VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking in Alberta include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is a premium partner of the leading car hire companies in Alberta, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes extra benefits that no other company can match:
- Full vehicle coverage with no excess (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: get back up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls charged during your hire
- Premium travel medical assistance for up to 5 passengers in case of emergency, covering up to CAD 200,000 (pre-existing conditions excluded)
- 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 at no additional cost, ensuring a unique hire experience with complete protection and peace of mind during your trip in Alberta.
Will I face unexpected charges at the counter when I hire a car in Alberta through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Alberta 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 Alberta 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)
Are there toll roads in Alberta I need to worry about?
No, there are no toll roads anywhere in Alberta. Every highway, expressway, and urban road in the province is completely toll-free, so you will not encounter any toll booths, cashless gantries, or electronic toll systems during your hire.
This means you do not need to enrol in any toll programme, purchase a transponder package at the counter, or Budget for toll charges on any Alberta route. There are also no congestion charges or emissions zones similar to those found in some European cities.
If your trip takes you beyond Alberta into neighbouring provinces that do have toll roads, standard toll billing rules would apply for those portions of your drive. Keep any receipts from those out-of-province tolls, as the Tolls Cashback benefit included with your booking can reimburse up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during the hire period.
What documents do I need to pick up a hire car in Alberta?
To collect your hire car in Alberta, you must bring the following physical documents to the counter:
- A valid, original driver’s licence in the main driver’s name (not expired, not suspended)
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the physical card, for the security deposit hold
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting from outside Canada
Digital copies of any document are not accepted at the counter in Alberta. All documents must be physical originals.
If your driver’s licence is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script), you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence. The IDP is a translation only and is not valid without the original licence. Obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling to Alberta, as it cannot be issued abroad.
Visitors from countries whose licences are in English or use a Latin alphabet can generally drive in Alberta on their foreign licence, though carrying an IDP is still recommended as a precaution.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Alberta?
Not always, but it depends on your licence. In Alberta, visitors can generally drive on a valid foreign licence. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script. In that case, the IDP must accompany your original licence at all times.
Even if your licence uses a Latin alphabet, carrying an IDP alongside your original licence is recommended as a precaution, since individual hire company desks in Alberta may request one.
A few important rules about the IDP:
- It is a translation document only, not a standalone licence
- It must always be presented together with your original driver’s licence
- It must be obtained in your home country before you travel to Alberta
- Organisations in Canada do not issue IDPs to holders of foreign licences
Make sure your licence is valid for the entire duration of your Alberta hire. An expired, suspended, or revoked licence will not be accepted at the counter regardless of whether you hold an IDP.
Is third-party liability insurance included when I rent a car in Alberta?
Yes, basic third-party liability cover is included by default when you hire a car in Alberta. Under Canadian provincial law, every hire vehicle in Alberta must carry statutory third-party liability insurance, so this protection follows the car automatically.
This means you are covered for bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving your Alberta hire. However, the statutory minimum may be lower than what you would want in a serious accident.
You can purchase supplementary liability cover (LIS/ALI/SLI) to increase your protection beyond the provincial minimum. This is available as an add-on and provides higher limits for third-party claims.
Keep in mind what liability cover does not include:
- Damage to the hire vehicle itself (that requires CDW/LDW)
- Your own personal injuries (that requires PAI)
- Your personal belongings (that requires PEC)
Review your booking confirmation to confirm exactly what liability limits are included in your Alberta rate, and consider adding supplementary liability if you want higher protection during your hire in Alberta.
How does the Tolls Cashback benefit work for an Alberta hire?
All bookings include the Tolls Cashback benefit, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your hire period. Since Alberta itself has no toll roads, this benefit is most relevant if your trip takes you into neighbouring provinces or regions that do charge tolls.
To claim your cashback after returning your Alberta hire:
- 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 receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid
- Include your full name, travel dates, and the last 4 digits of the card used for your booking
The refund is calculated as the lesser of the actual tolls you paid or 5% of your Alberta booking total. For example, if your booking total was GBP 500, the maximum cashback would be GBP 25. Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Claims submitted after 30 days are not accepted.
What credit card do I need for the security deposit in Alberta?
You must present a physical, major credit card in the main driver’s name, with the driver’s name printed on the card, at the hire desk in Alberta. The card is used to place a temporary authorisation hold, not an immediate charge, for the security deposit.
Typical deposit holds for standard vehicles in Alberta are approximately GBP 200 to GBP 300, though some locations may hold up to GBP 500. Premium or speciality vehicles may require a higher hold.
Important rules to keep in mind for your Alberta pickup:
- The card must be a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) with a line of credit, not a debit or prepaid card
- The card must be in the main driver’s name and physically present at the counter
- Virtual or digital-only card numbers are not accepted
- The hold reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after return, which can take up to 15 business days
Even if you pre-paid your Alberta booking online, you are still required to present a physical credit card at pickup for the deposit hold. Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined, and notify your bank of your travel to Alberta to prevent fraud blocks on the authorisation.
Can I add an additional driver to my Alberta hire?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Alberta hire, either as an included benefit depending on your rate, or by paying a fee at the counter.
Check your booking confirmation before arriving in Alberta. If it states "Additional driver free of charge," the first extra driver is covered at no cost. If it is not included, the daily fee varies by partner:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: approximately GBP 10 per hire day, capped at GBP 50
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: approximately GBP 13 per hire day, capped at GBP 180
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: approximately GBP 14 per day
For your Alberta pickup, the additional driver must be present at the counter with their own valid driver’s licence and any required IDP. Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement. Anyone who drives the vehicle in Alberta without being listed on the agreement will not be covered by CDW/LDW or liability protections.
