Thrifty Car Hire
in California

EASTER  45% OFF   

Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in California, 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 hire 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 car hire experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in California.

No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in California 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 California 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)

California uses FasTrak as its statewide electronic toll system, and nearly all toll facilities are fully cashless. When you pick up your Thrifty hire car in California, the vehicle will already include an electronic toll device or a plate-based billing system.

At the Thrifty counter you will typically be offered two options:

• An unlimited toll package at approximately US$11 to US$25 per hire day, covering all toll usage during the hire period
• A pay-per-use arrangement where actual toll amounts plus daily or administrative processing fees are charged to your card, sometimes weeks after the hire ends

Key toll facilities you may encounter in California include Bay Area bridges such as the Bay Bridge (approximately US$8.50 per crossing) and the Golden Gate Bridge (approximately US$9.75 with FasTrak), as well as Orange County toll roads SR-73, SR-133, SR-241, and SR-261, and express lanes on I-10 and I-110 in Los Angeles.

If you prefer to pay tolls yourself, you can opt out of the Thrifty toll programme at pickup and pay directly through the relevant toll agency website. If you use your own FasTrak account or visitor pass, notify the Thrifty counter agent so they can deactivate the vehicle's default device and prevent duplicate charges.

To collect your Thrifty hire car in California you must present all of the following physical documents at the counter:

• A valid, unexpired driver’s licence in the main driver’s name
• A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the physical card, required for the authorisation hold
• A valid passport (for visitors arriving from outside the United States)
• Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
• Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for international visitors)

If your driver’s licence is not written in English or uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence. The IDP is a translation document only and is not valid on its own.

All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies or photos on a phone are not accepted at any Thrifty counter in California. Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the authorisation hold, so bring a major credit card with sufficient available credit.

If you think you may need an IDP, obtain it in your home country before travelling, as U.S. issuers such as AAA do not issue IDPs to non-U.S. licence holders.

When you pick up a Thrifty hire car in California, the counter agent will place a temporary authorisation hold on your credit card. This is not a charge but it does reduce your available credit until your bank releases it after the hire ends.

For standard vehicles in the United States, typical holds range from approximately US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount varies by Thrifty location, vehicle class, and season. Premium or speciality vehicles may carry higher holds.

Important points to keep in mind:

• Only a major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the physical card is accepted for the deposit hold
• Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted
• After you return the vehicle, the hold is released, but your bank controls when it appears back on your account, which can take up to 15 working days
• Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined

If you are renting at a California airport location such as LAX or SFO, notify your bank of your travel plans in advance to prevent the authorisation from being flagged as a suspicious transaction.

Yes, all Thrifty bookings made through Hola Car Rentals in California include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during the hire.

California has significant toll exposure, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area (Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge) and in Southern California (Orange County toll roads SR-73, SR-241, SR-261, and Los Angeles express lanes). The Tolls Cashback benefit applies to tolls paid on any of these facilities during your Thrifty hire.

To claim your cashback after returning the 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 booking confirmation, the signed Thrifty hire agreement, and a toll receipt or statement showing charges paid
• Include your full name, travel dates, and the last 4 digits of the card used for the booking

Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 working days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted. This benefit does not mean tolls are included in your booking; you still pay tolls normally and claim reimbursement afterwards.

Yes, drivers aged 21 to 24 can hire a Thrifty car in California, but a young-renter surcharge applies and certain vehicle classes are restricted.

In California, as in most U.S. states outside New York and Michigan, the standard minimum age to hire without a surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 are eligible but will pay an additional daily young-renter fee at the Thrifty counter.

Vehicle class restrictions also apply for under-25 renters. Categories typically available include Economy, Compact, and Intermediate. Classes such as Full Size, SUVs, Minivans, Convertibles, Luxury, and Premium are generally restricted to renters aged 25 and older.

Additional requirements that still apply regardless of age:

• A valid driver’s licence in good standing
• A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the physical card for the security deposit
• An International Driving Permit if the licence uses a non-Latin alphabet

One exception worth noting: if you are from Latin America or the Caribbean and your Hola Car Rentals confirmation explicitly shows the underage fee waived, Avis and Budget (not Thrifty) may waive this surcharge for the main driver aged 21 to 24. This exception does not apply to Thrifty California bookings.

Thrifty hires in California follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.

Steps to follow to avoid fuel charges:

• At pickup, 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 10 miles or 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
• Show the full gauge to the agent at return, or leave the receipt in the key envelope for after-hours drops

If you return the Thrifty vehicle in California 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 retail pump prices, plus a refuelling service fee.

California airports such as LAX and SFO have petrol stations nearby, but traffic near airport return areas can be heavy. Plan your refuelling stop in advance using Google Maps or your GPS to locate the nearest station to the Thrifty return point.

Yes, one-way hires are available through Thrifty in California, allowing you to pick up in one city and return in another, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on the route.

Thrifty operates across many California cities and airports, including LAX, SFO, SNA, OAK, SMF, BUR, and others, as well as downtown locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and more. This broad network makes one-way hires within California practical.

How drop-off fees work:

• Same-city airport to downtown routes often carry no drop-off fee
• Routes between different cities or airports typically do carry a one-way fee
• Long-distance or cross-state routes usually carry higher fees
• The fee is shown during the booking process under the "To pay at destination" section and is not prepaid

The drop-off fee is separate from mileage, fuel, and tolls. Unlimited mileage does not waive it. If you need to change your return location after booking, be aware that the route may reprice and a new or higher fee could apply.

