VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with National in Canada include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is a premium partner of the leading car hire companies in Canada, 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 Canada.
Will I face unexpected charges at the National counter in Canada when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Canada 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 Canada 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)
What documents do I need to pick up a National hire car in Canada?
Yes, you will need several physical documents to pick up your National hire car in Canada. All documents must be originals; digital copies are not accepted at the counter.
- A valid, unexpired driver’s licence in the main driver’s name
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card, in the main driver’s name, for the authorisation 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 abroad
If your licence is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original licence. For other non-English licences, an IDP is strongly recommended. Obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling to Canada, as it cannot be issued abroad.
Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the authorisation hold at National counters in Canada.
Does National Car Hire in Canada require a credit card for the deposit?
Yes, National Car Hire in Canada requires a physical major credit card in the main driver’s name, with the driver’s name printed on the card, to place an authorisation hold at pickup.
The typical hold for a standard vehicle at National locations in Canada is approximately GBP 300 to GBP 500, though some locations may hold up to GBP 750. This is a temporary authorisation, not a charge, and it reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after the hire ends.
- Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the authorisation hold
- Virtual or digital wallet cards are not accepted; you must present the physical card
- The card must belong to the main driver, not a third party
- Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined
After you return the vehicle, National releases the hold, but your bank controls when the funds appear back on your statement, which can take up to 15 working days.
Are there toll roads in Canada and how does National Car Hire handle them?
Yes, toll roads exist in Canada, though most highways are toll-free. The most significant toll road is the Highway 407 ETR, a 108 km all-electronic highway crossing the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario. Other tolls exist on select bridges and roads in Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
All tolls in Canada are fully cashless. There are no cash booths; cameras photograph licence plates and billing is handled electronically. If you drive through a toll without enrolling in a programme, the hire company is billed and then charges you the actual toll plus a camera fee of approximately GBP 8.50 and an administrative markup.
National Car Hire in Canada offers a TollPass programme covering Ontario and other areas. Options typically include:
- A flat-rate unlimited daily package (approximately GBP 8 to GBP 12 per day), which activates automatically on first use
- A per-use option where you pay the actual toll plus an administrative fee per transaction
For a 25 km peak-period trip on the 407 ETR without a transponder, costs can reach approximately GBP 20.50 including the camera fee. Enrolling in the National TollPass programme before using the 407 ETR is the most predictable way to manage toll costs in Canada.
Can I get cashback on tolls paid during my National hire in Canada?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals for a National hire in Canada include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses you up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your hire period.
This is especially useful in Canada given the Highway 407 ETR in Ontario and other toll roads in Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, where cashless tolls can add up quickly.
To claim your cashback after returning your National vehicle in Canada:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - Reservation [Your Confirmation Number]
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed hire agreement, and a toll receipt 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 your original payment method and typically processes within 7 to 10 working days after approval. Claims submitted after 30 days are not accepted. Note that Tolls Cashback reimburses toll charges only, not administrative or programme fees.
What is the fuel policy for National Car Hire in Canada?
National Car Hire in Canada operates on a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
- At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the National agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge
- Ask the agent for the nearest petrol stations to the return location
- Refuel within approximately 15 km of the return point so the gauge does not drop before you arrive
- Keep your final fuel receipt as proof in case of a dispute
If you return the National vehicle in Canada below the recorded starting level, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refuelling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a service fee. Returning the car full is always the most cost-effective option.
If the vehicle was not full at pickup, ask the National agent to note the exact level on the agreement and return it at that same level to avoid charges.
Can I add an additional driver to my National hire in Canada?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your National hire in Canada, either as part of your rate or by paying a fee at the counter.
For National Car Hire in Canada, the additional driver fee is GBP 12 per day plus applicable taxes when not included in your rate. Some Hola Car Rentals rates include one additional driver at no extra cost; check your booking confirmation for the line that reads "Additional driver free of charge" to confirm.
Requirements for adding an additional driver at a National counter in Canada:
- The additional driver must be present at pickup with a valid, unexpired driver’s licence
- They must meet the minimum age requirements for Canada
- If their licence is not in English or uses a non-Latin alphabet, an IDP is required
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement
Only drivers listed on the National hire agreement in Canada are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW and liability cover. Anyone who drives without being named on the contract may void those protections entirely.
What insurance is included with a National hire car in Canada?
Yes, National hire cars in Canada come with statutory third-party liability cover included by law. Provincial law in Canada requires every vehicle on the road to carry third-party liability insurance, so this cover follows the car automatically when you hire through National in Canada.
You can still purchase higher supplementary liability limits (LIS/ALI/SLI) if you want additional protection beyond the provincial minimum.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability for damage to the National hire vehicle itself. Whether CDW/LDW is included depends on the rate you selected; check your booking confirmation for details. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero.
- CDW/LDW covers damage to the hire car from collision, theft, or vandalism (subject to exclusions)
- CDW/LDW does not cover third-party injuries or property damage to others
- Prohibited use such as off-road driving or driving under the influence voids cover
- Only drivers listed on the National hire agreement in Canada are covered
Personal accident insurance (PAI) and personal effects cover (PEC) are separate optional extras available at the National counter in Canada.
Does my National hire in Canada include travel assistance?
