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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 rental brands operating in New York, including Thrifty, 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 rental 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 Thrifty rental 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 Thrifty 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 Thrifty 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 Thrifty 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 Thrifty 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 rental car at JFK Airport in New York?
At New York JFK International Airport, Thrifty operates from the centralized rental car facility at Federal Circle (Station C). All rental brands, including Thrifty, are located there rather than at individual terminals.
- After collecting your baggage, follow the signs inside your terminal to the AirTrain.
- Board the AirTrain toward Federal Circle (Station C). The ride takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes and is free for on-airport travel between terminals and the rental car area.
- At Federal Circle, follow the Rental 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 with the name printed on the card, your original driver's license, and your passport. Digital documents are not accepted at the Thrifty counter in New York.
What documents do I need to pick up a Thrifty rental car in New York?
To collect your Thrifty rental car in New York, you must present the following physical documents at the counter. Digital copies are not accepted.
- Original, unexpired driver's license in the main driver's name.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic. An IDP is a translation only and must be carried alongside your original license.
- A physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted.
- Passport or valid government photo ID.
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting from abroad.
At the Thrifty counter in New York, make sure all named drivers are present at pick-up, as each must show a valid license and sign the rental agreement. Any driver not listed on the contract will not be covered by the rental protections.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent from Thrifty in New York?
Not always, but it depends on your license. When renting from Thrifty in New York, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended if your driver's license is not in English and not issued by an EU or EEA country.
An IDP is mandatory if your license uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic. In that case, Thrifty in New York will require both your original license and the IDP together. The IDP is a translation document only and cannot be used as a standalone license.
- Obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling to New York. Organizations like AAA issue IDPs only to US license holders, so international visitors must arrange one locally before departure.
- Carry both your original license and the IDP at all times during your Thrifty rental in New York.
- Name and signature on all documents should match the rental agreement.
How do tolls work for a Thrifty rental car in New York?
Toll roads in New York are almost entirely cashless, so your Thrifty rental car will include an electronic toll device by default. When you drive through a cashless toll in New York, the charge is processed automatically.
At the Thrifty counter in New York, you will typically have two options:
- Unlimited toll package: a fixed daily rate of approximately US$11 to US$26 per rental day, covering all toll usage during your rental period.
- Pay per use: if you decline the package, Thrifty will charge you the actual toll amounts plus daily or administrative processing fees after the rental ends. These charges can appear on your card days or even weeks after you return the vehicle.
New York City has additional toll exposure. Bridges and tunnels in the New York area cost approximately US$15 to US$25 per crossing. NYC also has a Congestion Relief Zone covering most of Manhattan south of 60th Street, which adds a fee of approximately US$8.99 plus taxes per day for entering on local streets. The FDR Drive and West Side Highway are excluded from this charge as long as you do not exit onto local streets within the zone.
If you have a personal E-ZPass transponder, inform the Thrifty counter in New York at pick-up so they can deactivate the vehicle's default device and avoid duplicate charges.
Is there a Tolls Cashback benefit for Thrifty rentals in New York?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Thrifty rentals in New York, include Tolls Cashback of up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your rental.
Given that New York has some of the highest toll exposure in the United States, with bridge and tunnel crossings costing US$15 to US$25 each and the NYC Congestion Relief Zone adding approximately US$8.99 plus taxes per day, this benefit can provide meaningful savings on a Thrifty rental in New York.
To claim your cashback after returning your Thrifty vehicle in New York:
- 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 Thrifty rental agreement signed at pick-up, and a toll receipt or statement showing charges paid during your rental.
- Include your full name, travel dates, and the last 4 digits of the card used for your booking.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
What is the minimum age to rent a car from Thrifty in New York?
New York State law requires rental companies, including Thrifty, to rent to licensed drivers aged 18 and older. This makes New York one of the few states where drivers under 25 can rent without being turned away, though a young-renter surcharge still applies.
- Drivers aged 18 to 24 renting from Thrifty in New York will be charged a daily young-renter surcharge in addition to the base rental rate.
- Most vehicle classes, including full-size, SUVs, minivans, luxury, and premium categories, are restricted to drivers aged 25 and older even in New York.
- Drivers aged 18 to 24 are generally limited to economy, compact, and intermediate vehicle classes at Thrifty locations in New York.
- A valid driver's license and a physical major credit card in the main driver's name are still required regardless of age.
If you are renting from Thrifty in New York at age 21 to 24 and are a citizen or resident of Latin America or the Caribbean, certain Hola Car Rentals rates with Avis or Budget may waive the underage fee. This exception does not apply to Thrifty. Budget accordingly for the young-renter surcharge when booking Thrifty in New York.
How does the security deposit work for a Thrifty rental in New York?
When you pick up your Thrifty rental car in New York, the counter will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge but it reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after the rental ends.
- Typical holds for standard vehicles in the United States are approximately US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount varies by Thrifty location in New York, vehicle class, and rental duration.
- Premium or specialty vehicles may carry higher holds.
- Only a physical major credit card in the main driver's name with the name printed on the card is accepted. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted for the deposit at Thrifty in New York.
