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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with National in Ottawa include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is a premium partner of the leading car rental companies in Ottawa, including National, 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 National rental experience with complete protection and peace of mind during your trip in Ottawa.
Will I face unexpected charges at the National counter in Ottawa when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your National booking in Ottawa 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 National 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 National counter in Ottawa 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 National 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)
Where is the National counter at Ottawa International Airport (YOW)?
The National counter at Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is located across from Airport Arrivals on the main level of the parking facility. Note that due to ongoing construction (effective October 2), the National counter has temporarily moved to the International Arrivals area, directly across from baggage claim.
After collecting your luggage, proceed to the National counter to complete your rental agreement and receive your keys. The vehicles are parked in the parkade directly across from the terminal, within walking distance, so no shuttle is required.
The return facility for National is at 1003 Airport Parkway Private, Ottawa, ON, K1V 2C1. After-hours vehicle return is available at this location. If you are returning outside of staffed hours, place your keys in the National key drop box located outside the office door.
What documents do I need to pick up a National rental car in Ottawa?
To pick up your National rental car in Ottawa, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name. If your license is not in English and uses a non-Latin alphabet (such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original license.
- 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.
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID.
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside Canada).
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies are not accepted at the National counter in Ottawa. If you hold a license from a country that uses a non-Latin script, obtain your IDP before traveling, as it cannot be issued abroad.
How much is the security deposit for a National rental in Ottawa?
When picking up your National rental car in Ottawa, the counter will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. For rentals in Canada, this hold is typically in the range of CAD 300 to CAD 500, though some Ottawa locations may require a minimum authorization of approximately CAD 750 depending on the vehicle class and season.
This is not a charge. It is a temporary hold that reduces your available credit until the rental is closed and your bank releases it, which can take up to 15 business days after return.
- Only a major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card is accepted for the deposit. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted.
- Premium or specialty vehicles may carry a higher hold amount.
- Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined.
The exact hold amount is set by the National desk in Ottawa and local policy. Confirm the amount with the agent before they process the authorization.
Are there toll roads near Ottawa, and how do they work with a National rental?
The main toll road relevant to drivers renting from National in Ottawa and traveling through Ontario is Highway 407 ETR, a 108 km privately operated highway spanning the Greater Toronto Area. If your Ottawa trip takes you toward Toronto, you may encounter this road.
Key facts about the 407 ETR:
- It is 100% cashless. There are no toll booths. Tolls are billed by photographing the license plate of your rental vehicle.
- Rates are distance-based and vary by time of day and zone. A sample 25 km peak-period trip can cost approximately CAD 30.45 including a trip charge and camera charge for vehicles without a transponder.
- If you drive on the 407 ETR without enrolling in a toll program, National will be billed and will then charge your card for the toll amount plus administrative fees.
Most highways in the Ottawa area itself, including the 400-series roads, are toll-free. Ontario has no congestion charges or emissions zones. If you stay within the Ottawa region, you are unlikely to encounter any tolls at all.
Hola Car Rentals includes Tolls Cashback on all bookings, letting you claim up to 5% of your total booking value back for tolls paid. Submit your claim within 30 days of returning the vehicle.
Can I add an additional driver to my National rental in Ottawa?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your National rental in Ottawa, either as part of your rate or by paying a fee at the counter.
For National in Ottawa, the additional driver fee is CAD 15 per day plus applicable taxes when not included in your rate. Check your booking confirmation to see if an additional driver is already included at no extra cost.
- The additional driver must be present at the National counter in Ottawa at the time of pickup.
- They must present a valid driver's license and any required IDP.
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement.
- Only drivers listed on the agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW.
If you need to add more than one additional driver beyond what your rate includes, each will incur the daily fee. Do not allow anyone not listed on the National rental agreement to drive the vehicle in Ottawa or elsewhere, as this can void your coverage.
Can I drive my National rental from Ottawa into the United States?
Yes, vehicles rented from National in Ottawa can generally be driven throughout Canada and into the United States. However, cross-border travel into Mexico is not permitted.
Before crossing the border from Ottawa into the US, keep the following in mind:
- Confirm cross-border authorization with National at the Ottawa counter before your trip. Some vehicle classes or rate types may have restrictions.
- Carry your rental agreement, passport, and any required entry documents for the US.
- Your CDW/LDW and liability coverage terms may differ once you cross the border. Review your rental agreement carefully.
- Provincial law in Ontario requires every rental vehicle to carry third-party liability, which is included by default. Confirm whether this coverage extends to US roads with the National agent in Ottawa.
If you plan a one-way trip, picking up in Ottawa and dropping off at a US location, a drop-off fee will likely apply and cross-border one-ways may be restricted depending on the specific route and National's current policy. Always confirm at the Ottawa counter before departing.
What is the fuel policy for National car rentals in Ottawa?
National rentals in Ottawa follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. 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 your rental agreement.
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge before leaving the Ottawa facility.
- Refuel within approximately 15 km of the return location at Ottawa International Airport to ensure the gauge does not drop before you arrive.
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address.
