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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Thrifty in the United States include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in the United States, including Thrifty, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- 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 Thrifty rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in the United States.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Thrifty counter in the United States when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Thrifty booking in the United States 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 Thrifty counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the Thrifty counter in the United States 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 Thrifty 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 a Thrifty rental car in the United States?
To pick up a Thrifty rental car in the United States, you must bring the following physical documents to the counter:
- A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the physical card, for the security deposit hold
- A passport or valid government 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, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required alongside your original license. The IDP is a translation only and is not valid without the original license.
All documents must be physical. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Thrifty counter in the United States. Name mismatches between your license, passport, and credit card are a common reason for delays, so make sure all names match before you travel.
Is a credit card required to rent from Thrifty in the United States?
Yes, a major credit card is required to rent from Thrifty in the United States.
At pick-up, the Thrifty counter places a temporary authorization hold on your credit card to cover potential incidentals such as fuel shortfalls or late returns. For standard vehicles in the United States, this hold is typically around US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount depends on the vehicle class, location, and season.
Key rules to keep in mind:
- The card must be a major credit card (not a debit, prepaid, or virtual card)
- The card must be in the main driver's name, with the name physically printed on the card
- Digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay are not accepted for the deposit
- Someone else's card is not accepted, even if they are present
Even if you prepaid your booking, you must still present a physical credit card at the Thrifty counter in the United States. The hold is released after you return the vehicle, but your bank may take up to 15 business days to reflect the release. Bringing a backup credit card is strongly recommended in case your primary card is declined.
How do toll roads work when renting from Thrifty in the United States?
Toll roads across the United States are almost entirely cashless, and Thrifty vehicles come equipped with an electronic toll device or are enrolled in a plate-based billing system. Cash toll booths are rare to nonexistent on most major routes.
The main electronic toll systems you may encounter include:
- E-ZPass in the Northeast, from Maine to North Carolina and the Chicago area
- FasTrak in California, covering routes such as SR-91 Express Lanes, SR-73, SR-133, and SR-241
- SunPass in Florida
- TxTag and TollTag in Texas, covering routes such as the Dallas North Tollway, US 183 in Austin, and TEXpress lanes
At the Thrifty counter in the United States, you will be offered a toll program. You can choose an unlimited daily package, typically priced between US$11 and US$25 per day depending on location, or a pay-per-use option where you are billed for actual tolls plus a daily administrative fee. If you decline both options and drive through a cashless toll, Thrifty will bill the toll amount plus processing fees to your credit card, sometimes weeks after the rental ends.
To avoid unexpected charges, review the toll program terms carefully before signing the rental agreement.
Can I get cashback on tolls paid during my Thrifty rental in the United States?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Thrifty rentals in the United States, include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your rental.
Given that toll roads in the United States are almost entirely cashless and charges can add up quickly on routes like the E-ZPass corridors in the Northeast, FasTrak roads in California, SunPass in Florida, or TxTag lanes in Texas, this benefit can provide meaningful savings.
To claim your cashback after returning the Thrifty vehicle:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA followed by your confirmation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the signed rental agreement, and a toll receipt or statement showing 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. Claims submitted after 30 days are not accepted. This benefit covers toll charges only, not administrative fees, fines, or parking tickets.
What is the minimum age to rent a Thrifty car in the United States?
The minimum age to rent a Thrifty car in the United States without a young-renter surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent but will be charged a daily underage fee, and most vehicle classes are restricted to renters aged 25 and older.
Two states have different rules:
- New York: Thrifty and other rental companies are required by state law to rent to licensed drivers aged 18 and older, though a young-renter surcharge still applies
- Michigan: Similar public-accommodations law applies, requiring rentals to drivers 18 and older with a surcharge
Vehicle classes typically restricted to renters aged 25 and older include Full Size, Full Size SUV, Standard, Minivan, Van, Convertible, Luxury, and Premium categories. Drivers aged 21 to 24 are generally limited to Economy, Compact, and Intermediate classes.
A valid driver's license and a major credit card in the main driver's name are required regardless of age. The young-renter surcharge is paid at the Thrifty counter in the United States and is not included in your prepaid booking total. Budget accordingly before you travel.
Can I add an additional driver to my Thrifty rental in the United States?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty rental in the United States, but a daily fee applies unless your booking confirmation explicitly states that an additional driver is included at no charge.
For Thrifty in the United States, the additional driver fee is US$13.50 per rental day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum charge of US$189 plus taxes for longer rentals.
Requirements for adding an additional driver:
- The additional driver must be present at the Thrifty counter at pick-up
- They must present a valid driver's license and any required ID
- If their license uses a non-Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit is also required
- They must meet the minimum age requirements for the United States
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement
Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW. If someone drives the Thrifty vehicle who is not named on the contract, coverage may be void and additional charges may apply. Check your booking confirmation before arriving at the counter to confirm whether the additional driver fee is included or due at pick-up.
What insurance options are available for a Thrifty rental in the United States?
When renting from Thrifty in the United States, two main types of coverage are relevant to most renters:
- Collision Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to the Thrifty vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your booking confirmation states zero deductible. CDW/LDW does not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people.
