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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Payless in Baltimore include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Baltimore, including Payless, 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 Payless rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Baltimore.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Payless counter in Baltimore when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Payless booking in Baltimore 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 Payless 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 Payless counter in Baltimore 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 Payless 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 Payless rental car at Baltimore BWI airport?
At Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Payless operates from the consolidated Car Rental Facility located at Stoney Run Road and New Ridge Road, which is off-site from the main terminal.
To reach the Payless counter, follow these steps after landing in Baltimore:
- Exit to the lower level arrivals area and look for the inner curb at Doors 1, 11, or 16.
- Board the free Rental Car Shuttle, which runs every 8 to 10 minutes during normal hours (approximately every 25 minutes between 1am and 5am).
- The shuttle will take you directly to the consolidated facility where the Payless counter is located.
- Present your booking confirmation, driver's license, passport, and credit card at the Payless desk to complete your pickup.
Allow extra time during peak travel periods, as shuttle frequency can be affected by driver availability. The shuttle service is free of charge for all rental customers at Baltimore BWI.
What documents do I need to pick up a Payless car rental in Baltimore?
To collect your Payless rental in Baltimore, you must present all of 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 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 or does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as 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 cannot be used without the original license.
Obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling to Baltimore, as it cannot be issued locally. Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit at the Payless counter.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent from Payless in Baltimore?
Not always, but it depends on your license. When picking up a Payless rental in Baltimore, a foreign driver's license is generally accepted if it is in English or uses a Latin (Roman) alphabet.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if your license uses a non-Latin script, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic (Russian). In that case, you must carry both your original license and the IDP together at the Payless counter in Baltimore.
Even if your license is in English, bringing an IDP is recommended as a precaution, since individual Payless counter staff may request one. Key points to remember:
- The IDP is a translation document only, not a standalone license.
- It must be obtained in your home country before you travel to Baltimore.
- Bring your passport as a secondary ID alongside your license.
- All documents presented at the Payless counter must be physical originals.
How do Maryland toll roads work for a Payless rental car in Baltimore?
Maryland operates a primarily cashless toll system, and as a Payless renter in Baltimore you will encounter several tolled facilities, especially if you travel on I-95 or I-895.
The main tolled roads near Baltimore 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.
- John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95 north): US$6 to US$12.
- William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge: US$2.50 with E-ZPass.
- Intercounty Connector (MD 200): US$0.07 to US$0.35 per mile.
Your Payless rental vehicle comes equipped with an electronic toll device. At the counter in Baltimore you can choose an unlimited toll package (typically US$11 to US$25 per day, with some programs capping at around US$34.65 per rental period) or pay per use, where actual tolls plus administrative fees are billed to your card after the rental.
If you do not enroll in any program and drive through a cashless toll, the system captures your plate and mails an invoice. Unpaid tolls can result in civil penalties and vehicle registration suspension. Maryland has no congestion charges or emissions zones.
Can I get cashback on tolls paid with my Payless rental in Baltimore?
Yes, every booking made through Hola Car Rentals, including Payless rentals in Baltimore, includes Tolls Cashback of up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your rental period.
This is especially useful in Baltimore, where cashless tolls on the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95), the Baltimore Harbor Thruway Tunnel (I-895), and the Kennedy Memorial Highway can add up quickly.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after your Payless rental in Baltimore:
- 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 reservation confirmation, the signed rental agreement from Payless, and a toll receipt or invoice showing charges paid.
- Include your full name, travel dates, and the last 4 digits of the card used for the booking.
Refunds are issued to your original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted. This benefit does not mean tolls are included in your booking rate; you still pay tolls normally and claim reimbursement afterward.
Is there a young driver surcharge for under-25 renters at Payless in Baltimore?
Yes, Payless applies a young driver surcharge for renters aged 21 to 24 at Baltimore locations. The fee is US$25.00 per rental day, and vehicle class restrictions also apply.
Drivers under 25 renting from Payless in Baltimore are generally limited to Economy, Compact, Intermediate, Standard, and Full-size sedans, as well as Minivans. Premium, luxury, convertible, and large SUV categories are typically restricted to renters aged 25 and older.
Additional points to keep in mind for young renters at the Payless counter in Baltimore:
- The minimum age to rent is 21 at most U.S. locations, including Baltimore.
- A valid driver's license and a major credit card in the renter's name are still required.
- Additional drivers aged 21 to 24 may not be accepted at Payless; Payless generally requires additional drivers to be at least 25 years old.
- The young driver surcharge is paid at the counter and is not included in your prepaid rate.
If you are from Latin America or the Caribbean and aged 21 to 24, check whether your Hola Car Rentals confirmation shows the underage fee waived, as this exception applies to Avis and Budget but not to Payless rentals in Baltimore.
How does the credit card deposit work at the Payless counter in Baltimore?
At the Payless counter in Baltimore, a temporary authorization (hold) is placed on your credit card at the time of pickup. This is not a charge; it reduces your available credit until the rental is closed and your bank releases the hold.
For standard vehicles in the United States, including Baltimore, the typical hold is approximately US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount varies by vehicle class, rental duration, and Payless counter policy.
Important requirements for the deposit at the Payless Baltimore counter:
- The card must be a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) with the driver's name printed on the physical card.
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual or digital-only cards are not accepted for the deposit.
- The card must be in the main driver's name and presented physically at the counter.
- Ensure your card has sufficient available credit to cover the hold plus any expected charges.
