Cheap Thrifty Car Hire in Santa Barbara

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.

A credit card is often required for deposits, especially with suppliers like Thrifty in Santa Barbara. If you only have a debit card, use our website filter to find suitable offers or consider obtaining a credit card. Ensure that the main driver’s card is used to avoid any additional fees.

Before your trip, confirm if your rental includes roadside assistance. This can be crucial in case of breakdowns or emergencies during your rental period.

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 plan to share driving, check if the rental company allows a second driver and whether there are additional fees. Some companies offer free second driver options under certain conditions.

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 hiring a car in Santa Barbara, choose a car hire deal with a “Full-to-Full” or “Same-to-Same” fuel policy from suppliers like Thrifty. These policies ensure you only pay for the fuel you use, helping you avoid unnecessary costs. While a “Full-to-Empty” policy might seem convenient, it can often be more expensive if you don’t use all the fuel.

Be aware that some rental companies impose age restrictions or additional fees for drivers under 25. Make sure to check the company’s age policy when booking.