VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my SUV rental in Birmingham through Hola Car Rentals include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Birmingham, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match, even when renting an SUV:
- 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 SUV rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Birmingham.
Will I face unexpected charges when I rent an SUV in Birmingham through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your SUV booking in Birmingham 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, whether you are renting an SUV or any other vehicle class. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in Birmingham 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)
Where do I pick up my SUV rental at Birmingham Airport?
At Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), SUV rental counters for major brands including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National are located in the terminal near baggage claim or in section 1B of the ground-level parking deck at 5900 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35212.
Once you have your paperwork, your SUV will be in the on-site parking garage across from the terminal or accessible via a short walk through the parking deck. Some brands use a brief shuttle to reach the vehicle lot.
- Alamo offers a touch-screen kiosk for skip-the-counter check-in: print your agreement, go directly to your SUV on the lot, and show your agreement and license at the exit booth
- Budget provides keys and directions at the counter or Fastbreak kiosk, with SUVs in the parking garage or via shuttle
Allow 30 to 60 minutes from landing to driving away, accounting for baggage claim, check-in, and the short walk or shuttle to your Birmingham SUV.
What are the counter hours for SUV rentals at Birmingham Airport?
Counter hours for SUV rental brands at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) vary by company. As a general guide:
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise typically operate from around 5:00 AM to midnight daily
- Budget, Avis, and Hertz generally open between 5:30 and 6:00 AM and close between 10:00 PM and midnight, with earlier closing on Saturdays
If you are picking up a Birmingham SUV outside counter hours, after-hours key-drop returns are available at several brands. Avis offers a 24-hour drop box, and Enterprise also accommodates after-hours returns. Always confirm the exact hours for your chosen brand on your booking confirmation before you travel, as hours can change on public holidays.
City-center locations such as Budget on Third Avenue South operate on shorter schedules, typically Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and are closed on Sundays, so the airport is the more practical option for most SUV renters arriving in Birmingham by air.
What documents do I need to pick up my SUV rental in Birmingham?
To collect your SUV rental in Birmingham, you must bring the following physical documents to the counter:
- A valid, original driver's license (no digital copies or photocopies accepted)
- A major credit card with your name printed on the physical card, in the main driver's name, 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 abroad
If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, for example Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original license. For licenses in English or a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required.
Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security hold on your Birmingham SUV rental. Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined. All documents must be physical originals presented in person at the counter.
Can I get tolls cashback on my SUV rental in Birmingham?
Yes, all Hola Car Rentals rates include Tolls Cashback, which applies to your Birmingham SUV rental whenever you pay tolls during your trip.
Alabama operates several toll roads that you may encounter when driving your SUV from Birmingham to other parts of the state, including the Tuscaloosa Bypass (US$1.50), the Montgomery Expressway Bridge (US$1.50), the Emerald Mountain Expressway (US$1.75), and the Foley Beach Express Toll Bridge (US$2.75). Alabama toll booths accept cash, credit or debit cards, and the Alabama Freedom Pass transponder.
Hola Car Rentals reimburses the lesser of the total tolls you paid or up to 5% of your total booking value. To claim:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning your Birmingham SUV
- Include your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the signed rental agreement, and a receipt or statement showing toll charges paid
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA followed by your confirmation number
Refunds are issued to your original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions after 30 days are not accepted.
How do toll programs work for SUV rentals in Birmingham?
When you pick up your SUV rental in Birmingham, the vehicle will already have an electronic toll device installed. Alabama toll roads accept cash, card, and transponder payments, so you have flexibility in how you handle tolls.
At the counter, you can choose between two options:
- Unlimited toll package: a fixed daily rate of approximately US$11 to US$25 per day depending on the brand, covering all tolls during your Birmingham SUV rental period
- Pay-per-use: you drive through tolls normally and the rental company charges the actual toll amount plus an administrative processing fee to your credit card, sometimes weeks after the rental ends
Some brands, such as Dollar and Thrifty, offer PlatePass for all-inclusive tolling at a pre-paid daily rate. Enterprise and Alamo typically charge around US$3.95 per day for transponder use plus actual tolls, up to a rental-period cap.
If you prefer to pay Alabama tolls manually at booths using cash or card, inform the counter agent at pickup and ask them to deactivate the vehicle's default toll device to avoid duplicate charges on your Birmingham SUV.
How much is the security deposit for an SUV rental in Birmingham?
For an SUV rental in Birmingham, the rental company will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card at pickup. For standard vehicles in the United States, typical holds range from US$300 to US$400, though SUV and premium vehicle classes can result in higher holds.
