VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Thrifty in Washington include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Washington, 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 Washington.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Thrifty counter in Washington when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Thrifty booking in Washington 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 Washington 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)
Where is the Thrifty counter at Reagan National Airport in Washington?
The Thrifty counter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located inside the terminal and is walkable from the arrivals area. No shuttle is required to reach the counter.
Counter hours at the DCA location run from 07:00 to 23:00 daily, which covers most flight arrival times. If your flight lands close to 23:00, plan to reach the Thrifty counter before closing to complete your pickup.
For city center locations in Washington, Thrifty also operates at 707 7th Street NW (open Monday through Friday, 08:00 to 16:00) and at 1919 Connecticut Ave NW (open Monday through Friday, 08:00 to 16:00, and Saturday 09:00 to 12:00). These downtown Washington locations have significantly shorter hours than the airport counter, so confirm your pickup time matches their schedule before booking.
What are the Thrifty counter hours at Washington city center locations?
Thrifty operates two city center locations in Washington, DC, each with limited hours compared to the airport counter.
- 707 7th Street NW: open Monday through Friday, 08:00 to 16:00. Closed on weekends.
- 1919 Connecticut Ave NW (Hilton Washington DC): open Monday through Friday, 08:00 to 16:00, and Saturday 09:00 to 12:00. Closed on Sunday.
If you plan to pick up your Thrifty rental at a Washington downtown location, make sure your arrival time falls within these windows. No after-hours pickup details are available for these sites, so arriving outside business hours may mean your booking cannot be fulfilled at that location.
For more flexibility, the Thrifty counter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is open daily from 07:00 to 23:00 and does not require a shuttle from the terminal.
Are there toll roads near Washington that affect my Thrifty rental?
Washington, DC itself has no toll roads within its boundaries. However, if you drive your Thrifty rental into neighboring Virginia or Maryland, you will encounter cashless, all-electronic toll roads where no cash payment is accepted.
Common tolled routes near Washington include:
- Wilson Bridge (I-95/I-495): approximately US$6 to US$8 per crossing
- 495 Express Lanes on the Virginia side: dynamic pricing of roughly US$4 to US$20 depending on traffic and time of day
- Dulles Toll Road to or from Dulles Airport (IAD): approximately US$5.75 to US$6.25 one way
- I-95 Express Lanes toward Baltimore: approximately US$8 to US$15 total
Your Thrifty vehicle comes equipped for electronic tolling. At pickup you can choose an unlimited toll package (typically US$11 to US$25 per day) or a pay-per-use option where the actual toll plus a daily processing fee of roughly US$4.95 to US$5.35 is billed to your card. If you drive a toll road without enrolling, Thrifty will automatically enroll you in pay-per-use plate billing. Unpaid tolls may also generate additional administrative fees.
Can I get cashback on tolls paid during my Thrifty rental in Washington?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Thrifty rental in Washington.
Since Washington, DC has no toll roads within the city, this benefit applies when you drive your Thrifty vehicle into Virginia or Maryland and use cashless toll roads such as the 495 Express Lanes, the Wilson Bridge, or the Dulles Toll Road.
To claim your cashback:
- 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 rental agreement signed at the Thrifty counter, 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 received after 30 days are not accepted.
What documents do I need to pick up a Thrifty rental in Washington?
To collect your Thrifty rental in Washington, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- Your original, unexpired driver's license
- A major credit card with your name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting from abroad
If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original license. For licenses in English or using a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Thrifty counter in Washington. Obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling, as it cannot be issued abroad.
How does the security deposit work for a Thrifty rental in Washington?
When you pick up your Thrifty rental in Washington, the counter agent will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge but reduces your available credit until the hold is released after you return the vehicle.
For standard vehicles in the United States, typical holds range from US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount varies by vehicle class, location, and season. Premium or specialty vehicles may carry higher holds.
- Only a major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card is accepted for the deposit
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted
- The card must be in the main driver's name
- Someone else's card cannot be used, even if they are present
After returning your Thrifty vehicle in Washington, the hold is released by the counter. Your bank or card issuer controls when the funds appear back in your account, which can take up to 15 business days. Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined.
