If you are still having problems, take a moment to look over our frequently asked questions.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions from other Thrifty customers:
A - The renter must be at least 21 years of age, though there are a few areas in which those under 21 have the opportunity to rent. Renters under the age of 25 will be subject to a daily surcharge. Thrifty Car Rental will rent to government renters under the age of 21 who are on official business. Outside the U.S., Thrifty Car Rental operators impose a maximum rental age that varies by country. Thrifty Car Rental recommends that renters check with their travel agent or car rental company prior to traveling.
A - Just like when buying anything else, you should shop around for the best bargains in car rental. Your travel agent can shop for the best rate available for your date of pickup using a computer, thus eliminating the need for you to call number after number. After you’ve shopped, we are confident you will find that Thrifty offers some of the most competitive rates offered by any of the major car rental companies.
While it may cost less to rent a smaller car, be sure to rent a car adequate for your space and luggage requirements. It's no fun to be squished into a car that's too small, especially if you'll be doing any driving beyond going to a restaurant or meeting and back. Feel free to check our listing of Thrifty vehicles and their trunk capacity.
Keep in mind, just like airlines, availability at promotional rates may be limited, so the sooner you call, the better your chances of receiving one of these rates.
A - The best policy is to know the answer before you leave home. Check with your insurance representatives or credit card company to see if your auto policy or credit card agreement covers any damage done to the rental vehicle, damage or injury to other people caused by you, injuries to passengers in your rental vehicle, and theft of personal belongings left in your rental car. Once you know these answers, you can make an informed decision about the options at the time of rental. The options you may choose from are:
Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) - If accepted for a daily fee, your responsibility for any damage to the vehicle is waived, provided the rental agreement is not violated. If declined, you will be fully responsible for all damage to the vehicle, regardless of fault. Some credit card companies provide a waiver product but conditions vary widely. Some locations outside the U.S. require renters to purchase Theft coverage.
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) - This optional coverage is available at many Thrifty locations. If available and accepted at the beginning of the rental, for an additional daily charge, the renter and any additional renter will be protected against third party auto liability at-fault claims for up to $1,000,000 if you are involved in an accident with other people. Unlike LDW, there are no credit card waivers for liability for a third party's injury or property damage. You should be sure you are adequately covered for third party liability whether by your insurance agent or by the car rental company.
Personal Passenger Protection (PPP) and Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) - PPP is optional coverage available at most Thrifty offices and covers accidental death and accidental medical expenses for the renter who signs electing to be covered under the policy. PEC is an optional coverage that will protect the personal effects of the renter while in the rental car. Both coverages have specific limits. Full details can be found at the rental counter. Check with your insurance agent regarding your policies on accidental death or medical expenses, or refer to your homeowner's policy regarding theft of your property.
Rental Protection Services (available in Canada) - Rental Protection Services provides benefits to the authorized renter and passengers of the vehicle during the rental for accidental medical expenses, ambulance expenses and accidental death, repatriation, rehabilitation, legal defense, emergency road service, mechanical breakdown and towing benefits.
A - If the car is stolen or has been involved in an accident, first call the local police or appropriate law enforcement agency. Next, call the nearest office of the rental car company, give them your rental agreement or confirmation number and explain what has happened. If it’s after hours, Thrifty customers always can call toll free to 1-800-THRIFTY (1-800-847-4389). You’ll be led through the procedure to get you going again. Finally, call your own auto insurance company with information on the incident. Be sure to check with the rental company on their breakdown policy before you drive away.
Accidents and vehicle theft aren’t something we like to think about, especially on a trip, but they can happen even to the most careful driver. Optional waivers (as outlined above) can be purchased to reduce or eliminate your financial exposure which could include the full value of the vehicle and lost rental revenue during its replacement period.
Be careful not to violate your car rental agreement by driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance, allowing an unauthorized personal to drive the vehicle, leaving the windows, doors or trunk unlocked, or leaving the keys in the ignition when parked. If the agreement if violated, it makes the waiver void. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all of the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.
Remember that, as the renter, you are liable for all parking and moving traffic violations, both domestic and international, so please drive safely and observe all ordinances.
A - In the U.S., before we will rent a vehicle to you and when you arrive at our location, you and any additional authorized drivers may be subject to a driving record and license check with the DMV. In the rare instance the driving record and license check fails to meet our criteria, we reserve the right to deny the rental based on the DMV report. A list of our criteria can be found in our General Policies .
