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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my van rental in Charleston 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 Charleston, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match, even when renting a van:
- 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 van rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Charleston.
Will I face unexpected charges when I rent a van in Charleston through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your van booking in Charleston 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 a van or any other vehicle class. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in Charleston 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 van at Charleston International Airport?
At Charleston International Airport (CHS), the rental car counters are located inside the arrivals terminal, near baggage claim. After collecting your luggage, walk directly to the rental counter area, no shuttle or train is required. The airport address is 5500 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29418.
When picking up your van in Charleston, confirm the following at the counter:
- Your valid driver's license and a physical major credit card in the main driver's name
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Passport or government-issued photo ID
Counter hours vary by brand. Budget operates 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily, which is useful if your van rental in Charleston involves a late-night arrival. For vehicle returns, the drop-off area is on Level 1 of the five-tier parking deck at CHS, which has covered walkways connecting directly to the terminal.
Are there downtown Charleston locations to pick up a van instead of the airport?
Yes, there are downtown and off-airport locations where you can pick up a van in Charleston without going to the airport.
Known city locations include:
- Avis at 390 Meeting Street, near the cruise ship port, open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Enterprise at 2004 Savannah Highway (West Ashley), open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Keep in mind that if you arrive by plane at CHS and choose a downtown van pickup in Charleston, you will need separate transportation from the airport to the city location, such as a rideshare or airport shuttle service. Hours at city locations are more limited than at the airport, so plan your arrival time accordingly. Always verify hours directly with the branch before your trip, as they can change on holidays.
What documents do I need to pick up a van in Charleston?
To pick up a van in Charleston, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name
- A physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, 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 uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original license. For licenses in other non-English scripts, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation only and cannot be used without the original license.
All documents must be physical. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the van rental counter in Charleston. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security hold.
Can I get tolls cashback on my van rental in Charleston?
Yes, all van rental bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your rental.
South Carolina has one primary toll road, the Southern Connector on Interstate 185 near Greenville, which uses the PalPass electronic system. If your Charleston van rental takes you toward that area or into neighboring states with toll roads, you can claim cashback on those tolls.
To claim after your van rental in Charleston:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle
- Include your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the signed rental agreement, and a receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA followed by your confirmation number
Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Claims submitted after 30 days are not accepted.
How do tolls work when renting a van in Charleston, South Carolina?
South Carolina has one main toll road, the Southern Connector on Interstate 185, which connects I-185 to I-385 near Greenville. This road uses the PalPass (also called Palmetto Pass) electronic system. If your van rental in Charleston takes you to that area, you have a few options for paying tolls.
At the counter, you can enroll in the rental company's electronic toll program, such as PlatePass or e-Toll, which typically costs between US$3.95 and US$4.95 per day, capped at around US$19.75 per rental period, plus the actual toll amounts. This lets you use electronic lanes without a personal transponder.
If you do not enroll in a toll program and drive through a cashless lane, the rental company will bill the toll at the highest undiscounted rate plus an administrative fee, which can be US$15 per toll event, capped at around US$90 per rental. These charges often appear on your card weeks after the van rental ends.
The Southern Connector also accepts cash at some ramps and credit or debit cards at mainline plazas, so manual payment is possible if you plan ahead. PIN debit cards are not accepted at toll plazas.
What is the minimum age to rent a van in Charleston?
The minimum age to rent a van in Charleston without a young-renter surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 may rent in South Carolina but will be charged a daily underage fee, and most van and minivan categories are restricted to renters aged 25 and older.
Typical young-renter surcharges at the counter in Charleston vary by brand:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per rental day, capped at US$65 (plus taxes)
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per rental day, capped at US$189 (plus taxes)
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day (plus taxes)
Because vans fall into a restricted vehicle class, drivers under 25 may not be able to book a van in Charleston regardless of the surcharge. If you are between 21 and 24, check availability carefully and contact customer service before booking to confirm whether a van is accessible for your age group at your chosen location.
A valid driver's license and a physical major credit card in the main driver's name are required at pickup regardless of age.
How does the fuel policy work for a van rental in Charleston?
Van rentals in Charleston follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the van with a full tank and must return it full to avoid extra charges.
To avoid fuel fees on your Charleston van rental:
- 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
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location before dropping off the van
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
If you return the van in Charleston 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 CHS, Budget offers a key drop service, so leave your fuel receipt in the envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge as proof.