Note that for Avis, Budget, and Payless hires in Alberta, the additional driver must be at least 25 years old at the time of pickup.
What is the fuel policy for hire cars in Alberta?
The standard fuel policy for Alberta hires is Full-to-Full. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Follow these steps to avoid fuel charges on your Alberta 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 odometer and fuel gauge
- Use the correct fuel type (petrol or diesel) throughout your Alberta trip
- Refuel within approximately 15 km of the return location so the gauge does not drop before you arrive
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the station address, date, and time
If you return the vehicle in Alberta below the recorded starting level, the hire partner may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refuelling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a service fee.
If the vehicle was not full at pickup, ask the agent to record the exact level on the agreement and return it at that same level. Alberta has many fuel stations near major airports and city return locations, so refuelling before drop-off is straightforward in most cases.
Does travel assistance cover my Alberta hire?
Travel assistance is included with most bookings, but there is an important eligibility rule: this benefit does not apply to Canadian or US residents. If you are visiting Alberta from outside North America, the cover is active for your hire period.
The travel assistance benefit, provided through Terrawind Global Protection, covers up to 5 passengers and typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical cover for accidents and non-pre-existing illnesses
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident in Alberta
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
If you need assistance while driving in Alberta, whether on a remote highway or near a city, contact the assistance line immediately:
- Phone (toll-free or collect): +1 888 980 9992, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call. This cover does not replace CDW/LDW for vehicle damage or LIS/ALI/SLI for third-party liability. Review your booking confirmation for the exact terms and limits that apply to your Alberta hire.
What happens if I return my Alberta hire car late?
If you return your Alberta hire car after the agreed drop-off time, a grace period of approximately 30 minutes typically applies before extra charges begin. This grace period is not guaranteed at every location, so plan your return time carefully.
Once the grace period passes, the hire partner may charge for additional hours or a full extra day, depending on how late the return is. A late fee may also apply on top of the time charges.
To avoid late return charges on your Alberta hire:
- Factor in travel time from your last stop to the return location, including time to refuel
- Check counter hours in advance, especially if returning on a holiday when Alberta locations may have adjusted schedules
- If you know you will be late, contact the hire partner directly using the number on your hire agreement
If you need more time with the vehicle, you can request an extension during your Alberta hire. Contact the hire partner or reach out through your booking's Manage Booking link before the scheduled return time. Extensions are subject to vehicle availability and may reprice your rate.
Can I pick up a car in Alberta and drop it off in another city or province?
Yes, one-way hires are available in Alberta, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your specific route and the hire partner.
When searching for your Alberta hire, select a different return location during checkout. The booking system will display any applicable drop-off fee under the "To pay at destination" section before you confirm. If no fee appears, the route does not carry a one-way surcharge.
General patterns to expect:
- Alberta city to Alberta city (for example, Calgary to Edmonton): a drop-off fee typically applies and varies by distance and vehicle class
- Alberta airport to downtown of the same city: often no drop-off fee
- Alberta to another Canadian province: may be permitted but usually carries a higher fee; confirm availability during search
- Cross-border one-ways between Canada and the United States: often restricted or subject to special rules depending on the partner
The drop-off fee is not covered by the No Extra Charges© guarantee since it is disclosed during booking. If the counter charges a different amount than shown on your Alberta confirmation, keep all paperwork and contact support after the hire ends.
Is there a young driver surcharge for renters under 25 in Alberta?
Yes, a young driver surcharge typically applies in Alberta for renters under 25 years old. The exact amount varies by hire partner and is paid at the counter in addition to your prepaid rate.
Age rules that apply to Alberta hires:
- Most hire partners require the main driver to be at least 21 years old, though some may set the minimum at 25
- Drivers between the minimum age and 24 years old are generally subject to a daily young driver surcharge
- For Avis and Budget hires in Alberta, additional drivers must also be at least 25 years old
The young driver surcharge is a local counter charge and is not included in your prepaid booking total. It is listed as a charge due at destination and is not covered by No Extra Charges© since it is a disclosed, usage-based fee.
If you are under 25 and planning to hire in Alberta, check the rate details during booking for any disclosed underage fees, and Budget for this surcharge when calculating your total trip cost. Specific surcharge amounts are set by each hire partner and confirmed at the Alberta pickup counter.
What insurance options are available for my Alberta hire?
Several insurance and protection options are available when hiring a car in Alberta, and understanding what each covers helps you avoid gaps in protection.
Coverage types relevant to Alberta hires:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to or theft of the hire vehicle. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation states zero deductible. This does not cover third parties.
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Alberta provincial law requires every hire vehicle to carry statutory liability by default, but you can purchase supplementary cover for higher limits.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): covers your own injuries as the driver or passenger.
- Personal Effects Coverage (PEC): covers your personal belongings inside the vehicle.
CDW/LDW does not cover prohibited use such as off-road driving, driving under the influence, or use by an unlisted driver. All additional drivers in Alberta must be named on the hire agreement for cover to apply.
Review your booking confirmation to see which protections are already included in your Alberta rate and which are optional add-ons available at the counter. If unsure, ask the agent to itemise each cover before signing the hire agreement.
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