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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Thrifty in Alberta include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is a premium partner of the leading car hire companies in Alberta, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes extra benefits that no other company can match:
- Full vehicle coverage with no excess (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: get back up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls charged during your hire
- Premium travel medical assistance for up to 5 passengers in case of emergency, covering up to CAD 200,000 (pre-existing conditions excluded)
- 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 at no additional cost, ensuring a unique hire experience with complete protection and peace of mind during your trip in Alberta.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Thrifty counter in Alberta when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Alberta 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. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in Alberta 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 hire 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)
Are there toll roads on Thrifty rentals in Alberta?
No, there are no toll roads anywhere in Alberta, so Thrifty renters will not encounter any toll charges, toll transponders, or toll-related fees during their trip.
Alberta is one of the few Canadian provinces with a completely toll-free road network. This means:
- No cashless toll lanes, toll plazas, or congestion charges exist on any Alberta highway or city road
- No toll transponder programme (such as 407 ETR or E-ZPass) is active in Alberta
- No emissions zones or city-centre driving fees apply anywhere in the province
- Recent government infrastructure investments, including Deerfoot Trail improvements, have focused on expanding capacity rather than introducing tolls
If you plan to drive your Thrifty hire beyond Alberta into a neighbouring province that does have toll roads, keep your toll receipts. Hola Car Rentals includes Tolls Cashback on every booking, allowing you to claim up to 5% of your total booking value back for tolls paid during the hire period.
What documents do I need to pick up a Thrifty hire car in Alberta?
To collect your Thrifty hire in Alberta, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid, original driver’s licence in the main driver’s name (physical card, not a digital copy)
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card, in the main driver’s name, for the authorisation hold
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting from outside Canada
If your driver’s licence is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original licence. For licences in English or a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required at most Thrifty Alberta locations.
The IDP is a translation document only and is never valid without your original licence. Obtain it in your home country before travelling, as it cannot be issued abroad.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital versions shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Thrifty counter in Alberta.
Where are Thrifty hire locations in Alberta?
Thrifty operates several locations across Alberta, covering both major airports and city centres.
Airport locations include:
- Calgary International Airport (YYC) at 2000 Airport Road Northeast, open daily 07:00 to 23:59
- Edmonton International Airport (YEG) at 1000 Airport Road
- Grande Prairie Airport (YQU)
- Red Deer Regional Airport (YQF)
- Medicine Hat Airport (YXH)
Downtown and off-airport locations in Alberta include:
- Calgary: 927-6 Ave SW (Mon to Fri 07:30 to 18:00, Sat 09:00 to 13:00, Sun 10:00 to 16:00), 114 5th Avenue SE (Mon to Fri 08:00 to 17:30, Sat 09:00 to 13:00), and 4101 Macleod Trail SE (Mon to Fri 08:00 to 17:30, Sat to Sun 09:00 to 13:00)
- Edmonton: 17610 102 Ave NW and 16615 109 Ave NW
- Smaller centres such as Banff, Canmore, Jasper, Lake Louise, Grande Prairie, Red Deer, Vegreville, and Leduc
When collecting your Thrifty vehicle at an Alberta airport, follow the hire signs inside the terminal or ask airport staff for directions to the hire desk.
Does Thrifty Cashback apply to tolls when driving from Alberta to other provinces?
Yes, the Tolls Cashback benefit included in every Hola Car Rentals booking applies to tolls you pay during your Thrifty hire, including when you drive from toll-free Alberta into a neighbouring province that has toll roads.
Alberta itself has no toll roads, so no toll charges will arise while driving within the province. However, if your Thrifty itinerary takes you into British Columbia, Ontario, or another province where toll roads exist, you can claim back up to 5% of your total Hola Car Rentals booking value for those tolls.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after returning your Thrifty vehicle in Alberta or elsewhere:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - followed by your reservation confirmation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed hire agreement, and a receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid
- Include your full name, travel dates, and the last 4 digits of the card used for the booking
Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Submissions received after 30 days are not eligible.
