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Absolutely. You can save on your car rental expenses at most U.S. and Canadian locations when you reserve and prepay toward your rental online at budget.com with a credit or debit card. Online is the easy way to reserve and pay. Learn more about our Pay Now option. Or, if you prefer, reserve on budget.com and pay in full when you return your car..
.Cash is not accepted. When you return your car, you may pay for your final rental costs with credit or debit card. However, to release a car to you at rental pick-up time, you must provide a deposit using a credit card or, at some locations, a debit card. See What kinds of credentials will I need to present when I pick up my rental? for information on required holds.
You’ll find information on general age rules below, but since specific fees and permissible vehicle types may vary by location, it’s best to check the specific terms and conditions for you rental location.
Underage Requirements at Corporate-operated Locations:
At most U.S. corporate-operated locations, you must be at least 21 years of age to rent, but the following provisions apply for customers between the ages of 21-24:
In Michigan at corporate-operated locations, the minimum rental age is 18 with a valid, acceptable credit card and driver's license, and an additional $41-per-day underage surcharge for drivers 18-20; $28-per-day for drivers 21-24 years old will be applied.
In New York State at corporate-operated locations, the minimum rental age is 18 with a valid, acceptable credit card and driver's license, and an additional $52-per-day underage surcharge for drivers 18-20; $35-per-day for drivers 21-24 years old will be applied. Drivers under the age 25 will not be permitted to rent luxury cars, mini vans, 12-passenger vans, specialty vehicles, full-size SUVs or premium SUVs.
Minimum Age Exceptions:
Licensee-owned and non-U.S. Location Rentals
U.S. Budget licensee-owned location age rules vary, however most allow a minimum age of 18-24 for a small surcharge. Rules at locations outside of the U.S also may vary. It’s always best to check the terms and conditions on your online reservation confirmation or on the location information page to see which rules apply for your selected location. Then, if you still have questions, please contact us.
Insurance Replacement Renters
At corporate-operated locations, a customer involved in an Insurance Replacement from one of the following companies may rent at the minimum age of 18: Allstate, American Family, Bristol-Myers Squibb, CCRG Claims, Progressive, State Farm, Travelers.
Corporate Account Renters
At corporate-operated locations, drivers and additional drivers who are employees of the same company, on company business, and renting with their employer's BCD corporate rates, must be at least 21 years of age, or may be 18 years of age if employed with the U.S. Government on travel orders.
Select corporate customers and insurance/service replacement rental customers may be exempt from the underage fee. Check with your account representative to see if your company account is eligible.
Government Renters Including Those in the U.S. Military
Budget Rent A Car is proud to deliver unsurpassed rental car service to those who serve our country. At corporate-operated locations,
Renters with a Disability
At corporate-operated locations, there is no underage surcharge for renters with a disability when either the renter with the disability or the authorized driver is over the age of 25. If both the renter with a disability and authorized driver are under the age of 25, an underage surcharge will apply.
Inbound Tour Renters
Inbound tour customers are permitted to rent from Budget corporate-operated locations at the minimum age of 19. Inbound tour customers are defined as those not residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, or Canada who are renting on an inbound tour rate.
The minimum rental age for tour customers residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, or Canada is 21. An underage surcharge may apply for renters under 25.
At corporate-operated locations, Budget does not have a maximum age limit in the U.S., but there may be upper-age restrictions in some other countries. Search for your location to find maximum age rules in your rental country. After you find your location, just click the 'additional information' link next to your desired location to view location terms and conditions.
Yes. Since rental terms vary from location to location, it’s always a good idea to read the specific terms and conditions on your online reservation confirmation page/e-mail – or find your location and review the terms of rental on your location information page. These terms outline most things you'll need to know to qualify for a rental at your specific location.
Look for rental terms and conditions on your confirmation page
At the bottom of location pages and your confirmation e-mail
And also near the bottom of the page on step 4 of the online reservation process.
Rules at licensee-owned locations and locations outside of the U.S may vary from what you are accustomed to, so it's important to review your terms every time you make a reservation. If you have questions about your rental terms, please contact us.
Once you qualify for rental, a Rental Agreement is the legally binding contract that details the terms of rental you'll be required to agree to and sign before Budget releases a rental car to you. The content of a Rental Agreement varies based on your rental dates, type of car and location. For example, in some particularly rugged parts of the country, and on specific gravel and dirt roads not regularly maintained, Budget prohibits use of its vehicles. At most locations, interstate travel is permissible, while other locations require that the vehicle does not cross state lines. Similarly, in some states bordering Mexico and Canada, travel across U.S. borders might be restricted or prohibited. At some airport locations, the quoted rental rates might apply only to airline passengers flying within 72 hours before rental. Or, if you are under 21 years of age, special car type rules and surcharges will apply. When you pick up your car, the rental counter agent can answer any questions you may have about your rental.
Always closely review the Rental Agreement when you pick up your car. Our counter agents are happy to answer any questions you might have regarding your rental.
Since a Rental Agreement varies slightly based on your rental dates, type of car and location, we can't present you with an exact copy of the agreement you will be asked to sign at the counter. You may, however, view a copy of our Master Rental Agreement on which all location Rental Agreement versions are based.
As mentioned above, you'll be required to agree to and sign a Rental Agreement at the rental counter when Budget releases a rental car to you. Since we recognize that this will take additional time at the counter each time you rent, we encourage you to enroll for Fastbreak®. When you enroll, you'll provide your electronic signature just once on the Master Rental Agreement. Once enrolled, you may print and save it for your records and we'll notify you if any changes are made to that agreement. You'll save time at the counter with each rental because you won't have to read the entire Rental Agreement or sign it at each location every time.
Since rental terms vary from location to location, it’s a good idea to read the specific terms and conditions on your reservation confirmation page/e-mail. Or find your location and review the location information page for your rental location’s required credentials. Generally, the following credentials are required to release a rental to you:
Driver’s license requirements
At time of rental car pick-up in the U.S. or Canada, all drivers must present a valid, U.S.- or Canadian-issued driver's license in the driver’s name. If you are renting a Budget vehicle in the U.S. and are in possession of a Canadian driver’s license, you will be required to also present a valid passport in the driver’s name. In lieu of a passport and Canadian driver’s license, you may instead present an Enhanced Driver’s License in your name.
Non-U.S. and non-Canadian residents are required to present a valid driver’s license and a passport from their home country. If the information on your driver’s license is not written in the Roman alphabet, you must also present an International Driving Permit. If you have indicated on your reservation that you are a non-U.S. resident, you must also present proof of your return trip back to your resident country or your confirmed reservation rate will change. If renting outside of the U.S. or Canada, see driver's license rules for renting in other countries.
"Deposit" credential requirements
The preferred second required credential is a major credit card such as American Express, Budget Charge Card, Budget International, Discover, JCB/Japan Card, MasterCard, Optima, PHH or Visa. Some locations will accept a debit card instead of a credit card, but then we might either check your credit report or require you to present a third form of ID as indicated in the “Debit Card User Instructions” below. Prepaid charge/debit or gift cards are not an acceptable form of identification at rental pick up but may be used for payment at car return.
NOTE: All forms of required identification MUST include a name and address and MUST match the name and address on the renter's driver's license.
Debit Card User Instructions
If you prefer to use a debit card rather than a credit card, be aware that some Budget locations will check your credit with a national credit verification bureau. Other locations might not check your credit, but will require you to present a third form of identification:
For debit card customers renting at an airport location, one of the following is acceptable as a third form of identification in addition to a driver’s license and debit card:
For debit card customers renting at an off-airport location, one of the following is acceptable as a third form of identification in addition to a driver’s license and debit card:
Rules at licensee-owned locations and locations outside of the U.S may vary. It’s always best to check the terms and conditions on your online reservation confirmation or on the location information page to see which rules apply for your selected location. Then, if you still have questions, please contact us.
Yes. Your deposit type, amount and method of payment will vary by Budget location.