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the rental. Some U.S. states require rental companies to include a state-minimum liability amount, but not all states do. Adding supplemental liability coverage of up to US$300,000 is strongly recommended.
CDW/LDW does not cover tires, undercarriage, roof, keys, or personal belongings. Only drivers named on the Thrifty rental agreement in the United States are covered by these protections.
If an incident occurs, report it immediately to Thrifty using the number on your rental agreement. Delayed reporting can invalidate your coverage. Review your booking confirmation carefully to confirm which protections are included in your rate before arriving at the counter.
Does travel assistance come with a Thrifty booking in the United States?
Most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Thrifty rentals in the United States, include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection. However, this benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada.
For eligible renters, the coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
This is particularly relevant if you experience a medical emergency or accident while driving in the United States, for example on a remote highway or far from a major city. Coverage applies to non-pre-existing conditions and accidents.
To reach assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or contact WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
This benefit does not cover damage to the Thrifty rental vehicle (that is CDW/LDW) or liability to third parties (that is LIS/ALI/SLI). Always check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your reservation.
What is the fuel policy for Thrifty rentals in the United States?
Thrifty rentals in the United States follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges.
Steps to follow to avoid extra charges:
- 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
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 kilometers 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 the Thrifty vehicle in the United States with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than the retail pump price, plus a refueling service fee.
If the vehicle was not full at pick-up, ask the agent to record the exact starting level on the rental agreement. You are only required to return it at that same level, not necessarily full. Using the wrong fuel type is not covered by the fuel policy and may generate additional charges.
Can I pick up a Thrifty car in one city and return it in another city in the United States?
Yes, one-way rentals are available through Thrifty in the United States, allowing you to pick up in one city and return in a different city. However, a drop-off fee may apply depending on the route, vehicle class, and distance between locations.
Common patterns for one-way rentals in the United States:
- Same-city airport to downtown: often no drop-off fee
- City to city within the same region or state: a drop-off fee typically applies and varies by distance and vehicle class
- Cross-country or remote routes: fees are usually higher, and some routes may not be available
The drop-off fee for your specific Thrifty route in the United States is shown during the booking process under the section labeled as amounts due at the destination. It is not included in your prepaid rate and cannot be prepaid. Review your booking confirmation to verify the fee before travel.
If you need to change your return location after booking, be aware that this may reprice the entire rental and recalculate the drop-off fee. Contact support before making changes to understand the impact on your reservation.
Are there congestion charges or emissions zones to worry about when driving a Thrifty car in the United States?
No, there are no widespread congestion charges or emissions zones in the United States comparable to systems like the London ULEZ or city-center fees found in some European countries.
What does exist in the United States are express toll lanes with dynamic pricing, where the toll rate changes based on traffic congestion. Examples include:
- TEXpress lanes in Texas, such as the Northeast Loop 820 and Airport Freeway in Fort Worth
- SR-91 Express Lanes in Orange County, California, where tolls range from approximately US$3.25 to US$28.10 depending on time of day
- Various managed lanes in other major metro areas
These are toll roads, not city-center access fees. You pay based on usage, not simply for entering a zone. Your Thrifty rental vehicle in the United States will have an electronic toll device or plate-based billing to handle these roads automatically.
If you use express lanes, charges will be billed through the Thrifty toll program or directly to your credit card with administrative fees if you did not enroll in a toll package at pick-up. Always review the toll terms on your rental agreement before driving in the United States.
How does the security deposit work for a Thrifty rental in the United States?
When you pick up a Thrifty rental car in the United States, the counter places a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge but reduces your available credit until it is released after you return the vehicle.
For standard vehicles at Thrifty locations in the United States, the typical hold is approximately US$300 to US$400. The exact amount can vary based on:
- The vehicle class (premium or specialty vehicles may require a higher hold)
- The specific airport or city location
- The season or rental duration
Important rules for the deposit:
- Only a major credit card in the main driver's name with the name printed on the physical card is accepted
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted
- Someone else's card cannot be used, even if they are present
After you return the Thrifty vehicle in the United States, the hold is released, but your bank controls when it appears back on your available credit. This can take up to 15 business days. Bringing a backup credit card is recommended in case your primary card is declined at the counter.
Where do I find the Thrifty counter when picking up a rental car at a United States airport?
Thrifty counter locations at United States airports vary by airport layout. At most major airports in the United States, Thrifty operates from one of three setups:
- An on-airport counter inside the terminal, accessible by following car rental signage after baggage claim
- A consolidated Rental Car Center (RCC) reached by a dedicated shuttle bus or automated people mover from the terminal
- An off-airport location reached by a branded shuttle bus that picks up at a designated curbside stop outside arrivals
To find the correct Thrifty counter, check your booking confirmation for the operating brand and any specific pickup instructions for your airport. At the terminal, follow signs for Car Rental or Rental Car Center. If a shuttle is required, go to the marked shuttle stop on the arrivals level and look for the Thrifty logo or a shared rental car shuttle.
At some smaller United States airports, Thrifty may share a counter with another brand in the Hertz group. If you cannot locate the Thrifty desk, ask airport staff or use the courtesy phones near the baggage claim area. Counter hours can vary by location, so confirm your pickup time aligns with operating hours shown on your rental agreement.
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