1.1 What types of payments are accepted?
- 1.1.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Accepts mayor credit cards such as American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa and/or debit card with the Visa or MasterCard logo. Please take into account that if you present a debit card for the payment, it will be necessary that you have sufficient funds to cover the rental total plus a deposit of $ 350 USD or 15% of the total value, depending on the location and the vehicle category. You must also present your current driver’s license and valid passport. Not all locations accept debit cards. For more information, please contact our customer service assistance line.
1.2 Can I make a payment on my reservation with somebody else’s credit or debit card?
- 1.2.1 Thrifty Car Rental
If you decide to make a payment directly at the Thrifty counter, the credit card or debit card must be in the renter’s name. The renter’s name must be embossed on front of the card. Not all of the rental locations will accept debit cards. Please contact our customer service assistance line for more info.
1.3 Am I able to use more than one credit or debit card to make the payment on my rental?
- 1.3.1 Thrifty Car Rental
If you decide to make the payment for your reservation directly at any of the counters, you will only be allowed to make a payment with the one credit or debit card you choose, you will not be able to split the payments among different cards.
1.4 Can I use my Bank Card or Debit Card to reserve a vehicle?
- 1.4.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Most of the airport locations accept Bank Cards or Debit Cards (Check Cards) issued under a Visa or MasterCard Logo. However, Prepaid or stored valued cards will not be accepted for payment on the rental of the vehicle. Debit Cards must count with enough funds to cover the appraised amount of the rental plus a considerable amount to cover for any incidental charges in order to secure the rental.
1.5 Can the payment on a reservation be made at one location and the car rented at another? Can somebody else make the payment for me?
- 1.5.1 Thrifty Car Rental
On the day of the reservation, the renter must meet the requirements at the renting location with their own form of payment, valid driver’s license, and meet the age requirements. Only the reservation holder will be able to make payment at time of rental.
1.6 Is the deposit a requirement when reserving a rental?
- 1.6.1 Thrifty Car Rental
If your reservation was made through Thrifty Rent a Car, a deposit will be required at time of pickup. The amount of the deposit is $350 USD or 15% of the total rental value. Please note that this is only an estimate, the deposit amount may vary depending on the vehicle, location, and rental dates. The reservation holder must have sufficient funds on his credit card to secure the rent. Depending on the company that issued the credit card, there may be some time between the release of the deposit and the time the money is actually available in the account.
1.7 What type of credit check is performed when I use my debit card on a reservation?
- 1.7.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Does not perform a credit check.
2.1 How do I earn frequent traveler credit on my car rentals?
- 2.1.1 Thrifty Car Rental
It offers the Blue Chip Express program that gives its members exclusive benefits and privileges that make the rental process much quicker and faster at the counter at the time of pick-up and delivery. Please be sure to include your Blue Chip number in each reservation you process with us.
2.2 Does the final price include Taxes and other fees for the rental?
- 2.2.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Once you have chosen the vehicle and any additional items you wish to add to your rental, the rate response will specify all the charges (Taxes, Surcharges, and fees) that are included in your rate quotation.
2.3 Why won’t the system allow me to confirm a vehicle?
- 2.3.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Sometimes the system will not allow you to confirm a vehicle whether because the vehicle you selected is not available at the location you designated, the availability of the vehicle may be limited, or the vehicle may require special handling.
2.4 Is the Loss Damage Waiver coverage (LDW) included in the rate quoted?
- 2.4.1 Thrifty Car Rental
The LDW insurance is not included in any Super Economy rates, you can either add it in the mentioned rate, or choose our all – inclusive Package which will include Third Party Insurance and LDW.
2.5 Is any insurance included in the rate quoted?
- 2.5.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Thrifty Car Rental offers different rates, which might or might not include the insurance, make sure to reserve the one that fits the most according to your auto rental requirements.
2.6 A “no cars available” message appears on the screen, what does this mean?
- 2.6.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Whenever such message appears on the screen, it may mean the following: the vehicle may require special handling, the vehicle you requested is not available, or the location may not allow reservations to be made online.
2.7 Am I allowed to cancel or make changes to my reservation online?
- 2.7.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Unfortunately not. If you wish to make any modifications or to cancel your reservation, please contact Thrifty Car Rental at your convenience and we will be able to assist you.
2.8 Will there be a penalty if I decide to cancel my reservation?
- 2.8.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Changes to a reservation must be done at lac.thrifty.com using the "Modify/Cancel" option. Any changes to the reservation may impact the rental charges. If a prepaid reservation is cancelled more than 24 hours before the pickup time, a $100 cancellation fee will be assessed. If the prepaid reservation is cancelled within 24 hours before the pickup time, a $200 fee will be assessed. If the customer does not cancel the reservation prior to the time of pick-up and the rental vehicle is not picked up on the rental date, the entire prepaid amount will be forfeited.
