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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking in Maryland include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Maryland, 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 rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Maryland.
Will I face unexpected charges at the counter when I rent a car in Maryland through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Maryland 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 Maryland 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)
How do I pick up my rental car at BWI Airport in Maryland?
At Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in Maryland, rental car counters are not inside the terminals. All major brands operate from a Consolidated Rental Car Center (CRC) located off the main terminal buildings.
After collecting your baggage, follow the "Rental Car" signs to the curbside shuttle zones outside the terminal. Board the airport-operated consolidated shuttle, which runs frequently and takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to reach the CRC. Inside the shared facility you will find counters and kiosks for all partner brands including Avis, Hertz, Alamo, Enterprise, Budget, Dollar, National, Payless, and Thrifty.
If you are picking up at a downtown Baltimore or Annapolis branch in Maryland rather than BWI, the process is different. City branches allow direct walk-up access without a shuttle, though they have less structured signage and lower staffing volumes than the airport CRC.
For after-hours pickups at BWI, check your booking confirmation for key-drop or meet-and-greet procedures, as shuttle frequency may be reduced outside peak times.
What toll roads will I encounter driving in Maryland?
Maryland has several major tolled facilities that drivers will commonly encounter, and the state's toll system is primarily cashless and E-ZPass-compatible.
Key tolled roads and crossings in Maryland include:
- Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95): US$3 to US$6 for standard vehicles
- Baltimore Harbor Thruway Tunnel (I-895): US$3 to US$6
- William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge: US$2.50 with E-ZPass for standard vehicles
- Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (US-301): US$4.50 to US$9
- John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95): US$6 to US$12
- Intercounty Connector (MD 200): US$0.07 to US$0.35 per mile
If you do not have a transponder, Maryland uses a Pay-by-Plate or Video Toll system that captures your license plate and mails an invoice. Administrative fees are added to the toll amount, making this option more expensive. Unpaid tolls can result in violations and vehicle registration suspension.
Maryland has no congestion charges, emissions zones, or city-center driving fees comparable to systems in other countries.
Should I use the rental company's toll program or pay tolls myself in Maryland?
When renting a car in Maryland, you have several options for handling tolls on cashless roads like the Fort McHenry Tunnel and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Rental company toll programs available in Maryland include:
- National Car Rental TollPass: US$4.95 per day convenience charge plus actual tolls, with a maximum of US$34.65 for the rental period
- Transponder rental programs at similar daily rates with per-rental caps
- Avis E-Toll: electronic toll processing available for vehicles in the Northeast region
- Dollar PlatePass: pre-paid unlimited toll service at a daily rate
Alternatively, you can use a third-party service such as NextPass by adding your rental vehicle's license plate number to their app and selecting your rental dates.
If you drive through a Maryland toll without enrolling in any program, the toll agency captures your plate and the rental company passes the charge to your credit card along with administrative processing fees. These fees can add significantly to the base toll cost, so enrolling in a program before using tolled roads is generally the more predictable option.
All vehicles in Maryland come equipped with an electronic toll device. Review the rental agreement at the counter before signing to understand the daily rate and any caps that apply.
Can I get cashback on tolls I pay during my Maryland rental?
Yes, all Hola Car Rentals bookings include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Maryland rental.
This benefit is especially useful in Maryland, where tolled roads such as the Fort McHenry Tunnel, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and the Intercounty Connector can add meaningful costs to a trip, particularly if you are driving between Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Eastern Shore.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after your Maryland rental:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - Reservation {Your Confirmation Number}
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the signed rental agreement, and a toll receipt or statement showing charges paid during the rental period
The refund is calculated as the lesser of the actual tolls paid or 5% of your booking total. For example, if your booking total is US$500, the maximum cashback is US$25. If you paid US$18 in Maryland tolls, you receive US$18 back. 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.
What driving rules in Maryland are different from other US states?
Maryland has several driving rules that can catch visitors off guard, particularly those arriving from neighboring states or from abroad.
- Handheld cell phone ban: Maryland prohibits all drivers from using a handheld phone while driving under primary enforcement, meaning police can stop you solely for this violation. Fines start at US$75 to US$83 for handheld use and US$70 plus points for texting. Drivers under 18 cannot use a phone even hands-free.
