Thrifty UAE Car Rental

Terms & Conditions

Important Note for UAE Residents

A valid UAE driving license is a must. Please note that driving without a valid UAE driving license when on residence or employment visa is a violation of the UAE Law.

N.B. (Please read carefully)

A. The vehicle image shown is for illustration purpose only. Color and features of the actual vehicle may vary.

B. Thrifty reserves the right to provide a similar vehicle from the same group/category in case the vehicle booked is not available.

Age Restrictions

When renting vehicles from Thrifty, the following age limits are observed: 

 Minimum

 21 years old

 Maximum

 70 years old

Concurrent Rentals

The hirer is not allowed to rent more than 1 vehicle at the same time. If the hirer has an existing active rental that coincides with a new booking’s scheduled pick-up, Thrifty may have the right to refuse the new booking.

Required Documents

The hirer is required to provide the following original, valid documents when renting a vehicle from Thrifty. All documents have to be under the hirer's name:

UAE Residents:

  • UAE Driving License
  • Emirates ID
  • Credit card with a minimum validity of next 3 months for Security Deposit.
  • Physical credit card is required upon car pick up / delivery. Without this, we are unable to fulfill the booking.
  • A Security Deposit between AED 1000 to AED 5000 based on the vehicle rented, will be blocked on the Credit Card.
  • Passport with Residence visa

Non-UAE Residents:

  • International Driving Permit / GCC driving license / valid driving license from their country of origin (refer to Driving License Exemptions list)
  • Passport with entry stamp
  • Credit card with a minimum validity of next 3 months for Security Deposit.
  • Physical credit card is required upon car pick up / delivery. Without this, we are unable to fulfill the booking.
  • A Security Deposit between AED 1000 to AED 5000 based on the vehicle rented, will be blocked on the Credit Card.

* The same credit card is not allowed to be used on 2 or more concurrent rentals.

Security Deposit

Thrifty provides two options:

Option 1 – With Security Deposit: You can choose to pay the Security Deposit either by placing a block on your Credit Card or by making a purchase on your Debit Card. The rental agent shall confirm the amount of security block at the time of vehicle pick-up.

Option 2 - No Security Deposit: This option is exclusively available for UAE Residents applicable only for Monthly Rentals. If you opt for this choice, a non-refundable one time 10% surcharge will be applied based on the total rental amount for the first month only. No Security Deposit is restricted to certain car groups only. Please note that a Credit Card is mandatory when selecting the No Deposit Monthly Rental.

Driving License Exemptions

Tourists from all GCC countries and countries listed below are permitted to drive in the UAE with their respective local driving licenses:

List of Exempted Countries
Albania Estonia Italy Poland Spain
Australia Finland Japan Portugal Sweden
Austria France Kuwait Qatar Switzerland
Azerbaijan Germany/Deutschland Latvia Romania Turkey
Bahrain Greece Lithuania Saudi Arabia Ukraine
Belgium Holland/Netherland Luxembourg Serbia United Kingdom
Bulgaria Hong Kong Malta Singapore USA
Canada Hungary Montenegro Slovakia Uzbekistan
China Iceland New Zealand Slovenia Croatia
Cyprus Ireland Norway South Africa  
Denmark Israel Oman South Korea  

International or Local Driving license in any other language other than Arabic and English should be translated into Arabic or English. The translation should be attested by the Embassy.

Please note that in case the hirer’s Visit or Tourist visa in UAE is changed to a Residence visa, you will need to obtain an UAE driving license. This together with a copy of your passport with Residence visa page has to be submitted to Thrifty Immediately.

Booking and Rental

Minimum Rental Period and Increments

The minimum rental period is 1 day (24 hours). Prorated hourly rental is not allowed.

A rental with less than 24-hour duration will be considered as a 1-day rental. Similarly, any excess rental period that is less than 24 hours is considered as an additional 1-day rental.

Types of Short-Term Rental Based on Duration

Bookings/rentals are categorized based on the duration of the rental.

 Duration

 Type

 1-6 Days

 Daily

 7-21 Days

 Weekly

 22 Days or more

 Monthly

Making A Booking

The hirer may reserve their booking via the following options:

  • Creating a booking online via Thrifty UAE website
  • Getting in touch with the contact centre
  • Visiting any Thrifty rental desk

The hirer should then present the corresponding electronic/paper voucher at Thrifty Car rental counter if booking was made through the website. 

