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About renting an SUV in Illinois
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Traveler Tips & Price Insights
When is the best time to book a rental car in Illinois?
You should book your rental car approximately 7 days before your trip to get a below-average price.
Price Trend (Last 90 Days)
What is the most popular rental car type in Illinois?
suv rental cars (suv or similar) are the most popular option in Illinois.
Popular Car Types
Which is the cheapest car rental agency in Illinois?
In the last 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were from Thrifty at 46.04/day.
Average Price by Rental Company
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my SUV rental in Illinois 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 Illinois, 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 Illinois.
Will I face unexpected charges when I rent an SUV in Illinois through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your SUV booking in Illinois 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 Illinois 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)
What toll roads will I encounter when driving an SUV in Illinois?
Illinois has five major toll roads you are likely to use during your SUV rental, all managed by the Illinois Tollway.
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-39/I-90, Chicago to Rockford): US$2.75 to US$5.50 per trip
- Illinois Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80, Wisconsin line to South Holland): US$2.35 to US$4.70
- Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88, Chicago to Dixon): US$5.10 to US$10.20
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355, New Lenox to Itasca): US$3.80 to US$7.60
- Chicago Skyway (I-90/I-94, Chicago to Indiana border): US$4.80 to US$47.60
Rates shown are the discounted I-Pass/E-ZPass prices. If your Illinois SUV rental vehicle is billed by plate instead, the standard plate rate is slightly higher. Toll costs also vary by time of day: daytime rates apply from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and overnight rates from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Illinois has no congestion charges or emissions zones, so tolls are the only road fee to plan for.
How do toll payments work for an SUV rental in Illinois?
Illinois toll roads use a cashless system, so your SUV rental will be billed electronically rather than at a traditional cash booth.
You have two main options when picking up your Illinois SUV rental:
- Daily toll program: rental companies such as Avis, Budget, and National offer an unlimited toll package. National's TollPass Waiver Program at Chicago airport locations costs US$11.99 per rental day and covers all tolls incurred that day.
- Pay-by-plate (no program): if you decline the rental company's toll program, cameras automatically read your SUV's license plate and bill tolls at the standard plate rate. No enrollment is needed; the Illinois Tollway handles billing automatically.
If you drive a toll road without enrolling in any program, the toll is still recorded and eventually billed to the rental company, which will recharge you plus an administrative fee. Ignoring toll bills can lead to escalating penalties. The pay-by-plate route avoids daily service fees but charges slightly more per toll than the I-Pass/E-ZPass rate. Review both options at the counter before signing your Illinois SUV rental agreement.
What documents do I need to pick up an SUV rental in Illinois?
To collect your SUV rental in Illinois, bring the following physical documents to the counter:
- Original, unexpired driver's license in the main driver's name
- International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic; an IDP is also recommended if your license is not in English and not issued by an EU/EEA country
- Physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, for the security deposit hold
- Passport or valid government photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets
Digital documents are not accepted at any Illinois SUV rental counter. The IDP is a translation only and must be carried alongside your original license, not instead of it. If your license is in a Latin-alphabet language other than English, an IDP is recommended but not strictly mandatory. Make sure the name on your credit card matches the name on your license and rental agreement to avoid issues at pick-up.
Can I get tolls cashback on my Illinois SUV rental?
Yes, all bookings include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Illinois SUV rental.
Illinois has several heavily used toll roads, including the I-90 Jane Addams Memorial Tollway and the I-88 Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, so this benefit can add up meaningfully over a multi-day SUV rental.
To claim your cashback after returning your Illinois SUV:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA[your confirmation number]
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the signed rental agreement, and a receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid
The refund is issued to the same payment method used for your booking and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted. This benefit does not mean tolls are prepaid; you still pay them normally during your Illinois SUV rental and claim reimbursement afterward.
What is the minimum age to rent an SUV in Illinois?
In Illinois, the minimum age to rent an SUV without a young-renter surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent in Illinois but will pay a daily underage fee that varies by partner:
- 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
Drivers under 25 are also restricted from renting certain SUV classes in Illinois. Full-size SUVs and premium SUVs typically require the main driver to be at least 25. Compact and intermediate SUV categories are generally available to younger renters, subject to the surcharge above.
If you are from Latin America or the Caribbean and aged 21 to 24, some Avis and Budget rates waive the underage fee for eligible compact and medium SUV categories. Check your booking confirmation to see if this exception applies to your Illinois SUV rental.
How much is the security deposit for an SUV rental in Illinois?
For an SUV rental in Illinois, the rental company will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card at pick-up. For standard vehicles in the United States, typical holds range from US$300 to US$400, though premium or full-size SUV categories in Illinois may carry higher holds.
The hold is not a charge; it temporarily reduces your available credit until the rental company releases it after you return the SUV. Your bank controls how quickly the release appears, and it can take up to 15 business days.
Key requirements for the deposit on your Illinois SUV rental:
- Physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card
- Card must be in the main driver's name
- Sufficient available credit to cover the hold plus any expected charges
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted
Even if you prepaid your Illinois SUV booking online, you must still present a physical credit card at the counter for the security hold. Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined.