Credit and Debit Card Rules
Generally, at the time of a U.S. corporate-operated location rental, we'll require a credit card hold of total estimated rental charges plus 25% or $200, whichever is greater. If you're using a debit card at a location that accepts them, upon paying your rental with a Debit Card, Budget will generally request an authorization hold against your account for the estimated charges of the rental but reserves the right in its sole discretion, to request extra value based on certain factors as we deem appropriate. Some exceptions may apply. THESE FUNDS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR USE. However, for insurance/service replacement rentals, tour and budget.com prepaid rentals, the minimum debit card authorization hold is $100. At select locations in the Northeast and North Central regions, the minimum authorization hold is $500. Renters under 25 years of age may not use a debit card. Look at the terms and conditions on your reservation confirmations for the deposit required at your specific rental location. Some select locations do not accept debit cards at time of rental to release the vehicle, but do accept debit cards for payment at time of car return. Locations that do accept debit cards at time of rental will perform a credit check to determine and ensure credit worthiness before releasing the car to you. Search for your location to find deposit rules for your location. After you find your location, just click the 'additional information' link next to your desired location to view location terms and conditions.
It's perfectly fine if you choose not to return the car on or before your scheduled return date, but on or before that date you must contact a Budget reservation agent at 800-527-7000, and that agent will be happy to accommodate your request, if possible. In this case, we will assess a $10 service fee for the extended rental, and place up to three additional holds on your card (depending on how long you keep the car) to cover expected rental charges. Upon your return of the car, all holds will be released, and the actual cost of the rental will be charged. Please note that, if you choose to extend your rental, your original rental rate may no longer be available. Also note that your bank may take up to two weeks to post the released credit hold to your card. Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for any returned checks due to debit card hold processing.
Canadian rentals at corporate-operated locations require a credit card hold of $300 CAD for the first day, and $75 CAD for each additional day. Other countries and licensee-owned locations may vary. It’s always best to check the terms and conditions on your online reservation confirmation or on the location information page to see which rules apply for your selected location. Then, if you still have questions, please contact us. To receive your quoted rate, some airport locations also might require you to present your airline ticket or boarding pass when you pick up your car. For full details, read the helpful terms and conditions that appear on steps 3 and 4 in the online reservation process and on your reservation confirmation page or e-mail.
In lieu of a valid driver's license, Budget corporate-operated locations in the U.S. will accept traffic citations or summonses issued by officials in these seven states: Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. The citation only will be accepted up until the court appearance date shown on the citation or summons. A customer who presents a citation/summons in lieu of a driver's license is required to present a second form of personal identification with a signature on it. Any second form of I.D. with a signature is acceptable, such as a department store card, passport, library card or company I.D. with a signature. Rules at licensee-owned locations and locations outside of the U.S may vary. It’s always best to check the terms and conditions on your online reservation confirmation or on the location information page to see which rules apply for your selected location. Then, if you still have questions, please contact us.
Generally, a driver’s license, passport and an International Driving Permit issued in the driver’s name from their home country is required for most Budget car rentals with the following exceptions:
Once a customer opens a rental agreement, but before the transaction is completed, some Budget corporate-operated locations might contact the issuing Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to perform a driver’s license verification for primary and additional drivers. Budget reserves the right to deny rental if the driving history reveals any of the following:
Budget will check renters' and additional drivers' licenses to ensure that they are valid. Budget is unable to rent if the driving history reveals any of the following issues:
Yes. An additional driver must be at least 25 years of age. Budget will check the additional drivers' license to ensure that it is valid. Budget will be unable to allow an additional driver if the driving history reveals any of the following issues:
Add drivers to your rental at the counter when you pick up your car. Drivers must be present with their required credentials to be added.
Sometimes. Although additional driver rules at licensee-owned locations and locations outside of the U.S may vary, except for California, Nevada and New York, the fee for each additional driver is $13 per day with a maximum charge of $65 per rental. There is no additional driver fee in California. In Nevada, the fee is $10 per day with a maximum charge of $65 per rental. In New York, the fee is $3 per day. The following are exempt from the fee but must meet all other driver requirements: the renter's employer or fellow employee when on company business and renting under a corporate account; the renter's spouse or domestic partner; the companion driver of a renter with a disability who has completed the non-licensed renter form; for insurance replacement rentals, company employees or family members who are designated on the insurance policy. It's always best to check the terms and conditions on your online reservation confirmation or on the location information page to see which rules apply for your selected location.
Look for rental terms and conditions in the toolbox on your confirmation page...
At the bottom of location pages and your confirmation e-mail...
and also near the bottom of the page on step 4 of the online reservation process.
If you still have questions, please contact us. Add drivers to your rental at the counter when you pick up your car. Drivers must be present with their required credentials to be added.
In most instances, no. However, some Budget locations may require a credit card (usually for high-demand cars or in instances where only one vehicle is available within a popular make/model), or may require prepayment of the entire rental to secure a rate. For non-prepaid reservations, your credit card will not be charged if you cancel up to 48 hours in advance of your designated pick-up time. However, if you cancel less than 48 hours before your pick-up time, a $75 U.S. fee will be assessed. For prepaid reservations, your card will be charged at reservation time and separate Pay Online terms apply.
No, unless you choose to prepay for your rental at time of reservation.
Regardless of whether you prepay, Budget will place a hold on your card at the time of pickup. Please check the terms and conditions on your online reservation confirmation or the location information page for the dollar amount required at your desired location. And while it's perfectly fine if you choose not to return the car on or before your scheduled return date (see "May I extend my rental beyond the original return date?"), we’ll place up to three additional holds on your credit card (depending on how long you keep the car) to cover expected rental charges. Upon your return of the car, all holds will be released, and the actual cost of the rental will be charged. Please note that your bank may take up to two weeks to post the released credit hold to your card. Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for any returned checks due to credit hold processing. Important related information may also be found under the question "What kinds of credentials will I need to present when I pick up my rental"?
To view your reservation, you must have a confirmation number. This number is provided to you at the completion of your online reservation. The confirmation number is an 8-digit code followed by two letters and one more number, totaling 11 alpha/numeric characters. If you don't have that information readily accessible, simply contact us.
Select "View/Modify/Cancel under "Reservations" in our main menu
Enter your confirmation number and name to view your reservation
You can view and modify your reservation on budget.com as long as you have the renter’s last name and confirmation number for the reservation. This number is provided to you at the completion of your online reservation. The confirmation number is an 8-digit code followed by two letters and one more number, totaling 11 alpha/numeric characters. Please be sure to enter that information in the View, Change or Cancel an Existing Reservation page. If you don't have that information readily accessible, simply contact us.
Click on the "change this reservation" link in the toolbox on your rental confirmation page
Car rental rates change much as airline prices do. We promise that the rate you reserve is the rate you’ll pay – but we can't promise that the rate you reserve today will apply if you lengthen or shorten your rental period. Also, if you revise your rental period, you might not realize that you’re actually changing your daily vs. weekend vs. weekly rate schedule. Generally speaking, the longer the rental period, the lower your per-day rate.
With Budget, you can change most things on your pre-paid reservation on budget.com or at the counter at any time, even multiple times, with no fee. If changes affect the total rate of the rental, the prepayment amount will not change. Underpayments will be handled at the counter at time of rental return. If the change is to the rental location and the new location doesn’t accept pre-paid reservations, the pre-paid reservation will be canceled and rebooked at prevailing rates. In such an instance, you will be charged a $50 cancellation fee. Read more about changing your prepaid reservation then make a prepaid reservation today.
To view your toll receipt, go here.
Unfortunately, usually the travel agency or online booking agent "owns" the file you originally opened, so it would be impossible for budget.com to access and amend that reservation. Your best option would be to ask the original entity that booked your car rental to revise or cancel your reservation. Then, if you wish to book a brand new reservation on budget.com, we would be happy to assist you.
To help protect customers' identity, budget.com has revised its name format on the confirmation page and e-mail to a first-name, last-name-initial format. So, if you choose to print your confirmation page or e-mail, your identity is masked. Be assured, if you enter your last name in its entirety, it will be in our system.
You can cancel your reservation on budget.com as long as you have the renter’s last name and confirmation number for the reservation. The confirmation number is provided to you at the completion of your online reservation. The number is an 8-digit code followed by two letters and one more number, totaling 11 alpha/numeric characters. Please be sure to enter that information in the View, Change or Cancel an Existing Reservation page. If you don't have that information readily accessible, simply contact us.
Click on the "cancel reservation" link in the toolbox on your rental confirmation page.
Our cancellation policies vary, depending on the type of reservation you've made:
Was your credit card charged for the rental at reservation time on budget.com?
If you wish to cancel before your rental pick-up time, you must cancel and request a refund online. Once cancelled, we will credit you within approximately seven business days. Credits will be applied to the same card with which you prepaid. You will incur a $50 processing fee if you choose to cancel a prepaid reservation before the rental, and a $150 fee after the rental pick-up time has passed. If you return the vehicle before the original return date (early return), you will not be refunded any portion of the payment.
