Frequently asked questions

Alamo.nl tries to inform you as completely as possible about renting a car and what it involves. Still our customer service center gets a lot of questions by phone or e-mail about car rental and what one can expect at the destination. Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions about car rental and the answers to those questions. Is the answer not clear or is your question not there, then please fill in our contact form with your question or request.

My flight is delayed – what should I do?

If your flight is delayed, this may cause you to arrive later than planned at the rental location. Please note that policies can vary per rental location — some locations hold your reservation in case of a delay, while others may not.

What you can do:

  • Call our 24/7 emergency number (listed on your voucher), so we can check with the rental location whether your car can still be held for you.

  • Check the opening hours of your rental location — if the location is closed at the time you arrive, your reservation may be cancelled. We also recommend contacting the rental location directly in case of delays.

  • Consider choosing the ‘Pay on Location’ option when booking. You only pay when picking up the car — this helps avoid risks in case of delays.

If your flight is delayed and the location is unable to hold the vehicle for you, availability unfortunately cannot be guaranteed, even if your flight information was provided.

Can I choose or request a specific car model?

In most cases, you’ll select a vehicle category rather than a specific make or model. The exact model is dependent on availability at the rental location. If your chosen model is unavailable at pick‑up, you will be provided with another vehicle in the same category. For more information on car category, please click here.

What is the minimum and maximum age for renting a car?

Age requirements for renting a car can vary by country and vehicle type. Generally, the minimum age is 21 years, sometimes with an exception of 18 years. A young driver surcharge may apply for drivers under 25, depending on the country. With few exceptions, there is no maximum age. Please contact our customer service for more information.

What documents do I need to rent a car?

In most countries, you will need a valid driver’s license and a credit card in the name of the main driver. Depending on the rental location, additional identification documents may be required, such as:

  • a return ticket (in some countries),
  • a valid passport or ID card as secondary identification.

Since requirements may vary by country and rental company, you can always contact our customer service for location-specific information.

 

 

 

 

Why do I need a credit card to rent a car?

The main driver is required to bring a credit card in his/her name, which covers the deposit and any extras. In addition to the name, note the following points:

  • Leave sufficient spending space for the deposit.
  • Bring a physical credit card, a digital and/or prepaid credit card is not allowed.
  • Make sure you know the PIN code.
  • For some countries, such as Spain, Hungary, Portugal and Turkey, it is mandatory to bring two credit cards in case you rent specific (more luxurious) car types. Please contact our customer service team for more information.

Do I need an international drivers licence?

Every driver needs to have a valid driver’s license from the country of origin. Please also note that a digitial driver’s license is not always allowed, so bring your physical driver’s license.

What is the security deposit and how much will be held on my card?

A refundable deposit is temporarily held on your credit card when you collect the car. Learn more about deposits and payment holds here.

Can someone else also drive the car, and how do I add an additional driver?

Yes, additional drivers can be added as long as they meet the same age and license requirements. They must be listed on the rental agreement-a small feel may apply. In countries like USA, domestic partner or spouse can be added as an additional driver free of charge. Additional drivers must be added at the rental location, and they must be present in person together with the main driver.

 

 

 

 

Is there a charge for an additional driver?

Some destinations may charge for additional drivers. One destination where there is no charge for additional drivers is California (USA). Did you choose an Alamo.nl Gold or Gold underage package? You don't have to pay an extra charge for the additional driver. You can add three additional drivers.

Can I cross the border with my rental car?

This depends on the country of your car rental. You can contact our call center for more information, or check the specific conditions per country.

What is a drop-off fee?

If you drop your car off at a different location than where you picked it up, drop-off charges will be added to your invoice. For car rental in the USA and Canada an Economy car will not be accepted with one way rentals. Drop-off fees are not included in the prepaid voucher. No additional drop-off fee will be charged for rentals within the state of Florida and within the state of California.

What about toll roads in America?

Unfortunately, we cannot prevent you from paying for toll roads. However, there are ways to drive through toll booths quickly and easily. For example, you can purchase the Sunpass in Florida and a TPW in Chicago.

Am I fully insured with a rental car from Alamo?

Alamo always takes care you will be insured for your rental car. The following will be included: Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Protection and Extended Protection. The local taxes and airport fees are also included in our rates. Most of the countries we work with use a deductible. For car rental USA no deductible will be charged. For more information about the insurances or deductible please contact our callcenter at +31 30 6933088.

What insurance is included in the car rental price?

Our rental rate includes three basic insurance coverages:

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): covers damage to your rental car.

  • Theft Protection (TP): covers the car in case of theft.

  • Liability Insurance: covers damage you may cause to third parties or their property, such as hitting another vehicle.

