Quick Summary
- Most US rental companies operate strict non smoking fleets, so lighting up inside the vehicle can trigger extra charges.
- Smoking or vaping is usually treated as damage and may lead to heavy cleaning fees and lost use costs.
- Avoid trouble by stepping outside, keeping the cabin clean and following clear guidance from Hola Car Rentals.
Why rental companies ban smoking
After a long flight into Orlando or Miami it can be tempting to celebrate with a quick cigarette as soon as you reach your vehicle. In modern US fleets, though, virtually all vehicles are classed as non smoking, and the smell of smoke is taken just as seriously as a dent or scratch.
In a shared fleet system, one smoker can affect dozens of future drivers. Smoke particles sink into upholstery, air vents and headliners, leaving a strong odour that some travellers are sensitive to. Deep cleaning takes time, specialist products and professional labour, which is why smoking is treated as avoidable damage rather than normal use.
When you reserve with Hola Car Rentals the booking details and rental terms will flag that fleet vehicles are non smoking and explain how any cleaning fees are applied. That clarity means you can set expectations with your travel group before you even reach the pick up lane.
What counts as smoking damage
It is not only a lit cigarette that can cause problems. Ash on fabric, burn marks on seats and strong smells from cigars, pipes or vapes can all be treated as evidence that the policy has been broken. Even if you only open a window for a quick puff at the traffic lights, the interior may still hold onto the smell.
A typical inspection at the end of a trip is quick, but staff at a Miami airport desk or any other branch are trained to spot stale smoke and visible ash. Vehicles can also be checked again later in the day by a cleaning team, and charges are usually applied to the payment card on file once the issue is confirmed.
If you book your car hire through Hola Car Rentals you will see in the booking flow that cleaning for smoke is not included in standard cover. The rule is the same whether you collect your keys in Florida or at a busy Las Vegas pick up counter where many travellers are heading out for long road trips.
Cleaning charges vary by supplier and location, but it is common for non smoking fees to run well into three figures once deep cleaning and lost rental days are included. For a fuller breakdown of how this works, you can read Hola Car Rentals detailed non smoking policies and cleaning fees guide before you travel.
How to avoid non smoking fees on your trip
The simplest way to protect your wallet is to keep all smoking well away from the vehicle. Step onto the pavement, close the doors and only get back inside once smoke has cleared. Ask everyone in your group to use the same rule so you do not end up paying for a friend or relative who assumed the policy was flexible.
Keeping the cabin fresh also helps. Empty ash from clothing before you get in, store lighters and tobacco in the boot rather than the cup holders and give the car a quick tidy the night before you return it. If anything spills, wipe it up quickly so the cleaning team are not left with sticky cups and bins.
What if someone has already smoked in the car
If a traveller has already smoked, open all the windows away from other vehicles, run the air conditioning and remove any obvious ash or butts. Sprays and air fresheners can reduce stronger smells, although they rarely remove them completely. It can still be worth calling the branch in advance to mention what happened, since honest communication is usually better received than a surprise at drop off.
Booking with Hola Car Rentals gives you clear terms, free cancellation up to forty eight hours before pick up in many cases and access to all inclusive style cover that protects you against genuine accidents on the road. Respecting the non smoking policy keeps that cover intact and ensures the next driver steps into a clean, neutral smelling cabin.
Whenever you are ready to plan your next United States road trip, choose Hola Car Rentals for transparent non smoking rules, strong coverage options and competitive prices across major airports and cities.
FAQ
Will I be charged if I smoke with the windows open? Most agreements treat any evidence of smoke inside the vehicle as a breach of the non smoking policy, even if you opened the windows, so a cleaning fee can still apply.
Does vaping count as smoking in a rental car? Yes, in most fleets vaping and e cigarettes are included in non smoking rules because vapour can still leave odours and residue in the cabin.
Can I be blamed for smoke damage caused by a previous driver? If you notice a strong smell of smoke when you first collect the keys, report it immediately at the desk so the issue is logged and you are not held responsible later.
Are smoking related fees ever covered by insurance? Standard protection products are designed for accidental damage, not for avoidable policy breaches, so you should expect smoke cleaning charges to be your responsibility.