Was your credit card information required, but not charged, at reservation time?
For high-demand cars or in instances in which only one vehicle is available within a popular make/model, some Budget locations may require that you provide your credit card information to secure your reservation. As is common practice among hotels, this type of reservation does not require charging your card unless you decide you no longer need the car rental but then fail to cancel in advance of your designated pick-up time. You may cancel up to 48 hours in advance of your designated pick-up time without penalty. If you cancel less than 48 hours before your pick-up time, a $75 U.S. fee will be assessed.
Did you make a reservation without providing credit card information?
If you make a reservation without a credit card and you no longer need to rent, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible before your scheduled pick-up time.
Did you make a reservation with a travel agent or online booking agent?
The travel agency or online booking agent "owns" any reservation you originally made with them, so their reservation cancellation processes and policies apply.
Our lowest unaffiliated rates, always available on budget.com, won't be beaten. And we back this up with our Lowest Rate Promise. Budget also offers several discounts through this budget.com site. Visit our budget.com deals pages to see what’s currently available – and while you're there, sign up for our exclusive, money-saving Hot Deals mailing. We also offer special rates to associations, small businesses, corporations and affinity groups. Check with your organization to find out which specials are available to its members through Budget Rent A Car.
Car rental pricing is like airline pricing – if you travel at off-peak times or make a reservation seven or more days in advance, you often can get a better deal. If you have an upgrade certificate, note that upgrades are subject to availability at the time of rental. You should reserve the smaller vehicle online, and then upgrade at the counter if available. Check the terms of your upgrade to see which car classes are included.
Also, if you enter an offer code (BCD) for your reservation, budget.com is designed to compare the BCD rates to regularly available rates and present you with the lowest rental fees as the "budget.com rates". This always ensures that, based on what you have entered, you get the best possible rate available to you!
Car rental pricing is a lot like airfare pricing – our prices change depending on car availability, location popularity, and many other factors. We adjust our pricing on a minute-by-minute basis to remain competitive in the marketplace. Unless it’s an advertised special offer, there generally isn’t one set rate for a particular kind of car, but rather a range of prices depending on the length and dates of your reservation. Even with special offers, the advertised rate usually applies to a limited supply of cars because we have only so many makes and models at each location. When you see a great rate for the car you want – RESERVE IT IMMEDIATELY – because it might not be available later!
Different companies use different names for their car categories. For example, if you want to rent a Ford Focus at budget.com, we consider it to be a “compact-level” vehicle and it’s priced modestly. But if you shop another car rental company, they might categorize that same vehicle as an “intermediate-level” which means they will probably charge you more than Budget for the same car.
Conversely, if you simply search for “intermediate” cars, Budget may appear higher if you’re comparing one of our medium-sized vehicles to another company’s compact models that they happen to label as an “intermediate.”
Your best approach is always to compare a specific make and model at one car rental company with the same make and model somewhere else. On budget.com, you’ll see the specific make and model of the car available at your location in your selected car category on step 3 of the online reservation process under your rental summary.
Select your category in step 2 of our reservation process
You'll see your car type in the reservation summary on step 3
Your total rental rate is calculated based on the information provided at time of reservation. Your per-day rate can vary depending on your rental location and is dictated by the day of the week you pick up the vehicle and the length of your rental.
Rental car companies realize a significant portion of their volume during Monday-through-Friday business travel. So, generally speaking, leisure travelers can find better rates on weekends when the demand for some car types isn’t as high. Also, the longer you keep the car, the better per-day price you’ll get. Time of month really doesn’t matter, but demand increases during holiday periods – so always reserve early.
All rates are based on a rental period with a minimum of 24 consecutive hours. If you return the vehicle within 24 hours after pick-up, you will still be charged for the full day.
Budget’s pricing is based on your confirmed length of rental, as you indicated when you booked your reservation. Our rates vary, depending on whether you rent for one day, one week, or one weekend. So, if you return your car earlier or later than your designated return date, it could affect your price in either direction. Typically, the longer your rental period, the more you save on your per-day rate. Therefore, if your original confirmed rate was for a seven-day rental and you decide to return the car after just three days, your per-day price could increase, which could increase your overall rental fee as well.
Yes! At most U.S. and Canadian locations you may reserve and prepay toward your rental online at budget.com with a credit or debit card. Or, if you prefer, reserve on budget.com and pay in full when you return your car. NOTE: Even if you prepay, you will still need to present a credit card at the rental counter when you pick up the vehicle.
We offer a long-term rental option for customers who need a vehicle for an extended period of time. A long-term rental constitutes a minimum of 30 consecutive days to a maximum of 330 consecutive days. The longer the rental, the greater the daily savings. Reserve your car today!
Vehicles are rented on a daily (24-hour) basis. There is a 29-minute grace period for returns. After 30 minutes late, hourly car rate charges and taxes may apply. After 90 minutes late, full-day late charges and taxes may apply. After 7 hours late, if you didn't call to extend your rental, an additional $10/day late fee applies. There is no grace period for rental fees, surcharges and optional equipment or protections charges. Full-day late charges will apply for these items.
Budget's rates do not include the cost of fuel but we do offer four simple, convenient and affordable re-fueling options.
If you choose our Refueling Service and not one of our other three simple, convenient and affordable re-fueling options, the Refueling Service charge takes into account both our direct and indirect costs of the fuel and maintaining our refueling infrastructure. The charge is intended to strongly motivate customers to save by refueling the car themselves. We don't have an on-site refueling infrastructure at most locations so we prefer that renters stop at a local station and refuel the car before returning it. However, customers can always choose not to refuel their rental prior to return, but we will then need to charge a premium for providing this refueling service.
Learn more about our fuel service options.
In the U.S., for Budget and all other rental car companies at many airport locations, concession recovery and facility fees may be charged. A vehicle licensing cost recovery fee may be charged as well. For U.S. Government rentals, the government imposes a $5/day Administrative Rate Supplement (GARS/GA). To help recover the escalating energy costs related to our business operations, the company has chosen to impose a separately stated Energy Recovery Fee (ERF) to all customers at all locations. Please check for all fees that apply to your rental in the Rates section during your online reservation process. Of course, other products or additional equipment that you add at the rental counter will be extra. But on budget.com, all additional charges that are known in advance of the rental are quoted as part of your total online reservation rate – so you’ll have no surprises when you get to the rental counter. And, if any of those additional charges increase between the time you reserve and rent your car, just submit our Rate Promise form and we’ll reimburse you for any additional fees that you were charged over your reserved rate. Any charges that can't be determined until after your rental, including mileage and fuel charges, will be extra and are not covered by the guarantee.
Check for fees in the "Rates" section of your reservation summary
In the U.S., most fees and surcharges are mandated for all rental car companies by the local municipality or state/federal authorities. However, unlike Budget, some rental car companies do not disclose these surcharges when you reserve your car. We prefer that you are aware of all charges ahead of time – so when you pick up your car, you’ll have no surprises. If you have questions regarding any surcharges relating to your rental, please discuss the fees with a counter representative.
Taxes, fees and other charges always vary by location. A breakdown of all fees and surcharges is listed in step 3 of the online reservation process.
In Canada, the following additional surcharges for rentals may apply:
Concession Recovery Fee or Premium Location Surcharge: The airports where the Company does business impose a concession fee in which a percentage of the Company’s gross revenue generated from that location is paid to the airport. This fee is to reimburse the Company for concession fees paid to the airport for each rental.
Vehicle License Recovery Fee: This fee is for the Company’s recovery of the share – prorated per rental day – of the costs to license the car and put it on the road in the first instance such as vehicle title, license plates and registration fees.
Customer Facility Charge: This is a fee imposed by airports and remitted to them, generally to pay down indebtedness on bonds used to construct new, or fund improvements to existing rental car facilities.
Energy Recovery Fee: This is a fee that helps offset the escalating energy costs related to business operations.
Parking Surcharge: In certain locations, the Company may include a surcharge to help offset parking costs at that location.
AC Excise Recovery Fee: Vehicle manufacturers pay a federal excise tax on air conditioners installed in vehicles and pass this cost on to the Company when those vehicles are purchased. The Company imposes this charge to recover those costs.
Environmental Fee Recovery Charge: In Ontario, the provincial government imposes an Ontario Eco Fee that is paid when purchasing products that require special disposal such as oils and oil filters. This charge is to reimburse the Company for the Ontario Eco Fee.