How much is the security deposit for a Thrifty hire in Alberta?
When you collect your Thrifty hire in Alberta, the counter will place a temporary authorisation hold on your credit card. For standard vehicles rented in Canada, this hold is typically between GBP 300 and GBP 500, though some Alberta locations may require a minimum authorisation of approximately GBP 750.
A few important points about the deposit:
- The hold is not a charge. It temporarily reduces your available credit and is released after you return the vehicle, subject to all hire terms being met
- Only a major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card is accepted. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted for the deposit at Thrifty Alberta locations
- The exact hold amount is set by the Thrifty counter and may vary based on vehicle class, hire duration, and location
- After return, your bank controls how quickly the hold disappears from your statement, which can take up to 15 business days
To avoid issues, notify your bank before travelling to Alberta so that a high-value in-person authorisation does not trigger a fraud block. Bringing a backup credit card in your own name is also recommended.
Can I add an additional driver to my Thrifty hire in Alberta?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty hire in Alberta, either as part of your rate or by paying a fee at the counter.
For Thrifty hires in Alberta, the additional driver fee is GBP 13.50 per hire day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum charge of GBP 189 plus taxes if your rate does not already include a free additional driver. Check your booking confirmation to see whether an additional driver is listed as included.
Requirements for adding a driver at the Thrifty counter in Alberta:
- The additional driver must be physically present at collection
- They must present a valid driver’s licence and any required identification
- If their licence is not in English or uses a non-Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit is required
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement
Only drivers named on the hire agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW and liability cover. Anyone who drives the Thrifty vehicle in Alberta without being listed on the contract may void those protections and create additional liability.
What is the fuel policy for Thrifty hires in Alberta?
Thrifty hires in Alberta follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Steps to follow for a smooth fuel return in Alberta:
- At collection, check the fuel gauge with the Thrifty agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge
- Refuel within approximately 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
- For after-hours returns at Alberta locations, leave the receipt in the key envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge
If you return the Thrifty vehicle in Alberta with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refuelling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a refuelling service fee.
If the vehicle was not full at collection, ask the Thrifty agent to record the exact starting level on the agreement and return it at that same level to avoid charges.
Is third-party liability insurance included in a Thrifty hire in Alberta?
Yes, basic third-party liability cover is included by law in every Thrifty hire in Alberta. Canadian provincial law requires all hire vehicles to carry statutory third-party liability, so this protection follows the car automatically when you hire through Hola Car Rentals in Alberta.
This statutory liability covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the Thrifty vehicle. However, the mandatory minimum may not be sufficient for all situations, and you can purchase supplemental liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) to increase your coverage limits.
Key points to understand about liability cover on your Thrifty Alberta hire:
- The statutory liability is included in the hire price and applies to all named drivers on the agreement
- It does not cover damage to the Thrifty hire vehicle itself, which requires CDW/LDW
- It does not cover your personal injuries (PAI) or belongings (PEC)
- Coverage applies only while driving within permitted areas and following the terms of the hire agreement
- Adding all drivers to the contract at the Thrifty counter in Alberta is essential, as unnamed drivers may not be covered
Review your booking confirmation to confirm the exact liability limits included in your rate and whether supplementary liability is available as an add-on.
Does travel assistance cover a breakdown in a remote area of Alberta with a Thrifty hire?
Yes, most Hola Car Rentals bookings include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can be useful if you experience a medical emergency or need legal assistance following an accident while driving your Thrifty hire in Alberta, including in remote areas such as the Rocky Mountain corridors near Banff, Jasper, or Lake Louise.
Core benefits typically included are:
- Travel insurance with medical cover for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
Important limitations to be aware of for your Thrifty Alberta trip:
- This benefit does not apply to Canadian or US residents. It is available only to travellers from outside North America
- It does not cover damage to the Thrifty vehicle (that is CDW/LDW) or mechanical breakdown roadside assistance (contact Thrifty directly for that)
- Pre-existing medical conditions are excluded
To activate assistance, call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free, available 24/7) or contact WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready and follow the coordinator's instructions before incurring expenses that require prior authorisation.
