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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Thrifty in Philadelphia include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Thrifty counter in Philadelphia when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 pick up my Thrifty hire car at Philadelphia International Airport?
When you arrive at Philadelphia International Airport for your Thrifty hire, exit baggage claim and head to Zone 2, where a free shuttle runs to the Thrifty hire car facility at 1 Arrivals Road, Terminal B. The Thrifty counter shares a building with Dollar Rent A Car.
The Philadelphia airport location is open 7 days a week from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM. If your flight lands close to closing time, plan accordingly, as no after-hours pickup service is confirmed at this location.
To speed up the process at the Thrifty counter in Philadelphia, bring:
- Your physical driver's licence (original, unexpired)
- A major credit card in the main driver's name with the name printed on the card
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Passport and any required entry documents
Once you have signed the hire agreement, inspect the vehicle and confirm the fuel level is recorded correctly before driving away.
What are the Thrifty counter hours at Philadelphia International Airport vs. the downtown location?
Thrifty operates two main locations in Philadelphia with different hours, so it is important to plan your pickup and return times carefully.
- Philadelphia International Airport (1 Arrivals Road, Terminal B): open 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM, 7 days a week.
- Downtown Philadelphia at Amtrak 30th Street Station (2951 Market Street): open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday, and 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
The Thrifty airport location in Philadelphia offers significantly extended hours and is the most convenient option if you are arriving or departing by plane. The downtown location suits those staying in the city centre near the University of Pennsylvania area, but its limited weekend hours mean you should plan your return well in advance.
If your flight is delayed, Thrifty in Philadelphia will generally hold your reservation for up to 24 hours from the original pickup time. For delays beyond 24 hours, contact support as soon as possible to avoid losing your booking.
How do tolls work when renting from Thrifty in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania region use a predominantly cashless toll system. The main toll road is the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which uses E-ZPass for electronic billing and Toll By Plate for licence plate-based billing on cashless sections. There are no cash booths on most sections, so your Thrifty hire vehicle in Philadelphia will pass through overhead gantries that record your plate or transponder automatically.
Typical 2026 toll costs for a passenger vehicle on the Pennsylvania Turnpike include approximately US$1.94 per short segment with E-ZPass, or US$3.88 with Toll By Plate. A longer trip such as Philadelphia to Harrisburg (around 100 miles) can total US$8 to US$12 depending on your exact entry and exit points.
At the Thrifty counter in Philadelphia, you will be offered a toll programme. Your main options are:
- Unlimited toll package: a fixed daily fee (typically US$11 to US$25 per day) covering all tolls during the hire period.
- Pay per use: actual toll charges plus an administrative or processing fee billed to your card after the hire, often at Toll By Plate rates, which are higher than E-ZPass rates.
If you decline the Thrifty toll programme in Philadelphia and drive a toll road, the hire company will bill the tolls plus admin fees to your card, sometimes weeks after you return the vehicle. Review the hire agreement carefully before deciding.
Does Hola Car Rentals offer toll cashback for Thrifty hires in Philadelphia?
Yes, all Hola Car Rentals bookings include Tolls Cashback, which applies to your Thrifty hire in Philadelphia and any toll roads you use in the area, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike and cashless bridges around the city.
You can get back up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your hire. For example, if your booking total is US$500, the maximum cashback is US$25. If you paid US$18 in tolls, you receive US$18 back. If you paid US$40, you receive US$25 (the cap).
To claim your Tolls Cashback after your Philadelphia 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 reservation confirmation, the signed hire agreement, and a toll receipt or statement showing charges paid.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions after 30 days are not accepted.
Are there speed cameras I should know about when driving a Thrifty hire in Philadelphia?
Yes, Philadelphia has an extensive and actively enforced network of automated speed cameras that can catch Thrifty hire drivers off guard, especially those unfamiliar with the city.
Key facts about Philadelphia speed enforcement:
- Broad Street (PA Route 611) has 30 cameras at 15 locations, running from 7000 Old York Road down to 3600 S. Broad Street, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Fines start at US$100 for speeds 11 MPH or more over the posted 25 MPH limit on Broad Street.
- School zone cameras are active in five high-crash areas, with a 15 MPH limit and a US$100 fine triggered at 11 MPH over the limit.
- Fines escalate up to US$150 for higher speeds.
Unlike radar-based enforcement common in many other countries, Philadelphia uses fixed and portable cameras with a very low tolerance threshold. There are no points added to your licence, but fines are issued directly and can be billed to the Thrifty hire account and passed on to you after the hire ends.
When driving your Thrifty hire in Philadelphia, stay at or below posted speed limits, particularly on Broad Street and near schools, to avoid unexpected charges on your card after you return home.
What documents do I need to pick up a Thrifty hire car in Philadelphia?
To collect your Thrifty hire in Philadelphia, you must present all documents in physical form. Digital copies are not accepted at the counter.
- Original, unexpired driver's licence in the main driver's name.
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold.
- Passport or valid government photo ID.
- Booking confirmation or printed voucher.
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for international visitors).
If your driver's licence is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, for example Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original licence at the Thrifty counter in Philadelphia. If your licence is in a non-English Latin script, an IDP is strongly recommended but not strictly mandatory.
The IDP is a translation document only and is not valid without your original licence. Obtain it in your home country before travelling, as it cannot be issued abroad.
Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit hold at Thrifty in Philadelphia. Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined.
How much is the security deposit for a Thrifty hire in Philadelphia?
When you pick up your Thrifty hire in Philadelphia, a temporary authorisation hold will be placed on your major credit card. This is not a charge but it reduces your available credit until the hire is closed and your bank releases it.
