited toll package: a fixed daily rate of approximately US$11 to US$26 per day, covering all tolls during the hire period
- Pay per use: the hire company charges the actual toll amount plus daily or administrative processing fees, billed after the hire ends, sometimes weeks later
Common toll costs for a van hire in New York include approximately US$15 to US$25 or more per bridge or tunnel crossing. If you drive into most of Manhattan south of 60th Street, a separate NYC Congestion Relief Zone fee of approximately US$8.99 plus taxes applies once per calendar day. This congestion charge is separate from bridge and tunnel tolls and is not covered by insurance or hire protection packages.
You may also bring your own E-ZPass transponder. If you do, inform the counter agent so they can deactivate the vehicle's default toll device and avoid duplicate charges. Tolls paid through your personal E-ZPass will be billed directly to your personal account.
All bookings include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your New York van hire.
What is the NYC Congestion Pricing charge for a van hire in New York?
Yes, the NYC Congestion Relief Zone charge applies to van hires in New York entering most of Manhattan south of and including 60th Street, down to the southern tip of the island.
The congestion fee is approximately US$8.99 plus applicable taxes and fees per calendar day. It is charged once per day regardless of how many times you enter and exit the zone on the same day.
- Cameras automatically detect vehicles entering the zone, so there are no traditional toll booths to stop at
- You can travel on the FDR Drive or the West Side Highway (Route 9A) without triggering the charge, as long as you do not exit onto local streets within the zone
- The congestion charge appears separately on your hire bill from bridge and tunnel tolls
- It is not covered by CDW, LDW, or any hire insurance or protection package
This charge is in addition to any bridge or tunnel tolls your New York van hire may incur. Plan your routes carefully if you want to minimise congestion zone exposure during your time in New York.
Can I get toll cashback on my New York van hire?
Yes, every booking includes Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your New York van hire. Given that tolls in New York are among the highest in the United States, with bridge and tunnel crossings costing US$15 to US$25 or more each, this benefit can add up meaningfully.
To claim your cashback after returning your van in New York:
- 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 toll receipt or statement showing charges paid during the hire period
- Include your full name, travel dates, and the last 4 digits of the card used for the booking
The refund is issued to the original payment method used for your reservation and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received more than 30 days after vehicle return are not accepted. This benefit applies to toll charges only and does not cover traffic fines or parking penalties.
Are there age restrictions for hiring a van in New York?
Yes, age restrictions apply to van hires in New York, and they are stricter than for standard car categories.
New York state law requires hire companies to rent to licensed drivers aged 18 and older, which is an exception to the 25-minimum rule that applies in most other U.S. states. However, a young-renter surcharge applies to drivers under 25, and this daily fee can be significant.
- Drivers aged 18 to 24 may hire in New York but will pay a young-renter surcharge
- Van and minivan categories are typically restricted to renters aged 25 and older across most hire brands
- Even if the age minimum is met, the hire partner may decline a van booking for drivers under 25 based on vehicle-class restrictions
- Drivers aged 25 and older are not subject to any underage surcharge
If you are between 21 and 24 years old and your booking is fulfilled by Avis or Budget, a young-renter fee waiver may be available for certain vehicle categories, but this exception does not extend to vans. Confirm your eligibility and vehicle class availability before completing your New York van hire booking.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to hire a van in New York?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory for your New York van hire if your driving licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic. In that case, you must carry both your original licence and the IDP at all times.
If your licence is in a Latin script but not in English, an IDP is strongly recommended, as some hire counter agents in New York may request one alongside your original licence.
- The IDP is a translation document only and is not valid without your original driving licence
- You must obtain the IDP in your home country before travelling to New York, as U.S. issuers such as AAA do not issue IDPs to non-U.S. licence holders
- EU and EEA licences in Latin script are generally accepted without an IDP for van hires in New York
- All documents presented at the hire counter must be physical originals; digital copies are not accepted
When collecting your van in New York, present your licence and IDP together alongside your passport and credit card to avoid any delays at the counter.
What travel assistance is included with a van hire in New York?
Most bookings include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection at no extra cost. This benefit is relevant for van hires in New York, where driving in dense urban traffic or on busy highways such as the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway can increase the likelihood of unexpected situations.
Coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical cover for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
If you need assistance during your New York van hire, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Phone: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free)
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Provide your full name, your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number, your location in New York, and a brief description of the situation. Follow the coordinator's instructions before incurring any expenses, as some reimbursements require prior authorisation.
Important: this travel assistance benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada. It also does not cover damage to the van itself (that is handled by CDW or LDW) or third-party liability (covered by LIS or SLI).
What insurance is included with a van hire in New York?
The insurance included with your New York van hire depends on the rate plan you selected at booking. It is important to review your confirmation carefully before arriving at the counter.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability for damage to the van itself from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero deductible. CDW and LDW do not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people.
Third-Party Liability (LIS or SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the van in New York. Some U.S. states require a minimum level of liability cover, but not all do. Adding supplementary liability cover of up to US$300,000 is strongly recommended for van hires in New York given the density of traffic and the frequency of bridge and tunnel crossings.
- CDW or LDW covers the hire van, not third parties
- LIS or SLI covers third parties, not the van itself
- Neither covers your personal injuries (that requires PAI) or your belongings (that requires PEC)
- Cover applies only to drivers named on the hire agreement
Always verify what is included on your booking confirmation before accepting or declining any extras at the New York hire counter.
How does the fuel policy work for a van hire in New York?
Your New York van hire uses a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the van with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel 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 fuel gauge before leaving the lot
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 kilometres 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
If you return the van in New York without a full tank, the hire partner may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refuelling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a refuelling service fee.
For after-hours returns, leave the fuel receipt in the key envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone as evidence. Fuel charges are separate from the security deposit hold and are not refundable.
Can I add an additional driver to my van hire in New York?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your van hire in New York, either at no cost if your rate includes it or for a daily fee paid at the counter if it does not.
Daily fees when not included vary by brand:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: GBP 10 per hire day plus taxes, capped at GBP 50 plus taxes
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: GBP 11 per hire day plus taxes, capped at GBP 155 plus taxes
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: GBP 13 per day plus taxes
The additional driver must be present at the New York pickup counter with their own valid driving licence and, if required, an International Driving Permit. Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement. Anyone who drives the van in New York without being listed on the agreement is not covered by CDW, LDW, or liability protections.
For Avis, Budget, and Payless, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old at the time of pickup. Check your booking confirmation to see whether your rate includes one additional driver at no charge before arriving at the counter.
Can I pick up a van in New York and return it in a different city?
Yes, one-way van hires in New York are possible, but a drop-off fee typically applies when you return the van to a location different from where you picked it up.
The drop-off fee is route-specific and varies by hire brand, the cities involved, the season, and the vehicle class. Van and minivan categories often carry higher repositioning fees than standard cars due to their size and fleet demand.
- Returning the van to a different New York City borough or a nearby city may incur a moderate drop-off fee
- Long-distance one-ways, such as New York to another state, typically carry higher fees
- Cross-border one-ways, for example from New York to Canada, may be restricted or require prior partner approval
The drop-off fee is shown during the booking process on the rate details page under the section labelled To pay at destination. It is not prepaid and is not covered by No Extra Charges© Coverage unless it was not disclosed on your confirmation. Review your confirmation carefully to confirm the fee for your specific New York van hire route before completing your booking.
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