Booking Modification

The hirer may modify their prepaid booking online if done at least 24 hours prior to pick-up date and time, and will be charged with the corresponding fee(s). The total payable amount will be recalculated if the rates have changed between the dates the original and amended bookings are made. In which case, the latter prices will apply.

 Modification is Allowed For

 Modification is Not Allowed For

 Primary hirer’s name

 Credit card details

 Vehicle group

 

 Pick-up/Drop-off location

 

 Pick-up/Drop-off date and/or time

 

If the hirer needs to change the primary name and/or credit card details, they need to cancel the existing booking (see "Booking Cancellation" under Booking and Rental) and make a new one with the correct details.

 Prepaid Booking Modification Type

Fee

Hirer modifies booking 24 hours (or more) prior to pick-up date and time

NIL

Hirer modifies booking less than 24 hours prior to pick-up date and time

AED 52.50

Booking Cancellation

The hirer may cancel their prepaid booking online and will be charged with the corresponding fee(s). Refunds, where applicable, will be made to the credit card used on the original prepaid booking within 30 calendar days.

Prepaid Booking Cancellation Type

Fee

Hirer cancels booking 24 hours (or more) prior to pick-up date and time

NIL

Hirer cancels booking less than 24 hours prior to pick-up date and time

AED 105.00

Cancellation due to unavailability of hirer’s documents, or non-conformance to document requirements

AED 105.00

No Show

AED 100 fee will be charged if the customer fails to show up for a prepaid booking that has not been cancelled prior to the pick-up schedule.

Late Arrival

If a client makes a prepaid booking but fails to arrive at the specified pick-up location within 2 working hours of the pick-up schedule (or if the location closes before then, by the location’s closing time), the vehicle may still be provided subject to availability. The pick-up and drop-off timings per the voucher will be adhered to.

Rental Extension

For rentals booked in the Thrifty UAE website, the hirer may extend their active rental by creating a new booking with pick-up date and time matching their current rental’s off-hire date and time. The website rates at the time of new booking shall apply on the rental extension.

If the hirer fails to do so, they may request for the rental extension at any Thrifty rental desk, and the local rates and policies will apply on the rental extension.

Early Return

There will be no refund for unused car rental days once a Daily or Weekly rental has started.

Fixed monthly rate will apply for hire periods between 22-30 days; pro-rata is not applicable.  Early car return will automatically cancel the monthly plan, and the corresponding weekly or daily charge will apply.

Late Return

Only 1-hour grace period for late return is allowed. Beyond this, rental charges will apply per local rates and policies.

Payment and Fees

Value-Added Tax (Vat)

Effective January 2018, Thrifty Car Rental reserves the right to add value-added tax (VAT) on all services and rates, as confirmed and implemented by the UAE Government. This is applicable on all bookings for pick-up from 01-Jan-2018.

Rates Validity

Thrifty Car Rental reserves the right to change the prices of its products and services.

Payment

All prices are payable in UAE Dirhams (AED). Cash and all major credit cards are accepted as means of payment. Advance payment for the whole rental is required prior to collecting the vehicle from the counter. For bookings made on the Thrifty UAE website, the credit card used online must be presented at the time of pick up.

Vehicle Registration Fee (VRF) 

Vehicle Registration Fee (VRF) charges apply on all rentals.

One-Way Rental Fee (OWR)

If the hirer returns the rented vehicle to any Thrifty location other than the original pick-up location, One-Way Rental fees (OWR) shall apply.

Airport Fee (PRK)

If the hirer picks up and/or drops off the vehicle at any airport location, Airport Fees (PRK) shall apply.

Toll Fee

Toll gate crossing (Salik & DARB) is charged at [actual price + 25% administration fee] + VAT.

Traffic Fines

Any traffic fine incurred by the hirer is their liability and is charged at actual fine amount + (10% administration fee + VAT).

Impounding Fee

If the vehicle is impounded, the customer is liable to compensate Thrifty for both the impounding fee and loss of rental.

Parking Fee

The hirer is responsible for registering their vehicle for paid parking and for all parking charges in relation to the vehicle whilst on hire.

Fuel Policy

The hirer is required to return the vehicle with the same fuel level that it has when it was hired. Otherwise, a locally-determined refuelling charge will apply.

