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About hiring a car with Thrifty in Newark
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Thrifty in Newark include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Newark, 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 Newark.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Thrifty counter in Newark when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Newark 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 Newark 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)
Where is the Thrifty counter at Newark Airport and how do I get there?
The Thrifty hire counter at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is located at the consolidated off-airport hire car facility at 132 Carson Road, Newark, NJ 07114. It is not within walking distance of any terminal.
To reach the Thrifty counter from any EWR terminal (A, B, or C), follow these steps:
- Collect your luggage from baggage claim
- Follow signs to the AirTrain, the free monorail that connects all terminals
- Ride the AirTrain to station P2 or the hire car facility stop
- The Thrifty counter is inside the consolidated centre at that stop
Allow roughly 10 to 20 minutes for the AirTrain ride and baggage process, plus another 10 to 30 minutes at the Thrifty counter, for a total of approximately 30 to 60 minutes from landing to driving away. The Newark airport Thrifty location is open daily from 06:00 to 23:59.
What documents do I need to pick up my Thrifty hire car in Newark?
To pick up your Thrifty hire car in Newark, you must present 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 physical card, with enough available credit to cover the authorisation hold
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the United Kingdom)
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. For licences in other non-English scripts, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation only and must be carried alongside your original licence.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital or on-screen versions are not accepted at the Thrifty counter in Newark.
How do toll roads work when renting from Thrifty in Newark?
Newark and the surrounding New Jersey area have extensive toll roads, and nearly all are cashless. When you pick up your Thrifty hire in Newark, the vehicle will already include an electronic toll device compatible with the E-ZPass system used on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and other major routes.
At the Thrifty counter in Newark, you will typically have two options:
- Unlimited toll package: a fixed daily rate of approximately US$11 to US$25 per day, covering all tolls during the hire period
- Pay per use: you decline the package and tolls are billed to your credit card after the hire, along with administrative processing fees
If you opt out and drive through a cashless-only toll gantry without a personal transponder, the hire company may charge up to three times the toll amount, capped at US$5 per toll, in addition to the toll itself. Typical toll costs in the Newark area include New Jersey Turnpike crossings starting around US$0.95 and Garden State Parkway crossings from approximately US$1.90, increasing with distance.
If you drive into Manhattan, an additional NYC Congestion Relief Zone fee of approximately US$8.99 plus taxes per day applies for entering the zone south of 60th Street on local streets.
Toll charges can appear on your card days or even weeks after you return the Thrifty vehicle in Newark, as toll agencies process invoices in batches.
Can I get cashback on tolls paid during my Thrifty hire in Newark?
Yes, you can get cashback on tolls paid during your Thrifty hire in Newark. All Hola Car Rentals bookings include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during the hire period.
Given that the Newark area has some of the highest toll exposure in the United States, including New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and NYC bridge and tunnel crossings, this benefit can add up meaningfully.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after returning your Thrifty vehicle in Newark:
- 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 reservation confirmation, the signed hire agreement from Thrifty, and a toll receipt or statement showing charges paid during the hire
The refund is issued to the same payment method used for your booking and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
How much is the security deposit for a Thrifty hire in Newark?
When you pick up your Thrifty hire in Newark, the counter will place a temporary authorisation hold on your credit card. This hold is not a charge but reduces your available credit until it is released after you return the vehicle.
For standard vehicles hired in the United States, typical holds range from approximately US$300 to US$400. The exact amount for your Thrifty hire in Newark may vary depending on the vehicle class, hire duration, and the specific location's policies. Premium or specialised vehicles may carry higher holds.
Important requirements for the deposit at the Thrifty counter in Newark:
- The card must be a major credit card, not a debit or prepaid card
- The card must be in the main driver’s name with the name printed on the physical card
- You must have sufficient available credit to cover both the hold and any expected charges
After you return the Thrifty vehicle in Newark, the hold is released, but your bank controls when the credit reappears on your account, which can take up to 15 business days. Bringing a backup credit card is always a good precaution.
Are there extra airport fees added to Thrifty hires at Newark Airport?
Yes, Thrifty hires picked up at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) include several local fees and taxes on top of the base rate. These are standard charges applied to all hire companies operating at Newark Airport.
Typical fees added to a Thrifty hire at Newark include:
- Airport concession recovery fee: approximately 10 to 12% of the base rate
- Customer facility charge (CFC): up to US$10 per hire
- New Jersey state sales tax: 6.625% on the hire
These fees can push the effective daily cost noticeably above the advertised base rate. Your booking confirmation will show which taxes and fees are included in your prepaid rate and which are due at the Thrifty counter in Newark at collection.
If your confirmation shows taxes and fees as included and you are still charged for them at the Newark counter, the No Extra Charges© guarantee may apply. Keep all paperwork and contact support after the hire is complete.
Can I add an additional driver to my Thrifty hire in Newark?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty hire in Newark, but the additional driver must be present at the counter at collection with a valid driver’s licence and any required identification.
For Thrifty in Newark, the additional driver fee is US$13.50 per hire day plus taxes, with a maximum charge of US$189 plus taxes for the hire period. This fee is waived if your booking confirmation explicitly states that an additional driver is included at no charge.