Tire Management Fee: This is a Quebec-only fee charged to recover the costs associated with purchasing, storing and changing seasonal tires in accordance with Quebec’s winter tire legislation.
Frequent Travel Program Fee: This fee applies for all rentals where miles, points or credits are awarded and is charged to offset the costs to the Company of participation in these programs.
Every location has a limited inventory of each type of car. Some cars and locations are more popular than others and they sell out quickly – especially when there are low rates on a busy rental date. Try another pick-up time if your travel dates are flexible. Then when you see the car you want at a great rate, your best bet is to reserve it immediately before someone else does.
You’ve come to the right place – budget.com. Start by searching here. The more flexibility you have in your rental dates, the more you can save. Taking advantage of low car rental rates is a lot like finding low airfares. Your price depends on when you travel and for how long. When you find a great rate, book it fast before someone else does. The best rental car rates are usually offered on weekends, especially when you stay over on a Saturday night – and the longer you keep your car, the better daily rate you can usually get. Coupon codes and other discounts can help you save even more and, for maximum value, pre-pay your rental and you may save up to 35%.
Now, more than ever, travelers are looking to save on their car rental expenses. At most U.S. and Canadian locations, with our Pay Now rates you often can enjoy a Pay Now discount if you prepay online toward your rental at budget.com with a credit or debit card. Online is the easy way to reserve and pay. However, if you prefer, reserve on budget.com and pay in full when you return your rental.
Yes, and Budget makes it easy! You’ve always had a choice in your car rental preferences, and Budget offers you even more choices when it comes to your Vehicle Replacement needs. The next time your personal car is in the shop or just out of service, think of Budget. We’ll help manage all your insurance replacement rental needs — simply advise your insurance company, and we’ll handle everything from free local pick-up service, to direct billing to insurance companies, to offering the widest variety of vehicles out there. Vehicle replacement is easy with Budget’s specialized services:
On the budget.com home page, just below the fields where you enter your rental itinerary, there’s a field labeled "optional offer code (BCD)" where you may enter your Budget Customer Discount number (BCD). A BCD is a seven-character code, one letter followed by six numbers (example: L######). When you enter a BCD and click "continue", the next screen will show all available vehicles at your selected location, and then you’ll see the rates associated with your BCD number. If you don't see the rate you’re expecting, check the terms and conditions on the BCD, since the rate may not be available for the specific location, dates and times you’ve entered. You also may enter your BCD during Step 1 of the online reservation process:
Enter your BCD number or coupon code in step 1 of your reservation
Like BCD Numbers, coupon codes are also seven characters, but they have four letters followed by three numbers (example: LLLL###). Simply enter your coupon code in the field provided, and the rental agent will apply your coupon benefit when you pick up your car, provided that all terms and conditions are met. Coupon benefits are not reflected in your online reservation details.
First, check all terms and conditions on the coupon to ensure that it is valid for your specific rental. On the Step 2 car selection page of the online reservation process, you'll get more information about coupon eligibility for your specific rental and available rates. Coupons may apply only to some rates. Select one of the "coupon applies" rates to attach the coupon to your rental. If you don't select a "coupon applies" rate, your coupon will not be included on your confirmed reservation.
Like using a coupon at grocery store, if you have a coupon for dollars off or for free rental days, we’ll apply the discount when you pay for your vehicle at the end of your rental. If your coupon is for an upgrade to a bigger car, your rental location will have to confirm availability of that vehicle once you arrive at the rental counter. Either way, be sure that you use a coupon or discount code that meets all terms and conditions of the offer before the deal expires. Coupon codes are always four letters followed by three numbers – for example, LLLL###. An offer code (BCD) is always one letter followed by six numbers – for example, L######.
When choosing your car, select a "coupon applies" rate to use a coupon for your rental. Coupon savings won't be reflected in your online rate, but will apply when you return your car - provided you meet all coupon terms and conditions of rental.
Car rental rates, like airline rates, change day to day. For an advertised rate, the offer code locks in that consistent rate at participating locations – it's a rate that won't change regardless of any fluctuations in the car rental market that may push rates above or below the advertised rate but have limited availability. Despite the advertised rate that your discount is set to deliver, budget.com will always present either the advertised rate (if your rental meets all terms and conditions) or the regular budget.com rate, whichever is lower.
For offer codes that advertise a percentage off, that percentage may not be taken off the budget.com rate – the offer code may only be set to take a percentage off a rate available on other reservation channels. In any case, if you don't see the rate you’re expecting when you enter your Budget Customer Discount number (BCD), check the terms and conditions on the offer, because either the rate is not available for your particular rental parameters or it is sold out. A BCD is a seven-character code, one letter followed by six numbers (example: L######).
View the terms and conditions for the offer you've selected
If you are using a coupon (seven-character code, four letters followed by three numbers such as LLLL###), coupon benefits are not reflected in your online reservation total. The rental agent will apply your coupon benefit when you pick up your car, provided that all terms and conditions are met.
Offer codes and coupons may be found in a variety of places – in newspaper, magazine or television ads, by clicking banner ads on Web sites other than budget.com, on the budget.com home page, in our budget.com deals pages, or e-mailed to you as part of our Hot Deals mailing. Also, if you're a member of an organization or company that partners with Budget, please contact that organization directly and ask whether they have a Budget BCD code or coupon you may use for your rental.
Click on a homepage offer tile
Then click on the offer's reserve button and the offer code or coupon number will be pre-filled for you on the next step
Car rental rates, like airline rates, change day to day. To control costs, Budget and your company have negotiated a consistent rate – one that your organization will pay regardless of any fluctuations in the car rental market. That price also might include insurances, which could reflect a higher rate – another reason why your corporate rate sometimes might appear higher than other available rates. Regardless of the rate delivered by your corporate discount, Budget will always present our other rates so that you can shop and compare as you like. If you do find a rate lower than your company rate, ask your company's travel manager if you may select it. Be assured – regardless of the rate you choose, you'll always get the same great Budget cars and service that make us a favorite car rental provider for millions of people each year.
Yes! No matter where in the world you travel, start earning valuable frequent traveler account credits today through our global partners.
If you're a frequent flyer program member with any of our airline partners, renting with Budget pays off big in frequent flyer miles, points or credits. To earn airline miles, points or credits, just provide your frequent flyer number at the rental counter before picking up your car at participating airport locations. Or, to save time, reserve on budget.com with your RapidRez Number and add your frequent flyer information to your reservation on Step 4 of the online reservation process. A fee of up to $1/day applies for all rentals where points are awarded.
Our standard fleet features Ford and Lincoln products. However, we also have many other fine car and truck types, depending on the location where you’re renting. For this reason, our online reservation process is the easiest way to see available cars at your particular location.
Select "car types" from the main menu to view our fleet
The rental car industry’s car-class terms and those of car manufacturers have never been fully synchronized. No matter which car rental company you do business with, you will notice that there are many more car groups offered than those described by manufacturers in their new car classifications. For example, Budget lists the Chevy Malibu within our full-size offerings, while Chevrolet classifies it as a mid-size. Budget considers the Malibu as a full-size product because it has the capacity in all metric categories (seating, trunk space, etc.) to qualify as a full-size vehicle
Yes. Although our standard fleet isn’t reservable by specific make and model, our Street Fleet is. Book your choice of any of our Street Fleet vehicles, and we’ll do our best to have that exact car waiting for you at the pick-up counter. And once you're behind the wheel of your favorite rental car, if you decide to keep your vehicle for a few more days, that's no problem at all. Since Budget offers each customer this same flexibility, please understand that we can't guarantee that the specific make or model you choose will always be available – some of our renters undoubtedly will decide to keep their favorite car longer than they originally planned, which might overlap your rental request. But if we have the car of your choice at the location when you arrive, you'll get it!
Express your unique style by arriving in a smooth-riding Cadillac STS, a sporty Crossfire, or one of our other distinctly different vehicles. Dream It. Reserve It. Drive it. With Street Fleet - you choose!
Cars listed on Step 2 of our online reservation process that have a specific make and model as opposed to a general car type, e.g., intermediate SUV, are reservable makes and models
Budget’s extensive fleet includes mid-size to large SUVs, many of which offer 4WD. We also offer a limited number of Hummer H3 SUVs for the ultimate 4WD experience. Although we cannot guarantee availability of our very popular mid-size to large SUVs with 4WD, you may request these vehicles at the car rental counter or contact the rental location directly.