A - Additional charges to your daily rental rate may include company imposed surcharges or city and state imposed taxes that are in addition to sales tax. Increasingly, city and state governments are taxing car rental customers so they can pay for sports stadiums in their cities without having to ask local residents for the money. Their rationale? Car rental customers generally don't vote locally!
The number of people you anticipate driving the car can also impact your cost. At most Thrifty locations, there is an additional charge for spouses, and there may be a daily charge for any other individuals who are listed on the contract as additional drivers, including spouses. The ages of the driver can increase the cost as well. Most car rental companies impose a daily fee for each driver ages 21-25.
A - Yes. A Frequent Flyer Surcharge of $0.50/day up to $2.00 max per rental OR a Frequent Flyer Tax Recovery Surcharge of $0.06 per rental day may apply when frequent flyer miles are requested at time of rental.
A - The decision is yours. All states and several countries require children under a certain age to be secured in child seats. You can save time at check-in by placing a request for your child seat when you make an advance reservation. A few new vehicles, like the Chrysler minivan available through Thrifty, have child seats built in. You should know that child seats are not items we can guarantee, however, so please make your decision accordingly.
A - Most car rental companies will take a deposit on your credit card at the time of pick up. The deposit may vary from location to location, but generally it is the estimated rental charges plus 15%. Some companies are changing their procedures to match the procedures at other retail establishments. Instead of taking a deposit, they will go ahead and charge the estimated cost of the rental onto your card. Should the car be returned earlier than originally agreed, a credit for the unused portion is issued upon return.
A - No, Thrifty does not accept the small credit cards issued by credit card companies that fit on a key ring. If you should present a key ring credit card at the time of rental, the rental location may ask you to present the standard size credit card or another form of payment.
A - As a general rule, a major credit card is required at the time of rental. However, when renting from many US or Canadian locations, you may be allowed to use a debit or check card to rent. Please check the local policy for the location you intend to rent from for specific information. A debit/check card is considered to be any non-credit card bearing the Visa or MasterCard logo. Any other non-credit card without the Visa or MasterCard logo is not accepted. Debit/check cards are accepted for payment at the end of the rental. Prepaid credit cards and gift cards are not accepted.
A - When making reservations, check on policies regarding crossing foreign borders in a rental car. Find out if your insurance company either limits the coverage amount or refuses coverage on international rentals. If you’re planning on using the Collision Damage Waiver provided by your credit card company, be sure to check if they will provide it to you on an international rental. Many won’t. Another tip for foreign travelers is to confirm which country’s currency your rate is being guaranteed in and what credit cards will generally be accepted locally for gasoline and other purchases.
A - Sometimes the daily rate on a rental car with a mileage cap will be cheaper. If you are going to be driving fewer miles than the mileage cap allows (a typical cap is 150 miles per day), you may save from $3 to $7 per day on a rental car if you opt for a rental rate with a mileage cap.
On the other hand, unlimited mileage rates offer freedom from watching the odometer. Whatever your choice, it’s best to calculate your costs ahead of time so you can take the least expensive approach that meets your needs.
A - Safety on the road, particularly in a city other than where you call home, is important. Thrifty has some traveling recommendations for you as well as some tips from other veteran travelers.
If you are new to the city, the Thrifty staff will be happy to assist you and provide directions or maps of the area.
Traveling in a new city or area can sometimes create anxiety because of the unfamiliarity with the locale. The following tips, obtained from the American Automobile Association and the American Car Rental Association, are meant as guidelines and Thrifty Car Rental urges you to use your best judgment in any particular situation.
A - Yes. Rates and vehicle availability for one-way rentals can be obtained via our website, through our Reservations Center by calling 1-800-THRIFTY (847-4389) within the U.S. and Canada, or 1-918-669-2168 outside the U.S. and Canada, or by contacting your local Travel Agent.
A - Convertibles, SUVs, trucks, and passenger vans are considered "call-back" vehicles. Rates and vehicle availability for call-back vehicles can be obtained via our website, through our Reservations Center by calling 1-800-THRIFTY (847-4389) within the U.S. and Canada, or 1-918-669-2168 outside the U.S. and Canada, or by contacting your local Travel Agent. Confirmation of call-back vehicles requires special handling by Thrifty.
A - If you are not in the U.S. or Canada, please contact us and we will try to answer your questions regarding your rentals. Or call +1 (918) 669-2168. (Use Worldwide Locations link to find local numbers for International locations.)
A - The 1-800-THRIFTY (1-800-847-4389) toll free reservations number is available 24 hours a day. E-mail will be answered on a first come basis during regular business hours, Monday through Friday 8:00 to 5:00 central time.