VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my SUV rental in London through Hola Car Rentals include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the leading car rental companies in London, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate offers additional benefits that no other company can match, even when renting an SUV:
- 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 SUV rental experience with full protection and peace of mind throughout your trip in London.
Will I face unexpected charges when I rent an SUV in London through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your SUV booking in London 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 London 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 documents do I need to pick up my SUV rental in London?
To pick up your SUV rental in London, you must bring all of the following physical documents. Digital copies are not accepted at 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. For licenses in Latin script, an IDP is recommended but not strictly mandatory
- Passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- Major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets
In Great Britain, many visitors can drive on a full, valid foreign license for up to 12 months depending on their status and country of origin. Always verify current official guidance before your trip. If you hold a paper license rather than a photocard license, an IDP may be required. Bring a backup credit card as well, in case your primary card is declined at the London counter.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a SUV in London?
Not always, but it depends on your license. For your London SUV rental, an IDP is mandatory if your driver's license uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script. The IDP is a translation document only and must be carried alongside your original license at all times. It is not a standalone license and will not be accepted without the original.
If your license is in a Latin-script language but is not in English and was not issued by an EU or EEA country, an IDP is strongly recommended even if not strictly required by every London rental desk.
Obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling to London. It cannot be issued abroad. When picking up your SUV, present your passport, original license, and IDP together to the counter agent.
What is the London Congestion Charge and does it apply to my SUV rental?
Yes, the London Congestion Charge can apply to your SUV rental if you drive into central London during charging hours. London operates a Congestion Charge zone covering much of central London, and driving within it during operating hours triggers a daily fee. The charge is based on number plate recognition, so there are no toll booths to stop at.
Beyond the Congestion Charge, London also enforces an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) covering a wider area, and a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) for larger vehicles. Whether your SUV rental meets the emission standards for these zones depends on the specific vehicle assigned to you at the counter.
- Always ask the rental desk whether your assigned SUV meets ULEZ and LEZ standards before driving in London
- If your rental begins in a zone where the Congestion Charge applies, the cost may be added to your rental as required by local regulations
- Tolls and congestion charges are the driver's responsibility unless otherwise stated in your rental agreement
Check the current charging hours and zone boundaries on the official Transport for London website before your trip.
Can I get cashback on London tolls and congestion charges paid during my SUV rental?
Yes, Hola Car Rentals includes Tolls Cashback on all bookings, which means you can claim back up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your London SUV rental. This applies to charges such as the London Congestion Charge, the M6 Toll if you drive north, and any other toll roads used during your rental period.
To claim your cashback, email [email protected] within 30 days of returning your SUV. Include the following:
- Your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation
- A copy of the rental agreement signed at pick-up
- A receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid during your rental
The refund is calculated as the lesser of the actual tolls paid or 5% of your booking total. For example, if your London SUV booking totals US$800, the maximum cashback is US$40. If you paid US$25 in tolls, you receive US$25 back. Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
How does the M6 Toll work for SUV rentals near London?
The M6 Toll is a 26-mile paid motorway in the West Midlands that runs parallel to the M6 between Junction 3a at Coleshill Interchange and Junction 11a near Wolverhampton. If you pick up your London SUV rental and drive north toward Birmingham or beyond, you may encounter this toll road.
The M6 Toll uses a zoning system with rates that vary by distance traveled and vehicle type. For a standard car or SUV driven by a non-account holder, the cost is approximately GBP 10.30 for all three zones or GBP 8.30 for two zones. Larger vehicles such as vans pay higher rates. Peak hours also carry higher fees than off-peak times.
- The M6 Toll operates as a cashless system using electronic payment or number plate recognition
- Payment can occur at the time of crossing or on a pay-later basis billed after your journey
- If you do not pay a pay-later toll during your rental period, you may receive a fine plus an additional charge from the rental company
Always ask the rental desk about toll payment options for your London SUV before driving on toll roads, and keep receipts to support any Tolls Cashback claim.
What credit card do I need for the security deposit on a SUV rental in London?
You must present a physical, major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card at the London rental counter. The card must be in the main driver's name and have sufficient available credit to cover the security hold placed on your account at pick-up.
For SUV rentals in London, the typical security hold is approximately GBP 300 to GBP 400, though this can be higher for premium or larger SUV classes. The hold is a temporary authorization, not a charge, and reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after the rental ends. Banks can take up to 15 business days to post the release.
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual or single-use card numbers are not accepted for the deposit
- Digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay are not accepted at the counter for the deposit
- The card must be physically present with the driver's name printed on it
- Third-party cards are not accepted, even if someone else is paying for the trip
Notify your bank of your travel to London before arriving, and bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined.
What fuel policy applies to SUV rentals in London?
SUV rentals in London follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the SUV with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges. If the tank is not full at pick-up, the starting level must be recorded on the rental agreement and you return it at that same level.