- Right turn on red: Allowed statewide unless posted otherwise, but Montgomery County near Washington DC has banned right turns on red at many large intersections. Visitors driving in that area of Maryland should watch for posted signs carefully.
- Move Over law: Maryland requires drivers to change lanes or slow down for any stopped vehicle displaying flashing lights, including emergency vehicles, utility trucks, and tow trucks.
- Boulevard Rule: When merging from a side road onto a major highway in Maryland, you must come to a full stop and yield to all traffic on the main road.
- Speed limits: Maryland interstates such as I-95 and I-70 have a maximum of 70 mph. Some older sources incorrectly cite 55 mph. Always obey posted signs, as Maryland uses speed cameras that pursue out-of-state violators.
Understanding these Maryland-specific rules before you drive can help you avoid fines and drive safely throughout the state.
What documents do I need to pick up a rental car in Maryland?
To collect your rental car in Maryland, you must present physical, original documents at the counter. Digital copies are not accepted.
Required documents include:
- A valid, unexpired driver's license in the main driver's name (physical card)
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the deposit
- A passport or valid government photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting Maryland from abroad
If your driver's license is not in English and not issued by an EU or EEA country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended. An IDP is mandatory if your license uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic. The IDP is a translation only and must be carried alongside your original license, not as a replacement.
Obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling to Maryland, as US issuers such as AAA do not issue IDPs to non-US license holders.
All additional drivers must also be present at the Maryland counter with their own valid license and ID to be added to the rental agreement.
How much is the security deposit for a rental car in Maryland?
When picking up a rental car in Maryland, the partner desk will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card at the time of pickup. This is not a charge but it reduces your available credit until the rental is closed and your bank releases the hold.
For standard vehicles rented in the United States, including Maryland, typical holds range from approximately US$300 to US$400. Premium or specialty vehicle classes may carry higher holds. The exact amount is set by the rental company desk and local policy, not by Hola Car Rentals, so the figure can vary by brand, location, and season.
To prepare for your Maryland pickup:
- Bring a physical major credit card with your name printed on the card and sufficient available credit to cover the hold plus any expected charges
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted for the deposit
- Notify your bank of your travel to Maryland to prevent fraud blocks on the authorization
- Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined
After you return the vehicle in Maryland, the hold is released. Your bank or card issuer controls when the credit reappears on your account, which can take up to 15 business days.
What insurance coverage do I need for a rental car in Maryland?
When renting a car in Maryland, two main types of coverage are worth understanding before you reach the counter.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) covers damage to the rental vehicle itself from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero. CDW and LDW do not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people.
Third-Party Liability (LIS, ALI, or SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving in Maryland. Some US states require rental companies to include state-minimum liability by law, but not all states do. Hola Car Rentals strongly recommends adding Liability Insurance Supplementary (up to US$300,000) to your Maryland rental to ensure you are protected against third-party claims.
Common exclusions in Maryland and across the US include:
- Damage caused by prohibited use such as off-road driving, DUI, or unauthorized drivers
- Tires, wheels, undercarriage, and roof damage unless a specific add-on is purchased
- Incidents not reported promptly to the rental partner
Only drivers named on the rental agreement are covered. If you plan to share driving in Maryland, add all additional drivers at the counter at pickup.
Does travel assistance cover me if something goes wrong during my Maryland rental?
Yes, most Hola Car Rentals bookings include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can help if you face an emergency during your Maryland rental, such as a medical situation on a highway or a serious incident in a remote area of the state.
Core benefits typically included are:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in case of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
This coverage is designed for travelers visiting Maryland from abroad. It does not apply to US residents or Canadian residents, who do not qualify for this benefit.
If you need assistance during your Maryland rental, 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 full name, Hola Car Rentals confirmation number (for example, HOLA1000000), your location in Maryland, and a brief description of the situation ready when you call. Travel assistance does not cover damage to the rental vehicle (that is CDW or LDW) or liability to third parties (that is LIS or SLI). Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your reservation.
How do I return my rental car at BWI Airport in Maryland?