The good news is that our Hummers with 4WD are easy to reserve through our Street Fleet reservable vehicles. Just go to the top of the budget.com home page and access "Car Types" and then "Reservable Make and Model." If we have a 4WD Hummer available, you may reserve it and we’ll do our best to have that exact car waiting for you at the pick-up counter.
We offer hybrids at many of our locations. Our SmartWaySM Certified Green Machines are eco-friendly and get great fuel mileage as well. If these vehicles are available at your rental location, you will have the option of reviewing them in Step 2 of our online reservation process.
100% of Budget vehicles in economy, compact and intermediate classes, and 98% of standard and full-size car classes have met stringent U.S. EPA guidelines and are SmartWay Certified. Each vehicle receives an Air Pollution Score and a Greenhouse Gas Score, on a scale of 1-10. For the SmartWay designation, a vehicle must receive a 6 or better on both scores, and have a total score of 13 or higher. Vehicles that receive the SmartWay designation are very good environmental performers relative to other vehicles. Find out more about Budget's green initiative!
To save gas, consider these simple tips*:
*These and other gas-saving tips available at fueleconomy.gov.
No. Budget maintains a 100% smoke-free fleet in the U.S. and Canada, and any type of smoking (pipe, cigarette, cigar) is prohibited in all Budget vehicles. Just as renters are assessed a fee for cleaning the car's interior for excessive stains, dirt or soiling attributable to the renter’s use, customers will be assessed an additional charge if the car smells of smoke when it is returned.
Rent a Budget car and breathe easy — because our stringent no-smoking policy is your assurance of a 100% smoke-free fleet. Isn’t it nice to know that, in this world of uncertainty, you can always depend on Budget for a clean, well-maintained, fresh-smelling vehicle? Rent now.
Yes, but you’ll need to let us know in advance. From the U.S., to make a modification to the return location after you have signed the rental agreement and have taken possession of the vehicle, please call Budget Reservations at 800-527-0700. If you are not in the U.S., please find the appropriate Budget phone number for calling within other countries.
Yes, but if you wish to extend any rental, in the U.S. you must contact a Budget reservation agent at 800-824-6287. To extend a rental in another country, please call the rental location directly. We will be happy to accommodate your request, if possible. Please note that at U.S. and Canadian corporate-operated locations, a service fee of $10 will apply and your original rental rate may no longer be available. Your reservation agent will provide all details when you call. If you don't call within 7 hours of your originally scheduled return time to extend your rental, a $10/day late fee will apply.
Also, if you choose not to return the car on or before your originally scheduled return date, we will place an additional hold on your debit or credit card to cover any additional expected rental charges. Upon your return of the car, the holds will be released, and the actual cost of the rental will be charged. Please note that your bank may take up to two weeks to post the released credit hold to your card. Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for any returned checks due to debit card hold processing.
Rental extension rules at licensee-owned locations and locations outside of the U.S. may vary, so it's always best to ask a counter agent if you have questions.
Renters must return the vehicle to Budget on the due date and at the time and location specified by you when you booked the reservation. If you return it earlier or later, a different or higher rate may apply and, if returned later, you may be charged a late return fee. You may not return the car at a time when we are closed, unless you have made advance arrangements to deposit your keys in an official and secure key drop box. If you drop off a car to a closed location without making official arrangements, your responsibility for damage to or loss of the car will continue – and all charges stated on the rental document as a periodic rate will continue to accrue until the return location reopens and we retake physical possession of the car. If we do not find the car when that location reopens, your responsibility for all charges and for damage to or loss of the car will continue until the car is actually returned or recovered and possession is returned to us.
Housebroken pets are invited to travel in your rental car, just as they do in your personal car. Although Budget doesn't assess an extra fee for pets, pet owners will incur an additional charge for any damage caused by animals, or any special cleaning required as a result of shedding or accidents.
Budget is committed to providing clean cars to every customer. When a vehicle is returned excessively dirty, it is our policy to charge the renter a cleaning fee.
In some cases, our customers are disabled and require service animals. Budget embraces and supports our disabled customers, and generally we will waive the cleaning fee when the excessive dirt is primarily animal hair. If, however, the vehicle is returned with more than a tolerable amount of animal hair or other types of soil, the manager at the location may elect to impose a cleaning fee. In such cases, the location will take photographs of the excessive dirt to support the extra cleaning charge.
Vehicles are rented on a daily (24-hour) basis. There is a 29-minute grace period for returns. After 30 minutes late, hourly car rate charges and taxes may apply. After 90 minutes late, full-day late charges and taxes may apply. After 7 hours late, if you didn't call to extend your rental, an additional $10/day late fee applies. There is no grace period for rental fees, surcharges and optional equipment or protections charges. Full-day late charges will apply for these items.
If you wish to extend any U.S. rental beyond 7 hours from the original return time, you must contact a Budget reservation agent at 800-824-6287. To extend a rental in another country, please call the rental location directly. We will be happy to accommodate your request, if possible. Please note that at U.S. and Canadian corporate-operated locations, a service fee of $10 will apply and your original rental rate may no longer be available. Your reservation agent will provide all details when you call. If you don't call within 7 hours of your originally scheduled return time to extend your rental, a $10/day late fee will apply.
Also, if you choose not to return the car on or before your originally scheduled return date, we will place an additional hold on your debit or credit card to cover any additional expected rental charges. Upon your return of the car, the holds will be released, and the actual cost of the rental will be charged. Please note that your bank may take up to two weeks to post the released credit hold to your card. Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for any returned checks due to debit card hold processing.
Please check with your personal auto insurance company to confirm whether your policy will cover any or all damage to the car. In addition, you may have coverage available to you through your credit card company. You should contact your insurance company and/or credit card company to confirm what coverage, if any, is available for rental cars before renting any vehicle. Only then will you be able to make an informed decision whether to accept our optional Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) protection.
Before you start driving, take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the vehicle's equipment and operation, including heat and A/C, radio, lights, windshield wipers, spare tire, seat belts and door locks, and gas tank access. Getting distracted trying to figure out those things while driving can be dangerous. Don’t wait until the fuel warning light goes on to think about buying gas, especially if you don’t know how far it is between gas stations. If, in the unlikely event that an emergency light illuminates on your control panel, don’t ignore it. Use good judgment about whether you can get back to our location safely and don’t hesitate to call our toll-free 24-hour roadside assistance in the U.S. at 800-354-2847.
If, in the unlikely event that your car malfunctions on a major thoroughfare, lock the doors, turn on the hazard lights and, if you have a cell phone, call the police or, in the U.S., phone 24-hour roadside assistance at 800-354-2847. Do not leave your vehicle. Wait in the car for service or the police to arrive. Accepting help from strangers, no matter how well intended, is not a good idea unless you can’t call for help and they can.
If you happen to lock your keys out of the vehicle, lose your keys or run out of gas, you may be assessed a service charge depending on the nature of the incident. You also are responsible for any and all loss of or damage to the rental vehicle resulting from causes including but not limited to collision, rollover, vandalism, theft, seizure, flood, fire, hail or other acts of nature. Please phone 24-hour roadside assistance at 800-354-2847 as necessary.
If you run out of fuel, you will be responsible for the delivery of fuel to your location as well as the cost of the fuel.
Auto accidents are not something we like to think about, especially on a business trip or vacation, but they can and do happen, even to the most careful drivers. When an accident occurs, first ensure that you are in a safe area away from traffic. Next, contact local police (usually available by dialing 911) and complete an accident report. An accident involving bodily injury must be reported to the police in the community in which it occurred. If another party is involved in the accident, please ensure that the other party's contact information is included in the accident report and kept for your personal reference because that information will be required to complete a Budget accident report. You should then contact Budget 24-hour roadside assistance at 800-354-2847.
Next, if your rental was in the U.S., print and complete a Budget accident report. You'll need Adobe Reader to view the accident report form. Please ensure that the entire form is completed to ensure there is no delay in the processing of your claim. Once completed, fax the form, along with any accident reports from local or state authorities, to 720-479-4034. For further information regarding an accident claim, please call 800-551-5998.
For an international (non-U.S.) claim, please contact Budget via e-mail for non-U.S. claims.
If you purchased Budget Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) with your rental, your claims process is now complete. Loss Damage Waiver is an optional service which, if accepted, eliminates your financial liability for loss or damage to the Budget vehicle, its parts and accessories, provided the vehicle is used in accordance with the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.