The hold is not a charge. It reduces your available credit until the rental company releases it after you return the vehicle. Your bank controls how quickly the hold disappears from your statement, which can take up to 15 business days.
- You must present a physical, major credit card with your name printed on the card
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted for the deposit on your Birmingham SUV
- Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined
- Notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent fraud blocks on the in-person authorization
The exact hold amount for your Birmingham SUV is set by the rental company desk and may vary by brand, location, season, and vehicle class. Confirm the amount with the agent before signing.
Can a driver under 25 rent an SUV in Birmingham?
Yes, drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent a vehicle in Birmingham, but a young-renter surcharge applies and most full-size and premium SUV classes are restricted to drivers aged 25 and over.
Alabama is not New York or Michigan, so the standard U.S. policy applies: the minimum age is 25 for surcharge-free rentals, and drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a daily underage fee that varies by brand.
For your Birmingham SUV rental, the vehicle classes typically available to under-25 drivers are limited to smaller categories such as compact SUV or intermediate SUV. Full-size SUVs, premium SUVs, and specialty vehicles generally require the main driver to be at least 25.
- Avis and Budget: 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
If you are from Latin America or the Caribbean and aged 21 to 24, certain Hola Car Rentals rates with Avis or Budget may waive the underage fee. Check your booking confirmation to see if the waiver is shown.
How does travel assistance work if my SUV breaks down near Birmingham?
Most Hola Car Rentals bookings include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can help if you experience an emergency while driving your SUV in or around Birmingham.
Core benefits typically include:
- 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
If you need emergency help while driving your Birmingham SUV, contact the assistance line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Phone: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free)
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Provide your full name, your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number, your location near Birmingham, and a brief description of the situation. Follow the coordinator's instructions and keep all receipts and reports.
Important: this benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada. It also does not cover damage to the rental SUV itself, which is handled separately by CDW or LDW coverage. Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms that apply to your reservation.
Can I return my SUV rental to a different city from Birmingham?
Yes, one-way SUV rentals from Birmingham to a different city are possible, but a drop-off fee typically applies and availability depends on the route, rental brand, and vehicle class.
Common patterns for Birmingham SUV one-way rentals:
- Birmingham Airport to Birmingham city center (or vice versa): often no drop-off fee
- Birmingham to another city in Alabama or a neighboring state: a drop-off fee usually applies, varying by distance and SUV class
- Long-distance or cross-country routes: fees can be significant, and some routes may not be available
The drop-off fee for your Birmingham SUV will be shown during the booking process under the section labeled as amounts due at the destination. It cannot be prepaid and is paid directly to the rental company at pickup.
If you need to change your drop-off location after booking, the rental will be repriced and a new drop-off fee may apply. Contact support before making mid-rental changes, as the partner branch must approve any route modification. Cross-border one-ways, for example from Birmingham to Canada or Mexico, are generally restricted or require special authorization.
What fuel policy applies to SUV rentals in Birmingham?
SUV rentals in Birmingham follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the SUV with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges.
- 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
- During your Birmingham trip, use the correct fuel type for your SUV (gasoline or diesel as specified)
- Before returning, refuel within approximately 10 miles of the 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 your Birmingham SUV with less than a full tank, the rental company may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refueling rate, which is typically higher than pump prices, plus a refueling service fee.
For after-hours returns at Birmingham Airport, leave the fuel receipt in the key-drop envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone as evidence. Ask the agent at pickup to recommend the nearest fuel stations to the return location.
How do I add an additional driver to my SUV rental in Birmingham?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your SUV rental in Birmingham, either at no cost if your rate includes it or for a daily fee paid at the counter.
The additional driver must be present at the Birmingham pickup counter with a valid driver's license and any required ID. They must sign the rental agreement before driving the SUV. If their license is not in a Latin alphabet, an IDP is also required.
If the additional driver fee is not included in your rate, the daily charges 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
For Avis, Budget, and Payless, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old at pickup. Check your Hola Car Rentals confirmation for the line stating whether an additional driver is included in your Birmingham SUV rate before you arrive at the counter.
Is CDW insurance included in my SUV rental in Birmingham?
Whether CDW or LDW is included in your Birmingham SUV rental depends on the specific rate plan you selected. Check your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation for a line labeled Car Rental Insurance or CDW/LDW to confirm.
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) reduce your financial liability for damage to the rental SUV from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible or excess may still apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero deductible.