Abu Dhabi Accident Report

Abu Dhabi traffic department/police charges an additional fee for accident reports which is to be paid by renter. These charges are over and above the Insurance Excess charge.

Insurance and Protection

Personal Accident Insurance

The hirer may purchase the Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) for added security for the vehicle occupants. This provides for compensation in the unfortunate event of an accident involving the rented vehicle that results to physical injury or death of the occupant(s). Note that PAI does not cover hospitalizations.

Additional Insurance/ Protection Options

The hirer may purchase additional vehicle insurance for their rental to reduce their financial liability for damage to the Thrifty vehicle, its parts and accessories, provided the vehicle is used in accordance with the terms and conditions of the hire agreement.

  • Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW)

Insurance Excess 

In the event of an accident involving the rented vehicle that results in vehicle damage, the payable insurance excess is based on the result of the police report and type of additional vehicle insurance availed by the hirer at the time of booking or hiring the vehicle.

Things to Remember:

  • Basic Insurance (IXS) is already included in the basic rental rate.
  • The hirer’s driving license should be at least 6 months old in order to avail the SCDW.
  • The hirer is responsible in obtaining the corresponding police report for any vehicle damage. Full repair fees will be charged to the client in the absence of police report.
  • Personal belongings or luggage are not insured.
  • Thrifty is not responsible for any personal belongings/luggage left inside the vehicle upon off-hire.

Type of vehicle insurance

Hirer at fault

Hit-and-run*

Hirer not at fault

Basic insurance

     

If no added insurance is purchased, the hirer will be charged with the full Insurance Excess (IXS). 

Full amount of insurance excess to be paid

Full amount of insurance excess to be paid

n/a

       

Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) 

n/a

n/a

n/a

On purchasing SCDW, the insurance excess liability is waived.

*“Hit-and-run” refers to accidents wherein the fault cannot be attributed to a third party.

On the Road

Driving Restrictions

The hirer is prohibited to use the vehicle under below conditions and activities:

  • When the hirer is under the influence of alcohol/drugs
  • Racing, towing other vehicles, or off-road driving
  • Any other activity considered against the UAE law

The vehicle insurance does not cover any accident/damage resulting from any of the above scenarios. Any such violation would make the hirer liable to pay for the total damages to the vehicle and/or any ancillary damages caused.

Kilometres Limits

(Dubai & Northern Emirates)

Daily and Weekly Rentals:

Unlimited Kilometres is applicable on daily & weekly rentals except for the vehicles listed below.

  • BMW 520 (350KM per day; 2,100KM per week), AED1.00 per excess KM charge
  • BMW 730Li (350KM per day; 2,100KM per week), AED1.00 per excess KM charge

Monthly Rentals:

All monthly rentals (22 days and above) are subject to Kilometres limits and extra Kilometres charges (EMC).

MODEL

Kilometres limit (per month)

Extra kilometres charge (in AED)

Kia Picanto

2500 KM

0.25

Nissan Micra

2500 KM

0.25

Nissan Sunny

2500 KM

0.25

Toyota Yaris Sedan

2500 KM

0.25

MG 5 

2500 KM

0.25

Mitsubishi Attrage

2500 KM

0.25

Hyundai Accent

2500 KM

0.25

Hyundai Creta

2500 KM

0.25

Nissan Kicks

2500 KM

0.50

Toyota Rush

2500 KM

0.25

Hyundai Tucson

2500 KM

0.25

MG ZS

2500 KM

0.25

Corolla Cross

2500 KM

0.25

Hyundai Elantra

2500 KM

0.25

Toyota Corolla 

2500 KM

0.25

Mazda 3

2500 KM

0.25

Nissan Altima

2500 KM

0.25

Toyota Camry

2500 KM

0.25

Mazda 6

2500 KM

0.25

Mercedez C200

2500 KM

1.00

Dodge Charger

2500 KM

1.00

Volvo S90

2500 KM

1.00

BMW 5 Series

2500 KM

1.00

BMW 7 Series

2500 KM

1.00

Mazda CX5

2500 KM

0.50

Nissan X-Trail 

2500 KM

0.50

Toyota Fortuner 

2500 KM

0.50

Mazda CX9

2500 KM

0.50

Jeep Wrangler

2500 KM

1.00

Dodge Challenger

2500 KM

1.00

Kia Carnival

2500 KM

1.00

Ford Explorer

2500 KM

0.50

VW Teramont

2500 KM

0.50

Hyundai Pallisade

2500 KM

0.50

Kia Telluride

2500 KM

0.50

Dodge Ram

2500 KM

1.00

Chevrolet Tahoe

2500 KM

1.00

Nissan Patrol

2500 KM

1.00

Volvo XC 90

2500 KM

1.00

Kilometres Limits

(Abu Dhabi)

Daily and Weekly Rentals (Abu Dhabi locations):

Unlimited Kilometres is applicable on daily & weekly rentals for all vehicles except the ones listed below.

