Cheap Thrifty Car Hire in Santa Barbara

Many rental companies require payment by credit card and may not accept debit cards. If you only have a debit card, check the rental company's payment policies in advance and look for suitable options.

When renting a car, understand the fuel policy. A 'Full-to-Full' policy means you return the car with a full tank, while 'Same-to-Same' means you return it with the same level of fuel. Full-to-Full is often more cost-effective.

Choose car hire suppliers with high ratings, as these often indicate better service, newer cars, and more convenient pickup locations. For Santa Barbara, we have car hire deals from 8 suppliers. Among them, Thrifty has a rating of 4.3, Alamo has a rating of 4.6, National has a rating of 4.6 and Budget has a rating of 4.6.

Before renting a car, check if your personal car insurance covers rental losses. Many personal auto insurance policies and credit cards offer coverage for rentals, which could save you from extra insurance fees.

If you're looking for more comfort or features, inquire about upgrade options at the rental desk. Sometimes, upgrades are offered at a discounted rate at pickup.

When booking, check if the rental company offers extras such as GPS or child seats. These can enhance your driving experience but may incur additional costs, so it's wise to factor them into your budget.

Ensure that you have a valid driving licence with at least one year of driving experience. If you are a foreign driver travelling to Santa Barbara, an international driving permit may be required. Remember, hire rates can be higher for drivers under 25 or over 70

Car hires from Thrifty in Santa Barbara are charged per day. If you rent for more than 24 hours, you will be charged for an additional day, so plan accordingly.