- After you return the vehicle, the hold is released. Your bank controls how quickly it reappears in your available credit, which can take up to 15 business days.
Before your Thrifty pick-up in New York, notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent fraud blocks on the authorization, and consider bringing a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined.
What insurance coverage do I need for a Thrifty rental in New York?
When renting from Thrifty in New York, two main types of protection 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 rental vehicle itself in New York. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero deductible. CDW and LDW do not cover damage you cause to other people or their property.
Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving your Thrifty rental in New York. Some US states require rental companies to include state-minimum liability, but not all do. Adding supplemental liability coverage of up to US$300,000 is strongly recommended for driving in New York, particularly in the New York City area.
- CDW/LDW covers the Thrifty vehicle; LIS/SLI covers third parties. You need both for comprehensive protection.
- Coverage applies only to drivers listed on the Thrifty rental agreement in New York. Any unlisted driver voids the protection.
- Prohibited uses such as off-road driving, DUI, or reckless driving void both coverages.
Check your booking confirmation to see which protections are already included in your Thrifty rate for New York before accepting add-ons at the counter.
Does my Thrifty booking in New York include travel assistance?
Yes, most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Thrifty rentals in New York, include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection. This benefit is particularly useful if you experience a medical emergency or other covered incident while driving in New York State.
Coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers.
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident during your Thrifty rental in New York.
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
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.
Important: this benefit applies only to non-North American customers. US and Canadian residents do not qualify for this travel assistance coverage on their Thrifty rental in New York. It also does not cover damage to the Thrifty vehicle itself (that is CDW/LDW) or third-party liability (that is LIS/SLI). Always review your booking confirmation for the exact terms and limits that apply to your reservation.
Can I add an additional driver to my Thrifty rental in New York?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty rental in New York, either as an included benefit or for a fee paid at the counter, depending on your rate.
- If your booking confirmation states "Additional driver free of charge," the first extra driver is included at no cost.
- If not included, Thrifty in New York charges approximately US$13.50 per rental day plus taxes for an additional driver, with a maximum cap of US$189 plus taxes.
- The additional driver must be present at the Thrifty counter in New York at pick-up, show a valid driver's license, and sign the rental agreement.
- The additional driver must meet the same minimum age requirements as the main driver. In New York, Thrifty must rent to drivers aged 18 and older, though a young-renter surcharge applies for those under 25.
- Any driver not listed on the Thrifty rental agreement in New York will not be covered by CDW/LDW or liability protections.
Check your Hola Car Rentals confirmation before arriving at the Thrifty counter in New York to confirm whether the additional driver fee is included or due locally.
What is the fuel policy for Thrifty rentals in New York?
Thrifty rentals 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 pick-up, check the fuel gauge with the Thrifty agent in New York and confirm the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and gauge.
- During your rental in New York, use the correct fuel type. Wrong-fuel incidents are not covered by the fuel policy and may generate additional charges.
- Before returning your Thrifty vehicle 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 your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address as evidence in case of any dispute.
If you return the Thrifty vehicle in New York below the recorded starting level, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refueling service fee. Returning the tank full is always the most cost-effective option.
Can I pick up a Thrifty car in New York and return it in a different city?
Yes, one-way rentals with Thrifty in New York are possible, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your route.
- Returning your Thrifty vehicle to a different city or state from where you picked it up in New York typically triggers a one-way drop-off fee. The amount varies by route, vehicle class, and season.
- The drop-off fee is shown during the booking process under the "To pay at destination" section on the Hola Car Rentals checkout page. Review this before confirming your reservation.
- Same-city airport to downtown returns often carry no drop-off fee, while long-distance or cross-state routes usually do.
- Cross-border one-way rentals, for example returning a Thrifty vehicle rented in New York to Canada, may be restricted or carry significantly higher fees. Always confirm cross-border rules on your rental agreement.
If the Thrifty counter in New York charges a drop-off fee that differs from what your booking confirmation shows, keep all paperwork and contact Hola Car Rentals support after the rental. The No Extra Charges© guarantee may apply if the fee was not disclosed during booking.
What happens if my Thrifty rental car in New York is returned late?
If you return your Thrifty rental car in New York after the agreed drop-off time, a grace period of approximately 30 minutes typically applies, though this is not guaranteed at every location. After the grace period, Thrifty in New York may charge for additional hours or a full extra day, plus a late return fee.
- Plan your return time carefully, especially in the New York City area where traffic and toll crossings can add unexpected delays.
- If you need more time, contact the Thrifty location in New York before your scheduled return to request an extension. Extending mid-rental may reprice your agreement.
- For after-hours returns at Thrifty locations in New York, follow the key-drop instructions provided at pick-up. Note that you remain liable for the vehicle until the counter formally checks it in.
Conversely, if you return your Thrifty rental in New York earlier than agreed, a refund is not automatically issued. Early returns may reprice the rental at a shorter-term rate, which can sometimes be higher than the original daily rate. Check your booking confirmation for the applicable terms before making changes to your Thrifty reservation in New York.
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