Quick Summary
- If your booking shows a full to full fuel policy, you are entitled to a full tank at pick up.
- Always check the gauge, photograph the dashboard and make sure the contract matches what you see.
- If the tank is not full, ask the desk to correct the paperwork or change vehicle before you drive away.
What your fuel policy promises at collection
After a long flight into Miami, Los Angeles or New York, it is easy to focus only on getting out of the car park and onto the highway. Yet the first few minutes beside the vehicle are when you confirm that what you booked is what you are receiving. If your confirmation from Hola Car Rentals states a full to full policy, the tank should be close to the top when you reach the bay.
Other fuel rules work differently. Same to same bookings start with a level such as three quarters and expect you to match it on return. Some providers also offer prepaid fuel options where you buy a full tank up front and bring the vehicle back close to empty. When you choose car rental through Hola Car Rentals, the fuel policy is clearly shown so you know what to expect at collection.
Checks to make before you leave the car park
Once you have found your vehicle, take a moment to sit inside with the engine running. Photograph the fuel gauge and the odometer so you have a record of the starting point. At busy locations like Miami airport or Los Angeles airport, this only adds a minute or two to your handover but can save you money later.
If the gauge is clearly below full when the contract promises a full tank, return to the desk or use the on site phone to speak to an agent. You can either ask for the tank to be topped up, request a different vehicle or have the starting level written into the contract so you are not charged as if it was full. Having photographs makes that conversation easier.
What if you notice the issue later
Sometimes you only realise the tank was not full after you have joined the freeway from San Francisco airport or pulled away from New York JFK. In that case, take photographs as soon as it is safe, noting the time and location. When you reach your first stop, contact the provider using the number on your paperwork and follow their advice. It is also worth notifying the customer support team at Hola Car Rentals so there is a record on your booking.
In many cases, the fairest approach is to return the vehicle with the same fuel level it had when you collected it, even if the contract originally said full to full. Having a note in the agreement or written confirmation by email helps you avoid being charged for fuel you never received in the first place.
Planning around fuel on popular US routes
At some airports, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, the first stretch of driving can involve steep hills, busy freeways and several tunnels. Planning a brief pause at a nearby service station lets you check the fuel level on level ground and top up if required before a long coastal or desert drive. The same thinking applies at Miami, where many travellers head straight for the beaches or the Florida Keys, and at New York, where traffic towards Manhattan can be heavy.
Building time into your schedule for a quick stop near the return point is just as important. Choosing a station a few miles before an airport gives you time to refill the tank without the pressure of a departure time. Keeping the final receipt from that stop is a simple extra step that supports your case if there are any questions about the level at drop off.
How Hola Car Rentals supports fair fuel handling
Hola Car Rentals works with major providers across the United States and highlights the fuel policy on each offer so you know exactly what is promised at pick up. With the All Inclusive plus rate on selected itineraries, you also benefit from maximum liability coverage and generous travel insurance, so unexpected costs are less likely to spoil your plans.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before collection means you can change your booking if your plans shift or you spot a deal with a fuel policy that suits your route better. Whether you are collecting at Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York, taking a few minutes to check the gauge and paperwork when you first reach the bay is the best defence against surprise fuel charges at the end of your trip.
FAQs
Can I insist on a full tank if my booking says full to full? Yes. If your confirmation shows a full to full policy, you are entitled to a vehicle that is close to full at collection. If it is not, ask staff to top it up, swap cars or amend the contract before you leave.
What should I do if the tank is only three quarters full? Photograph the gauge and speak to a member of staff before driving away. They may agree that you can return the vehicle at the same level or provide written confirmation of how they will handle the difference at drop off.
Is it a problem if the gauge drops from full very quickly? Fuel gauges are not always perfectly precise, and the first notch can move faster than the rest. However, if you strongly suspect the tank was not full, photographs taken at the start and a quick call to the provider or to Hola Car Rentals support make it easier to resolve the situation.
Do I still need to fill up if the tank was not full at pick up? You should follow the guidance written in your contract or any later confirmation from the provider. If the agreement is amended to show a starting level under full, returning the vehicle close to that level is usually considered fair.
For a relaxed start and finish to your next US road trip, book with Hola Car Rentals, check your fuel policy carefully and take a few quick photos when you first reach the vehicle.