2.9 What is the fuel policy on the rental?
- 2.9.1 Thrifty Car Rental
In most cases the rental vehicle will be delivered to the renter with a full tank of gas. Upon delivery the renter will be given the option to either prepay for the first tank of gas so that he/she will not have to worry about refueling the vehicle before the return, or to fill up the tank before returning the vehicle and waive the fuel charges to the rental agency. If the renter chooses to decline the fuel pre-payment option and returns the vehicle with an empty tank, the auto rental agency will charge the renter for the cost of the missing fuel plus an additional fee for the refueling service.
2.10 Is it possible to rent the vehicle in one city and drop it off in a different city?
- 2.10.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Yes, you are allowed to drop off the vehicle in a different city than the one where rented (Depends on the rental company chosen for the rental). If you are looking to drop off the vehicle in another state, there will be a one way drop charge which may vary depending on the state where you wish to return the rental. The vehicle which you rent may be driven unrestrictedly throughout the continental USA, and as long as the vehicle is returned to the same location where picked up, no additional charges will apply.
2.11 What happens in case of a toll infraction?
- 2.11.1 Thrifty Car Rental
If for any reason you commit a toll infraction, the security camera at the toll pass will take a picture of the vehicle’s license plate and an infraction notice will be sent to the car rental agency. As a result, the infraction fees will be charged to the renter’s credit card on file. Charges may take up to 30 days to appear on the credit card holder’s bill. (Please keep in mind that there will be administration fees per every violation).
2.12 How can I pay for a parking ticket I received while I had the rental?
- 2.12.1 Thrifty Car Rental
You will have up to 30 days to make a payment whenever you receive a parking citation because of a parking infraction in the US. Payment instructions will be found on the parking ticket. If for any reason the ticket citation is not paid within the 30 day period, the penalties and interest may increase as much as 200% from the original amount. If the payment is not received within the time allowed, it will then be sent to the registered owner (Rental Agency), to be charged to the renter’s credit card on file.
2.13 How come there is still a hold on my credit card/debit card if I already returned the vehicle?
- 2.13.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Once the vehicle has been returned, a charge for the total amount is submitted to the credit card company. The delays between the time charges and when the hold is released may vary depending on the credit card company. Since the credit card issuer is responsible for releasing the authorization hold/funds to their customer’s accounts, you must contact the credit card issuer directly for further assistance.
2.14 What type of vehicles does Thrifty Car Rental Offer?
- 2.14.1 Thrifty Car Rental
For a list of examples of the vehicles we offer, please refer to the “Vehicle Fleet” option that we have available in our website. Please keep in mind that if we do not have that specific type of vehicle when you arrive for pick up, a similar vehicle under that certain category will be assigned to you.
2.15 Does Thrifty Car Rental offer child seats?
- 2.15.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Yes, we have three different types of child seats available for rent. We offer Infant, Child and Booster seats.
Children of age 12 or younger are required to be properly restrained in the back seat. Infants must ride in a rear-facing car seat at all times, in the back and never in the front seat. Toddlers must always ride in the back seat, properly restrained in a forward-facing or convertible car seat.
Children that are too large for a car seat should always use a belt-positioning booster seat until they fit properly in just a lap and shoulder belt.
- 2.15.2 Infant Seat Models in the U.S.:
Either Cosco FirstRide DX or Cosco Safety 1st Designer Infant: infants 5-22 lbs, 19-29 inches in height; or Graco SnugRide rear-facing: infants 5-20 lbs. All are for backseat rear facing installation and all have a handle to convert to an "infant carrier".
- 2.15.3 Child (Toddler) Seat Models in the U.S.:
Cosco Scenera 5-Point: backseat rear facing for 5-35 lbs; backseat front-facing for 22-40 lbs; Graco Comfort Sport: backseat rear-facing for 5-30 lbs; backseat front-facing for 20-40 lbs.
- 2.15.4 Booster Seat (Youth) Models in the U.S.:
Cosco WAL Booster Car Seat: Cosco WAL Booster Car Seat: backseat forward-facing seat for children 40-80 lbs & 43-52 inches in height; Graco My Cargo: backseat forward-facing seat for children 40-100 lbs and 35-54 inches
2.16 What is the procedure to follow in case I am involved in an accident with the rental vehicle?
- 2.16.1 Thrifty Car Rental
If someone is injured, immediately dial 911 for help. Contact the local authority in order to fill out the necessary accident report.
If you are involved in an accident with a rental car with Thrifty, you must download and complete the Vehicle Incident Report form and send it to the following e-mail: hcmfirstnoticeofloss@hertz.com or via fax at (866) 888-4406. You can access the following link to download the mentioned form.
https://www.thrifty.com/CustomerCare/content/~/media/ED247C5BABF048F7A56EBE914474B454.ashx
2.17 What is Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS, ALI y/o SLI)?
- 2.17.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Liability Insurance Supplement is an optional insurance, which will increase the limits of third party liability protection. This additional service is available through our website or at the rental counter for an additional daily fee.
(WE RECOMMEND THIS COVERAGE).
2.18 Will I be able to drive in the United States with my international driver’s license?
- 2.18.1 Thrifty Car Rental
If you are a tourist with an international driver’s license and one of our representatives at the counter can translate the license, then yes, you would be able to drive in the US. In case our representative is unable to read or translate the license, an international driving permit is strongly recommended, in addition to your driver’s license from your country of origin. It is important to note that some states request an international driving license; this information can be purchased on the Motor Vehicles Department website from the state where you will be driving.
