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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking at Tampa Airport include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating at Tampa Airport, 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 at Tampa Airport.
Will I face unexpected charges at the counter when I hire a car at Tampa Airport through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking at Tampa Airport 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 at Tampa Airport 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 get from Tampa Airport to the hire car counter?
At Tampa Airport, all major hire car brands are located at the Consolidated Rental Car Centre (CONRAC), not inside the terminal. Here is how to get there after landing:
- Clear immigration and customs, then collect your baggage on the first floor of the main terminal.
- Follow signs for "Ground Transportation / Rental Cars" or "SkyConnect" to the elevated people mover station inside the terminal. No outdoor walkway or separate shuttle is needed.
- Board the free SkyConnect train for a 2 to 3 minute ride directly to the CONRAC, located at 5405 Airport Service Rd, Tampa, FL 33607.
- At the CONRAC Customer Service Plaza, proceed to your brand's counter. Alamo, National, and Enterprise are grouped together; Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty are nearby; smaller operators are in a separate hall.
- After completing paperwork or using a loyalty kiosk, follow signs to the attached garage to collect your vehicle.
Off-site or remote operators require following CONRAC signs to "Remote Curbside Pickup" for a company shuttle. Allow 1.5 to 3 hours total from landing to driving away, including immigration and counter processing time.
What documents do I need to pick up a hire car at Tampa Airport?
To collect your hire car at Tampa Airport, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- Your original, unexpired driver's licence in the main driver's name.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic. The IDP is a translation only and must be carried alongside your original licence.
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID.
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
- A physical major credit card with the main driver's name printed on the card, for the security deposit authorisation hold.
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from abroad).
Digital documents are not accepted at Tampa Airport hire counters. All documents must be physical originals. If your licence is in English or issued by an EU/EEA country, an IDP is generally not required, but it is always advisable to obtain one before travelling if there is any doubt. The IDP cannot be obtained in the United States by non-US licence holders, so arrange it in your home country before departure.
Are toll roads common when hiring a car at Tampa Airport?
Yes, toll roads are common when driving a hire car from Tampa Airport, and nearly all of them are cashless.
Around the Tampa area, you can expect to encounter toll roads such as the Selmon Expressway and other regional expressways, with estimated daily toll costs of approximately US$3 to US$10 depending on your route. Florida's toll system operates primarily through SunPass and E-PASS electronic transponders, as well as Toll-by-Plate (license plate billing) where no transponder is present.
All hire vehicles at Tampa Airport include an electronic toll device or plate-based billing system. At the counter you have two options:
- Purchase an unlimited toll package, which typically costs approximately US$11 to US$15 per hire day in Florida, depending on the hire company.
- Decline the package and pay per use. In this case, the hire company will charge you the toll amount plus daily or administrative processing fees, which can be billed days or weeks after your hire ends.
If you plan to use your own visitor toll pass, inform the counter agent at Tampa Airport so they can deactivate the vehicle's default device and prevent duplicate charges.
Can I get cashback on tolls paid during my Tampa Airport hire?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Tampa Airport hire.
Given that toll roads such as the Selmon Expressway and Florida's regional expressways are common around Tampa, this benefit can meaningfully offset your toll costs. Here is how to claim it:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle.
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA followed by your confirmation number.
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the hire agreement signed at Tampa Airport, and a toll invoice or statement showing charges paid.
- Include your full name, travel dates, and the last 4 digits of the card used for your booking.
The refund is issued to the original payment method and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Claims submitted after 30 days are not accepted. Note that Tolls Cashback reimburses the lesser of your actual toll costs or 5% of your booking total. For example, if your booking total is US$500, the maximum cashback is US$25.
Is a credit card required to hire a car at Tampa Airport?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name is required to hire a car at Tampa Airport. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual or digital wallet cards are not accepted for the security deposit authorisation hold.