If you return the vehicle below the recorded starting level, National will charge you for the fuel shortfall at their refueling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a service fee. For after-hours returns at the Ottawa airport, leave your fuel receipt in the return envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone as documentation.
What driving rules in Ottawa should I know before picking up my National rental?
Ottawa has several road characteristics that can catch first-time drivers off guard when picking up a National rental and heading into the city.
- Downtown Ottawa, particularly the Centretown area, has an extensive one-way street network. Navigation apps will route you correctly, but be prepared for loops and indirect paths if you miss a turn.
- Highway 417 is the main east-west corridor through the Ottawa region and is part of the Trans-Canada Highway. It feeds into and out of one-way streets abruptly, so plan your lane position in advance.
- The interchange between Highway 417 and Highway 416 uses a directional T design with flyover ramps rather than a standard cloverleaf. Choose your lane early, as weaving is not possible once you are on the ramp.
- Speed limits and distances are posted in metric (km/h and km). Canada drives on the right side of the road, the same as the United States.
- If your driver's license uses a non-Latin alphabet, you must carry an International Driving Permit alongside it when driving your National rental in Ottawa.
Ontario has no congestion charges or emissions zones, so there are no special entry fees for driving in Ottawa.
How does Tolls Cashback work for National rentals in Ottawa?
Hola Car Rentals includes Tolls Cashback on all bookings, including National rentals in Ottawa. You can claim up to 5% of your total booking value back for tolls you paid during your rental period.
Most driving within Ottawa itself is toll-free, as the main local highways are part of the 400-series network. However, if your trip takes you toward Toronto and you use Highway 407 ETR, tolls will apply and those charges are eligible for cashback.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after your Ottawa 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 National rental agreement signed at pickup, and a receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid.
The refund is processed to the same payment method used for your booking and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Claims submitted after 30 days are not accepted.
What happens if I return my National rental in Ottawa after hours?
After-hours vehicle return is available at the National facility at Ottawa International Airport (YOW), located at 1003 Airport Parkway Private, Ottawa, ON, K1V 2C1.
For returns between approximately 1:00 AM and 6:30 AM, follow these steps:
- Drive to the National return area in the airport parkade.
- Park the vehicle in the designated return bay.
- Place your keys in the National key drop box located outside the office, built into the door.
- Take photos of the vehicle's condition, the fuel gauge, and the odometer before leaving.
- Keep your fuel receipt if you refueled before returning.
Note that when you return a vehicle after hours, the rental agreement is not formally closed until a National agent inspects the car during staffed hours. You remain responsible for the vehicle until that inspection is complete. If any damage is noted after you leave, having timestamped photos protects you. Contact National or review your rental agreement for the specific after-hours process at the Ottawa location.
Does my National Ottawa rental include insurance coverage?
The insurance and protection options included in your National rental in Ottawa depend on the rate plan you selected when booking.
In Canada, provincial law requires every rental vehicle to carry third-party liability coverage, so a base level of liability protection is included by default when you rent through National in Ottawa. You can purchase higher supplemental liability limits (LIS/ALI/SLI) if you want additional protection.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability for damage to the National rental vehicle itself. Check your booking confirmation to see whether CDW/LDW is included and whether a deductible applies.
- CDW/LDW covers damage to the rental car from collisions, theft, and vandalism, subject to exclusions and any deductible shown on your agreement.
- It does not cover third-party injuries or property damage to others (that requires LIS/ALI/SLI).
- It does not cover prohibited use such as off-road driving or driving under the influence.
Review your National rental agreement carefully at the Ottawa counter and confirm all coverages before signing.
Is travel assistance included with my National rental booking in Ottawa?
Most Hola Car Rentals bookings include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, and this applies to National rentals booked for Ottawa as well. However, this benefit is available only to non-North American customers. Canadian and US residents do not qualify for this coverage.
If you are eligible, the travel assistance typically includes:
- Medical coverage for up to 5 passengers for accidents and non-pre-existing illnesses during your trip.
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident, which can be particularly useful if you are involved in an incident on Ottawa's highway network or in an unfamiliar area.
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
To use the assistance during your Ottawa rental, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free). Provide your full name, your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number, your location in Ottawa, and a description of the situation. Follow the coordinator's instructions and keep all receipts and reports.
Check your booking confirmation for the exact coverage terms and limits that apply to your reservation.
Can I pick up a National rental in Ottawa and drop it off in another city?
Yes, one-way rentals are generally possible with National in Ottawa, allowing you to pick up at Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and return the vehicle to a different city or location. However, a drop-off fee will typically apply and the amount varies by route, vehicle class, and season.
- The drop-off fee is shown during the booking process under the section labeled as charges due at destination. Review this before confirming your reservation.
- Cross-border one-ways, such as picking up in Ottawa and dropping off in a US city, may be restricted or carry higher fees. Confirm with the National counter in Ottawa before departing.
- One-way rentals to Mexico are not permitted from Ottawa or any Canadian National location.
- Changing your drop-off location after booking may reprice the rental and recalculate the fee.
If the drop-off fee shown at the National counter in Ottawa differs from what appeared on your booking confirmation, keep all paperwork and contact support. The No Extra Charges© guarantee can help resolve undisclosed fees after verification.
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