2.19 Is there a grace period offered in case I am late for the return of the rental?
- 2.19.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Yes, there is a 29-minute grace period from the time you picked up the vehicle.
2.20 Who is the Primary Renter?
- 2.20.1 Thrifty Car Rental
The primary renter is the person under the reservation; this person will be listed first on the reservation and will be responsible for providing the payment information, whether in credit or debit card. Primary renter will also be solely responsible for the vehicle that rented. It is important to keep in mind that the primary driver must have a valid driver’s license, a credit card under his name and return tickets (Air and / or Cruise) to meet the rental requirements.
3.1 Am I allowed to take the seats out of the rental van?
- 3.1.1 Thrifty Car Rental
All seats must remain in the van at all times. You are not allowed to remove any vehicle parts at any time.
3.2 Can I use the rental to tow another vehicle?
- 3.2.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Towing is considered a violation on the rental agreement and will not be permitted under any circumstances.
3.3 If I am the only registered driver under the rental agreement, can anyone else drive the rental vehicle?
- 3.3.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Only registered drivers will be allowed to drive the rental vehicle. You may add any additional drivers to the rental agreement for an additional cost (Unless you have accepted the rate that includes the additional driver fee). The newly registered drivers will have to present their valid driver’s license at the counter upon registration.
3.4 What is the best way to locate the nearest available location for my rental?
- 3.4.1 Thrifty Car Rental
We offer a list of available locations in our website. You can search for these locations by clicking on the “Locations” tab. You can browse either by city, state or by zip code. https://lac.thrifty.com/locations.php
3.5 What are the requisites to rent a vehicle?
- 3.5.1 Thrifty Car Rental
In order to rent a vehicle with Thrifty Rent a Car you must provide a valid driver’s license; this can be a driver’s license from your country of origin. (All-Inclusive Rates are only valid for Latin-American and Caribbean Customers with a valid driver’s license from country of origin. All-Inclusive Rates include Unlimited Mileage, Loss Damage Waiver, Liability Insurance Supplement, Additional Driver, Taxes and Rental Fees). A major credit card will also be required (American Express, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, and MasterCard or debit card with the Visa or MasterCard logo (debit cards are not accepted by all rental companies or locations- for further details, please contact our customer service agents). You must present round-trip airline tickets at the counter at time of rental. You must be at least 25 years of age to apply for the rental without an Age Differential Fee. Minimum age for Prestige & Adrenaline Collections, as well as select high performance vehicles, is 25. In Mississippi, the minimum rental age is 21.
Thrifty’s minimum age requirement is 21. Surcharge rates are subject to change depending on the vehicle and the pickup location.
3.6 Am I allowed to return the vehicle at a different location rather than the one I indicated?
- 3.6.1 Thrifty Car Rental
It is not permitted to return the vehicle to a different location from which you rented; doing so will be subject to a penalty charge.
3.7 What happens if I return the rental late?
- 3.7.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Late returns will affect the rate assigned to the rental. For late returns please contact the office where you picked up the vehicle. The number for the office is available on the contract or confirmation emailed to you if your reservation was processed through our website. Returns of less than 30 minutes late will not be charged extra hours. However, returns later than 30 minutes after the agreed time will be charged extra. In most cases, a late return of 2 hours will be charged as an extra day.
3.8 What happens if I encounter a problem with the vehicle?
- 3.8.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Every reservation that we make includes a basic 24-hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Service with the corresponding Rental Agency. However, additional Emergency Roadside Assistance Services are obtainable for an additional daily fee (Available at the counter). Please keep in mind that all the necessary telephone numbers will be instructed at the time of pickup.
3.9 What is the policy on off-road driving?
- 3.9.1 Thrifty Car Rental
All rental vehicles are to be operated on regularly well-maintained roads. Off-road use will be considered as a violation of the rental agreement.
3.10 What is considered a “weekend rental”?
- 3.10.1 Thrifty Car Rental
A weekend rental is considered a rental that begins at Noon on Thursday through Noon Sunday. This rental is usually given a special weekend rate.
3.11 Can I rent any vehicle if I am under 25 years of age?
- 3.11.1 Thrifty Car Rental
Driving Age
The minimum age to rent a vehicle at most locations in the United States and Canada is 20 years of age. In Michigan, New York, and the province of Quebec, the minimum age for most vehicles is 18. Please refer to the Local Policies for specific information on driver ages at the location where you intend to rent and the applicable charge for drivers 20 to 24 years of age.
Underage Driver's Fee
An authorized driver that is 20 to 24 years of age (18 to 24 years of age in Michigan, New York, and the province of Quebec) may be charged an Underage Drivers fee because of such driver's age in addition to the additional driver fee, if applicable. Because the requirements vary by THRIFTY location, please refer to the Local Policies for specific information on additional authorized or underage drivers at the location where you intend to rent a THRIFTY vehicle.