Always confirm the correct fuel type for your van at pickup to avoid wrong-fuel charges, which are not covered by the fuel policy.
Is travel assistance included with a van rental in Charleston?
Yes, most van rental bookings through Hola Car Rentals include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, at no extra cost. However, this benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada.
For eligible customers renting a van in Charleston, the coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
If you need assistance during your van rental in Charleston, such as a medical emergency or a road incident, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Phone: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free)
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
When you call, have your full name, your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number, your current location, and a brief description of the situation ready. Always contact the assistance line before incurring medical or legal expenses, as some reimbursements require prior authorization. Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your reservation.
How much is the security deposit for a van rental in Charleston?
When you pick up your van in Charleston, the rental company will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. For standard vehicles in the United States, this hold is typically between US$300 and US$400, but van rentals may carry a higher hold due to the vehicle class.
Important things to know about the deposit for your Charleston van rental:
- The hold is not a charge; it temporarily reduces your available credit until released after you return the van
- Only a physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card is accepted; debit and prepaid cards are not allowed for the deposit
- Your bank controls how quickly the hold is released after return, which can take up to 15 business days
- Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined
The exact hold amount for a van in Charleston is set by the rental company at the counter and may vary by brand, location, and season. Notify your bank of your travel plans before pickup to avoid the authorization being flagged as a suspicious transaction.
Can I add an additional driver to my van rental in Charleston?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your van rental in Charleston, either at no cost if your rate includes it or for a daily fee paid at the counter.
If the additional driver is not included in your rate, typical fees in Charleston are:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per day, capped at US$65 (plus taxes)
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per day, capped at US$189 (plus taxes)
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day (plus taxes)
The additional driver must be present at the Charleston van rental counter at pickup with a valid driver's license and any required International Driving Permit. Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement. Only drivers listed on the agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW.
For Avis, Budget, and Payless, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old. Check your booking confirmation to see whether your rate already includes one additional driver at no charge before arriving at the counter.
Can I pick up a van in Charleston and return it to a different city?
Yes, one-way van rentals in Charleston are possible, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your return location and the rental company.
How one-way fees work for a van rental in Charleston:
- Returning the van to a different city or state typically triggers a drop-off fee, which varies by route, distance, and vehicle class
- The fee is shown during the booking process under the "To pay at destination" section and will also appear on your confirmation
- This fee cannot be prepaid and is paid directly at the counter
- Cross-border one-way rentals, such as returning a van from Charleston to Canada, may be restricted or carry higher fees depending on the partner
Because vans are a larger vehicle class, repositioning fees can be higher than for standard cars. Always review the drop-off fee shown during checkout before confirming your reservation. If the counter charges a different amount than what appeared on your confirmation, keep all paperwork and contact support after the rental.
What insurance options are available for a van rental in Charleston?
When renting a van in Charleston, you have two main types of coverage to consider: damage protection for the van itself and liability protection for third parties.
Collision Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW) reduces your financial liability if the van is damaged or stolen. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation shows zero excess. CDW/LDW does not cover damage to other vehicles or injuries to other people.
Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the van in Charleston. Some U.S. states require a minimum level of liability to be included, but not all do. Hola Car Rentals strongly recommends adding Liability Insurance Supplementary (up to US$300,000) to your van rental.
Common exclusions to be aware of:
- Prohibited use such as off-road driving, DUI, or unauthorized drivers voids coverage
- Tires, undercarriage, and roof damage are often excluded from CDW/LDW
- Late or missing incident reports can invalidate a claim
Review your booking confirmation to confirm which coverages are included in your Charleston van rental rate before arriving at the counter.
What happens if I return my van late in Charleston?
If you return your van in Charleston after the agreed drop-off time, a grace period of approximately 30 minutes typically applies, though this is not guaranteed by all rental companies or locations.
If you exceed the grace period on your Charleston van rental:
- The rental company may charge for additional hours or a full extra day, depending on how late the return is
- A late fee may also apply on top of the extra time charge
- Charges are billed to the credit card on file and may appear after the rental has closed
If you know you need more time, contact the rental company as early as possible to request an extension. Extending mid-rental is subject to vehicle availability and may reprice your rate. For after-hours returns at Charleston International Airport, Budget offers a key drop service, which allows you to return the van outside normal counter hours. Leave the keys in the designated drop box and keep a photo of the van's condition and fuel gauge as documentation.
Always check your rental agreement for the exact grace period and late return policy that applies to your van rental in Charleston.
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