Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK Reviews 

1,234
TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

3.5

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 125 reviews, most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Consumers frequently praise the staff for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and professional during vehicle pickups and drop-offs. People appreciate the smooth booking process, noting that arranging rentals online is easy and prices are generally competitive compared to other options. Reviewers often mention that representatives go above and beyond to assist them. Some reviewers were not happy with unexpected extra charges and billing issues that appeared after returning vehicles. Customers also reported frustrating experiences regarding canceled reservations without notice, along with poor communication from customer support departments when trying to resolve problems.

What people talk about most

Staff

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of staff, describing team members as exceptionally helpful, friendly,... See more

Service

Consumers find service to be positive, highlighting polite and friendly staff who make the rental process... See more

Customer service

Clients share ambiguous opinions on customer_service, noting a wide contrast in their experiences. Reviewers... See more

Price

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with price. On one hand, some reviewers report great car... See more

Booking process

People report ambiguous experiences with booking process. While some reviewers found the online booking... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I work for a garage in West Bromwich and Neil who drops off rental cars for our customers is always super friendly and chatty. He’s clear when handing us over information, which is important for us as... See more

Company replied

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


Company details

  1. Car Rental Agency

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

3.5

Average

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

1K reviews

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No recent history of asking for reviews

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

Replied to 100% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 48 hours

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3.5

All reviews

(1,234)

119 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brian has made my day fantastic service…

Brian has made my day fantastic service and very polite

13 May 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Nick,

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

Kind Regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I recently visited the Switch branch in…

I recently visited the Switch branch in Stirchley Birmingham and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience. From the moment I walked in the atmosphere was welcoming and well organized, but what truly made the visit stand out was the exceptional service I received from Anil and Brian.
Both Anil and Brian were incredibly professional, approachable, and genuinely attentive. They took the time to understand exactly what I needed, answered all my questions with patience, and made sure I felt confident every step of the way. Their knowledge and calm, friendly manner turned what could have been a routine visit into a genuinely positive experience. It’s rare to come across customer service that feels this sincere and effortless. Anil and Brian are a real credit to the team I truly hope they get the recognition they deserve. They went above and beyond without ever making it feel forced. I left feeling valued as a customer and very satisfied with the service I received.
I would highly recommend this branch to anyone, especially if you have the chance to be assisted by Anil and Brian. They truly set the standard for professionalism and customer care.

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

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Tammie,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review. We’re absolutely delighted to hear about your positive experience at our Stirchley branch.
Providing a welcoming atmosphere and outstanding customer care is exactly what we strive for, so it’s wonderful to know that Anil and Brian made such a strong impression. Your kind words about their professionalism, knowledge, and genuine approach will be shared with them and the wider team — feedback like this means a great deal and truly highlights the standard of service we aim to deliver.
Thank you again for your recommendation and for choosing Switch. We’re so pleased you left feeling valued and satisfied, and we look forward to assisting you again in the future.

Best regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

manish

manish , khurum, hanit great service and friendly!

4 May 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Michael,

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

Best regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Nothing short of robbery

Nothing short of robbery. Charged 55 Euros for fuel refilling the rental car even though I returned it full with a receipt to prove it. I will never use these guys or the comparison site We Do Spain again. Thrifty they are not

27 April 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Aldwell,

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.es

Best regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

All fine until post drop off charging…

All fine until post drop off charging my credit card over £120 for no reason and refusing to answer on why this was done or refund the money! Avoid!!!!

— Despite them replying below they still aren’t replying to my emails or sending back my money

28 April 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Jessica,

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. We know additional charges are never what you want to see at the end of your rental. If you would like us to review them for you please contact us at customer.service@switchcarrental.co.uk with some more details of your rental.

Warm regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

motability customer

As a motability customer, seems RAC / Motability have change hire partners from Eurocar to Thrifty, it is a brilliant change. Thrifty understood my needs and the urgency for a vehicle as mine was in the workshop.Brilliant front line service with vehicle tracked up to delivery. Well done Thrifty

30 April 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Mark,

Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We're really pleased that the change has made a positive difference to your experience. It's great to know the team understood your needs and kept you updated every step of the way. We truly appreciate your support.

Warm regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Manager was really rude

Manager was really rude. And then made me park my car on the main busy road. And then purposely took ages to sort out my hire car. Really wished I had chosen Enterprise around the corner. Won’t be coming back… although I must say the other staff were sympathetic and tried their best to help but had to follow orders.

29 April 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Matt,

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. I’m very sorry to hear about your experience and especially about how you felt you were treated. This is not the level of service we aim to provide. 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

Shib more than brilliant patient…

Shib more than brilliant patient knowledgeable helpful kind amazing service cannot rate this customer service high enough. Amazing!!