If you didn't purchase LDW, you are responsible for any and all loss or damage to the car resulting from any cause including but not limited to collision, rollover, theft, tire damage, vandalism, seizure/medical condition, flood, fire, hail or other acts of Nature. In this case, you should contact your personal auto insurance company and establish a claim for damage. If you are renting with a major credit card, you may want to contact their customer service department to determine if coverage is afforded through their collision program. You do not need to wait to receive our claim documents to report your claim to your personal insurance company and/or credit card company.
Ensure that you get the other party's contact information so we may pursue them and/or their insurance company on your behalf for damages. Please note that our pursuit of the other party does not absolve you from your contractual obligation to pay for the damage.
In accordance with the terms of your company's corporate contract with Budget, you must complete an accident/incident report, fax it along with any accident reports from local or state authorities to 720-479-4034, and notify your employer that the rental vehicle was damaged. Ask your employer if you need to file a claim with your personal insurance, corporate credit card insurance or whether there is coverage offered through your employer's insurance. If applicable, Budget will contact your employer to verify that you are eligible for the corporate damage waiver coverage. If Budget does not receive a response from your employer, you will be billed and held responsible for the vehicle damage.
At the time of rental, the counter agent gave you a rental agreement and, in the jacket of your agreement, you will find an accident/incident report form; or you can download the form here. Please maintain a copy of your completed Accident/Incident Report for future reference.
Loss of Use - As a renter, you are contractually liable for the loss of the specific vehicle you rented, per the terms and conditions of the rental contract. When a Budget car is unavailable to be rented, Budget is entitled to be compensated for that loss.
Administrative Fee - Budget is not an insurance company. We are self-insured, and the expense of processing our claims is passed on only to the responsible parties involved. We are legally entitled to have the damaged vehicle repaired and returned to pre-accident condition, which includes any expenses related to administering a claim.
You are responsible for payment of any parking, toll and moving traffic violations along with a reasonable administrative fee, so please drive safely and observe all ordinances. Payments for these violations may be processed by a designated agent for this purpose.
If your rental was in the U.S., before contacting our claims department, please ensure that you have submitted a Budget accident report. (You'll need Adobe Reader to view the accident report form.) Complete the entire form and fax the form, along with any accident reports from local or state authorities, to 720-479-4034.
After you have faxed your accident report form, if you need further information regarding an accident claim, please call 800-551-5998 Monday-Friday 9 AM to 5 PM EST or e-mail our claims department at anytime.
At Avis Budget Group, the safety of our customers and employees is of great concern. Our policies and procedures regarding the handling of vehicles that are the subject of a manufacturer’s recall notice is a prime example of how we put our customers’ safety first.
Periodically, automobile manufacturers provide notices of issues relating to their vehicles. These notices range from minor issues to recall notices relating to vehicles that may pose a risk to the safety of the driver, passengers and the general public.
In the United States, when we receive a safety recall notice from a vehicle manufacturer under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, we identify the affected vehicles in our fleet and place them on a “hard hold” in our reservations system, which prevents them from being rented. We then do not rent these a vehicle until we are able to implement a remedy that has been approved by the manufacturer and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In addition, when our vehicles become subject to a safety recall, we use a third-party vendor that automatically calls customers within 24 hours when we have confirmed that the vehicle they have out on rent has been recalled. This process is used to contact all customers who have provided a telephone number and/or email address during the reservation or check-in process through which the customer can be reached. Each customer who has rented a vehicle that is subsequently subject to a recall will receive a message providing specific instructions as to how, where and when the vehicle may be returned for an exchange. If no valid telephone number has been provided, a written notice will be sent to the renter’s residential address. Click here to download the PDF version of the fleet safety recall policy.
Budget has thousands of worldwide locations, so it's easy to find a quality rental car in your area.
Simply go to our location search tool, choose your rental country/state, then select your city. In the search results that appear, you'll find addresses, maps and driving directions. Just click "additional information" for business hours or other useful information including each location's terms of rental.
Click on "additional information" on the location search results page for specific location information
Go to our location search tool, choose your country, state, and then your city. In the search results that appear, you'll find location addresses, map, links to driving directions and access to other additional information such as each location's phone number and business hours.
Yes – and you won't believe how easy we make it. With our convenient and affordable one-way rentals from participating airport, downtown and suburban locations across the U.S., you have the freedom to rent in one place and return to another – often with unlimited mileage. Drive from coast to coast and choose from more than 600 participating U.S. corporate-operated locations at airport and off-airport sites. And remember, the longer you rent, the lower your daily rates. Reserve your one-way rental online today by simply entering a different return location in the "return location" field than your pick-up location. If you don't see a "return location" field option, either deselect the "I'll return car to same location" checkbox or click the "more options" link. (TIP: If you’re quoted a price-per-mile charge in the rate summary of the online reservation tool, and don’t see a mention of “unlimited mileage,” it means that the locations you've selected don't participate in the unlimited mileage one-way program.)
NOTE: If you choose to return the rental car to a different location than the one on your reservation, please contact a Budget reservation agent at 800-527-7000 to determine whether any return restrictions apply. If you do not contact us before returning your car to an alternate Budget location, you'll be charged a minimum $45 Unauthorized Return Location fee. This fee may be higher based on the distance between the renting location and the return location specified on your reservation. Additionally, a different or higher rate may apply.
No. Due to potential liability, you must have a valid driver's license to operate a rental vehicle.
On occasion, permission for border crossing must be acquired from the rental office directly. Since specific restrictions may apply, it's always best to ask about any cross-border restrictions. Inquire either at the rental counter or, simply contact us.
It depends. If you are a U.S resident, you may drive a Budget car into Mexico only if you purchase Mexican Automobile Liability Insurance at certain U.S. rental locations. To determine whether your location allows travel into Mexico, inquire at the counter or contact us.
Traveling from the U.S. to Mexico
If you are a U.S resident, you may drive a Budget car into Mexico only if you purchase Mexican Automobile Liability Insurance at certain U.S. rental locations. To determine whether your location allows travel into Mexico, inquire at the counter or contact us. This insurance is available only at specific locations in Texas, Arizona and California. It is not available in Mexico. Foreign nationals who can’t establish legal permanent U.S. resident status or current valid visa status can’t purchase this insurance because Mexico prohibits such persons from driving a U.S. car in Mexico, making them subject to arrest and the car subject to seizure. Before taking vehicles into Mexico, customers must notify Budget that the vehicle is going to cross the International Border. This policy will allow current corporate customers only to travel south into Mexico in a Budget rental.
Traveling from the U.S. to Canada
If you are a U.S resident, you may drive a Budget car into Canada. However, when you pick up a U.S.-registered vehicle in the U.S., you must advise us that you plan to drive to Canada so that, for insurance purposes, we may issue a Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card. This card, to be kept inside the vehicle, is provided at no cost and it serves as simple documentation that the vehicle is insured in the U.S.
If you are a Canadian resident, Canadian Customs regulations allow you to enter Canada with a U.S. car if the trip is for non-commercial purposes for a period of up to 30 days. Customers with a Canadian driver’s license planning to cross the border into Canada should be provided with a vehicle with a Canadian license plate, if one is available.
Rules at licensee-owned locations and locations outside of the U.S might vary. It’s always best to check the terms and conditions on your online reservation confirmation, or on the location information page, to see which rules apply for your selected rental pick-up location. Then, if you still have questions, please contact us.
No. Towing is never permitted. Doing so could irreparably damage the rental vehicle.
Go to our location search tool, choose your country, state, and then your city. There you'll find addresses, a map and access to driving directions.
Budget airport locations that don’t operate 24 hours a day will remain open to assist customers with confirmed reservations who are arriving on a delayed or re-scheduled flight. Locations will remain open until the last scheduled or delayed flight has arrived, and customers will be given a reasonable length of time to clear baggage claim and arrive at the Budget counter.
To help ensure that we have your correct arrival information on file, please be sure to provide accurate and timely flight reservation details when you reserve your car. By providing us with your airline, flight number, and expected arrival time, our staff will be prepared to serve you in the event of a late flight arrival.
Absolutely. You can save on your car rental expenses at most U.S. and Canadian locations when you reserve and prepay toward your rental online at budget.com with a credit or debit card. Online is the easy way to reserve and pay. Learn more about our Pay Now option. Or, if you prefer, reserve on budget.com and pay in full when you return your car.
