Thrifty Car Rental Review

Thrifty Car Rental is a globally recognized brand that positions itself as one of the industry’s best providers of affordable and reliable vehicle hire services.

The company was founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1958 and is now headquartered in Estero, Florida. It operates in 77 countries and international territories and has more than 1,000 offices throughout North, South and Central America, as well as Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions.

Thrifty is now owned by The Hertz Corporation, whose portfolio of other agencies includes Hertz Rent A Car and Dollar Rent A Car. Today, they have grown into one of the most trusted names in car rentals, catering predominantly to cost-conscious business and leisure travelers.

Boasting a strong presence in major cities, airports, and regional locations, the company provides a diverse fleet, which includes economy cars, SUVs, vans, and luxury vehicles that suit all their customer’s needs.

When Does It Make Sense to Use Thrifty

Thrifty Car Rental is an excellent choice in a variety of travel situations, but it is a particularly attractive option for those who want an affordable, convenient, and flexible rental.

For sure, if you’re a budget-conscious traveler looking for a reliable rental car without breaking the bank, then it makes sense to take advantage of Thrifty’s competitive rates and special deals.

Moreover, if you need to hire a car on a frequent basis, you can benefit from Thrifty’s Blue-Chip Rewards program, which offers perks such as faster check-ins and exclusive discounts.

For business travelers, Thrifty provides a practical solution with a varied fleet that includes a range of compact cars for city driving and some premium models for client meetings. At the same time, families on vacation can usually choose from a number of spacious SUVs and minivans that can comfortably accommodate passengers and luggage.

Thrifty is also an ideal choice for those who want to go on a road trip but don’t want to take their car, as the company offers unlimited mileage options in many of its locations.

Additionally, the company has flexible rental plans that allow you to choose short- or long-term options based on your needs. This can be handy if you just need a car for a couple of days while your own vehicle is being serviced or you plan to do some extensive travelling.

When Doesn’t It Make Sense to Use Thrifty

For all its major plus points, there are a few circumstances where Thrifty Car Rental might not be the most suitable option for you.

If you’re looking for a highly specialized or luxury vehicle, for example, then Thrifty’s fleet may not always have the premium selection available at high-end rental companies. Additionally, if you need a rental in a very remote or rural location, you might find that Thrifty has fewer branches compared to some of its larger competitors.

Another factor to consider is their policies on fees and insurance because if you prefer a rental company with fewer restrictions on young drivers, additional drivers, or deposits, you may be better off looking elsewhere. Often, Thrifty can have stricter policies and higher surcharges than their competitors.

Furthermore, should you be looking for a premium, white-glove service with extra perks like chauffeur options, then Thrifty’s budget-friendly focus may not meet your expectations. While it is, without a doubt, a solid choice for those seeking affordability and convenience, if you are after a seamless, high-end rental experience instead, you might be better served by other luxury-focused rental brands.

Lastly, although they do offer unlimited mileage at most locations, some offices might not. So, it would not make sense to hire from Thrifty at a location that has a mileage cap.

Pros and Cons of Booking with Thrifty

Like all companies in the vehicle hire industry, Thrifty Car Rental has strengths and weaknesses within its operation.

Here are some general pros and cons of booking with the company, as determined by customer feedback on their socials and review sites like Trustpilot and Google.

Pros

One of Thrifty’s biggest strengths is its affordability because the company frequently provides competitive rates, discounts, and promotions to their customers. This makes it a great option for those looking to save money while booking a reliable car.

Overall, the company has a broad selection of vehicles, which typically include compact cars, SUVs and minivans, and many locations at major airports and city centers, that offer convenient pick-up and drop-off options.

Additionally, Thrifty’s Blue-Chip Rewards program, which was launched in 2008, offers a faster pickup and returns process, a wider choice of vehicles, more in-depth insurance coverage, synced airline rewards and designated counters at their locations.

Cons

However, there are some downsides to consider when thinking of booking with Thrifty.

While the company is known for its budget-friendly approach, this sometimes comes with added fees, including surcharges for young drivers, additional drivers, and certain insurance coverages that could end up costing you more than you might have budgeted for.

Also, their customer service reviews are mixed, with some renters reporting long wait times or inconsistent service at certain locations. Some locations in the USA even have had class action suits brought against them.

Another point to mention is that while Thrifty has a decent fleet, its selection of luxury or premium vehicles is more limited than some competitors.

Thrifty Booking Experience

Overall, if you want to book a car with Thrifty, you should find it a straightforward and user-friendly process, whether you do it online, via the Thrifty app, or physically at one of their rental locations.

Their website allows users to easily compare vehicle options, check availability, and apply discounts or promotional codes for the best rates. You can also include optional add-ons such as GPS, child seats, and extra insurance coverage.

Moreover, if you are a member of their Blue-Chip Rewards program, the process is even faster as you get priority service. When it comes to picking up your vehicle, customers can expect a quick verification process. (Although wait times may vary depending on location).

Mostly, all of the interactions you have with Thrifty staff will be courteous and professional. However, this will vary by country, state and field office.

Important Things to Note Before Renting with Thrifty

Before booking a rental with Thrifty, there are a few things you should bear in mind that may help you set your expectations of what your rental experience will be like with them.

They include the following:

Pricing & Hidden Fees

While Thrifty is known for its competitive rates, you should be aware that additional fees can apply. Costs like young driver surcharges, extra driver fees, toll charges, and fuel policies may increase the amount you have to pay overall.

Additionally, some locations also have mileage restrictions, the terms of which you should check before booking.

Insurance & Deposit Policies

Like most car rental companies, Thrifty requires you to put down a security deposit, which might vary depending on where you pick the car up from and what type you get.

Their standard insurance options may not cover all damages, so you would be well advised to review their coverage details carefully before committing to a rental.

Vehicle Condition & Inspection

You should always inspect your rental vehicle before driving off and dropping it back to Thrifty. Take photos or videos to arm yourself with documentary proof of the car’s condition in case of any issues.

Cancellation & Refund Policies

Thrifty’s cancellation policies depend on whether you booked a prepaid or pay-at-counter rental. Typically, prepaid bookings may incur cancellation fees, while pay-at-counter reservations allow more flexibility.

To be on the safe side, you should read the terms carefully to avoid unexpected charges.

Customer Service

Customer experiences with Thrifty’s service can vary, as evidenced by some of the reviews they have received.

Many locations receive positive feedback for their efficiency and friendly service, while others report long wait times or difficulty resolving issues. This is something to be aware of before making a booking.

Alternatives to Thrifty

Car hire companies tend to stick together, so wherever there is a Thrifty rental location, you should find several competitors within the locality. This is particularly true at airports and large cities.

Their main competitors include national brands like Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National and Europcar, while you might find smaller local companies at certain destinations, too.

Depending on why you want to hire a vehicle from Thrifty, you might actually find that catching a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft might be even more cost-effective. Alternatively, if you are in a relatively small location, the public transport system or hiring a bike or electric scooter might be a better option.

Final Verdict: Should You Rent from Thrifty

Overall, considering the company has been around for over 65 years, and they have a good reputation for offering inexpensive and reliable vehicles, you should have no qualms about renting from Thrifty in most circumstances.

However, as they do have many competitors, it is always a good idea to see what other deals might be available from them.