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Top Car Rental Deals in United Kingdom – National
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with National in the United Kingdom include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the leading car rental companies in the United Kingdom, including National, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate offers additional benefits that no other company can match:
- Full vehicle coverage with no deductible (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, covering up to GBP 100,000 for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of 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 at no extra cost, guaranteeing you a unique National rental experience with full protection and peace of mind throughout your trip in the United Kingdom.
Will I face unexpected charges at the National counter in the United Kingdom when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your National booking in the United Kingdom 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 the United Kingdom 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)
What documents do I need to pick up a National rental car in the United Kingdom?
To collect your National rental car in the United Kingdom, you must bring all of the following physical documents to the counter. Digital copies are not accepted.
- Your original, unexpired driver's license in the main driver's name
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card (debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit)
- Your passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting from abroad
If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required alongside your original license. For licenses in English or issued by an EU/EEA country, an IDP is generally not mandatory in the United Kingdom, though it may be advisable in certain circumstances such as paper licenses.
The IDP is a translation only and is never valid without your original license. Obtain it in your home country before traveling, as it cannot be issued abroad.
Where is the National Car Rental counter at London Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom?
At London Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom, the National car rental counter is located at the Car Rental Center on Level 0 of the South Terminal. If you arrive at the North Terminal, you will need to take the free inter-terminal monorail to reach the South Terminal Car Rental Center.
Once you land, follow the car rental signs within the South Terminal down to Level 0, where National and other rental brands share the consolidated Car Rental Center. After-hours vehicle returns are also available at this location.
National operates at more than 44 locations across the United Kingdom, including other major airports such as London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Newcastle, and Southampton, as well as numerous city-center sites across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Counter hours vary by location, so check your booking confirmation for the specific hours at your chosen National branch.
How does the security deposit work when renting from National in the United Kingdom?
When you pick up your National rental car in the United Kingdom, the counter will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge but it does reduce your available credit until your bank releases it after the rental ends.
For most standard vehicles rented in the United Kingdom, the typical hold is approximately GBP 300 to GBP 400. The exact amount can vary depending on the National branch location, vehicle class, and season. Premium or specialty vehicles may carry a higher hold.
- You must present a physical, major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card
- The card must be in the main driver's name
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted for the deposit
- Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined
After you return the vehicle, the National branch releases the hold. Your bank controls how quickly it reappears in your available credit, which can take up to 15 business days. Notify your bank of your travel plans in advance to avoid the authorization being flagged as a suspicious transaction in the United Kingdom.
Can I get a Tolls Cashback when driving through toll roads with a National rental in the United Kingdom?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include Tolls Cashback of up to 5% of your total booking value, which applies to tolls you pay during your National rental in the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom has dozens of individual toll roads rather than a single National system. Key facilities include the M6 Toll motorway, the Mersey Tunnels (A41 Queensway and A59 Kingsway), the Mersey Gateway (A533), Dunham Bridge (A57), Cleddau Bridge (A477), and the Itchen Bridge (A3025). Payment methods vary by location and not all toll roads accept cash, so check in advance. London also operates a Congestion Charge on weekdays between 7am and 6pm in the central zone, which is your responsibility to register and pay for the National rental vehicle.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after your United Kingdom rental:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA followed by your confirmation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the National rental agreement, and a receipt or statement showing the tolls paid
Refunds are issued to your original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Is third-party liability insurance included in a National car rental in the United Kingdom?
Yes, by law all rental vehicles in the United Kingdom must carry third-party liability insurance, and this coverage is included in the price of your National rental.
This means that if you cause injury to another person or damage to another vehicle or property while driving your National rental car in the United Kingdom, the statutory liability coverage travels with the vehicle and applies automatically. You do not need to purchase a separate liability add-on to meet the legal minimum requirement.
However, the included statutory liability covers only the legal minimum. If you want higher limits of protection, you can add supplemental liability coverage (LIS/ALI/SLI) to your booking. This is separate from Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW), which covers damage to the National rental vehicle itself rather than damage or injury you cause to others.
- Third-party liability: included by law in all United Kingdom rentals
- CDW/LDW: covers the rental car, not third parties
- Supplemental liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): optional higher limits you can add
Always review your National rental agreement at the counter to confirm the exact coverage limits that apply to your specific booking in the United Kingdom.
How do I add an additional driver to my National rental car in the United Kingdom?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your National rental car in the United Kingdom, but the additional driver must be present at the counter at the time of pickup.
The additional driver must bring their own valid driver's license and any required IDP if their license is not in English or uses a non-Latin alphabet. Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement before either person drives the vehicle.
Regarding fees for National rentals in the United Kingdom:
- For Alamo, National, and Enterprise, the additional driver fee is US$15 per day plus applicable local taxes when not included in your rate
- Check your booking confirmation to see if your rate already includes one additional driver at no extra cost
- Only drivers listed on the National rental agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW
If you need to add a driver after pickup, you must visit a National branch in the United Kingdom to update the agreement. This cannot typically be done by phone or chat alone. Anyone who drives the vehicle without being listed on the agreement may void your coverage, so always add every driver before leaving the counter.
What is the fuel policy for National car rentals in the United Kingdom?
National car rentals in the United Kingdom follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. 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 the rental agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge
- During the rental, use the correct fuel type (petrol or diesel) as wrong-fuel incidents are not covered and can generate significant charges
- Before returning the vehicle, refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km of the National return location so the gauge does not drop below full
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
If you return the National rental car in the United Kingdom with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than the retail pump price, plus a refueling service fee.
For after-hours returns at National locations in the United Kingdom, leave your fuel receipt in the key drop envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge as evidence.