Cash is not accepted. When you return your car, you may pay for your final rental costs with credit or debit card. However, to release a car to you at rental pick-up time, you must provide a deposit using a credit card or, at some locations, a debit card. See What kinds of credentials will I need to present when I pick up my rental? for information on required holds.
Our corporate-operated locations accept the following major credit cards: American Express, Budget Charge Card, Budget International, Discover, JCB/Japan Card, MasterCard, Optima, PHH and Visa. Please note that acceptance of these cards may vary at locations outside of the U.S. and at our licensee-owned locations.
At some locations, debit and pre-paid charge cards are not accepted at rental pick-up time, but are accepted for payment at time of car return. See What kinds of credentials will I need to present when I pick up my rental? for information on required rental pick-up holds.
No. At the time of rental, the renter is required to present a valid driver's license and credit card with his/her name imprinted on it. The name/address on the credit/debit card MUST match the name/address on the driver’s license.
If you use a credit or charge card issued by a financial institution outside the U.S., and if your charges are billed to Budget in a currency other than U.S. Dollars, the full amount of your charge will be converted to the card account’s billing currency unless you submit a written request in advance to have the currency conversion performed by your card issuer. The conversion will be based on a conversion rate published by Reuters and will incorporate a processing charge no higher than 3% for all amounts relating to the transaction. This charge will replace the currency conversion processing charge applied by your card issuer. Although your card issuer has a currency conversion process; you have the option of choosing not to use your card issuer’s currency conversion process. In this case, you will have no recourse against your card issuer for any matter related to the currency conversion.
A Budget credit card exists for corporate accounts to use for business rentals. It is not available to general consumers.
If a company wishes to apply, the account needs to establish a central billing agreement with Budget. After the travel manager of the account identifies company employees who require cards, those credit cards will be issued. You can help save your company money and time by applying for a company account today.
Yes! Budget issues "Authorized Rep" cards to companies who wish to make a card available to employees who travel only once in a while. As needed, an employee can request an "Authorized Rep" card from his or her employer or travel coordinator. The card can be used for the duration of the Budget car rental, and then returned for use by another authorized employee. All charges will appear on one central billing statement, which makes it easy to track company rental car costs.
These cards have the words "Authorized Rep" stamped on the back in the cardholder's signature area. Although the renter's actual name does not appear on the "Authorized Rep" card, it is acceptable at the Budget counter as credit identification.
No. However, at many locations, we offer a pick-up service to those in need of local transportation to our rental facility. Please contact the location directly to determine if it offers this service. Search for your desired location to find the phone number and other information for that Budget facility.
At many locations, Budget offers free pick-up service to those in need of local transportation to our rental facility. Search for your desired location to see if pick-up service is available. If the service is available, you'll need to call the rental location directly to arrange pick up. Location phone numbers are listed on your reservation confirmation or under the "additional information" link under the location search results.
Pick-up service policies (hours of availability, allowable pick-up distance, etc.) vary by location, so it's important that you call the location and make arrangements for pick-up at least 24 hours before your desired rental time. When you call the location, be ready to provide all applicable information including precise address, exact time of pick up, and a phone number where you can be reached at that time.
Please note that an off-airport Budget location cannot pick you up at an airport that has a Budget location. In this case, either you must rent your car at the airport location, or provide your own transportation to the off-airport location where you prefer to rent. Please contact the location directly to determine if it offers pick-up service.
No. However, at many locations, we offer a pick-up service to those in need of local transportation to our rental facility. Please contact the location directly to determine if it offers this service. Search for your desired location to obtain the phone number and other information for that facility.
Purchasing any one of our coverages provides you with the added peace of mind and assurance that you are protected against any damage or theft to your rental vehicle. Before renting, please review the types of coverages that you'll be offered when you reserve online or pick up your vehicle. As with any optional insurance or protection plan, smart renters will want to do some research and consult with your personal individual insurer before before purchasing these options with your rental. Budget recommends that you decide whether or not you need coverage before you pick up your car, and if you don't need it, don't buy it.
The benefits of the coverages vary by location. If you have questions about a specific coverage, please check with the renting location or contact us in the U.S. toll-free at 800-527-0700. You may select the coverages available at a particular rental location during your online reservation process. Please keep in mind that you always have the opportunity to change your coverage selections at the counter when you pick up your car.
Before renting, learn more about the types of coverages that you'll be offered when you reserve online or pick up your vehicle
Mistakes happen, and they can be costly. Instead of incurring big fees for emergency fuel delivery, key replacement, flat tire repair and other unexpected surprises, play it safe with Budget’s Roadside Assistance. For a low daily fee you’ll be covered for some of life’s little mishaps that might occur on the road.
If Roadside SafetyNet is available for your rental, you will see that optional selection available on Step 3 of the online reservation process.
Budget offers various types of optional protections to protect you and your rental car.
Before renting, we encourage you to speak to your insurance agent or insurer to make sure you have coverage and that you are fully protected. That will help minimize your time at the rental counter, and help give you peace of mind that you are making the right optional protection choices.
Learn more about the types of coverages that you'll be offered when you reserve online or pick up your vehicle.
No, but you are responsible for the vehicle in the event of damage. You should check with your respective insurance company to see if you have ample coverage while renting a vehicle. In the event you do not have proper coverage, Budget sells a variety of protection coverages for your rental.
Learn more about the types of coverages that you'll be offered when you reserve online or pick up your vehicle.
Given the vast number of insurers and policies, it is extremely difficult for us to know which entitlements accompany your given policy. We strongly recommend that you contact your insurance company to verify your coverages before renting a car. In the event you do not have proper protection, Budget sells a variety of protection coverages for your rental.
Learn more about the types of coverages that you'll be offered when you reserve online or pick up your vehicle.
Many companies that sell online travel packages (airline, rental cars and hotels) offer insurance protections that claim to cover rental cars. Before purchasing, always check your personal insurance first to see if you're covered for damage to a rental car, and whether your policy completely protects you. If you have rental car coverage through your personal insurance or charge card, you might not need the coverage that online travel package companies offer you. In any event - your personal insurance or some of those packages might not protect you entirely for any loss or damage to the rental vehicle. Remember - if the insurance doesn't cover your loss, you will remain personally responsible for any difference!
To be on the safe side, consider Budget's optional Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) because it reduces your financial liability for loss or damage to the rental car for as long as you rent the vehicle under the terms of the Budget rental agreement. Cost of LDW varies by location, but it's a reasonably-priced plan with a low daily rate. With LDW, you'll be protected no matter what - and in the unlikely event of an accident, you won't have to pay a deductible or become involved with your personal insurance carrier.
Learn more about the types of coverages that you'll be offered when you reserve online or pick up your vehicle.
No, a RapidRez Number is simply a customer number that we assign you. It helps expedite your reservation and rental process because your personal information and preferences are stored with your number. Simply use your number when you make a make a reservation to automatically apply your personal information and rental preferences to your reservation and rental. You may apply for a free RapidRez Number at any rental counter. Learn more about RapidRez.
Once you have a RapidRez Number, you may then choose to apply for free Fastbreak service which will enable you to bypass lines at the rental counter and go directly to your rental car. If you rent frequently and are looking to save time, sign up online for your RapidRez Number with Fastbreak service, and speed through the rental process. Always keep your RapidRez profile information current by
The term “Fastbreak Number” just refers to a RapidRez Number that has a higher level of service features because of the extended personal information that you have provided us. If you have a RapidRez Number with Fastbreak service, simply enter the number in the RapidRez #/online ID field that appears when you click on "I have a RapidRez Number/online ID" on step 1 of the online reservation process.
Click "Reserve with customer ID" in the upper right of our homepage. You can then enter your Fastbreak number on the next page
No, but many do. The availability of Budget Fastbreak Service locations can change from time to time without notice. If your location offers Fastbreak service, you'll see next to the location information your reservation confirmation when you reserve on budget.com.
Email [email protected] to request a printed card.
Depending upon your rental location, there are many options and accessories available to help make your trip safer and more enjoyable. However, we don't offer trailers or luggage compartments/racks, and seats cannot be removed from a mini van or from any other vehicle. So, if you need more space, consider renting a cargo van.
At corporate-owned locations, if your reservation is made 48 hours prior to pick up, we guarantee availability of baby seats. Within 48 hours of pick up and at locations outside the U.S. and licensee-owned locations, your request will be held with your reservation, but the rental is made on a first-come, first-served basis, so availability is not guaranteed.