Can I add an additional driver to my Thrifty rental in Washington?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty rental in Washington, either as part of your rate or by paying a fee at the counter.
If your booking confirmation shows additional driver as included, the first extra driver is free. If it is not included, Thrifty charges US$13.50 per rental day plus taxes, with a maximum cap of US$189 plus taxes for the rental period.
Requirements for adding a driver at the Thrifty counter in Washington:
- The additional driver must be present at pickup with a valid driver's license
- They must meet the minimum age requirements for Washington, DC
- If their license is not in English or uses a non-Latin alphabet, they also need an International Driving Permit
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement
Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW. If someone not named on the contract drives the Thrifty vehicle in Washington, coverage may be void.
What is the minimum age to rent a car from Thrifty in Washington?
The minimum age to rent a Thrifty vehicle in Washington, DC without a young-renter surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent but will be charged a daily underage fee on top of the base rate.
Washington, DC follows standard U.S. rental policy rather than the exceptions that apply in New York or Michigan. This means:
- Drivers under 21 are generally not eligible to rent
- Drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a daily young-renter surcharge and face vehicle class restrictions
- Most premium, full-size, luxury, SUV, and van categories are restricted to renters aged 25 and older
If you are aged 21 to 24 and booking a Thrifty rental in Washington, choose economy, compact, or intermediate vehicle classes to maximize availability. The young-renter surcharge is paid at the Thrifty counter and is not included in your prepaid rate.
All standard requirements still apply regardless of age: a valid driver's license, a major credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit, and any required International Driving Permit.
Does travel assistance cover me if something happens during my Thrifty rental in Washington?
Yes, most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can help if an unexpected situation arises during your Thrifty rental in Washington.
Core benefits typically include:
- Travel and 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
This benefit is designed for situations such as a medical emergency or a legal issue following a collision while driving your Thrifty vehicle in Washington or on surrounding highways in Virginia or Maryland.
To reach assistance 24 hours a day, call +1 888 980 9992 or contact WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
Important: this coverage applies only to travelers who are not residents of the United States or Canada. If you hold a US or Canadian address, you do not qualify for this benefit. It also does not cover damage to the Thrifty rental vehicle itself, which is handled separately by CDW/LDW.
What fuel policy applies to Thrifty rentals in Washington?
Thrifty rentals in Washington follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Steps to follow:
- At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the Thrifty agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location before dropping off the vehicle
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
If you return the Thrifty vehicle in Washington with less fuel than recorded at pickup, you may be charged for the shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a refueling service fee.
For after-hours returns at the Washington location, leave your fuel receipt in the return envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone as evidence.
Can I pick up a Thrifty car in Washington and return it in a different city?
Yes, one-way rentals are possible with Thrifty in Washington, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your return location.
How the fee works:
- Returning to a different Washington location within the same city area may not trigger a fee
- Returning to a different city or state will typically incur a one-way drop-off fee, which varies by route, vehicle class, and season
- Cross-border one-way rentals (for example, from Washington to Canada) may be restricted or carry significantly higher fees
The drop-off fee, if applicable, is shown during the booking process under the section labeled as amounts due at destination. It is not prepaid and is not covered by No Extra Charges© unless it was not disclosed at the time of booking.
If you need to change your return location after booking your Thrifty rental in Washington, contact support as soon as possible. Mid-rental route changes must be approved by the partner and may result in repricing or additional fees.
Is there a congestion charge or emissions zone I need to know about for driving my Thrifty rental in Washington?
No, Washington, DC does not have a congestion charge, emissions zone, or city-center driving fee of the kind found in cities like London or New York. You can drive your Thrifty rental throughout Washington without paying any entry fee to access the city center.
Tolls in the Washington area are found only on specific highways and bridges in neighboring Virginia and Maryland, not within DC itself. Common examples include the 495 Express Lanes, the Wilson Bridge on I-95/I-495, and the Dulles Toll Road leading to Dulles Airport (IAD). All of these are fully cashless and charge electronically.