Requirements for adding an additional driver at the Thrifty counter in Newark:
- The additional driver must appear in person at collection
- 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 Newark hires
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement
Only drivers listed on the Thrifty hire agreement in Newark are covered by the vehicle’s protections. Anyone not named on the contract who drives the car may void coverage.
Is there a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25 at Thrifty in Newark?
Yes, drivers under 25 years old are subject to a young-renter surcharge when collecting a Thrifty hire in Newark. In most UK states, the standard minimum age to hire without a surcharge is 25.
For Thrifty hires in Newark, drivers aged 21 to 24 can hire but will pay an additional daily young-renter fee on top of the base rate. New Jersey follows the general US rule, so the surcharge applies at the Newark counter.
Additional restrictions for under-25 renters at Thrifty in Newark:
- Many vehicle classes are restricted to drivers 25 and older, including full-size, SUV, premium, luxury, convertible, minivan, and van categories
- Economy, compact, and intermediate vehicles are typically available for younger renters
- A major credit card in the main driver’s name is still required for the authorisation hold
Drivers under 21 are generally not eligible to hire from Thrifty in Newark. If you are between 21 and 24, budget for the surcharge when comparing rates for your Newark hire.
Can I pick up a Thrifty car in Newark and return it to a different city?
Yes, Thrifty at Newark Airport (EWR) offers one-way hires, allowing you to return the vehicle to a different location. However, a drop-off fee may apply depending on the route.
Key points about one-way hires from the Thrifty location in Newark:
- The drop-off fee is route-specific and varies by destination, vehicle class, and season
- Same-city returns, such as Newark Airport to a Newark city location, often carry no drop-off fee
- Returns to other states or distant cities typically include a one-way fee
- Cross-border returns, such as Newark to a Canadian location, may be restricted or carry higher fees
During the booking process, the drop-off fee for your specific Newark Thrifty route will appear under the "To pay at destination" section on the details page. Review your booking confirmation to confirm the fee before collection. If the Thrifty counter in Newark charges a different amount than shown on your confirmation, keep all paperwork and contact support after the hire ends.
What is the fuel policy for Thrifty hires in Newark?
Thrifty hires in Newark follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges.
Steps to follow for the fuel policy on your Newark Thrifty hire:
- 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 10 miles of the Newark return location before dropping off
- Keep your final fuel receipt as proof in case of any dispute
If you return the Thrifty vehicle in Newark 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 pump prices, plus a refuelling service fee.
Note that fuel prices in the Newark area tend to be above the national average due to New Jersey's higher fuel taxes, so budgeting for refuelling near the return location at 132 Carson Road is advisable.
What insurance coverage is included with a Thrifty hire in Newark?
The insurance coverage included with your Thrifty hire in Newark depends on the rate plan selected at booking. It is important to review your booking confirmation carefully before arriving at the Newark counter.
Common coverage types relevant to Thrifty hires in Newark:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to the Thrifty hire vehicle from a collision or covered event, subject to any applicable excess shown on your confirmation
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the Thrifty vehicle in Newark; some UK states require a minimum level, but not all do
CDW and LDW do not cover third parties, your personal injuries, or your belongings. Third-party liability coverage is separate and should be confirmed on your hire agreement at the Newark Thrifty counter.
At collection in Newark, review the hire agreement to confirm which coverages are active, note any excess amounts, and ensure all drivers are listed on the contract. Unlisted drivers may not be covered.
What happens if my Thrifty flight to Newark is delayed?
If your flight to Newark is delayed, the Thrifty hire counter at Newark Airport (EWR) will generally hold your reservation for up to 24 hours from the original scheduled collection time, as long as you arrive during counter operating hours (06:00 to 23:59 daily at the 132 Carson Road location).
What to bear in mind for a delayed arrival at the Newark Thrifty counter:
- If the delay is less than 24 hours, your booking should be held and you can proceed to the AirTrain and ride to the hire car centre at P2 as normal
- If the delay exceeds 24 hours, contact Hola Car Rentals support via WhatsApp at +1 (786) 999-8312 or by email at [email protected] as soon as possible
- Arriving outside counter hours may mean the Thrifty desk in Newark is unstaffed, so plan your AirTrain transfer accordingly
After landing at Newark, allow 30 to 60 minutes to collect luggage, ride the AirTrain to the consolidated hire car centre, and complete the Thrifty collection process before driving away.
Does travel assistance apply if something goes wrong during my Thrifty hire in Newark?
Yes, most Hola Car Rentals bookings include travel assistance cover provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can be useful if an unexpected situation arises during your Thrifty hire in Newark, such as a medical emergency or a motorway breakdown on the New Jersey Turnpike or I-78 near EWR.
Cover typically includes:
- Medical assistance for up to 5 passengers (for non-pre-existing conditions and accidents)
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
Important: this benefit applies only to non-North American customers. Residents of the United Kingdom and Canada do not qualify for this travel assistance coverage.
If you need assistance during your Thrifty hire in Newark, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day:
- Phone: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free)
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Have your full name and Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call. Always check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your Newark hire.
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