Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK Reviews 

1,231
TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

3.6

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 126 reviews, most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Customers frequently praise the staff for being friendly, professional, and exceptionally helpful, often going above and beyond. Many appreciate the efficient and welcoming service, noting a smooth process from start to finish. However, some customers also noted significant dissatisfaction with customer service, citing instances of rudeness and unresponsiveness. Concerns were frequently raised about unexpected charges for services like premium assistance or fuel, alongside issues with the booking process such as unavailable vehicles and insufficient information on requirements.

What people talk about most

Staff

Clients share positive opinions on staff, with many reviewers consistently praising their helpfulness,... See more

Service

Customers had positive experiences with service, often highlighting the helpfulness, politeness, and... See more

Customer service

Users describe ambiguous interactions with customer service, with many reviewers praising the... See more

Price

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of price, with some finding it easy to book online and noting it as the... See more

Booking process

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about the booking process, with some finding it easy to book online and... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Travelling from Derby to Margate Kent on a work project, a broken tyre valve left me stranded in Hythe. I contacted the Folkstone Thrifty branch and a lady by the Name of Paula. went above and beyo... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

First time using Thrifty and was very impressed. Particular thanks to Noel at Bristol North - super friendly, explained everything really clearly and kindly gave us an upgrade that was much appreciate... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We hired a car from Thrifty in Aylesbury, Bucks over the weekend. Easy to book online and by far the cheapest of all online options. We dealt with Mohammed Tayub, rental agent at the desk. He was so h... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A really good customer service from Thrifty Basildon, original car was not available, so was upgraded F.O.C. staff very friendly & extremely helpful, highly recommend this company.

Company replied


Company details

  1. Car rental company

Written by the company

Thrifty Car Rental can offer a wide range of hire cars and vans within the UK. We cater for customers who require manual or automatic, compact or economy through to prestige and luxury cars and vans. Reserve your hire car or van online and see how much you could save with Thrifty Car Rental.


Contact info

3.6

Average

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

1k reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

No recent history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative

Replied to 94% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 48 hours

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3.6

All reviews

(1,231)

116 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

⚠️⚠️THRIFTY CAR RENTAL DUBLIN⚠️⚠️

Firstly I booked the car to be picked up in Terminal.
I was told I had to get on a bus and go to the car compound after waiting nearly forty minutes the bus arrived and we got to the compound.

After we returned the car I explained there were no issues and that I had fueld the car up to full.
In the pouring rain I was handed a receipt for my hire which I put in my pocket.
Only whilst waiting over thirty minutes on the bus I checked the receipt which I noticed the extra charges.
10 euros for petrol
16:18 euros extra days hir
8:37 fuel service charge
Plus vat totaling 40:24.
All these charges are fraudulent and I am dealing with this through the credit card company.
I have proof I filled the car to full and also have proof that I was not late picking the vehicle up or dropping it off.
Also when I went back to complain he was saying the same thing to an American couple who also said that they had filled it up.
I believe this is a common practice by this company at dublin Airport.
My advice to anyone thinking of using this disgraceful company is don't!!!!!
But if you do keep proof of everything!!!!!
Also what they know is that we are in a time sensitive predicament my plane was leaving in less than two hours.
⚠️⚠️ ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED⚠️⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️

5 February 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are the UK franchise of Thrifty, and we only have information for rentals that have taken place or are due to take place in the UK. Unfortunately, this limits us in being able to address the issues which you faced. To ensure your comments reach the correct people you can add your review here: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/thrifty.ie

Kind Regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great customer service from the Truro branch.

Just returned a hire car to the Truro branch. Excellent customer service from all the staff. The car was ready, clean and fuelled when I picked it up and a fast and professional service when I returned the vehicle. Great service thank you.
I would highly recommend Thrifty Car hire for your next rental.

2 February 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Pete,

Thank you for sharing your positive experience at our Truro branch. It’s always a pleasure to hear when our customers enjoy their experience. Your positive words mean a lot to our team, who works hard to provide the best possible service. We look forward to your next visit and can’t wait to continue serving you!

Warm regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thrifty Gloucester

Bev dropped my car off and went above and beyond with her kindness and helpfulness. What a lovely lady—there should be more people like her- Gloucester

29 January 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Jasmin,

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review about our Gloucester branch. Our team works hard to ensure every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of, and we’re glad it shows. We’re looking forward to your next visit and to continuing to provide you with great service.