What are the Clean Air Zones and Congestion Charge rules for National rental cars in the United Kingdom?
When driving a National rental car in the United Kingdom, you are responsible for paying any applicable road user charges in cities that operate Clean Air Zones or congestion schemes.
London operates a Congestion Charge in the central zone on weekdays between 7am and 6pm. It is your responsibility to register the National rental vehicle and pay this charge directly. If you drive in the zone without paying, you may face fines, and the rental company may charge your credit card for any unpaid amounts plus administrative fees.
Beyond London, several other cities in the United Kingdom operate Clean Air Zones (CAZ) or Low Emission Zones (LEZ) that may apply depending on the emission standard of your National rental vehicle. Oxford also has a Zero Emission Zone that may affect certain vehicles at certain times.
- Always confirm the emission standard of your specific National rental vehicle at the counter
- Check whether the cities on your route have active CAZ, LEZ, or congestion schemes before you drive
- Pay any applicable charges promptly to avoid fines being passed on through the National rental agreement
These charges are separate from toll roads and are the renter's responsibility throughout the United Kingdom.
What travel assistance is included with my National car rental booking in the United Kingdom?
Most bookings for a National rental car in the United Kingdom made through Hola Car Rentals include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection. This benefit is available to non-North American customers; residents of the United States and Canada do not qualify.
The travel assistance included with your United Kingdom National rental typically covers:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
This coverage does not include damage to the National rental vehicle itself (that is CDW/LDW) or third-party liability to others (that is LIS/ALI/SLI). Pre-existing medical conditions are also excluded.
If you need assistance during your rental in the United Kingdom, for example after a breakdown on the M6 or in a remote area of Scotland, contact the Terrawind assistance line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Phone: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free or collect)
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call. Always check your booking confirmation for the exact coverage limits and terms that apply to your specific reservation.
Can I pick up a National rental car at a train station in the United Kingdom?
Yes, National car rental operates at several train station locations across the United Kingdom, making it convenient to collect your vehicle without traveling to an airport.
Confirmed National locations at or near train stations in the United Kingdom include:
- London Paddington Station (hours typically Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00, Saturday 09:00 to 12:00, closed Sunday)
- London Waterloo Train Station
- London St Pancras Station
- York Train Station
Some city-center National locations in the United Kingdom operate from underground or office-style premises rather than traditional street-level counters. For example, the Russell Square location in London is an underground office that shares Enterprise signage, and it has a key drop box for after-hours returns. Large vehicles at that site must be parked on Level 1 of the Royal National Hotel Car Park.
Counter hours vary significantly between National branches in the United Kingdom, so always confirm the specific opening times for your chosen location on your booking confirmation before you travel. If you plan to return the vehicle outside of staffed hours, ask about key drop arrangements when you collect the car.
What happens if I return my National rental car late in the United Kingdom?
If you return your National rental car later than the agreed time in the United Kingdom, additional charges may apply once the grace period has passed.
The standard grace period at most National locations in the United Kingdom is 30 minutes, though this is not guaranteed at every branch. If you exceed the grace period, the National rental agreement may trigger charges for extra hours or an additional rental day, plus a potential late fee.
- Plan your return time carefully, especially if driving back from a remote area of Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland where fuel stops may add time
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km of the National return location before dropping off
- For after-hours returns at locations such as Gatwick South Terminal or Russell Square in London, follow the key drop instructions provided at pickup and keep a photo of the fuel gauge and odometer
If you need more time with the vehicle, contact the National branch in the United Kingdom as early as possible to request an extension. Changes to your rental period may reprice the booking. For assistance, you can also reach Hola Car Rentals support via WhatsApp at +1 (786) 999-8312 or by email at [email protected].
Can I rent a National car in one city and return it in a different city in the United Kingdom?
Yes, one-way rentals with National in the United Kingdom are possible, allowing you to pick up in one city and return to a different location. However, a drop-off fee may apply depending on the specific route.
National operates 44 locations across the United Kingdom, including sites in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which gives reasonable flexibility for one-way trips between major cities and airports.
- The drop-off fee is route-specific and varies by distance, vehicle class, and season
- Same-city airport to downtown routes often carry no drop-off fee
- Longer routes between different cities or regions typically do carry a fee
- Cross-border one-ways between the United Kingdom and other countries may be restricted or require prior approval from National
When booking, the Hola Car Rentals website will display any applicable drop-off fee on the rate details page under the section labeled as charges due at destination. This fee cannot be prepaid and is settled directly with the National counter at pickup in the United Kingdom.
If you change your return location after booking, the rental may be repriced and the drop-off fee recalculated. Always confirm the final fee on your booking confirmation before you travel.
Does National Car Rental in the United Kingdom charge a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25?
Yes, National car rental locations in the United Kingdom typically apply a young driver surcharge for renters below a certain age threshold, though the exact amount and minimum age can vary by location and vehicle class.
As a general reference for National and its related brands in the United Kingdom:
- Drivers must meet the minimum age requirement set by the specific National branch at the time of pickup
- A daily young driver surcharge is added to the rental agreement at the counter for drivers who qualify as underage under local policy
- The additional driver must also meet the minimum age requirement; if they do not, the National counter may refuse to add them or apply a surcharge
Because National is part of the Enterprise group, age policies across United Kingdom locations can differ from those in other countries. The specific surcharge amount and minimum age for your chosen National location in the United Kingdom will be shown on your booking confirmation or can be confirmed directly with the branch before pickup.
Always check the age requirements for your specific National location in the United Kingdom before booking, particularly if the primary driver or any additional driver is under 25, to avoid unexpected charges at the counter.
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