For standard vehicles at U.S. locations, typical holds range from approximately US$300 to US$400. Premium or speciality vehicle classes may carry higher holds. The exact amount is set by the Thrifty counter in Philadelphia at the time of pickup and may vary by vehicle class, hire duration, and season.
Important points to keep in mind:
- Only a physical major credit card in the main driver's name with the name printed on the card is accepted for the deposit. Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted.
- Ensure your card has sufficient available credit to cover both the hold and any expected charges.
- After you return the vehicle, the hold is released, but your bank may take up to 15 business days to reflect the release on your statement.
- Notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent the authorisation from being flagged as suspicious.
If you are unsure of the exact hold amount for your specific Thrifty booking in Philadelphia, ask the counter agent to confirm before they process the authorisation.
Is there a young driver surcharge for under-25 renters at Thrifty in Philadelphia?
Yes, drivers under 25 years old are subject to a young driver surcharge when renting from Thrifty in Philadelphia. The standard minimum age to rent without an additional fee in the United Kingdom is 25.
For Thrifty in Philadelphia, the young driver surcharge is US$13.50 per rental day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum cap of US$189 plus taxes for the hire period. This fee is paid at the counter and is not included in your prepaid booking total.
Additional restrictions that apply to under-25 renters at Thrifty in Philadelphia:
- Most vehicle classes are restricted to renters aged 25 and over. These include full-size, SUV, minivan, convertible, luxury, and premium categories.
- Drivers aged 21 to 24 are generally limited to economy, compact, intermediate, and similar smaller classes.
- Drivers under 21 cannot rent from Thrifty in Philadelphia under standard rules.
Make sure your credit card has enough available credit to cover both the security deposit hold and the young driver surcharge that will be added at the Thrifty counter in Philadelphia.
What travel assistance is included with a Thrifty booking in Philadelphia?
Most Hola Car Rentals bookings include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection, and this applies to your Thrifty hire in Philadelphia as well. This benefit is particularly useful if you experience a medical emergency or other travel disruption while driving in the Philadelphia area or on longer trips through Pennsylvania.
Coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage 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 Philadelphia, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- 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. Follow the coordinator's instructions before incurring any medical expenses, as some reimbursements require prior authorisation.
Important: this travel assistance benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada. Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your reservation.
Can I add an additional driver to my Thrifty hire in Philadelphia?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty hire in Philadelphia, but the additional driver must be present at the counter at the time of pickup with their own valid driver's licence.
Whether the fee is included or charged at the counter depends on your rate:
- If your Hola Car Rentals confirmation shows "Additional driver free of charge," the first extra driver is included at no cost.
- If not included, Thrifty in Philadelphia charges US$13.50 per rental day plus taxes for an additional driver, with a maximum cap of US$189 plus taxes.
Requirements for adding a driver at the Thrifty counter in Philadelphia:
- The additional driver must be physically present at pickup.
- They must present a valid driver's licence, and an IDP if their licence is not in English or uses a non-Latin alphabet.
- They must meet the minimum age requirements. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement.
Only drivers listed on the hire agreement are covered by the vehicle's protections. Anyone not named on the contract who drives the Thrifty vehicle in Philadelphia may void cover.
Can I pick up a Thrifty car in Philadelphia and return it to a different city?
Yes, one-way hires are available through Thrifty in Philadelphia, allowing you to pick up at one location and return to a different city or airport. However, a drop-off fee may apply depending on your route.
How the drop-off fee works for Thrifty one-way hires from Philadelphia:
- The fee is route-specific and varies by destination, vehicle class, and season.
- It is listed under the "To pay at destination" section during the Hola Car Rentals booking process and on your confirmation.
- The fee cannot be prepaid and is collected at the Thrifty counter in Philadelphia or at the return location.
- Same-city returns between the Philadelphia airport and the downtown location typically do not incur a drop-off fee, but always verify during booking.
Cross-border one-way hires, for example returning the Thrifty vehicle outside Pennsylvania or into another country, may be restricted or carry significantly higher fees. Check your hire agreement for any territory restrictions before driving across state lines.
If you need to change your return location after booking, be aware that this may reprice your hire and recalculate the drop-off fee. Contact support before making mid-hire route changes.
What fuel policy applies to Thrifty hires in Philadelphia?
Thrifty hires in Philadelphia follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. This means you receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Steps to follow for the fuel policy on your Philadelphia Thrifty hire:
- At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the gauge and odometer.
- Use the correct fuel type as shown in the vehicle documentation. Using the wrong fuel is not covered by the fuel policy.
- Before returning the vehicle, refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km of the return location so the gauge does not drop below full before you arrive.
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address.
If you return the Thrifty vehicle in Philadelphia 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.
For after-hours returns at the Philadelphia location, leave the fuel receipt in the return envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone as evidence.
What insurance coverage do I need for a Thrifty hire in Philadelphia?
When renting from Thrifty in Philadelphia, there are two main types of coverages to consider: protection for the hire vehicle itself and liability coverage for damage or injury you may cause to others.
Collision Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW) covers damage to the Thrifty hire vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero deductible. CDW/LDW does not cover third parties.
Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to other people or vehicles while driving the Thrifty hire in Philadelphia. In Pennsylvania, not all hire situations automatically include state-minimum liability, so it is strongly recommended to add supplementary liability coverage to your booking.
Common exclusions to be aware of:
- Damage caused by prohibited use such as driving under the influence, off-road use, or unauthorised drivers.
- Tires, undercarriage, and roof damage are often excluded from standard CDW/LDW.
- Coverage only applies to drivers named on the Thrifty hire agreement in Philadelphia.
Check your Hola Car Rentals confirmation to see which coverages are included in your rate and whether a deductible applies before you arrive at the Thrifty counter in Philadelphia.
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