Best regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thanks Yasir

Thanks Yasir
Very easy to deal with, I had all my documents except my passport but he over looked it and allowed my to obtain the rental. Very quick in and out would recommend this site to everyone

24 January 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Tobias,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5-star review. We will share your feedback with the team, and we hope to see you again soon.

Warm regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Upon entering building we were greeted…

Upon entering building we were greeted by Abir.He was very polite and welcoming and he dealt with the rental swiftly and efficiently.

22 January 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Haroon,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. It's always great to hear when our team have made a great impression. We put a lot of effort into making our customers feel valued and we’re so happy to hear that you had a great experience. Thanks again for your support, and we hope to see you again soon!

Best regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Rescued by a Thrifty employee

Travelling from Derby to Margate Kent on a work project, a broken tyre valve left me stranded in Hythe. I contacted the Folkstone Thrifty branch and a lady by the Name of Paula. went above and beyond to resolve my situation. Calm, reassuring and determined to provide a solution. Her professional approach ensured that i had a replacement vehicle to continue my work and get home the following day. Thank you Paula ... so sorry i didn't get your surname

6 January 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Mark,

Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that our service surpassed your expectations. Providing high-quality service is at the heart of everything we do, and your feedback reassures us that we’re on the right track. We truly appreciate your trust. We look forward to delivering another excellent experience to you next time.

Warm regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Coventry branch are the best!!

Maz and here team at Coventry are amazing! They couldn't do enough to help me and my family yesterday.
Thank you!!

8 January 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Trevor,

Thank you for sharing your amazing experience at our Coventry branch! We’re so happy to know you enjoyed your visit. Our team at this location takes pride in providing excellent customer service, and it’s great to see that reflected in your review.

Warm regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

On commission assistants add hidden costs to rental agreements

I used Thrifty for a car rental in Spain. I explained to the assistant clearly that I didn't want any extras adding to the rental agreement. 14 days later Thrifty charged me £100 for premium roadside assistance, which I hadn't agreed to. The assistant had slipped the additional charge into the agreement to earn themself commission. I was never refunded the £100.

26 December 2025
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi,

We are a UK franchise of Thrifty, and we only have information for rentals that have taken place or due to take in the UK. In this case, we are unable to help you find a suitable resolution for your review.
We are truly sorry for the inconvenience.

Best regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

dealt with the sheffield branch

dealt with the sheffield branch, specifically a lady called Jade, absolutely 11/10 service, what started as an absolute nightmare situation was swiftly sorted by Jade and i could not be anymore grateful, especially as it was just days before christmas! thank you and hope you had the best time over Christmas and new year, i hope they gave you a promotion as well as a christmas bonus 🫣🎉

19 December 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Chloe,

Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that our service surpassed your expectations. Providing high-quality service is at the heart of everything we do, and your feedback reassures us that we’re on the right track. We truly appreciate your trust. Should you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact us anytime.

Warm regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great customer experience from team

Great customer experience from team
Nile and Paul:
Friendly and efficient

24 December 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Paul,
We appreciate such a kind review and your feedback. It's always great to know our hard work is paying off!
Kind regards,
The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant service

Brilliant service. Staff was lovely especially Noel who was extremely helpful!!

24 December 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Adam,
Thanks for leaving such a kind review, Noel will be delighted!
Kind regards,
The Thrifty Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very Impressed with First Use of Thrifty

First time using Thrifty and was very impressed. Particular thanks to Noel at Bristol North - super friendly, explained everything really clearly and kindly gave us an upgrade that was much appreciated. Paul who did the inspections before & after was also very friendly and again explained everything really clearly. Had a couple of technical niggles with the car (Peugeot 3008) but nothing to really spoil the experience. Would certainly use Thrifty again.

22 December 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Paul,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a kind review. Noel, Paul and the whole team at Bristol North will be delighted!
Kind regards,
The Thrifty Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I just had an excellent service…

I just had an excellent service provided by Thrifty bournemouth by john the manager.

19 December 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the review, we are glad John was able to help and look forward to seeing you again soon!
Kind regards,
The Thrifty Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Noel was great

Noel was great. Very accommodating and informative. All very friendly staff and no issues whatsoever. Thanks all!

19 December 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Susannah,
Thank you for leaving such a great review, Noel and the team will be glad they were able to make your experience a positive one and we hope to see you back again soon!
Kind regards,
The Thrifty Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Dreadful car hire company

Truly awful service from a dreadful car rental company.

