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 rental 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 deductible (applies only for certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: get back up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls charged during your rental
- 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 rental experience with complete protection and peace of mind during your trip in Alberta.
Will I face unexpected charges at the counter when I rent 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 rental 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 rental.
This means you do not need to enroll in any toll program, 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 neighboring 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 rental period.
What documents do I need to pick up a rental car in Alberta?
To collect your rental car in Alberta, you must bring the following physical documents to the counter:
- A valid, original driver's license 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 license 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 license. The IDP is a translation only and is not valid without the original license. Obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling to Alberta, as it cannot be issued abroad.
Visitors from countries whose licenses are in English or use a Latin alphabet can generally drive in Alberta on their foreign license, 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 license. In Alberta, visitors can generally drive on a valid foreign license. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if your license uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script. In that case, the IDP must accompany your original license at all times.
Even if your license uses a Latin alphabet, carrying an IDP alongside your original license is recommended as a precaution, since individual rental company desks in Alberta may request one.
A few important rules about the IDP:
- It is a translation document only, not a standalone license
- It must always be presented together with your original driver's license
- It must be obtained in your home country before you travel to Alberta
- Organizations in Canada do not issue IDPs to holders of foreign licenses
Make sure your license is valid for the entire duration of your Alberta rental. An expired, suspended, or revoked license 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 coverage is included by default when you rent a car in Alberta. Under Canadian provincial law, every rental 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 other people while driving your Alberta rental. However, the statutory minimum may be lower than what you would want in a serious accident.
You can purchase supplemental liability coverage (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 coverage does not include:
- Damage to the rental 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 supplemental liability if you want higher protection during your time in Alberta.
How does the Tolls Cashback benefit work for an Alberta rental?
All bookings include the Tolls Cashback benefit, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your rental period. Since Alberta itself has no toll roads, this benefit is most relevant if your trip takes you into neighboring provinces or regions that do charge tolls.
To claim your cashback after returning your Alberta rental:
- 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 rental 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 CAD 500, the maximum cashback would be CAD 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 rental counter in Alberta. The card is used to place a temporary authorization hold, not an immediate charge, for the security deposit.
Typical deposit holds for standard vehicles in Alberta are approximately CAD 300 to CAD 500, though some locations may hold up to CAD 750. Premium or specialty 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 prepaid 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 authorization.
Can I add an additional driver to my Alberta rental?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Alberta rental, 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 CAD 13 per rental day, capped at CAD 65
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: approximately CAD 13.50 per rental day, capped at CAD 189
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: approximately CAD 15 per day
For your Alberta pickup, the additional driver must be present at the counter with their own valid driver's license and any required IDP. Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental 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 rentals in Alberta, the additional driver must be at least 25 years old at the time of pickup.
What is the fuel policy for rental cars in Alberta?
The standard fuel policy for Alberta rentals 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 rental:
- At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge
- Use the correct fuel type (gasoline 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 rental partner may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refueling 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 refueling before drop-off is straightforward in most cases.
Does travel assistance coverage apply to my Alberta rental?
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 coverage is active for your rental period.
The travel assistance benefit, provided through Terrawind Global Protection, covers up to 5 passengers and typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage 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 coverage 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 trip.
What happens if I return my Alberta rental car late?
If you return your Alberta rental 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 rental 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 rental:
- 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 rental partner directly using the number on your rental agreement
If you need more time with the vehicle, you can request an extension during your Alberta rental. Contact the rental 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 rentals are available in Alberta, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your specific route and the rental partner.
When searching for your Alberta rental, 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 rental 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 rental partner and is paid at the counter in addition to your prepaid rate.
Age rules that apply to Alberta rentals:
- Most rental 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 rentals 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 rent 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 rental partner and confirmed at the Alberta pickup counter.
What insurance options are available for my Alberta car rental?
Several insurance and protection options are available when renting a car in Alberta, and understanding what each covers helps you avoid gaps in protection.
Coverage types relevant to Alberta rentals:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to or theft of the rental 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 rental vehicle to carry statutory liability by default, but you can purchase supplemental coverage 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 rental agreement for coverage 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 you are unsure, ask the agent to itemize each coverage before signing the rental agreement.
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