What CDW/LDW does not cover for your Birmingham SUV:
- Damage or injury caused to other people or their property (that requires LIS/ALI/SLI liability coverage)
- Tires, wheels, undercarriage, and roof damage unless specifically included
- Incidents involving an unauthorized driver not listed on the rental agreement
- Prohibited use such as off-road driving, DUI, or racing
In the United States, not all states require rental companies to include minimum third-party liability. Hola Car Rentals strongly recommends adding Liability Insurance Supplementary (up to US$300,000) to your Birmingham SUV booking to cover third-party claims. Review your confirmation carefully and ask the counter agent to confirm all coverages before signing the rental agreement.
How do I return my SUV rental at Birmingham Airport after hours?
Returning your SUV rental at Birmingham Airport outside counter hours is possible at several brands. Follow the Car Rental Return signs to the parking deck at section 1B of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
- Budget: use the Fastbreak drop box to submit mileage and fuel information without visiting the counter
- Avis: a 24-hour key-drop box is located next to the booth
- Enterprise: after-hours returns are available at the designated drop area
Before leaving your Birmingham SUV, take a photo of the fuel gauge showing a full tank, the odometer, and the exterior of the vehicle. Place your fuel receipt and any paperwork in the key-drop envelope provided.
Keep in mind that your liability for the SUV continues until the rental company formally checks it in the next business day. If any damage is noted at check-in that was not documented before your after-hours drop, contact support promptly with your photos as evidence.
City-center locations such as Budget on Third Avenue South do not offer the same after-hours flexibility as the airport, so if your schedule requires a late return in Birmingham, the airport location is the better choice for your SUV rental.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.
Suggested Currencies
- $ USD - United States Dollar
- € EUR - Euro
Other Countries
-
Albania
-
Algeria
-
Andorra
-
Angola
-
Antigua & Barbuda
-
Argentina
-
Australia
-
Austria
-
Bahamas
-
Bahrain
-
Bangladesh
-
Barbados
-
Belgium
-
Belize
-
Benin
-
Bermuda
-
Bolivia
-
Bosnia & Herzegovina
-
Botswana
-
Brazil
-
British Virgin Islands
-
Bulgaria
-
Burkina Faso
-
Burundi
-
Cameroon
-
Canada
-
Cape Verde
-
Cayman Islands
-
Central African Republic
-
Chad
-
Chile
-
Colombia
-
Comoros
-
Congo - Brazzaville
-
Congo - Kinshasa
-
Costa Rica
-
Côte d’Ivoire
-
Croatia
-
Curaçao
-
Cyprus
-
Czechia
-
Denmark
-
Djibouti
-
Dominica
-
Dominican Republic
-
Ecuador
-
Egypt
-
El Salvador
-
Equatorial Guinea
-
Eritrea
-
Estonia
-
Eswatini
-
Ethiopia
-
Finland
-
France
-
Gabon
-
Gambia
-
Germany
-
Ghana
-
Greece
-
Grenada
-
Guatemala
-
Guinea
-
Guinea-Bissau
-
Guyana
-
Haiti
-
Honduras
-
Hong Kong SAR
-
Hungary
-
Iceland
-
India
-
Iraq
-
Ireland
-
Israel
-
Italy
-
Jamaica
-
Japan
-
Jordan
-
Kenya
-
Kuwait
-
Latvia
-
Lebanon
-
Lesotho
-
Liberia
-
Libya
-
Liechtenstein
-
Lithuania
-
Luxembourg
-
Madagascar
-
Malawi
-
Mali
-
Malta
-
Mauritania
-
Mauritius
-
Mexico
-
Moldova
-
Monaco
-
Montenegro
-
Morocco
-
Mozambique
-
Namibia
-
Netherlands
-
New Zealand
-
Nicaragua
-
Niger
-
Nigeria
-
Norway
-
Oman
-
Palestinian Territories
-
Panama
-
Paraguay
-
Peru
-
Philippines
-
Poland
-
Portugal
-
Qatar
-
Romania
-
Russia
-
Rwanda
-
San Marino
-
São Tomé & Príncipe
-
Saudi Arabia
-
Senegal
-
Serbia
-
Seychelles
-
Sierra Leone
-
Singapore
-
Sint Maarten
-
Slovakia
-
Slovenia
-
Somalia
-
South Africa
-
South Korea
-
South Sudan
-
Spain
-
St. Lucia
-
St. Vincent & Grenadines
-
Sudan
-
Sweden
-
Switzerland
-
Taiwan
-
Tanzania
-
Togo
-
Trinidad & Tobago
-
Tunisia
-
Türkiye
-
Turks & Caicos Islands
-
Uganda
-
Ukraine
-
United Arab Emirates
-
United Kingdom
-
United States
-
Uruguay
-
Vatican City
-
Venezuela
-
Yemen
-
Zambia
-
Zimbabwe