After you return the Payless vehicle in Baltimore, the hold is released. Your bank or card issuer controls how quickly it appears back on your account, which can take up to 15 business days. Bringing a backup credit card is recommended in case your primary card is declined.
Can I add an additional driver to my Payless rental in Baltimore?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Payless rental in Baltimore, but the driver must be present at the counter at the time of pickup with their own valid driver's license.
When the additional driver fee is not included in your Hola Car Rentals rate, Payless charges US$13.00 per rental day plus taxes, with a maximum cap of US$65.00 plus taxes for the rental period.
Key rules for adding a driver at the Payless counter in Baltimore:
- The additional driver must appear in person and sign the rental agreement.
- They must meet the same document requirements as the main driver, including an IDP if their license uses a non-Latin alphabet.
- For Payless in Baltimore, additional drivers are generally required to be at least 25 years old.
- Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered by the vehicle's protections such as CDW/LDW.
Check your Hola Car Rentals confirmation before arriving at the Baltimore Payless counter. If your rate includes one additional driver free of charge, it will be stated explicitly as "Additional driver free of charge" on your confirmation. If someone drives who is not listed on the agreement, coverage may be void.
What is the fuel policy for Payless rentals in Baltimore?
Payless rentals in Baltimore 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.
To avoid fuel fees at the end of your Payless rental in Baltimore:
- Check the fuel gauge with the agent at pickup and confirm the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement.
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge when you collect the car.
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km of the BWI return location before dropping off the vehicle.
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address.
- For after-hours returns, leave the receipt in the key envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge.
If you return the Payless vehicle in Baltimore 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 retail pump prices, plus a refueling service fee. Using the correct fuel type is also important, as wrong-fuel incidents are not covered by the fuel policy and may generate additional charges.
What driving quirks should I know before picking up a Payless car in Baltimore?
Baltimore has several road characteristics that can catch first-time drivers off guard, and knowing them before collecting your Payless rental will help you navigate more confidently.
- One-way street networks: Baltimore has dense one-way street pairs throughout the city, including along U.S. Route 40. These differ significantly from grid-based cities and can confuse GPS navigation.
- Fragmented interstate spurs: The city's highway layout includes short stubs such as the 0.75-mile I-170, which ends without connecting to other freeways, and the elevated I-395 viaduct, which feeds directly onto Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at street level. There is no direct freeway link between I-395, I-170, and I-83.
- Traffic signal retiming: A citywide signal retiming project running through 2026 creates inconsistent light synchronization on some corridors, particularly on the west side of Baltimore.
- Left-turn restrictions: At many one-way intersections, left turns on red are prohibited unless specifically signed as permitted.
- Zigzag road designs: Some Baltimore neighborhoods use chicane-style road layouts instead of speed humps, requiring serpentine driving through residential streets.
None of these factors affect your Payless rental agreement, but being aware of them before you drive away from the Baltimore counter will make your trip smoother.
Can I return my Payless rental car to a different city from Baltimore?
Yes, one-way rentals are possible with Payless, allowing you to pick up in Baltimore and return the vehicle at a different location, but a drop-off fee typically applies and must be confirmed at the time of booking.
How one-way fees work for Payless rentals from Baltimore:
- The drop-off fee is route-specific and varies by destination, vehicle class, and season.
- During the Hola Car Rentals booking process, the fee is shown on the rate details page under the "To pay at destination" section before you confirm.
- The fee is paid at the Payless counter, not prepaid online, and is not covered by No Extra Charges© unless it was not disclosed during booking.
- Cross-border one-ways, such as returning the vehicle in Canada, may be restricted or carry significantly higher fees depending on Payless partner rules.
- Some short-distance routes between nearby cities may not incur a drop-off fee at all.
If you need to change your return location after booking your Payless rental in Baltimore, contact Hola Car Rentals support, as mid-rental route changes must be approved by the partner and may reprice the reservation.
What insurance coverage is included with a Payless rental in Baltimore?
The insurance and protection options included with your Payless rental in Baltimore depend on the rate plan selected through Hola Car Rentals. Your booking confirmation will list exactly what is covered.
The two main protections to understand are:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Reduces your financial liability for damage to the Payless rental vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation states zero deductible. CDW/LDW does not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people.
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): Covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the Payless vehicle in Baltimore. Some U.S. states require a minimum level of liability, but not all do. Hola Car Rentals strongly recommends adding supplemental liability coverage up to US$300,000.
CDW/LDW and LIS/ALI/SLI are separate protections and must both be present for comprehensive coverage. Neither covers your personal belongings or your own medical costs, which require separate add-ons (PEC and PAI respectively).
Always review the rental agreement at the Payless counter in Baltimore to confirm which coverages are active and what deductible amounts apply before signing.
Is travel assistance included with my Payless booking in Baltimore?
Yes, most Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Payless rentals in Baltimore, include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection at no extra cost. However, this benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada.
If you are an international visitor driving a Payless rental in Baltimore and you experience an emergency, such as a medical situation on I-95 or a breakdown near the Fort McHenry Tunnel, the travel assistance coverage can help with:
- 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 luggage lost by the airline.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
To activate assistance during your Payless rental in Baltimore, 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]
Provide your full name, your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number, your current location in Baltimore, and a brief description of the situation. This coverage does not replace CDW/LDW for vehicle damage or LIS/ALI/SLI for third-party liability.
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