If the Thrifty counter charges a drop-off fee that differs from what your confirmation shows, keep all paperwork and contact support after the hire.

The insurance and protection options included in your Thrifty hire in California depend on the rate plan selected when booking through Hola Car Rentals.

The main coverages to understand are:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to the Thrifty vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation states zero deductible. This does not cover damage to third parties.
• Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to other people or vehicles. Some U.S. states require a minimum level of liability, but not all do. Adding supplementary liability up to US$300,000 is strongly recommended for California driving.

What CDW and LDW do not cover:

• Tires, wheels, undercarriage, and roof damage (unless a specific add-on is purchased)
• Damage caused by prohibited use such as off-road driving or driving under the influence
• Incidents involving drivers not listed on the Thrifty hire agreement

Always verify which coverages appear on your booking confirmation and on the Thrifty hire agreement at pickup. All additional drivers must be listed on the agreement for protections to apply.

Yes, most Thrifty bookings made through Hola Car Rentals in California include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, but this benefit does not apply to U.S. or Canadian residents.

If you are travelling to California from outside North America and experience an emergency during your Thrifty hire, such as a medical situation on a California highway or a flight cancellation affecting your trip, this cover can help.

What is typically included:

• Travel and medical cover for up to 5 passengers
• Legal assistance in the event of a road accident
• Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
• Flight cancellation insurance

What is not included:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Damage to the Thrifty hire vehicle (that is covered by CDW/LDW)
• Third-party liability (covered by LIS/ALI/SLI)

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.

Check your booking confirmation for the exact cover terms and limits that apply to your specific Thrifty reservation in California.

Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty hire in California, either as part of your rate or for a fee paid at the counter.

Check your Hola Car Rentals confirmation first. If it states "Additional driver free of charge" or "Additional driver included," the first extra driver is covered at no cost. If it is not included, Thrifty charges approximately US$13.50 per hire day plus taxes, with a maximum cap of US$189 plus taxes for the hire period.

Requirements for adding an additional driver at the Thrifty counter in California:

• The additional driver must be physically present at pickup
• They must present a valid driver’s licence (and an IDP if their licence uses a non-Latin alphabet)
• They must meet the minimum age requirements for California
• Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement

Only drivers listed on the Thrifty hire agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW and liability insurance. If someone not listed on the agreement drives the vehicle in California, cover may be void and additional charges could apply.

If you need to add a driver after pickup, visit a Thrifty branch in California to update the agreement in person.

It is normal to receive toll charges on your credit card days or even weeks after returning your Thrifty hire in California. Toll agencies in California process invoices in batches, and the FasTrak system may not post charges until after the hire agreement has closed.

How post-hire toll billing works:

• If you enrolled in the Thrifty toll programme, charges for actual tolls plus the daily programme fee are billed to your card after return
• If you did not enrol, the toll authority invoices Thrifty via licence plate recognition, and Thrifty then bills you the toll amount plus administrative or processing fees, which can be significantly higher than FasTrak rates
• Express lanes in Los Angeles and Bay Area bridges are the most common sources of post-hire toll charges in California

If you believe a toll charge is incorrect, gather the roadway name, date, time, vehicle number, your booking confirmation, hire agreement, and toll invoice. Then contact support via WhatsApp at +1 (786) 999-8312 or email [email protected] for assistance reviewing the charge with Thrifty.

Remember that all Thrifty bookings through Hola Car Rentals in California include Tolls Cashback, reimbursing up to 5% of your booking total for tolls paid. Submit your claim within 30 days of return.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not always mandatory for hiring from Thrifty in California, but it is required in specific situations.

You must carry an IDP alongside your original licence if your driver’s licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script. In this case, the IDP is mandatory at any Thrifty counter in California.

If your licence is in English or uses the Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required. However, individual Thrifty counter agents in California may request one, so carrying it reduces the risk of complications at pickup.

Important rules about the IDP:

• The IDP is a translation document only and is not valid without your original licence
• You must present both documents together at the Thrifty counter
• Obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling to California, as U.S. issuers such as AAA do not issue IDPs to non-U.S. licence holders
• All documents presented at the Thrifty counter must be physical originals; digital copies are not accepted

International visitors hiring from Thrifty in California should also bring their passport and round-trip flight or cruise tickets as part of the standard document set required at pickup.

Thrifty counter hours in California vary by location, and it is important to confirm the specific hours for your pickup point before you travel.

Key points to keep in mind:

• Airport locations such as LAX and SFO generally have extended hours, but they are not always 24 hours; confirm your specific Thrifty location hours on your booking confirmation
• Downtown California locations such as those in Los Angeles and San Francisco typically have more limited hours than airport counters
• Hours may be reduced on public holidays, so always check in advance if your pickup or return falls on a holiday

Grace period and late return rules for Thrifty in California:

• The standard grace period at return is approximately 30 minutes; returning after this window may result in charges for an additional hour or day plus a late fee
• If your flight is delayed by less than 24 hours from your original pickup time, Thrifty will generally hold your reservation
• If the delay exceeds 24 hours, contact Hola Car Rentals support via WhatsApp at +1 (786) 999-8312 or email [email protected] as soon as possible

For after-hours returns at California locations, check your Thrifty hire agreement for key-drop instructions and note that liability for the vehicle may continue until the counter agent formally checks it in.