Hidden costs and charges and hit with repair costs based solely on what Thrifty want to charge… no basis in fact a threats with legal action if I don’t pay up.

What ever you do look elsewhere and do not hire from these clowns

POST REVIEW COMMENT:
Thrifty response is typical of the Company. Posting downright lies whilst trying to look like they are sweetness and light. (1) Thrifty have never provided so called 'industry rates' this is a downright lie (2) They have given me Thrifty letterheads with rates on and that is is (3) Letter to their solicitor and BVRLA points out this less anglo saxon terms (3) Under the UK Consumer Rights Act (2015) Thrifty are required to provide me with a matrix of damage repair costs which can be challenged and actual repair costs requested ... they have NEVER provided this information.

Come on Thrifty if you are hoping to keep using weasel words to look better you really must try harder

22 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Thank you for leaving another review.
As we’ve explained a few times now, all estimates come from industry standard software.
We have reviewed the points you have raised on a number of occasions and know that you continue to disagree with the decision we have reached.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Awful

Got a car from this car company via third party insurer. Rather have caight a bus. Rude and agressive Lead Customer Service Manager named Matt in the Oxford branch. Then tried to charge me £45 for transferring my details to a parking company, despite me showing payment and sent me to debt collectors. Which was eventually cancelled as landowner accepted I paid. Sent me a car I couldnt drive despite me making it clear when requesting a car so had to wait for a car. I will stick with Enterprise.

1 July 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Santella,

Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear you were dissatisfied with your experience. For us to follow up further on the points you have raised please contact us at customer.service@switchcarrental.co.uk

Kind Regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Worst ever experience with the company. Worst ever experience with the staff.

I had a very disappointing experience with Thrifty Car Rental in Bolton. The customer service was extremely poor, and the staff did not seem to understand how to speak to or treat customers respectfully. The manager, Racheal, was particularly rude and unprofessional, raising her voice at us instead of addressing the situation calmly.

We were suddenly asked to pay a £750 deposit upon arrival. Such an important requirement should have been clearly communicated during the booking process, not mentioned only when we were about to collect the vehicle. When we tried to discuss this, the staff continued to speak rudely, which was completely unacceptable.

This company feels like a fraud, and if possible, I would give them a negative rating. While we were trying to explain our concerns, racheal and her colleague were laughing instead of offering assistance. There is not even a proper customer care number to raise a complaint, which adds to the frustration.

Overall, this was the worst experience I have ever had with a rental company. I strongly advise others not to choose this company.

27 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Venkata,

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We understand how disappointing it can be when your experience doesn’t match your expectations, and for that, we sincerely apologise. We take all feedback very seriously and would like to review the issues you have raised with the team involved.
Please reach out to us at customer.service@switchcarrental.co.uk with some more details.

Kind Regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Big THANKYOU to Coventry Branch!

I would like to give massive praise and a big thank-you to the main female member of staff from the Coventry branch. I was in a difficult situation after my car broke down and was struggling to find a rental car. I called the branch directly and explained my situation. The lady was so helpful and offered suggestions and ways in which they could help me with the hire. I completed the booking online and went to pick up the car today. Again, in branch she was so friendly and reassuring and talked me through the whole process to ensure that I understood what was needed etc.

Due to this lady taking the extra time out of her day to help me. I am now able to travel to Torquay to see my family and spend my birthday with them this weekend. Great customer service and someone who genuinely cares! I would 100% recommend this company- especially the Coventry branch!

25 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Elizabeth,

Thank you for the fantastic review! Our team at this location takes pride in providing excellent customer service, and it’s great to see that reflected in your review. These are the stories that keep us so motivated to continue doing what we’re doing, and we’re so happy to hear that you had a great experience. We look forward to serving you for many more visits ahead.

Best regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

My car broke off and needed to rent a…

My car broke off and needed to rent a car urgently. It took 1 weeks for there response telling me im not eligible. Where as I have already got from drivila with insurance. Not recommended

12 November 2025
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Syed,

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. We’re sorry to learn that your experience wasn’t as expected. Rest assured, we value your input and have shared your concerns with the relevant teams to help us make improvements in the future.

Warm regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Maz was brilliant and helped us when…

Maz was brilliant and helped us when enterprise wasn’t helpful at all!

18 November 2025
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Sam,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5-star review. It's always great to hear when our team have made a great impression. We would love to pass this feedback onto Maz directly so please let us know which location your rental was from.

Warm regards,

The Switch Team

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