In most countries, a deductible applies. This deductible does not apply for car rentals in the United States. With our No-Risk & No-Risk Plus options, you can reduce or completely waive your deductible, giving you extra peace of mind.

For more details about No-Risk and No-Risk Plus and how they affect your coverage, click here.

What does excess mean?

With certain insurance policies, you will have an excess. This means that you are liable for a certain amount yourself. You can buy off the excess in advance with our No-Risk Guarantee for EUR 3.50 (or EUR 7,50 for certain liabilities) per day. A higher excess waiver rate often applies on site.

Are there any hidden costs?

No,there are no hidden costs. The price you see includes the rental, basic insurance, and any standard fees. Optional extras, such as additional drivers, GPS, child seats, or premium insurance options, may incur extra charges, which will always be clearly shown during booking.

What should I do in case of an accident or damage?
 

If an accident or damage occurs, first ensure everyone is safe and contact local authorities if necessary. Then, report the incident to the rental branch or our emergency support line as soon as possible. Take photos of any damage, gather details of other parties involved, and follow the instructions provided by our team. Your insurance coverage (including No-Risk Plus if applicable) will guide the next steps.

 

Does my personal car insurance or credit card provide coverage for rental cars?

Some personal car insurance policies or credit cards may provide partial coverage for rental cars, but this varies widely by provider and country. We recommend checking your policy or card benefits before renting. Even if you have coverage, our included rental insurance ensures you are fully protected according to local laws and rental requirements.

 

 

What are the fuelling options?

At Alamo.nl you have a choice of different fuelling arrangements. When picking up your rental car, determine which fuelling arrangement applies to your car. Depending on this, choose the tank arrangement that suits you best.

If the answer is not clear or your question is not listed, please contact us using the form below.

Are there any mileage limits?

Most rentals include unlimited mileage, but some vehicle categories or specific locations may have limits. Please check your booking confirmation for any mileage restrictions.

Can I book a GPS-System?

Yes, If you make a reservation for the United States or Canada, you can choose a package including GPS.

What is not included?

Extra options such as a child seat, ski-equipment, extra drivers or drop off charges.

Can I bring my pet in the rental car?

In most cases, yes (subject to the confirmation from the rental location). Conditions may apply, such as using a suitable carrier or crate, and the vehicle must be returned clean and free of pet hair, stains or odors. Please notify our customer support team about this in advance to avoid any misunderstandings.

Can I drop-off the car at a different location than where I picked it up?

In most cases there will not be a problem if you would like to return the car at another location. A drop-off fee will be charged for this at the location where you return the car. For more information about drop-off fees, please contact us. 

Will I be charged for returning the car early or late?

Returning the car later than the agreed drop-off time may result in additional charges. Returning the car early usually does not reduce the rental price but check your booking terms to confirm any potential changes.

Is airport pick-up or drop-off service available at the rental location?

Some Alamo locations provide airport pick-up and drop-off services. Availability and fees vary by location, so please check your specific pick-up location when booking to confirm whether this service is available and if any additional charges apply.

Are there any costs for cancellations and changes to my booking?

You can cancel your booking up to 48 hours before departure free of charge , provided you have added the cancellation fee waiver during the booking process. Please note that in the event of a change, the rental rate is subject to interim (price) changes and the current availability. If you cancel within 48 hours before the pick-up time or after the start date of the reservation, we can unfortunately no longer credit the rental amount, even if you have added the option to cancel cancellation costs to your reservation.

What payment methods are accepted for booking and deposit?

We accept the following payment methods:

  • Major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club

  • Selected debit cards: depending on the location

Please note:
Digital cards or cards issued by neobanks such as Bunq or Revolut are not accepted as credit cards — they function as debit or prepaid cards.

All cards presented must be in the name of the main renter and valid for the entire rental period.

Important:
For prepayment of the rental, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.

For the security deposit at the pickup location, a valid credit card is required, and it must be one of the accepted cards mentioned above.

If you are unsure whether your card is accepted, please check with your card issuer or contact our customer service before booking.

How long does it take to receive a refund after cancellation?

Refunds are usually processed within 5-10 business days, depending on your bank or credit card provider.

When do I get the deposit back?

The deposit is temporarily blocked on your credit card at pick-up of the vehicle. After you return the car in the agreed condition, the hold is usually released within 2 weeks to 1 month, depending on your bank or credit card provider.

Why hasn't my refund or deposit been credited yet?
 

Refunds or deposit releases can de delayed due to: 

  • Bank processing times (5-10 business days is typical)
  • Weekends or public holidays
  • Credit card issuer policies

This can sometimes cause delays of up to 1 month. If your refund or deposit hasn't appeared in your account after 1 month, please contact our customer service with your booking details.