Your Thrifty vehicle is equipped for electronic toll billing. If you plan to use any of these routes during your Washington rental, review the toll program options at the counter to understand whether a daily unlimited package or pay-per-use billing better suits your itinerary. Hola Car Rentals also offers Tolls Cashback of up to 5% of your booking total for tolls paid during your rental.
What insurance options should I consider for my Thrifty rental in Washington?
When picking up your Thrifty rental in Washington, two main types of protection are worth reviewing before you sign the rental agreement.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW) covers damage to the Thrifty vehicle itself from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly shows zero excess. 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. In Washington, DC and across most US states, minimum liability is not automatically guaranteed by state law for all rental situations. Hola Car Rentals strongly recommends adding supplemental liability coverage to your Thrifty booking.
- CDW/LDW: protects the rental vehicle you are driving
- LIS/ALI/SLI: protects third parties injured or whose property is damaged
- These two coverages are separate and complement each other
Review your booking confirmation to confirm which protections are already included in your Thrifty rate for Washington. If you have questions about what is covered, check the rental agreement at the counter before signing.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.
Suggested Currencies
- $ USD - United States Dollar
- € EUR - Euro
Other Countries
-
Albania
-
Algeria
-
Andorra
-
Angola
-
Antigua & Barbuda
-
Argentina
-
Australia
-
Austria
-
Bahamas
-
Bahrain
-
Bangladesh
-
Barbados
-
Belgium
-
Belize
-
Benin
-
Bermuda
-
Bolivia
-
Bosnia & Herzegovina
-
Botswana
-
Brazil
-
British Virgin Islands
-
Bulgaria
-
Burkina Faso
-
Burundi
-
Cameroon
-
Canada
-
Cape Verde
-
Cayman Islands
-
Central African Republic
-
Chad
-
Chile
-
Colombia
-
Comoros
-
Congo - Brazzaville
-
Congo - Kinshasa
-
Costa Rica
-
Côte d’Ivoire
-
Croatia
-
Curaçao
-
Cyprus
-
Czechia
-
Denmark
-
Djibouti
-
Dominica
-
Dominican Republic
-
Ecuador
-
Egypt
-
El Salvador
-
Equatorial Guinea
-
Eritrea
-
Estonia
-
Eswatini
-
Ethiopia
-
Finland
-
France
-
Gabon
-
Gambia
-
Germany
-
Ghana
-
Greece
-
Grenada
-
Guatemala
-
Guinea
-
Guinea-Bissau
-
Guyana
-
Haiti
-
Honduras
-
Hong Kong SAR
-
Hungary
-
Iceland
-
India
-
Iraq
-
Ireland
-
Israel
-
Italy
-
Jamaica
-
Japan
-
Jordan
-
Kenya
-
Kuwait
-
Latvia
-
Lebanon
-
Lesotho
-
Liberia
-
Libya
-
Liechtenstein
-
Lithuania
-
Luxembourg
-
Madagascar
-
Malawi
-
Mali
-
Malta
-
Mauritania
-
Mauritius
-
Mexico
-
Moldova
-
Monaco
-
Montenegro
-
Morocco
-
Mozambique
-
Namibia
-
Netherlands
-
New Zealand
-
Nicaragua
-
Niger
-
Nigeria
-
Norway
-
Oman
-
Palestinian Territories
-
Panama
-
Paraguay
-
Peru
-
Philippines
-
Poland
-
Portugal
-
Qatar
-
Romania
-
Russia
-
Rwanda
-
San Marino
-
São Tomé & Príncipe
-
Saudi Arabia
-
Senegal
-
Serbia
-
Seychelles
-
Sierra Leone
-
Singapore
-
Sint Maarten
-
Slovakia
-
Slovenia
-
Somalia
-
South Africa
-
South Korea
-
South Sudan
-
Spain
-
St. Lucia
-
St. Vincent & Grenadines
-
Sudan
-
Sweden
-
Switzerland
-
Taiwan
-
Tanzania
-
Togo
-
Trinidad & Tobago
-
Tunisia
-
Türkiye
-
Turks & Caicos Islands
-
Uganda
-
Ukraine
-
United Arab Emirates
-
United Kingdom
-
United States
-
Uruguay
-
Vatican City
-
Venezuela
-
Yemen
-
Zambia
-
Zimbabwe