Quick Summary
- Choose the brand that fits your trip—airport queues and one‑way needs matter.
- Packing kids or outdoor gear? Reserve size early; US fleets sell out on holidays.
- Compare total price with insurance and deposits, not just the day rate.
Across the States you’ll find the same headline names almost everywhere—Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Payless, Avis, National and Budget. The easiest way to decide is to secure your car hire first and then weigh perks like loyalty lanes, after‑hours returns and one‑way availability.
Who suits which traveller? Alamo and National tend to shine for quick self‑service exits at big hubs, while Enterprise is known for customer support on suburban pick‑ups. Budget, Dollar and Thrifty often undercut on price in city locations. If you’d like flexibility in snow states, compare AWD options via nationwide SUV pages and check winter tyre rules state by state.
For a coast‑to‑coast plan, it helps to check national availability from the source: here are pages for Alamo across the US, Enterprise nationwide and Hertz locations. For insurance clarity, see our explainer on companies with insurance included—it spells out liability coverage and add‑ons in simple terms.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage.
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- No additional fees, save 60% guaranteed.
- Maximum liability coverage (up to $300,000 on selected itineraries).
How to compare like a pro
Check opening hours and shuttle frequency at airports; a cheaper rate is no bargain if you wait an extra hour. If you’re under 25, confirm the young‑driver policy and consider compact or midsize classes to keep fees lower. Look at fuel and toll terms; Hola Car Rentals offers Cashback on tolls to help with bridges and express lanes.
Airport vs neighbourhood: At smaller airports in the Midwest and Mountain West, desks sometimes close overnight; neighbourhood branches may keep friendlier hours. Weigh shuttle times and consider a next‑morning pick‑up if your flight lands near midnight.
Deposit rules vary widely. Some suppliers pre‑authorise more for premium classes or drivers under 25. If you prefer predictable holds, choose mid‑size categories and avoid extras you won’t use.
Seasonal tips: In the Northeast and Rockies, peak ski weeks drive up SUV prices—book early and check the fine print on winter tyres and chains. In the Sun Belt, summer thunderstorms can slow traffic; plan extra time around airports when returning the vehicle.
Example comparison: For a five‑day city break in Chicago, a compact with basic coverage might price at $35–$45/day mid‑week, while a midsize SUV can double that in winter. If you don’t need the space, the smaller class is usually the smarter choice.
Hidden‑fee checklist: look for airport facility charges, one‑way drop fees, additional driver costs and out‑of‑hours surcharges. Hola Car Rentals shows the total before you pay, so there’s no guesswork at the counter.
Returns: Photograph the fuel gauge and exterior on a level surface and keep your final receipt. In large airports, follow ‘Rental Car Return’ signs early—missing the ramp can add 10–15 minutes.
FAQs
Which brand is best overall? It depends on your route and priorities. For price, try Budget, Dollar or Thrifty. For premium fleets and loyalty perks, Hertz and National are strong.
Are one‑way trips expensive? There’s often a drop fee. Compare across several brands—some routes (e.g., Florida to Georgia) price better than long cross‑country legs.
Is insurance included? Hola Car Rentals shows coverage clearly. Many itineraries include our All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage built in.
How early should I book? Book as soon as your flights are firm—two to four weeks out for cities, longer for peak summer or major holidays.
Wherever you’re heading, book with Hola Car Rentals for transparent pricing, top coverage and friendly support across the United States.
