First Time Rentals

Is this your first time to rent a car, or even your first time in a while? Thrifty Car Rental makes the reservation and rental process fast, easy and convenient.

Learn what steps to take from reserving your car to dropping it off.

Step 1: Reserve a car.

There are several ways to book a car from Thrifty Car Rental. We have locations in airports, cities, and suburbs all across the world. Thrifty features a quality fleet of Chrysler Motors and other fine cars. You can always rent a car at the counter from any of our locations, but to ensure that you get what you really want, reserve ahead of time online.

To rent a vehicle from us, you must have a valid drivers license and a major credit card in your name. If you are under 25 years old, a daily surcharge applies. Don't forget to earn rewards by signing up for our Blue Chip program and earn free rentals from Thrifty, or earn frequent flyer miles with your preferred airline. See our general policies for more information about renting from us.

Make an online reservation

Reserve your car in seconds online and get Thrifty's best rate, guaranteed . Just go to www.thrifty.com and enter your destination in the Pick-up location box.

• Then choose your arrival and departure dates.
• Then hit "GO" to see your car options and their cost.
• Select the car you want to rent and hit "GO."
• If you'd like additional equipment, such as a child seat, check the box next to the equipment option and click "GO." If no equipment is needed, do not check a box-- just click "GO" to proceed.
• Then enter your name, telephone number, and email address and hit "GO." No credit card is needed until you pick up your car.
• That's it. We'll email your confirmation number. Your car is reserved.

You can also search for deals online. Just go to http://www.thrifty.com/specials/deals.aspx, choose your region, and search by city name for a special offer in your destination city.

Make your reservation by phone

To make a reservation by phone or to get a rate quote, call 1-800-THRIFTY. Quickly reserve a car with our automated voice-activated system, or speak to a Telephone Sales Representative at any time.

Rent from the counter and other ways to rent

You can always rent through a travel agent, or at at the counter of any of our locations if you did not reserve a vehicle ahead of time. Just go to any Thrifty location to see our availability.

Step 2: Pick up your car.

To pick up your car, you will need to do the following:

• Present the counter agent with your drivers license and a major credit card . (Learn more about Thrifty's policy on paying with check cards .)
• You will sign a rental agreement. You will get the chance to elect optional coverage and pre-paid fuel .
• You may also elect to add an additional driver if someone else will be driving the vehicle.
• To leave the parking facility, you'll need to show the parking agent your drivers license and your rental agreement.

Step 3: Driving your rental car.

• If you need roadside assistance, or if you are involved in an accident, call 877-283-0898. You can also call 1-800-THRIFTY.
• If you are new to the area, our staff will be glad to provide directions or give you maps.
• Read our safety tips for a safe drive .
• Unless, you elected to have an additional driver , you are the only person authorized to drive the car.

Step 4: Return your car.

Returning your car is quick and convenient.

• If you elected prepaid fuel , return the car without filling up the gas tank; if you did not elect prepaid fuel, fill the tank up before you return the vehicle.
• Pull the car up to the rental return. At most locations, an agent will meet you at the car and provide you with your receipt. You can also pay with a different credit card at this time if you do not want to place it on the card you provided when you picked up the vehicle. If a rental agent does not meet you, park the car and go to the counter to pay for your vehicle.
• Make sure you remove all of your personal items from the car.
• Our Thrifty shuttle, or an airport shuttle, can take you from the rental return area to your airline counter.