VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Avis in New York include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in New York, including Avis, 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 rental 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 Avis rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in New York.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Avis counter in New York when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Avis booking in New York 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 Avis 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 Avis counter in New York 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 Avis 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 to the Avis counter at JFK Airport in New York?
At New York JFK International Airport, all Avis rental counters are located at Federal Circle (Station C), a dedicated rental car facility served by the free on-airport AirTrain.
- After collecting your baggage, follow the signs inside your terminal to the AirTrain station.
- Board the AirTrain and ride to Federal Circle (Station C). The ride takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
- Once at Federal Circle, follow the Rental Car signs to the Avis counter and vehicle area.
The AirTrain operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the on-airport segment between terminals and Federal Circle is free of charge. Elevators and escalators are available at each station. The Avis counter at JFK operates 24 hours, so you can pick up your New York rental at any time of day or night.
Bring your booking confirmation, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name, your driver's license, and any other required documents to the counter.
What documents do I need to pick up an Avis rental car in New York?
To pick up your Avis rental car in New York, you must present the following physical documents at the counter. Digital copies are not accepted.
- A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name.
- A physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, used 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 (required for international visitors).
If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, for example if it is in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. For other non-English licenses, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation only and must be carried alongside your original license.
New York state law allows Avis to rent to drivers aged 18 and older, though a young-renter surcharge applies for drivers under 25. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit at the Avis counter in New York.
What is the security deposit amount for an Avis rental in New York?
When you pick up your Avis rental car in New York, the counter will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This hold is not a charge, but it reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after the rental ends.
For standard vehicles at Avis locations in the United States, typical holds range from approximately US$300 to US$400. The exact amount can vary depending on the vehicle class, the specific New York location (airport versus city center), and the season. Premium or specialty vehicles may carry a higher hold.
- Only a physical major credit card in the main driver's name with the name printed on the card is accepted for the deposit.
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted.
- Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined.
- Notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent fraud blocks on the authorization.
After you return the vehicle, Avis releases the hold. Your bank or card issuer controls when the funds appear back on your account, which can take up to 15 business days.
How do tolls work for an Avis rental car in New York?
Toll roads in New York are almost entirely cashless, meaning you cannot pay with cash at most bridges, tunnels, or highway toll points. When you rent an Avis car in New York, the vehicle comes equipped with an electronic toll device that is used for automatic billing.
At the Avis counter in New York, you will typically have two options:
- Unlimited toll package: a flat daily rate of approximately US$11 to US$26 per rental day, covering all tolls during your rental period.
- Pay per use: if you decline the package, Avis will charge you the actual toll amounts plus daily or administrative processing fees after the rental ends. These charges can appear on your card days or even weeks after you return the vehicle.
Common toll costs in the New York area include approximately US$15 to US$25 or more per bridge or tunnel crossing. If you drive into Manhattan south of 60th Street on local streets, a daily congestion pricing fee of approximately US$8.99 plus taxes applies separately. The FDR Drive and West Side Highway are exempt as long as you do not exit onto local streets within the zone.
You may also bring your own compatible E-ZPass transponder. If you do, inform the Avis agent at pickup so they can deactivate the vehicle's default device and prevent duplicate charges.
What is NYC congestion pricing and does it apply to my Avis rental in New York?
Yes, New York City's congestion pricing applies to Avis rental cars entering most of Manhattan south of and including 60th Street on local streets.
The congestion pricing fee is approximately US$8.99 plus taxes per day for standard passenger vehicles. Importantly, you are charged once per calendar day regardless of how many times you enter and exit the zone on the same day.
- The zone covers Manhattan from 60th Street south to the tip of the island.
- Driving on the FDR Drive or the West Side Highway (Route 9A) does not trigger the fee, as long as you do not exit onto local streets within the zone.
- There are no traditional toll booths. Cameras automatically detect vehicles entering the area.
- This charge is separate from bridge and tunnel tolls and is not covered by insurance or rental protection packages.