At pickup, the hire counter will place a temporary authorisation hold on your card. For standard vehicles at US locations, this hold is typically around US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount varies by hire company, vehicle class, and season. The hold reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after the hire ends, which can take up to 15 business days.
A few important points to keep in mind before arriving at Tampa Airport:
- The card must have the driver's name physically printed on it. Virtual or single-use card numbers are not accepted.
- Even if you prepaid your booking online, you must still present a physical credit card at the counter for the deposit.
- Notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent fraud blocks on in-person authorisations.
- Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined.
What is the minimum age to hire a car at Tampa Airport?
At Tampa Airport, the minimum age to hire a car without additional surcharges is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can hire but will be subject to a daily young-driver surcharge, and most vehicle classes are restricted to drivers aged 25 and older.
Restricted vehicle classes for under-25 drivers typically include Full Size, Standard, Minivan, Van, Convertible, Luxury, Premium, and Premium SUV categories. Economy, Compact, and Intermediate SUV classes are generally available to younger drivers.
Key points for drivers under 25 picking up at Tampa Airport:
- The young-driver surcharge is a daily fee that varies by hire company and location. Budget for this cost in addition to your base rate.
- A valid driver's licence and a physical major credit card in the main driver's name are still required regardless of age.
- Drivers from Latin America or the Caribbean aged 21 to 24 may qualify for a young-driver fee waiver on eligible Avis or Budget rates. Check your booking confirmation to see if this waiver applies.
Florida does not have a state law requiring hires to drivers under 21, so the minimum age at Tampa Airport is effectively 21 for most partner brands, with surcharges applying up to age 24.
How does adding an additional driver work at Tampa Airport?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your hire at Tampa Airport, but the additional driver must be physically present at the CONRAC counter at the time of pickup to show their valid driver's licence and sign the hire agreement.
Whether the fee is included or charged locally depends on your rate:
- Some Hola Car Rentals rates include one additional driver at no extra cost. Check your booking confirmation for the line "Additional driver free of charge."
- If not included, daily fees apply at the counter: Avis, Budget, and Payless charge approximately US$13 per day (capped at US$65); Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty charge approximately US$13.50 per day (capped at US$189); Alamo, National, and Enterprise charge approximately US$15 per day.
Additional requirements at Tampa Airport:
- The additional driver must meet the same minimum age and document requirements as the main driver.
- For Avis, Budget, and Payless, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old.
- If the additional driver's licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, an IDP is also required.
- Only drivers listed on the hire agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW.
What insurance coverage do I need for a hire car at Tampa Airport?
When hiring at Tampa Airport, two main types of cover are worth understanding before you arrive at the counter.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability for damage to the hire vehicle itself, including theft and vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero deductible. CDW/LDW does not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people.
Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving. In Florida, not all hire companies are required by law to include minimum liability cover, so this is an important add-on to consider for your Tampa Airport hire.
Common exclusions to be aware of:
- Tires, wheels, undercarriage, and roof damage are often excluded from CDW/LDW.
- Prohibited use such as off-road driving or driving under the influence voids cover.
- Only drivers named on the hire agreement are covered.
If an incident occurs during your Tampa Airport hire, prioritise safety, contact local authorities if needed, and notify the hire partner immediately using the number on your hire agreement. Report incidents promptly, as delays can invalidate a claim.
What travel assistance is included with my Tampa Airport hire booking?
Most Hola Car Rentals bookings include travel assistance cover through Terrawind Global Protection, and this applies to hires starting at Tampa Airport as well. However, this benefit is available only to non-North American customers. Residents of the United States and Canada do not qualify.
For eligible renters, the cover typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical cover for up to 5 passengers.
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident, which is particularly useful on Florida's busy expressways near Tampa Airport.
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
This cover does not replace CDW/LDW for vehicle damage or LIS/ALI/SLI for third-party liability. It also does not cover pre-existing medical conditions.