Can I pick up my Thrifty hire in Calgary and return it in Edmonton, Alberta?
Yes, one-way hires between Thrifty locations in Alberta are generally possible, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on the route, vehicle class, and availability.
For a Thrifty one-way hire between Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta:
- The drop-off fee, if applicable, will be shown during the booking process under the "To pay at destination" section on the Hola Car Rentals checkout page
- If no fee appears, no drop-off charge applies to that specific route
- The fee is not prepaid and is paid directly at the Thrifty counter in Alberta at collection
- Changing your return location after booking may reprice the hire and recalculate or add a drop-off fee
Cross-border one-way hires, such as picking up in Alberta and returning in another Canadian province, may be subject to additional restrictions or higher fees. Confirm with the Thrifty counter in Alberta before finalising a cross-provincial itinerary.
If the Thrifty counter charges a drop-off fee that was not disclosed on your booking confirmation, keep all paperwork and contact Hola Car Rentals support. The No Extra Charges© guarantee covers undisclosed counter charges after verification.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I arrive late for my Thrifty hire in Alberta?
If your flight is delayed and you arrive later than your scheduled Thrifty collection time in Alberta, your reservation will generally be held for up to 24 hours from the original collection time, provided the counter is still open when you arrive.
What to keep in mind for Thrifty locations in Alberta:
- Calgary International Airport (YYC) operates daily from 07:00 to 23:59, giving you a wide window for late arrivals
- Downtown Calgary and Edmonton off-airport Thrifty locations have more limited hours, so a significant delay could mean the counter is closed on arrival
- If your delay is less than 24 hours, proceed to the Thrifty counter in Alberta as soon as you land
- If your delay exceeds 24 hours, contact Hola Car Rentals via WhatsApp at +1 (786) 999-8312 or by email at [email protected] as soon as possible, as changes cannot be guaranteed
Arriving after the counter closes without prior arrangement may result in the booking being forfeited with no refund. For airport collections at YYC, the extended daily hours reduce this risk significantly compared to off-airport Thrifty locations in Alberta.
What CDW insurance is included in a Thrifty hire in Alberta?
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) cover reduces your financial liability for damage to the Thrifty hire vehicle in Alberta. Whether it is included in your rate depends on the specific plan you selected when booking through Hola Car Rentals.
Check your booking confirmation to confirm whether CDW/LDW is listed and whether a deductible or excess applies. For Canada, Hola Car Rentals offers an All Inclusive rate that bundles this protection.
Key points about CDW/LDW on your Thrifty Alberta hire:
- It covers damage to the Thrifty vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism, up to the limits in the hire agreement
- A deductible may apply per incident unless your confirmation explicitly states zero deductible
- It does not cover third-party liability (injuries or damage to others), which is handled separately by statutory liability or supplementary LIS/ALI/SLI
- Common exclusions include tyres, undercarriage, roof, and damage caused by prohibited use such as off-road driving
- Coverage applies only to drivers named on the Thrifty hire agreement in Alberta
If an incident occurs, report it immediately to Thrifty and follow the instructions on your hire agreement. Delayed reporting can invalidate the cover.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for a Thrifty hire in Alberta?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not always mandatory for a Thrifty hire in Alberta, but whether you need one depends on your licence's language and alphabet.
The rules for Thrifty hires in Alberta are:
- If your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, an IDP is mandatory alongside your original licence
- If your licence is in English or uses a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required at most Thrifty Alberta locations
- Visitors from the United States and most European countries can generally drive in Alberta on their valid foreign licence without an IDP
Important reminders about the IDP for your Thrifty Alberta trip:
- The IDP is a translation document only and is never valid without your original licence. Always carry both
- Obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling to Alberta, as it cannot be issued once you have left
- All documents presented at the Thrifty counter in Alberta must be physical originals. Digital copies are not accepted
- Additional drivers must meet the same licence and IDP requirements and must be present at the counter to sign the hire agreement
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