- Check the fuel gauge with the agent at pick-up and take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and gauge
- Confirm the starting fuel level is written on the rental agreement before you leave the London counter
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km of the return location so the gauge does not drop below full before you arrive
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
If you return your London SUV below the recorded starting level, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a refueling service fee. Always ask the London counter agent about the nearest petrol station to the return location when you pick up your SUV.
Does my London SUV rental include insurance coverage?
By law in the United Kingdom, all rental vehicles including SUVs must carry third-party liability insurance, and this coverage is included in the rental price for your London SUV. This means you are covered for bodily injury and property damage you may cause to other people while driving.
In addition to mandatory third-party liability, your London SUV rental may include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), which reduces your financial liability for damage to the rental vehicle itself. A deductible or excess may still apply unless your booking confirmation explicitly states zero deductible. Check your confirmation for the exact coverage level and any excess amount.
- CDW and LDW cover damage to the SUV from collisions, theft, and vandalism, subject to exclusions
- Common exclusions include tires, undercarriage, roof, keys, and damage caused by prohibited use such as off-road driving
- Only drivers named on the rental agreement are covered
CDW and LDW do not cover your personal injuries or belongings. Review your booking confirmation carefully before picking up your London SUV to understand exactly what is included in your rate.
What travel assistance is included with my London SUV rental?
Most bookings include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can be especially useful if you experience a medical emergency or other travel disruption during your London SUV rental. This benefit is available to non-North American customers. Canadian and US residents do not qualify.
Coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in case of an accident during your London SUV rental
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
If you need assistance while driving your SUV in or around London, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free or collect), reach them on WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001, or email [email protected]. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
This travel assistance does not cover damage to the rental SUV itself (that is CDW or LDW) or third-party liability to others. Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your London reservation.
Can I add an additional driver to my SUV rental in London?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your London SUV rental, either at no cost if your rate includes it or for a daily fee paid at the counter if it does not. Check your booking confirmation for the line that reads "Additional driver free of charge" to know which applies to your reservation.
When adding a driver to your London SUV at the counter:
- The additional driver must be physically present at the London pick-up counter
- They must present a valid driver's license and, if required, an IDP
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement
- The additional driver must meet the minimum age requirements for the London location
Only drivers named on the rental agreement are covered by protections such as CDW, LDW, and third-party liability. If someone drives your London SUV who is not listed on the contract, coverage may be void and additional charges may apply. If you need to add a driver after pick-up, visit a branch in person to update the agreement.
Can I pick up my SUV in London and return it in a different city?
Yes, one-way SUV rentals in London are possible, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your return location. This fee is set by the rental partner and varies by route, vehicle class, season, and distance.
When booking a one-way London SUV rental:
- The drop-off fee, if applicable, will appear on the booking details page under the "To pay at destination" section before you confirm
- The fee is not prepaid and is paid at the London pick-up counter
- Cross-border one-way rentals, such as returning your SUV in mainland Europe, may be restricted or carry significantly higher fees depending on the partner
- Changing your return location after booking may reprice the rental and recalculate the drop-off fee
If no drop-off fee appears during the booking process for your chosen London SUV route, no fee applies. Always review your confirmation to verify the fee matches what was shown at checkout. If the counter charges a different amount than your confirmation shows, keep all paperwork and contact support after the rental ends.
Where do I find the rental counter to pick up my SUV in London?
The location of your SUV rental counter in London depends on the partner brand shown on your booking confirmation. London has multiple rental locations including Heathrow Airport (LHR), Gatwick Airport, and various city center branches.
At London Heathrow, rental counters for major brands are typically located in the terminal arrivals areas or at a dedicated rental center accessible by shuttle or on-foot from the terminals. The exact terminal and counter location varies by brand and terminal.
- Check your booking confirmation for the operating brand name, such as Avis, Hertz, Alamo, Enterprise, Budget, or National
- Follow "Car Rental" signs in the arrivals area of your London terminal
- If the counter is at a consolidated rental center, look for shuttle buses or trams marked with rental company logos
- For city center London locations, your confirmation will include the street address
If you cannot locate the counter after following airport signage, use the airport information desk or courtesy phones near the arrivals area. Allow extra time when picking up a larger SUV, as the check-in process may take longer than for standard vehicles.
Are there age restrictions or young driver surcharges for SUV rentals in London?
Yes, age restrictions and young driver surcharges can apply to SUV rentals in London. Most rental partners require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some restrict certain vehicle classes, including larger SUVs, to drivers aged 25 or older.
If you are under 25 and renting a SUV in London, a young driver surcharge is typically added at the counter on top of your prepaid rate. The exact amount varies by partner and vehicle class.
- Drivers under 21 may be unable to rent a SUV at certain London locations regardless of surcharge
- The young driver surcharge is paid at the London counter and is not included in your prepaid booking total
- Additional drivers added to your London SUV must also meet the minimum age requirements for the location
- For Avis and Budget, additional drivers should be at least 25 years old at the time of pick-up
Check the age policy for your specific London SUV booking before confirming your reservation, as restrictions vary by partner brand. If you are close to an age threshold, bring documentation such as your passport to confirm your date of birth at the counter.
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