Yes, most bookings include travel assistance through Terrawind Global Protection, but this benefit does not apply to Canadian or US residents. If you are visiting Canada from outside North America and hiring a National vehicle, you are likely eligible for this cover.
Travel assistance included with your booking covers:
- Medical cover for up to 5 passengers for non-pre-existing illnesses and accidents
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident during your National hire in Canada
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
If you need assistance during your National hire in Canada, for example after a motorway breakdown or a medical emergency in a remote area, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Phone (toll-free or collect): +1 888 980 9992
- 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 hire vehicle damage or LIS/ALI/SLI for third-party liability. Review your booking confirmation for the exact terms and limits that apply to your reservation.
Can I pick up a National hire car in one city in Canada and drop it off in another?
Yes, one-way hires are available through National Car Hire in Canada, allowing you to pick up in one city and return the vehicle in a different city. However, a drop-off fee may apply depending on the route, distance, and vehicle class.
How to check whether a drop-off fee applies to your National one-way hire in Canada:
- During the booking process, select different pickup and return locations
- The drop-off fee, if any, will appear on the rate details page under the "To pay at destination" section
- If no fee is shown, no drop-off charge applies to that specific route
Drop-off fees for National hires in Canada are route-specific and vary by distance, season, and vehicle class. Long-distance routes between different regions typically carry a fee, while short same-city routes often do not. Cross-border one-ways between Canada and the United States may be restricted or carry higher fees depending on National's current policies.
If the National counter in Canada charges a drop-off fee that was not disclosed on your booking confirmation, keep all paperwork and contact support, as No Extra Charges© coverage may apply.
How does the Highway 407 ETR toll work for National hire cars in Canada?
The Highway 407 ETR is a 108 km all-electronic toll highway crossing the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada. It is one of the few major toll roads in Canada and operates with no cash booths; all billing is done by licence plate camera or transponder.
When you drive a National hire car on the 407 ETR in Canada without enrolling in a toll programme, the following charges can apply:
- Toll charge based on distance and time of day (approximately GBP 0.50 per km during peak periods)
- A trip charge of approximately GBP 3.00
- A camera fee of approximately GBP 8.50 if no transponder is present
- An administrative markup from National on top of the above
For a 25 km peak-period trip, total costs without a programme can reach approximately GBP 15.50 before any administrative fees.
National Car Hire in Canada offers a TollPass programme that covers the 407 ETR and other Ontario toll roads electronically. Enrolling at the National counter before your first toll use is the most straightforward way to manage these charges. Keep all toll invoices and hire receipts, as you may be eligible for Tolls Cashback of up to 5% of your booking total through Hola Car Rentals.
What is the cancellation policy for National Car Hire bookings in Canada?
Yes, National Car Hire in Canada has a specific cancellation policy that differs from other hire brands. Because National belongs to the Alamo/National/Enterprise group, a 48-hour cancellation window applies to these bookings.
Key points about cancelling a National hire reservation in Canada:
- Cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled pickup time to receive a full refund
- Cancellations made within 48 hours of pickup may not be eligible for a refund
- No-shows (failing to pick up without cancelling) are generally non-refundable
To cancel or modify your National booking in Canada, use the Manage Booking option in your confirmation email or contact Hola Car Rentals support. If you need to change pickup dates, times, or locations, re-pricing may apply based on current availability.
If your flight to Canada is delayed by less than 24 hours, National will typically hold your reservation. For delays exceeding 24 hours, contact support as soon as possible, as changes are not guaranteed.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent from National in Canada?
No, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not always mandatory to hire from National in Canada, but it is strongly recommended in certain situations.
Visitors to Canada can generally drive with a valid foreign licence. However, an IDP is required if your 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 during your National hire in Canada.
- Latin-alphabet licences (for example, most European, Latin American, and some Asian licences): IDP recommended but not mandatory
- Non-Latin-alphabet licences: IDP is mandatory alongside the original licence
- The IDP is a translation document only; it is not valid without the original licence
- Obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling to Canada, as it cannot be issued abroad
National Car Hire in Canada follows the desk requirements set by local law and the hire partner. If there is any doubt about whether your licence will be accepted, obtaining an IDP before your trip is the safest approach. All documents presented at the National counter in Canada must be physical originals; digital copies are not accepted.
Where can I find the National Car Hire counter at airports in Canada?
Yes, National Car Hire operates at major Canadian airports, and the counter location varies by airport. Your booking confirmation will show the operating brand and any specific pickup instructions for your location in Canada.
General steps to find the National counter at a Canadian airport:
- Look for "Car Hire" signage inside the terminal after baggage claim
- At larger airports such as Toronto Pearson (YYZ), counters may be located in a consolidated Rental Car Centre reached by a dedicated shuttle or walkway
- At smaller Canadian airports, National counters are often located directly inside the terminal building
- If National shares a facility with Enterprise or Alamo (all part of the same brand family), follow signage for any of those three brands
If you arrive after hours at a National location in Canada, review your booking confirmation for after-hours pickup instructions, key-drop procedures, or an alternate contact number. If no signage is visible, use the airport information desk or courtesy phones near the baggage claim area.
For specific terminal and building details at a particular Canadian airport, check the pickup instructions section of your Hola Car Rentals confirmation before you travel.
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