If you need assistance during your Tampa Airport hire, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day:
- Phone: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free)
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call. Always check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your reservation.
What is the fuel policy for hire cars at Tampa Airport?
The standard fuel policy for hire cars at Tampa Airport is Full-to-Full. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Steps to follow for a smooth fuel experience at Tampa Airport:
- At pickup, verify 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 gauge.
- During your hire, use the correct fuel type. Wrong-fuel incidents are not covered by the fuel policy.
- Before returning to the CONRAC at Tampa Airport, refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location so the gauge does not drop below full.
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address.
- For after-hours returns, leave the receipt in the key drop envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge.
If you return the vehicle below the recorded starting level, the hire company may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refuelling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refuelling service fee. Refuelling near the CONRAC on Airport Service Road before returning is the most cost-effective approach.
Can I return my hire car after hours at Tampa Airport?
Yes, after-hours returns are possible at Tampa Airport. The CONRAC garage supports overnight access, and major brands such as Budget operate 24 hours a day with key drop facilities available for after-hours returns.
Here is how the after-hours return process works at Tampa Airport:
- Drive directly to the CONRAC garage on Airport Service Rd and follow the signs for your hire brand's return lane.
- Park the vehicle in the designated area and use the key drop box at the CONRAC to leave the keys.
- Leave your fuel receipt in the key drop envelope and keep a photo of the full fuel gauge as evidence.
- After dropping the keys, take the SkyConnect train back to the terminal.
For off-site or remote hire operators, after-hours shuttle availability may be limited. Check your hire agreement or contact your specific brand before planning a late return.
Note that when you return a vehicle after hours, the hire contract is not formally closed until staff check the vehicle the following morning. You remain responsible for the vehicle until the contract is officially closed. Always keep copies of your hire agreement and any photos taken at return.
Can I pick up a hire car at Tampa Airport and return it in a different city?
Yes, one-way hires from Tampa Airport to a different city are possible, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your route, the hire company, and the vehicle class.
How one-way fees work for Tampa Airport hires:
- Same-city routes, such as Tampa Airport to downtown Tampa, often have no drop-off fee.
- Routes to other Florida cities or out-of-state destinations typically carry a one-way fee that varies by distance, vehicle class, and season.
- Cross-border one-way hires, such as from Tampa Airport to a location outside the United States, are often restricted or carry significantly higher fees.
The drop-off fee, if applicable, will be shown on the rate details page during booking under the "To pay at destination" section. It is not prepaid and is paid at the Tampa Airport counter at pickup. This fee is separate from mileage, fuel, and tolls.
If you change your return location after booking, the hire may be repriced and the drop-off fee recalculated. Mid-hire route changes must be approved by the hire partner. Always confirm the fee shown on your booking confirmation matches what the counter presents at Tampa Airport before signing the hire agreement.
What airport fees and taxes should I expect on my Tampa Airport hire?
When hiring a car at Tampa Airport, your total cost includes more than just the base hire rate. Several location-specific fees and taxes are added because the CONRAC is an airport facility.
Common charges to expect at Tampa Airport:
- Airport Concession Recovery Fee (ACRF): charged by hire companies to recover the cost of operating at Tampa Airport.
- Customer Facility Charge (CFC): a per-day or per-transaction fee that funds the CONRAC facility itself.
- Florida state and local sales tax: the combined rate in Tampa is approximately 7.5%.
- Vehicle Licence Recovery Fee (VLRF): a fee to recover vehicle registration costs.
Whether these fees are included in your prepaid rate or due at the Tampa Airport counter depends on your booking. Check your confirmation for the breakdown between "Taxes and Fees: Included" and "Total to pay at destination."
If your confirmation shows a fee as included but the counter still charges it separately, Hola Car Rentals' No Extra Charges© Coverage applies. Keep all paperwork and contact support after your hire ends. Charges that were clearly disclosed as due at the Tampa Airport counter are legitimate and are not covered by this guarantee.
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