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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Thrifty in Miami include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Miami, 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 Miami.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Thrifty counter in Miami when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Thrifty booking in Miami 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 Miami 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 Miami International Airport?
When picking up a Thrifty rental car at Miami International Airport (MIA), you do not go to a counter inside the terminal. All rental brands, including Thrifty, are handled at the off-terminal Rental Car Center (RCC).
- After collecting your baggage and clearing any entry controls, take the elevator or escalator to Level 3 of your terminal.
- Follow the purple and magenta signs for the MIA Mover train toward the Rental Car Center. The station is located between the Dolphin and Flamingo garages, accessible via moving walkways.
- Board the MIA Mover, which is free and runs frequently. The ride takes approximately 4 minutes.
- At the RCC, follow Thrifty signage to the counter on the upper levels. Vehicle bays are located below the counter area.
Total time from baggage claim to the Thrifty counter in Miami is typically 10 to 15 minutes under normal conditions. Some rental counters at the RCC have limited overnight hours, roughly 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., so confirm Thrifty's hours before a late arrival.
What documents do I need to pick up a Thrifty car in Miami?
To pick up a Thrifty rental car in Miami, you must present the following physical documents at the counter. Digital copies are not accepted.
- A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name.
- A physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, used for the security deposit hold. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted.
- A passport or valid 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 uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original license at the Thrifty counter in Miami. For licenses in other non-English scripts, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation only and cannot be used without the original license.
Obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling, as it cannot be issued to foreign license holders once you are in the United States.
How do tolls work when renting a Thrifty car in Miami?
Miami's toll roads are almost entirely cashless, so understanding how tolls work before driving your Thrifty rental is important. Florida uses electronic systems such as SunPass and E-PASS, with plate-based billing (Toll-by-Plate) as a fallback on gantry roads.
Common toll roads around Miami include the Florida Turnpike and I-95 Express lanes. Estimated toll costs in the Miami area range from approximately US$5 to US$20 per day depending on your route.
At the Thrifty counter in Miami, you will typically have two options:
- Unlimited toll package: approximately US$13.99 per day or US$69.95 per week, covering all tolls during your rental period.
- Pay per use: if you decline the package, Thrifty will bill each toll to your credit card after the rental, plus daily or administrative processing fees. Charges may appear days or weeks after you return the vehicle.
You may also opt out entirely and use your own visitor toll pass. If you do, inform the Thrifty agent at pickup in Miami so they can deactivate the vehicle's built-in device and prevent duplicate charges.
Can I get cashback on tolls paid during my Thrifty rental in Miami?
Yes, you can get cashback on tolls paid during your Thrifty rental in Miami. All Hola Car Rentals bookings include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during the rental period.
Given that Miami toll roads such as the Florida Turnpike and I-95 Express lanes can add up to US$5 to US$20 per day, this benefit can meaningfully offset your toll costs.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after returning your Thrifty vehicle in Miami:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the car.
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - followed by your reservation confirmation number.
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed rental agreement from Thrifty, and a toll invoice or statement showing charges paid.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method used for your booking and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Claims submitted after 30 days are not accepted.
Is a credit card required to pick up a Thrifty car in Miami?
Yes, a physical major credit card is required to pick up a Thrifty rental car in Miami. The card must be in the main driver's name with the driver's name printed on the card, and it must have sufficient available credit to cover the security deposit hold.
Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual or digital wallet cards are not accepted for the deposit at the Thrifty counter in Miami.
A few important points to keep in mind:
- The security deposit hold in the United States is typically around US$300 to US$400 for standard vehicles, though the exact amount is set by Thrifty at the Miami location.
- The hold temporarily reduces your available credit until it is released after you return the vehicle. Your bank may take up to 15 business days to reflect the release.
- Even if you prepaid your booking online, you must still present a physical credit card at the Thrifty counter in Miami.
- Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined.
Make sure your card is enabled for in-person transactions in the United States before you travel.
Are there extra fees and taxes when renting a Thrifty car at Miami Airport?
Yes, renting a Thrifty car at Miami International Airport (MIA) adds several location-specific fees and taxes on top of your base rate. These are standard charges at airport rental locations in Miami and are not unique to Thrifty.
- Airport concession recovery fee: typically 10 to 13% of the base rate, charged by the airport for operating on airport property.
- Customer facility charge (CFC): approximately US$4.50 to US$7.00 per day, covering the Rental Car Center facility.
- Miami-Dade County rental tax: approximately 7%.
- Florida state sales tax: approximately 6 to 7%.
Combined, these surcharges can add 20 to 30% to the cost of your Thrifty rental at Miami Airport compared to off-airport locations. Thrifty also operates several off-airport locations in the Miami area, including downtown Miami at 229 Southeast 2nd Street and locations in Kendall and Miami Lakes, where airport concession fees do not apply and rates can be 20 to 40% lower.
Your booking confirmation will show which fees are included in your prepaid rate and which are due at the Thrifty counter in Miami.
What is the minimum age to rent a Thrifty car in Miami?
The minimum age to rent a Thrifty car in Miami without a young-driver surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent but will be charged a daily young-renter surcharge at the Thrifty counter in Miami.
Florida does not have a state law requiring rentals to drivers under 21, so the minimum age at Thrifty in Miami is 21 for most standard vehicle classes.
Additional restrictions for drivers under 25 at Thrifty in Miami include:
- A daily young-renter surcharge applies for drivers aged 21 to 24. For Thrifty, this fee is approximately US$13.50 per rental day, with a maximum charge of US$189.
- Most premium, full-size, luxury, convertible, and specialty vehicle classes are restricted to drivers aged 25 and older.
- Economy, compact, and intermediate vehicle classes are generally available to drivers aged 21 to 24.