  • BMW 520 (250KM per day; 1,500KM per week)
  • BMW 730Li (350KM per day; 2,100KM per week)
  • Dodge Charger 3.6L (350KM per day; 2,100KM per week)
  • Audi A6 (350KM per day; 2,100KM per week)
  • Polestar 2 (200KM per day; 1,750KM per week)
  • Mercedes C Class (350KM per day; 2,100KM per week)

Daily and Weekly Rentals (Al Ain and Ruwais locations):

All daily and weekly rentals are subject to Kilometres limits and extra Kilometres charges (EMC).

  • Daily: 350 KM per day
  • Weekly: 1,750 KM per week

Monthly Rentals (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain & Ruwais locations):

All monthly rentals are subject to Kilometres limits and extra Kilometres charges (EMC).

Model

Kilometres limit (per month)

Extra kilometres charge (in AED)

Chevrolet Spark

3000 KM

0.35

Nissan Sunny

3000 KM

0.35

Toyota Yaris Sedan

3000 KM

0.35

Hyundai Accent

3000 KM

0.35

MG- 5

3000 KM

0.35

Nissan Kicks

3000 KM

0.35

Hyundai Creta

3000 KM

0.35

MG- ZS

3000 KM

0.35

Corolla Cross

3000 KM

0.35

Toyota Rush

3000 KM

0.35

Hyundai Tucson

3000 KM

0.35

Toyota Corolla 

3000 KM

0.35

Mazda 3

3000 KM

0.35

Nissan Altima

3000 KM

0.35

Toyota Camry

3000 KM

0.35

Mazda 6

3000 KM

0.35

Dodge Charger

3000 KM

0.50

BMW 5 Series

3000 KM

1.00

BMW 7 Series

3000 KM

1.00

Nissan X-Trail 

3000 KM

0.35

Mazda CX-5

3000 KM

0.35

Toyota Prado

3000 KM

0.50

Toyota Fortuner

3000 KM

0.50

Nissan Pathfinder

3000 KM

0.50

Mazda CX-9

3000 KM

0.50

VW Teramont

3000 KM

0.50

Ford Explorer

3000 KM

0.50

Mercedez C200

3000 KM

1.00

Audi A6

3000 KM

1.00

VW Golf GTI

3000 KM

0.50

Peugeot-3008

3000 KM

0.35

Nissan Patrol

3000 KM

0.50

Roadside Assistance

For any breakdown or roadside issue, the hirer may contact our customer care team.

Customer Care Hotlines

Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah

 800 4770

Abu Dhabi & Al Ain

 800 701

Value-Added Services

Delivery and Collection

Delivery and collection services may be provided upon request, and will be charged accordingly.

Additional Driver

A second driver may be added at an extra cost. In addition to the main hirer’s documents, they shall also provide the passport copy and driving license of the second driver.

Child Seat

Child seats for age bracket of 1-4 years old are available on request at an extra cost, and are subject to availability.

Oman Insurance

Oman travel NOC can be provided upon request from Abu Dhabi only on certain car groups at an additional cost.

Once you have entered Oman, in case of any breakdown, mechanical failure or accident it is the hirer’s responsibility to have the car brought or recovered to the border at their own cost, for any replacement or further recovery.

Chauffeur Service

(currently not available)

Help Center

Dubai/Northern Emirates:
[email protected]
Toll Free 800-4770
Outside UAE +971 43479002
Abu Dhabi/Al Ain/Western Region:
[email protected]
Toll Free 800-701
Outside UAE +971 28058083
Corporate Head Office:
Arenco Building, A Block - Office 206
Al Karama, Dubai
+971 4 337 0743
Corporate Head Office:
M-14 Mussafa, Abu Dhabi
+971 2 813 0300