The congestion fee will appear on your Avis bill either as part of the toll program charges or as a separate line item after your New York rental ends. If you purchased an unlimited toll package at the Avis counter, confirm with the agent whether the congestion fee is included or billed separately.
Can I get tolls cashback on my Avis rental in New York?
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 Avis rental in New York.
Given that New York has some of the highest toll exposure in the United States, including bridge and tunnel crossings of US$15 to US$25 or more each and the daily congestion pricing fee, this benefit can provide meaningful savings.
To claim your Tolls Cashback:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning your Avis vehicle in New York.
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA followed by your confirmation number.
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed rental agreement from Avis, and a toll receipt or statement showing the charges paid.
- Include your full name, travel dates, and the last 4 digits of the card used for your booking.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted. The cashback cap is 5% of your total booking value, so if your booking total was US$600, the maximum refund is US$30.
Can I add an additional driver to my Avis rental in New York?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Avis rental in New York, but the additional driver must be present at the counter at the time of pickup with a valid driver's license.
Whether the additional driver fee is included depends on the rate you selected. Check your booking confirmation for the line that reads additional driver free of charge. If it is not included, Avis charges US$13 per rental day plus taxes, with a maximum cap of US$65 plus taxes for the additional driver.
- The additional driver must appear in person at the Avis counter in New York and sign the rental agreement.
- For Avis in New York, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old. Drivers aged 21 to 24 may be subject to a young-renter surcharge or may not be accepted as additional drivers.
- New York state law allows Avis to rent to drivers aged 18 and older as the main driver, but this exception does not automatically extend to additional drivers.
- Any driver not listed on the rental agreement is not covered by the vehicle's protections, including CDW/LDW.
If you need to add a driver after pickup, visit an Avis branch in New York to update the agreement. Phone or chat requests alone are generally not sufficient to add a driver to an active contract.
Is there a young driver surcharge for Avis rentals in New York?
Yes, a young-renter surcharge applies to drivers under 25 at Avis locations in New York, but New York has a notable exception compared to most other U.S. states.
New York state law requires rental companies, including Avis, to rent to any licensed driver aged 18 and older. This means drivers as young as 18 can rent an Avis car in New York, whereas in most other U.S. states the minimum is 21 or 25. However, a daily young-renter surcharge still applies for drivers under 25.
- Drivers aged 18 to 24 are eligible to rent at Avis in New York but will pay a young-renter surcharge.
- Vehicle class restrictions apply. Categories such as premium, luxury, full-size SUV, minivan, and convertible are typically restricted to drivers aged 25 and older.
- Economy, compact, intermediate, and compact SUV classes are generally available to younger drivers.
If you are aged 21 to 24 and are a citizen or resident of Latin America or the Caribbean, certain Avis rates booked through Hola Car Rentals may waive the underage fee for the main driver. Check your booking confirmation to see if the waiver is explicitly listed.
What insurance coverage is included in my Avis booking in New York?
The insurance and protection options included in your Avis booking in New York depend on the rate plan you selected. Review your booking confirmation to see exactly what is covered.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability for damage to the Avis rental vehicle caused by a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero deductible. CDW and LDW do not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people.
Third-Party Liability coverage (also called LIS, ALI, or SLI) protects you against bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving. In New York, some state-minimum liability is included with the vehicle, but coverage limits may be low. Adding supplemental liability up to US$300,000 is strongly recommended.
- CDW/LDW covers the Avis rental vehicle only, not third parties.
- LIS/ALI/SLI covers third parties, not the rental vehicle itself.
- Neither covers your personal belongings or your own injuries.
- Coverage applies only to drivers listed on the Avis rental agreement in New York.
Always verify the exact coverage, deductible amounts, and any exclusions on the rental agreement before signing at the Avis counter in New York.
Can I pick up an Avis car in New York and return it at a different location?