23 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Penns,

Thank you for the fantastic feedback. We're delighted to hear that Shib provided such brilliant , patient and knowledgeable service. Your kind words mean a lot and we'll be sure to pass them on. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to helping you again in the future.

Kind Regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Bexley branch was amazing thanks to Pj…

Bexley branch was amazing thanks to Pj and Chloe looked after me and made the whole experience easy thanks again

22 April 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Billy,

Thank you for your great feedback. We're pleased to hear the Bexley branch made your experience an easy one. Pj and Chloe will be delighted to know they looked after you so well. We really appreciate your kind words. If there’s anything else we can do for you, don’t hesitate to let us know!

Warm regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Jaydon is polite and friendly and is a…

Jaydon is polite and friendly and is a pleasure to deal with. He helped with the queries I had regarding my rental

13 April 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Mirry,

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

Best regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing service from start to finish

Amazing service from start to finish. Both steven and Joanne were friendly and made the process a joy to go through. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a rental

16 April 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Andrew,

Thank you for the fantastic feedback. We're so pleased to hear you had an amazing experience from start to finish. It's great to know the team made the process enjoyable and easy for you. We really appreciate your recommendation and look forward to helping you again in the future.

Warm regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Would be zero if possible

Would be zero if possible. They list cars that are not available they take your details, your credit card etc., then advise subject to confirmation. They say they will email quote, but don't they say they will issue confirmation but don't and in fact don't confirm anything at all. Their only phone number takes you to another branches that have no ability to resolve. Eventually when you get to talk to them they advise no cars available leaving you having wasted time for nill result and lost opportunity with other vendors. The listings are just window dressing. Having used other car hire companies Thrifty are a complete joke, their system borders on fraudulent misrepresentation and when it comes down to it the staff really don't give a toss and actually don't care about this negative review either. The only way to change that is for others to vote with their feet and go elsewhere.

2 April 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi James,
We’re sorry to hear about your experience. This isn’t the level of service we aim to provide and we understand your frustration. Please be assured that your comments have been passed to the local branch manager for further investigation.
Kind regards,
The Thrifty Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Thrifty malaga

Add me to the list of people ripped off by thrifty Malaga .
My only advise to all is do not just sign on the dotted line . Ask questions be clear. This company will do anything to add insurances etc
Never again

10 March 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Nick,
We are sorry to hear about your experience. Unfortunately, as we are the UK franchise of Thrifty we are only able to deal with bookings which have or which are due to take place in the UK.
The team at customer-relations-es@hertz.com should be able to help you resolve this.
Kind regards,
The Thrifty Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Courtesy Car

I required a courtesy car and the servicenI got from Ross and Emma werebphenomenal. The Communication was fantastic,and they were both very helpful and accommodating, explained everything in depth from queries or questions I had. Also massive thanks to Emma for going above and beyond to help me. I would highly recommend this company and the staff are simply amazing 👏

20 March 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear Ross and Emma provided such phenomenal service and kept you well informed throughout. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words—especially to Emma for going above and beyond. We really appreciate your recommendation!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thrifty cat rental

John in the Bournemouth office was friendly and helpful. Explained the car efficiently and provided some local information as well. Instructions about the car return process were clear including petrol filling station location.

12 March 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Paul,

Thank you for your kind feedback. We're pleased to hear that John delivered a friendly and informative service, ensuring everything was clearly explained. We'll be sure to pass on your kind comments and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.

Best regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Superb check-in and out.

23 March 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Rob,

Thank you for the great review. We're really pleased everything went smoothly from check-in to check-out. We hope to see you again soon.

Kind Regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Martin and Darren at Preston thrifty…

Martin and Darren at Preston thrifty are an amazing duo who go above and beyond for customers very few companies take the time to understand their customers and these two are a credit to this branch

21 March 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Gary,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to leave this review. We're delighted to hear about your positive experience with Martin and Darren. They truly take pride in going above and beyond for our customers, and your feedback means a lot to them and the whole team at Preston branch. We really appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you again soon.

Best regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brian’s a star

Brian’s a star , give that man a raise!
(Just a note to the company, I’ve booked prestige auto 3series or similar and please try and honour it)

21 March 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Ruby,

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

Kind Regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great place to hire a car

Great place to hire a car, Brian was very helpful and friendly. Lovely cars and experience hiring with them

20 March 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Aaliyah,

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

Best regards,

The Switch Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Stupidly left my wallet in one of the…

Stupidly left my wallet in one of the vans and they were helpful in getting it back to me. Good customer service from the Yeovil Branch

19 March 2026
Unprompted review
Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK logo

Reply from Thrifty Car and Van Rental UK

Hi Chris,

Thank you for your kind review! We're pleased to hear that our team was able to assist in returning your wallet promptly. Providing helpful and reliable service is very important to us, and your feedback is greatly appreciated. We look forward to serving you again in the future.

Warm regards,

The Switch Team

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