VERIFIED REVIEWS
About hiring a car with Thrifty in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Thrifty in New York include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in New York, 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 New York.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Thrifty counter in New York when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in New York 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 New York 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)
How do I get to the Thrifty counter at New York JFK Airport from the terminal?
At New York JFK, Thrifty is located at Federal Circle (Station C), the consolidated hire car facility shared by all major brands. From any terminal, the process is straightforward and free.
- After collecting your bags, follow the signs inside your terminal to the AirTrain.
- Board the AirTrain towards Federal Circle (Station C). The journey takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes, and the on-airport segment is free of charge.
- Once at Federal Circle, follow the Hire Car signs to the Thrifty counter.
The AirTrain runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and Thrifty counters at New York JFK operate 24 hours. Bring your booking confirmation, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name, your driver's licence, and any other required documents. If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, also bring your International Driving Permit.
What documents do I need to pick up a Thrifty hire car in New York?
To pick up a Thrifty hire car in New York, you must present all documents in physical form. Digital copies are not accepted at the counter.
- A valid, original driver's licence in the main driver's name.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic. The IDP is a translation only and must be carried alongside your original licence.
- A physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, for the authorisation hold. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted.
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID.
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors travelling from abroad).
New York state law allows Thrifty to hire to drivers aged 18 and older, though a young-renter surcharge applies to drivers under 25. Make sure all additional drivers are present at the counter with their own valid licence and documents, as only named drivers on the agreement are covered by hire protections.
Are there toll roads near New York, and how do they work with a Thrifty hire?
Yes, New York has extensive toll exposure, and driving a Thrifty hire in New York means you will almost certainly encounter cashless tolls. There are no cash lanes on most major crossings.
- NYC bridges and tunnels cost approximately US$15 to US$25 or more per crossing.
- Daily driving with one major crossing can reach US$20 to US$40 or more.
- NYC Congestion Pricing applies when entering most of Manhattan south of 60th Street on local streets. The charge is approximately US$8.99 plus taxes per day for passenger cars, billed once per calendar day regardless of how many times you enter the zone. The FDR Drive and West Side Highway are excluded as long as you do not exit onto local streets within the zone.
Your Thrifty vehicle in New York will include an electronic toll device. At pickup you can choose an unlimited toll package (typically US$11 to US$26 per hire day) or pay per use, where actual toll amounts plus administrative fees are charged to your card, sometimes weeks after the hire ends. You may also use your own compatible transponder if you inform the Thrifty counter agent and ask them to deactivate the vehicle's default device to avoid duplicate charges.
Can I get a Tolls Cashback refund on my Thrifty hire in New York?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Thrifty hires in New York, include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your hire.
Given New York's high toll exposure, including bridge and tunnel crossings of US$15 to US$25 each and the NYC Congestion Pricing fee of approximately US$8.99 plus taxes per day, this benefit can add up meaningfully over a multi-day Thrifty hire.
To claim your cashback after returning your New York Thrifty hire:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle.
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA followed by your confirmation number.
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed hire agreement from Thrifty, and a toll invoice or statement showing the charges paid.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
What is the minimum age to hire a car from Thrifty in New York?
New York state law requires Thrifty and other hire companies to hire to licensed drivers aged 18 and older, which is a lower minimum than most other U.S. states where 25 is the standard.
However, a young-renter surcharge applies to drivers under 25. The daily fee varies by location and vehicle class, so confirm the exact amount at the Thrifty counter when you pick up in New York.
Additional restrictions to keep in mind for younger drivers hiring from Thrifty in New York:
- Most premium, full-size, luxury, SUV, minivan, and convertible vehicle classes are restricted to drivers aged 25 and older.
- Drivers aged 18 to 24 are generally limited to economy, compact, intermediate, and compact SUV categories.
- A major credit card in the main driver's name is still required for the security deposit hold, regardless of age.
If you hire in New York at 18 or older, interstate driving is generally permitted under your contract, but always verify cross-border and territory rules on your Thrifty hire agreement before driving to neighbouring states.
Does Thrifty charge extra fees at New York airports like JFK?
Yes, hiring from Thrifty at New York airport locations such as JFK involves additional fees beyond the base hire rate. These are standard charges applied at airport hire facilities and are separate from the cost of the vehicle itself.
- Airport Concession Recovery Fee (ACRF): typically 10% to 15% of the base rate, charged by the airport authority and passed on by Thrifty.
- Customer Facility Charge (CFC): approximately US$4.50 to US$6.00 per hire day, covering the cost of the consolidated hire car facility at Federal Circle.
- New York City vehicle hire tax: approximately 5% applied to the base rate and fees.
These charges are in addition to any toll-related fees, young-renter surcharges, or optional extras you accept at the Thrifty counter. Off-airport Thrifty locations in New York, such as the Manhattan location on West 83rd Street or the Brooklyn location on Union Street, typically do not carry concession or facility fees, which can result in significant savings compared to JFK pickup rates.
Your booking confirmation will show which taxes and fees are included in your prepaid rate versus what is due at the Thrifty counter in New York.
How does the fuel policy work for Thrifty hires in New York?
Thrifty hires in New York 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.
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 gauge before leaving the New York pickup location.
When returning your Thrifty hire in New York:
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km of the return location so the gauge does not drop below full before you arrive.