Yes, Avis offers one-way rentals in New York, allowing you to pick up at one location and return to a different one, including between Manhattan city center locations and the airports at JFK or LaGuardia.
A drop-off fee may apply depending on the route. This fee is set by Avis and varies based on the pickup and return locations, the vehicle class, and the dates of your rental. The fee is not included in any rate plan and cannot be prepaid through Hola Car Rentals.
- Same-city routes, such as Midtown Manhattan to JFK Airport, often carry no drop-off fee or a lower one.
- Routes between New York and a different city or state typically carry a drop-off fee.
- Cross-border one-ways, for example from New York to Canada, may be restricted or require prior authorization from Avis.
During the booking process on the Hola Car Rentals website, any applicable drop-off fee will be shown under the To pay at destination section on the rate details page. Review your booking confirmation to verify the fee before pickup.
If you want to change your return location after booking, contact support in advance, as mid-rental route changes must be approved by Avis and may increase the fee or affect availability.
What are the local taxes and airport fees on an Avis rental in New York?
Renting an Avis car in New York, particularly at JFK or LaGuardia airports, involves several local taxes and fees that are added on top of the base rental rate. These charges are among the highest in the United States and can add 20% to 25% or more to your total cost.
- New York City sales tax: approximately 9%.
- Vehicle license fee: up to US$5 per rental.
- Airport concession recovery fee (ACRF): typically US$10 to US$15 at JFK and LaGuardia, charged by Avis to recover the cost of operating at the airport.
- Customer facility charge (CFC): approximately US$4.50 to US$6.50 per day, covering the cost of the rental car facility at Federal Circle.
- State and tourism surcharges may also apply.
Your booking confirmation will show which taxes and fees are included in your prepaid rate and which are due at the Avis counter in New York. If your confirmation states Taxes and Fees: Included, you should not be billed again for those items at pickup. If you are charged for something not listed on your confirmation, the No Extra Charges© guarantee from Hola Car Rentals may apply after verification.
Renting from an off-airport Avis location in New York, such as a Manhattan city center branch, can reduce or eliminate some airport-specific surcharges.
What driving rules should I know before picking up an Avis car in New York?
Driving in New York, especially in Manhattan, is significantly different from most other U.S. cities and from driving in Europe or other international destinations. Knowing these local rules before you collect your Avis rental will help you navigate safely.
- Most streets in Manhattan are one-way. The grid alternates between northbound and southbound avenues and eastbound and westbound streets. You cannot simply turn around on most blocks.
- Pedestrians frequently cross against the light and step off curbs without looking both ways, because one-way streets mean traffic only comes from one direction. Stay alert at every intersection.
- Major avenues are timed for a green wave at around 25 mph, allowing you to travel many blocks without stopping if you maintain a steady speed.
- The Kew Gardens Interchange near JFK Airport, where I-678, the Grand Central Parkway, and Union Turnpike meet, is one of the most confusing highway junctions in the area. Allow extra time and follow GPS directions carefully when driving to or from the airport.
- New York City roads are entirely cashless for tolls. You cannot pay cash at bridges or tunnels.
- Congestion pricing applies in Manhattan south of 60th Street on local streets, adding a daily fee to your Avis rental bill.
Speed limits in New York City are generally 25 mph on local streets unless posted otherwise. Speed cameras are active in school zones.
Does my Avis booking in New York include travel assistance if something goes wrong?
Yes, most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Avis rentals in New York, include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection. However, this benefit does not apply to customers who are residents or citizens of the United States or Canada.
If you are an international visitor renting an Avis car in New York and something goes wrong during your trip, the travel assistance coverage typically includes:
- Medical coverage for up to 5 passengers for non-pre-existing illnesses and accidents.
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident.
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
This coverage is separate from the Avis rental vehicle protections such as CDW/LDW and third-party liability. It does not cover damage to the rental car or liability to other drivers.
To use the assistance while in New York, 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. Always contact the assistance line before incurring medical or legal expenses, as some reimbursements require prior authorization.
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