Is a credit card required to pick up an SUV rental in Illinois?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name is required to pick up any SUV rental in Illinois.
The card must have the driver's name printed on it and carry sufficient available credit to cover the security deposit hold, which typically ranges from US$300 to US$400 for standard vehicles in the United States. Premium or full-size SUVs in Illinois may require a higher hold.
- Debit cards are not accepted for the deposit hold
- Prepaid or virtual cards are not accepted
- The card must belong to the main driver, not a travel companion
- Digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay are not accepted at the counter
Even if you paid for your Illinois SUV rental in full online, you must still present the physical credit card at pick-up. If your card is declined, you may use another credit card in your own name. A third party's card is never accepted. Notify your bank of your travel dates to prevent fraud blocks on the authorization.
What SUV models are typically available to rent in Illinois?
SUV rentals in Illinois are available across a range of sizes and classes. Common models you may encounter include:
- Compact and intermediate SUVs: Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Nissan Kicks, Jeep Compass, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape
- Full-size and premium SUVs: GMC Yukon and similar large-format vehicles
Availability is concentrated at major Illinois airports, including Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago Rockford (RFD), and Quad City International (MLI). Brands offering SUV rentals at ORD include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty, among others.
Keep in mind that your booking confirms a vehicle category, not a specific model. The rental company may substitute a similar SUV of equivalent size and class if your exact model is unavailable. Illinois roads are predominantly flat and well-maintained, making any SUV class practical for statewide driving. If you need a specific feature such as AWD or a hybrid drivetrain, check vehicle details carefully before confirming your Illinois SUV reservation.
Does travel assistance cover me during an SUV rental in Illinois?
Yes, most bookings include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can be valuable during an Illinois SUV rental, particularly if you experience a medical emergency or other covered incident while driving the state's highways.
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 renting abroad and does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada. If you qualify and need assistance during your Illinois SUV rental, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provide your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number.
Note that travel assistance does not cover damage to the SUV itself (that is handled by CDW/LDW) or liability to third parties (covered by LIS/ALI/SLI). Always check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your Illinois SUV rental.
What is the fuel policy for an SUV rental in Illinois?
The standard fuel policy for an SUV rental in Illinois is Full-to-Full. You receive the SUV with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Steps to follow during your Illinois SUV rental:
- At pick-up, 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
- Use the correct fuel type for your SUV; wrong-fuel incidents are not covered and may generate charges
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km of the return location so the gauge does not drop before you arrive
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
If you return your Illinois SUV below the recorded starting level, the rental company may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refueling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a service fee. For after-hours returns at Illinois airport locations, leave the receipt in the key envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge as proof.
Can I add an additional driver to my SUV rental in Illinois?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your SUV rental in Illinois, either at no cost if your rate includes it or for a daily fee paid at the counter.
When the additional driver fee applies to your Illinois SUV rental, the per-day rates 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
The additional driver must be present at the Illinois pick-up counter with a valid driver's license and any required IDP. They must meet the same minimum age requirements as the main driver. For Avis, Budget, and Payless, additional drivers must be at least 25 years old. Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement. Only drivers listed on the agreement are covered by the SUV rental's protections in Illinois, so never let an unlisted person drive the vehicle.
Does CDW insurance cover my SUV rental in Illinois?
Yes, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) coverage reduces your financial liability for damage to your SUV rental in Illinois from a collision, theft, or other covered incidents.
What CDW/LDW typically covers for your Illinois SUV rental:
- Collision damage to the rental SUV
- Theft or vandalism
- Repairs up to the vehicle's value, minus any applicable deductible
What it does not cover:
- Damage to third parties (use LIS/ALI/SLI for that)
- Tires, wheels, undercarriage, or roof damage unless specifically included
- Incidents involving prohibited use such as off-road driving, DUI, or an unauthorized driver
- Late or missing incident reports
Illinois roads are generally flat and well-maintained, but urban driving in Chicago can involve tight spaces where SUV scrapes are possible. Always inspect your SUV at pick-up, photograph any pre-existing damage, and confirm the deductible amount on your Illinois rental agreement before driving away. Report any incident to the rental partner immediately using the number on your confirmation.
Can I pick up an SUV in Illinois and drop it off in another state?
Yes, one-way SUV rentals that start in Illinois and end in another state are generally permitted, but a drop-off fee will typically apply and must be confirmed before booking.
How one-way fees work for Illinois SUV rentals:
- The drop-off fee is route-specific and varies by rental company, destination state, season, and SUV class
- Large or premium SUVs in Illinois may carry higher repositioning fees than compact SUVs
- The fee appears under the "To pay at destination" section during checkout and on your booking confirmation
- This fee cannot be prepaid and is not covered by No Extra Charges© Coverage unless it was not disclosed at booking
Cross-border travel from Illinois into neighboring states such as Indiana, Wisconsin, or Missouri is generally allowed under standard rental agreements, but always verify the permitted territory on your rental agreement at the counter. Some partner brands restrict certain SUV classes from crossing into specific states or regions. If you need to change your drop-off location after booking your Illinois SUV rental, contact support as soon as possible, since route changes may reprice the reservation and recalculate the drop-off fee.
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