Note that the downtown Miami Thrifty location at 229 Southeast 2nd Street may also apply additional fees for drivers under 30. Confirm the exact surcharge amount with the Thrifty agent at your Miami pickup location.
A valid driver's license and a physical major credit card in the main driver's name are required regardless of age.
Can I add an additional driver to my Thrifty rental in Miami?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty rental in Miami, but the additional driver must be present at the Thrifty counter at pickup with their own valid driver's license.
For Thrifty in Miami, the additional driver fee is approximately US$13.50 per rental day, with a maximum charge of US$189 for the rental period. This fee is paid directly at the Thrifty counter in Miami and is not included in your prepaid rate unless your booking confirmation explicitly states otherwise.
Requirements for adding an additional driver at Thrifty in Miami:
- The additional driver must be physically present at pickup and sign the rental agreement.
- They must present a valid driver's license and any required IDP if their license uses a non-Latin alphabet.
- They must meet the minimum age requirements. For Thrifty in Miami, additional drivers should generally be at least 25 years old.
Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered by protections such as CDW and liability coverage. Anyone not named on the Thrifty contract in Miami who drives the vehicle may void those protections.
What travel assistance is included with a Thrifty rental in Miami?
Most Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Thrifty rentals in Miami, include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection at no extra cost. This benefit is especially relevant in Miami, where highway interchanges such as the I-395 and I-95 junction can be disorienting for first-time visitors, and incidents on busy expressways can be stressful to handle alone.
The travel assistance included with your Thrifty booking in Miami typically covers:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers.
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident.
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
To reach the assistance team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or contact via WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
Important: this benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada. It also does not cover damage to the Thrifty rental vehicle itself, which is handled separately by CDW or LDW coverage.
Review your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your Thrifty rental in Miami.
Can I rent a Thrifty car in Miami and return it in a different city?
Yes, you can rent a Thrifty car in Miami and return it in a different city, but a one-way drop-off fee may apply depending on your route.
When booking a one-way Thrifty rental from Miami, the drop-off fee is shown during checkout under the section labeled as due at destination. It is not included in your prepaid rate and cannot be prepaid.
Some route patterns to keep in mind for Thrifty one-way rentals from Miami:
- Miami Airport (MIA) to Orlando (MCO): this short-distance route often does not incur a drop-off fee, though this can vary by date and vehicle class.
- Miami to cities in other states or distant regions: a drop-off fee typically applies and can vary significantly by distance and vehicle class.
- Cross-border one-ways (for example, Miami to Canada or Mexico): these are generally restricted or require special authorization from Thrifty.
Always verify the drop-off fee on the details page of your selected rate before confirming your Thrifty booking from Miami. If the counter charges a higher fee than shown on your confirmation, keep all paperwork and contact support, as No Extra Charges© Coverage may apply.
What insurance coverage do I need for a Thrifty rental in Miami?
When renting a Thrifty car in Miami, there are two main types of coverage to consider: protection for the rental vehicle itself and liability coverage for damage or injury to third parties.
Coverage for the rental vehicle:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability if the Thrifty vehicle is damaged or stolen. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation states zero deductible. CDW does not cover tires, undercarriage, or personal belongings.
Third-party liability coverage:
- In Florida, not all rental companies are required by state law to include minimum third-party liability. Hola Car Rentals strongly recommends adding Liability Insurance Supplementary (LIS, up to US$300,000) to your Thrifty booking in Miami to protect against bodily injury or property damage you may cause to others.
Miami's busy expressways, including the I-95 and Florida Turnpike, and the complex interchanges around the airport make adequate liability coverage particularly important for visitors unfamiliar with local driving conditions.
Check your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation to see which coverages are already included in your Thrifty rate for Miami, and which are optional add-ons available at the counter.
What is the fuel policy for Thrifty car rentals in Miami?
Thrifty rentals in Miami 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.
Steps to follow for the fuel policy on your Thrifty rental in Miami:
- 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 gauge.
- During your rental, use the correct fuel type as shown in the vehicle. Keep fuel receipts in case of any dispute.
- Before returning the vehicle, refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km of the Thrifty return location in Miami so the gauge does not drop below full en route.
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address.
If you return the Thrifty vehicle in Miami with less than a full tank, 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.
Some Thrifty counter locations in Miami may offer a prepaid fuel option at pickup. If you accept it, any unused fuel is generally non-refundable, so it is usually better value to refuel yourself before returning.
What driving rules should I know before picking up a Thrifty car in Miami?
Miami has several road features that can catch first-time visitors off guard after picking up a Thrifty rental car. Being aware of these before you drive will help you navigate more confidently.
- One-way street systems: Miami Beach uses paired one-way streets in several corridors. Some avenues run only northbound or southbound, and pilot programs have introduced time-restricted directional changes, particularly between 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Check signage carefully before turning.
- Complex highway interchanges: the I-395, SR-836, and I-95 interchange near downtown Miami features double-decked sections and collector-distributor lanes that are unfamiliar to most visitors. The Golden Glades Interchange, where five roadways meet, is another area prone to confusion.
- Reversible lanes: US 1 south of Bird Road uses reversible lanes during peak hours. Signage changes direction, so watch overhead signs carefully when driving your Thrifty rental in Miami.
- School zones and narrow corridors: 41st Street in Miami Beach has coordinated signals but narrow two-lane sections with school zones and left-turn restrictions that cause backups, especially during afternoon hours.
- Toll roads: almost all expressways around Miami are cashless. Your Thrifty vehicle will have an electronic toll device or plate-based billing. See the tolls FAQ above for how to manage charges.
Drive defensively and allow extra time when navigating Miami's busier corridors, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
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