Returning a rental car at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in Maryland follows a straightforward process through the same Consolidated Rental Car Center (CRC) used for pickup.
Steps for returning your Maryland rental at BWI:
- Follow airport signage directing you to the CRC return lanes, which are adjacent to the pickup shuttle zones
- GPS-guided lots within the CRC direct you to your specific rental company's return slots
- A staff member will typically check the vehicle and close your contract on the spot
- For after-hours returns, use the lockbox key drop at the CRC entrance per your rental company's policy. Keep a photo of the fuel gauge and odometer before dropping the keys
Fuel policy in Maryland, as with most US rentals, is Full-to-Full. You receive the car with a full tank and must return it full to avoid a refueling charge at the partner's rate, which is typically higher than pump prices, plus a service fee. Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the BWI CRC before returning. Fuel stations are available on-airport or within 1 to 2 miles via exit roads from the airport.
For downtown Baltimore or Annapolis returns in Maryland, there is no CRC or shuttle. Returns are made directly at the branch location, with standard fuel stations nearby.
Are there extra taxes and fees on rental cars in Maryland?
Yes, renting a car in Maryland involves several taxes and fees on top of the base rental rate, particularly at BWI Airport.
Common charges that apply to Maryland rentals include:
- Maryland state sales tax of 6% on the rental
- Vehicle rental excise tax, which may apply in certain Maryland counties
- Airport Concession Recovery Fee (ACRF) at BWI, typically around 10% to 12% of the base rate
- Customer Facility Charge (CFC) at BWI, approximately US$4.50 per rental day, which funds the Consolidated Rental Car Center
Combined, these Maryland airport fees and taxes can add 20% to 30% above the base rate shown during your search. Off-airport locations in Baltimore or Annapolis generally avoid the concession recovery fee and CFC, which is why off-airport rates in Maryland can be 15% to 30% lower than airport rates for comparable vehicles.
Your booking confirmation will show which taxes and fees are included in your prepaid rate and which are due at the Maryland counter. If your confirmation states "Taxes and Fees: Included," you should not be billed separately for those items at pickup. If you are charged for something not disclosed on your confirmation, the No Extra Charges© guarantee may apply. Contact Hola Car Rentals support after completing your rental with your documentation.
Can drivers under 25 rent a car in Maryland?
Yes, drivers between 21 and 24 years old can rent a car in Maryland, but a young-renter surcharge applies and certain vehicle classes are restricted.
In Maryland, as in most US states, the standard minimum age without surcharges is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 are permitted to rent but will pay a daily young-renter fee at the counter. Typical surcharges by brand include:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per rental day plus taxes, capped at US$65 plus taxes
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per rental day plus taxes, capped at US$189 plus taxes
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day plus taxes
Vehicle class restrictions also apply in Maryland for under-25 renters. Economy, compact, and intermediate SUV categories are generally available, while full-size sedans, minivans, premium, luxury, and convertible classes are typically restricted to drivers 25 and older.
One exception applies at Maryland rental locations for drivers aged 21 to 24 from Latin America and the Caribbean: certain Hola Car Rentals rates fulfilled by Avis or Budget may waive the young-renter fee when the waiver is explicitly shown on the booking confirmation. Check your confirmation to see if this applies to your Maryland reservation.
Drivers under 21 cannot rent in Maryland outside of New York and Michigan state rules, which do not apply here.
Can I add an additional driver to my Maryland rental car?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Maryland rental, either at no cost if your rate includes it or for a daily fee paid at the counter.
Check your booking confirmation before arriving at the Maryland counter. If it states "Additional driver free of charge" or "Additional driver included," the first extra driver is covered at no extra cost. If it is not included, the fees by brand are:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per rental day plus taxes, capped at US$65 plus taxes
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per rental day plus taxes, capped at US$189 plus taxes
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day plus taxes
Requirements for adding a driver at a Maryland counter:
- The additional driver must be physically present at pickup
- They must present a valid driver's license and any required ID
- If their license uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, or Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit is required
- They must meet the minimum age requirements for Maryland rentals
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement
Only drivers named on the Maryland rental agreement are covered by protections such as CDW, LDW, and liability coverage. Anyone who drives the vehicle without being listed on the contract may void those protections entirely.
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