- Keep the fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address.
- For after-hours returns, leave the receipt in the key envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone.
If you return the vehicle below the recorded starting level, Thrifty may charge a fuel shortfall at their refuelling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refuelling service fee. Using the correct fuel type is also important, as wrong-fuel incidents are not covered by the fuel policy and may generate additional charges on your New York hire.
What insurance coverage is included in a Thrifty hire in New York?
The coverage included in your Thrifty hire in New York depends on the rate plan you selected at booking. It is important to review your confirmation carefully before arriving at the counter.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability for damage to the Thrifty hire vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly shows zero deductible. CDW and LDW do not cover damage to other vehicles or injuries to other people.
Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the Thrifty hire in New York. Note that some U.S. states require a minimum level of liability, but not all do. Adding supplementary liability cover is strongly recommended for driving in New York.
Common exclusions to be aware of:
- Tires, wheels, undercarriage, and roof damage are often excluded unless a specific add-on is purchased.
- Prohibited use such as off-road driving, DUI, or unauthorised drivers voids cover.
- Only drivers named on the Thrifty hire agreement in New York are covered.
If you have questions about what your specific rate includes, check your booking confirmation or contact support before pickup.
What is the security deposit amount for a Thrifty hire in New York?
When picking up a Thrifty hire in New York, the counter will place a temporary authorisation hold on your credit card. This is not a charge, but it reduces 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. The exact amount for your Thrifty hire in New York may vary based on the vehicle class, hire duration, and location. Premium or specialised vehicles often carry higher holds.
Important requirements for the deposit at the Thrifty counter in New York:
- You must present a physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted.
- The card must be in the main driver's name and have sufficient available credit to cover the hold plus any expected charges.
- Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined.
After returning your Thrifty hire in New York, the hold is released by the counter, but your bank controls when it appears back on your available credit. This can take up to 15 business days, and sometimes longer depending on your card issuer.
Can I add an additional driver to my Thrifty hire in New York?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty hire in New York, either as part of your rate or by paying a fee at the counter.
For Thrifty in New York, the additional driver fee is US$13.50 per hire day plus taxes, with a maximum charge of US$189 plus taxes if your rate does not include a free additional driver. Check your booking confirmation to see whether an additional driver is already included at no extra cost.
Requirements for adding a driver at the Thrifty counter in New York:
- The additional driver must be physically present at pickup.
- They must present a valid driver's licence and any required ID documents.
- If their licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, they must also bring an International Driving Permit.
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement.
Only drivers named on the Thrifty hire agreement in New York are covered by protections such as CDW and liability cover. Anyone who drives the vehicle without being listed on the contract may void those protections entirely. If you need to add a driver after pickup, visit a Thrifty branch in New York to update the agreement.
What happens if I arrive late to pick up my Thrifty hire in New York?
If you arrive later than your scheduled pickup time for your Thrifty hire in New York, the booking will generally be held for up to 24 hours from the original pickup time. If you do not arrive within that window, the reservation may be forfeited with no refund.
For flight delays arriving into New York JFK or other New York airports:
- If your delay is less than 24 hours, Thrifty will hold your booking. Make sure you arrive during counter operating hours, as Thrifty at JFK operates 24 hours.
- If your delay exceeds 24 hours, contact Hola Car Rentals support as soon as possible via WhatsApp at the number on your booking confirmation or by email at [email protected]. Changes are not guaranteed but the team will assist where possible.
The standard grace period on return is typically 30 minutes. Returning your Thrifty hire in New York beyond that window may result in charges for extra hours or an additional day, plus a potential late fee. Always plan your return time carefully, especially given New York's unpredictable traffic conditions when driving to JFK or other return locations.
Is a one-way hire possible with Thrifty in New York?
Yes, one-way hires are possible with Thrifty in New York, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your return location.
When booking a Thrifty one-way hire from New York, the drop-off fee is route-specific and varies by destination, vehicle class, and season. You will see this fee listed under the "To pay at destination" section during the booking process and on your confirmation. It cannot be prepaid and is not covered by No Extra Charges© unless it was not disclosed at the time of booking.
Common patterns for one-way Thrifty hires originating in New York:
- Returning to a different New York city location, such as from JFK to a Manhattan or Brooklyn Thrifty branch, may carry no drop-off fee or a modest one.
- Returning to a different state or distant city typically incurs a drop-off fee that varies by distance and vehicle class.
- Cross-border one-ways, such as from New York to Canada, may be restricted or require prior authorisation from Thrifty.
Always verify the drop-off fee on your booking confirmation before finalising a one-way Thrifty hire in New York. If the counter charges a different amount than shown on your confirmation, keep all paperwork and contact support after the hire.
Does my Thrifty booking in New York include travel assistance if something goes wrong?
Yes, most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Thrifty hires in New York, include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection at no extra cost. However, this benefit does not apply to customers who are residents of the United States or Canada.
For eligible customers driving a Thrifty hire in New York, the travel assistance coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with 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.
If you need assistance during your Thrifty hire in New York, for example after an incident on a highway or bridge crossing, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Phone (toll-free or collect): +1 888 980 9992
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Have your full name and Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call. This cover does not replace CDW or liability insurance for the Thrifty hire vehicle itself. Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your New York hire.
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