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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Thrifty in Florida include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Florida, 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 Florida.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Thrifty counter in Florida when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Florida 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 Florida 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 Florida toll roads cashless when renting from Thrifty?
Yes, almost all toll roads in Florida are cashless, and your Thrifty hire vehicle will include an electronic toll device or a plate-based billing system from the moment you pick it up.
At the Thrifty counter in Florida you will typically have two options:
- Unlimited toll package: approximately US$13.99 per day or US$69.95 per week, covering all tolls during your hire period
- Pay per use: the actual toll amount plus daily or administrative processing fees billed to your credit card after the hire ends
Common toll roads you may encounter in Florida include SR-528, SR-417, and SR-408 around Orlando (roughly US$5 to US$15 per day), the Florida Turnpike and I-95 Express near Miami (roughly US$5 to US$20 per day), and the Selmon Expressway in Tampa (roughly US$3 to US$10 per day). A one-way trip between Orlando and Miami via the Florida Turnpike can cost approximately US$15 to US$30.
If you prefer to use your own visitor toll pass, inform the Thrifty representative at pickup so they can deactivate the vehicle's default device and prevent duplicate charges. Note that toll charges may appear on your credit card days or even weeks after you return the car, as toll agencies process invoices in batches.
What documents do I need to pick up a Thrifty hire car in Florida?
To collect your Thrifty hire car in Florida you must present all of the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid, original driver’s licence in the main driver’s name
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card, used for the authorisation hold
- A valid passport (required for visitors travelling internationally)
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets
If your driver’s licence 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 mandatory alongside your original licence. For licences in English or using a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required. The IDP is a translation document only and is never valid without the original licence.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at any Thrifty counter in Florida. Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the authorisation hold, so bring a major credit card with sufficient available credit.
How much is the security deposit for a Thrifty hire in Florida?
When you pick up your Thrifty hire in Florida, the counter will place a temporary authorisation hold on your credit card rather than an outright charge. For standard vehicles in the United States, typical holds range from approximately US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount varies by vehicle class, location, and season. Premium or speciality vehicles may carry a higher hold.
A few important points to keep in mind:
- The hold must be placed on a physical major credit card in the main driver’s name with the name printed on the card
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted for the deposit at any Thrifty location in Florida
- The hold reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after the hire ends, which can take up to 15 working days
- Even if you prepaid your booking, you must still present a credit card at the Thrifty counter in Florida for the hold
It is a good idea to notify your bank before travelling so that a high-value in-person authorisation in Florida does not trigger a fraud block. Bringing a backup credit card is also recommended in case your primary card is declined.
Does Hola Car Rentals offer toll cashback for Thrifty hires in Florida?
Yes, all bookings include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Thrifty hire in Florida.
Florida has an extensive cashless toll network covering routes around Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale, so toll costs can add up quickly. The cashback benefit helps offset those expenses regardless of whether you use the Thrifty unlimited toll package or pay per use.
To claim your cashback after returning your Thrifty vehicle in Florida:
- 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 hire agreement, and a toll invoice 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. Claims submitted after 30 days are not accepted, so keep your toll receipts and submit promptly.
Is my foreign driver’s licence valid for a Thrifty hire in Florida?
Yes, a valid foreign driver’s licence is generally accepted at Thrifty counters in Florida when accompanied by your passport.
However, the rules depend on the alphabet your licence uses:
- If your licence uses a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as most European or Latin American licences, it is accepted and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not mandatory
- If your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an IDP is mandatory alongside your original licence at any Thrifty location in Florida
The IDP is a translation booklet only. It is never valid on its own and must always be carried together with your original licence. You must obtain the IDP in your home country before travelling, as it cannot be issued to foreign licence holders once you are in the United States.
All documents presented at the Thrifty counter in Florida must be physical originals. Digital copies are not accepted. Make sure the name on your licence, passport, and credit card all match the main driver listed on the hire agreement.
What is the minimum age to hire a car from Thrifty in Florida?
The minimum age to hire a car from Thrifty in Florida without an additional surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can hire but will be charged a daily young-renter surcharge at the counter.
Key points for under-25 renters at Thrifty locations in Florida:
- Drivers aged 21 to 24 are eligible but pay a daily young-renter fee, which varies by location and vehicle class
- Most vehicle categories are restricted to drivers 25 and older, including full-size sedans, SUVs, minivans, convertibles, luxury, and premium classes
- Drivers aged 21 to 24 are generally limited to economy, compact, intermediate, and compact SUV categories
- Florida does not have the same state-law exception as New York or Michigan, so the standard Thrifty policy applies statewide
If you are between 21 and 24 and travelling from Latin America or the Caribbean, certain Hola Car Rentals rates with Avis or Budget (not Thrifty) may waive the underage fee. For Thrifty hires in Florida, the standard young-renter surcharge applies regardless of nationality. Budget for this fee when comparing hire costs across brands in Florida.
How does adding an extra driver work at Thrifty in Florida?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty hire in Florida, but the extra driver must be physically present at the counter at pickup to show their valid driver’s licence and sign the hire agreement.
When the additional driver fee is not included in your rate, Thrifty in Florida charges US$13.50 per hire day plus taxes, with a maximum cap of US$189 plus taxes for the hire period. This fee is paid directly at the Thrifty counter in Florida and cannot be prepaid.
Requirements for the additional driver:
- Must be present at the Thrifty counter in Florida at the time of pickup
- Must hold a valid driver’s licence and meet the same document requirements as the main driver
- Must meet the minimum age requirement; a young-renter surcharge may apply if the additional driver is under 25
- If their licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, an IDP is also required
Only drivers listed on the hire agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW. If someone drives the Thrifty vehicle in Florida without being named on the contract, cover may be void and additional charges could apply. Check your booking confirmation to see whether one additional driver is already included in your rate.
What insurance cover do I need for a Thrifty hire in Florida?
When hiring from Thrifty in Florida, two main types of cover are worth understanding before you arrive at the counter.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability for damage to the Thrifty vehicle itself in Florida. A deductible may still apply unless your confirmation explicitly 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 Thrifty hire in Florida. Some U.S. states require hire companies to include a state-minimum liability amount, but not all states do. It is strongly recommended to add supplementary liability cover up to US$300,000 for peace of mind on Florida roads.
Common exclusions to be aware of:
- Tires, wheels, undercarriage, and roof damage are often not covered by standard CDW/LDW
- Prohibited use such as off-road driving, DUI, or unauthorised drivers voids cover
- Personal injuries to you or your passengers require separate Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
- Personal belongings require Personal Effects Cover (PEC)
Review your Hola Car Rentals confirmation to confirm which covers are included in your Thrifty Florida hire before pickup.
Does travel assistance cover me during a Thrifty hire in Florida?
Yes, most bookings include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can be valuable if you experience a medical emergency or other covered incident during your Thrifty hire in Florida.
Core benefits typically included are:
- Travel and medical cover for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in case of an accident on Florida roads
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
This cover is particularly relevant in Florida given the long highway distances between cities such as Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, where a breakdown or medical situation far from a major hospital could otherwise be costly.
Important limitations to keep in mind:
- This benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada
- Pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from the medical benefit
- Hire car damage is not covered by this assistance; that is handled by CDW/LDW
- Third-party liability is separate and covered by LIS/ALI/SLI
To reach assistance 24 hours a day during your Thrifty hire in Florida, call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or contact WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Always check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your reservation.
Can I do a one-way Thrifty hire between Florida cities?
Yes, Thrifty offers one-way hires between cities in Florida, and with 53 locations across the state, there are many route options including Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, and others.
A drop-off fee may apply depending on the specific route. Some short-distance routes, such as Miami International Airport to Orlando International Airport, may not incur a one-way fee, while longer or less common routes typically do. The fee is route-specific and varies by vehicle class, season, and distance.
How to check for a drop-off fee on your Thrifty Florida booking:
- During checkout, select your different return location and the system will calculate the route
- Any applicable drop-off fee will appear under the "To pay at destination" section on the details page
- Your booking confirmation will also list the fee if one applies
- If no fee appears, no drop-off charge applies to that specific Florida route
The drop-off fee cannot be prepaid and is not covered by No Extra Charges© unless it was not disclosed on your confirmation. Changing your return location after booking may reprice the hire and recalculate or add a drop-off fee, so confirm your itinerary before finalising.
What is the fuel policy for Thrifty car hires in Florida?
Thrifty hires in Florida 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 to avoid fuel charges on your Thrifty hire in Florida:
- 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 the fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
- Take a photo of the full gauge before returning the car
If you return the Thrifty vehicle in Florida 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. These charges can be significant, so refuelling near the return location is always the better option.
Some Thrifty counters in Florida may offer an optional prepaid fuel plan at pickup. If you accept it, any unused fuel is generally non-refundable, so it is usually only worthwhile if you are certain you will not have time to refuel before returning the car.
How do I return a Thrifty hire car at a Florida airport after hours?
Yes, after-hours returns are generally supported at Thrifty airport locations in Florida, though the exact process varies by airport.
General steps for returning your Thrifty vehicle at a Florida airport outside counter hours:
- Follow airport signage to the designated hire car return area or consolidated hire car centre at the Florida airport where you picked up the vehicle
- Park in the Thrifty or Hertz Group return bay, as Thrifty shares facilities with Dollar and Hertz at major Florida airports
- Place the keys in the after-hours key drop box at the Thrifty return area
- Leave a copy of your fuel receipt inside the vehicle or in the key envelope
- Take photos of the fuel gauge, odometer, and overall vehicle condition before walking away
- Keep all paperwork until you receive your final hire receipt confirming the return
At Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), the Thrifty return facility is located at the Hertz facility at 3175 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach. For other Florida airports, check your hire agreement or booking confirmation for the specific return address and key drop instructions.
Note that liability for the vehicle may remain with you until the Thrifty agent formally checks it in during business hours, so documenting the car's condition at drop-off is important.
What taxes and airport fees should I expect on a Thrifty hire in Florida?
When hiring from Thrifty at a Florida airport, the final price at the counter will typically include several taxes and fees beyond the base rate. Understanding these in advance helps you avoid surprises.
Common charges added to Thrifty hires at Florida airports include:
- Florida state sales tax of 6% on the base hire rate, plus county surcharges that can add up to an additional 6% depending on the county
- Airport concession recovery fee (ACRF), typically 8% to 12% of the base rate, charged at airport locations
- Customer facility charge (CFC), usually GBP 3 to GBP 5 per day, covering the cost of the hire car centre facility
- Tourism or local surcharges, such as those in Miami-Dade County, which can add approximately 5% to 6%
If your booking confirmation shows "Taxes and Fees: Included," you should not be billed separately for those items at the Thrifty counter in Florida. If you are charged for something that was listed as included, the No Extra Charges© guarantee may apply. Keep your itemised hire agreement and contact support after the hire ends with documentation.
Optional extras such as the Thrifty toll package, GPS, child seats, or additional driver fees are always due at the counter and are not covered by any inclusion guarantee.
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