At corporate-owned locations, assistive devices for use by individuals with disabilities are guaranteed if a confirmed reservation is made 24 hours in advance of pick up by calling 888-221-1203 in the U.S.
Please understand that some of our renters undoubtedly will decide to keep their accessories longer than they originally planned which may overlap your rental request. Since Budget offers each customer this same flexibility, we can't guarantee that all other reserved accessories will be available for your rental.
You should always be cautious. It's best to take your portable GPS and other small electronics and accessories with you when leaving the car. If you cannot take them with you, store valuables in the glove compartment or trunk. Always double check to be sure the rental car is locked!
Budget uses convertible child safety seats that serve as an infant (5-20 pounds) restraint in a rear-facing configuration or as a toddler (20-40 pounds) restraint in a forward-facing configuration. Many Budget locations also offer booster seats for youngsters 40-80 pounds. Seats can vary in model and style, so please contact the rental location in advance if you have specific questions.
Due to liability issues, Budget personnel are not permitted to install child safety seats into vehicles for customers. However, upon request, Budget will provide written instructions on proper installation. Other questions regarding installation should be addressed directly with the rental location.
At corporate-owned locations, if your reservation is made 48 hours prior to pick up, we guarantee availability of a child safety seat. Within 48 hours of pick up and at locations outside the U.S. and licensee-owned locations, your request will be held with your reservation, but the rental is made on a first-come, first-served basis, so availability is not guaranteed.
Rates vary by location but average about $13 US per day with a maximum of $65 US per rental. You can obtain the exact price of the child safety seat for your rental on step 3 of the online reservation process.
At corporate-owned locations, if your reservation is made 48 hours prior to pick up, we guarantee availability of baby seats. Within 48 hours of pick up and at locations outside the U.S. and licensee-owned locations, your request will be held with your reservation, but the rental is made on a first-come, first-served basis, so availability is not guaranteed.
At corporate-owned locations, if your reservation is made 48 hours prior to pick up, we guarantee availability of baby seats. Within 48 hours of pick up and at locations outside the U.S. and licensee-owned locations, your request will be held with your reservation, but the rental is made on a first-come, first-served basis, so availability is not guaranteed.
The cost and availability of ski racks varies by location, but usually average about $7 US per day. We display availability and the cost of the ski rack at your chosen location in step 3 of the online reservation process.
While Budget makes every effort to honor your ski rack request, we cannot guarantee its availability at the time of rental.
Snow chains are not offered or available as optional equipment because of the potential damage to the rental vehicle. Many local restrictions also prohibit the use of snow chains.
While some of our vehicles have DVD players, most don't. Although we're unable to accept reservations for this type of equipment, you may request it at the rental counter and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Yes. Now you can enjoy premium music and entertainment with Budget Blast, our new portable XM Satellite Radio service. It’s available in most Budget rental cars in the U.S. for $7.99 for the first day and $4.99 for additional days or $24.99 weekly. Budget Blast offers over 170 channels and the most commercial-free music as well as play-by-play sports coverage, news and talk radio shows, comedy programming, and Disney shows for the kids. If this option is available for your rental, you'll see it as an optional selection on Step 3 of the online reservation process.
As part of Budget's commitment to meet the needs of customers with disabilities, our services* include, at no extra cost, hand controls as well as four assistive and adaptive devices – spinner knobs, transfer boards, swivel seats and panoramic mirrors. Although many Budget locations carry these items as part of their regular inventory, demand can vary. Customers with disabilities – or their drivers – are encouraged to reserve assistive devices within 48 hours of car pickup. In the U.S., please call 888-221-1203 for details and confirmation. If you are not in the U.S., please find the appropriate Budget phone number for calling within other countries.
*Budget cannot provide hand controls on every make or model of vehicle, and cannot confirm a reservation for a particular make or model of vehicle on any rental.
Drivers for renters with disabilities must have a valid driver's license, meet all driver qualifications in effect at the location, and accompany the renter with a disability to the Budget location at time of rental. Unless either the renter with a disability or the driver are underage (see Underage Requirements above), at no extra charge the driver will be authorized to drive the rental vehicle for the renter with a disability.
Yes, and many other assistive devices for use by individuals with physical challenges. For assistance with reserving a vehicle with hand controls*, please call the Budget Special Needs department, toll-free from the U.S., at 888-221-1203. If you are not in the U.S., please find the appropriate Budget phone number for calling within other countries.
*Budget cannot provide hand controls on every make or model of vehicle, and cannot confirm a reservation for a particular make or model of vehicle on any rental.
For assistance with reserving a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, please call the Budget Special Needs department, toll-free from the U.S., at 888-221-1203. If you are not in the U.S., please find the appropriate Budget phone number for calling within other countries.
There are three options for retrieving a copy of your car rental agreement/receipt:
1. E-mail:
Hours: 24 hours Mon-Sun
Complete and submit our customer service e-mail form and request a copy of your
car rental receipt or rental agreement to be faxed or e-mailed to you.
2. Phone - Automated Voice Response System:
Hours: 24 hours Mon-Sun
Instructions for a faxed receipt:
Have your fax number handy and gather one of the following:
Call 800-527-0700 and follow the automated voice prompts.
Instructions for an e-mailed receipt:
For this option, the rental must have included your RapidRez number and your
RapidRez account must include your e-mail address.
Sign in to your account to review your account e-mail address.
Call 800-527-0700 and follow the automated voice prompts.
3. Phone - Live Customer Service Representative:
Hours: 7:30am-7:30pm Mon-Fri
If you prefer to speak directly to a Customer Service Representative to have your
rental agreement/receipt e-mailed or faxed to you, call 800-621-2844 and press option 5.
Each year the Budget team finds hundreds of cell phones, CDs, sunglasses and other personal items in our vehicles, and in our rental locations. If you've left a personal item behind, please be sure to call that same Budget location at the phone number listed on your rental agreement or submit a Lost Item Claim. Renters are responsible for their own personal items, and we highly recommend that you report any lost belongings at your earliest convenience. While we can’t promise the return of lost items, we’ll do our best to help you.
To check your credits, sign in and view your Rent More, Save More statement. You should automatically receive the credit you deserve for an Eligible Rental within 72 hours after your rental is completed. If your Eligible Rental credit does not appear on your statement, request credit by completing our online Rent More, Save More Rental Credit Request form.
It has come to our attention that fraudulent direct mail marketing offers are being circulated to the public using the Budget logo without our permission. Some of these mailings also include the logos of various airlines. All are intended to mislead the recipient to believe that there is some connection between the sender, Budget, and often a particular airline.
These illegitimate offers usually arrive in an official-looking self-sealing envelope. They often purport to include roundtrip airfares and include a facsimile of a boarding pass on which the recipient's name appears. They invite the recipient to call an "800" number to redeem the tickets. They also purport to include a Budget rental. The return mailing addresses are those of various senders, among which is "World Wide Travel of Blue Springs, Maryland." Others are in Missouri and other states.
Be assured, Budget is not affiliated with any of the senders of these promotions, nor does it endorse or sponsor these offers. In such cases, the use of our logo and trademark is without our permission and in violation of our trademark rights. Our Legal Department continues to address this important matter.
If you receive an envelope that appears to include such an offer from Budget, but which you suspect to be fraudulent, please forward the entire envelope and its contents to Budget Rent A Car System, Inc., 6 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, NJ 07054 ATTN: Legal Department.
"Phishing" is one of the fastest-growing forms of e-mail fraud. Phishers use false "From" addresses, realistic-looking logos and corporate graphics, and Web links. Even the savviest consumers can be convinced they are dealing with a legitimate request for personal or sensitive information.
It has come to our attention that fraudulent "phishing" emails sometimes are circulated to the public using the Budget logo without our permission. Some of these mailings also might include the logos of various other organizations including airlines. Such e-mails are intended to mislead the recipient to believe that there is some connection between the sender, Budget, and often a third party.
Be assured, Budget is not affiliated with any of the senders of these promotions, nor does it endorse or sponsor these offers. In such cases, the use of our logo and trademark is without our permission and in violation of our trademark rights. Our Legal Department has been addressing this matter.
If you receive an e-mail that appears to be from Budget, but which you suspect to be fraudulent, please forward the entire e-mail including the sender's address to Budget's Privacy Officer.
The Budget Rent A Car Online Affiliate Program is a fast and easy way for your Web site to generate extra revenue. Once a member, you earn money by promoting Budget car rental through the approved links that we provide for you. Each time one of your visitors clicks on one of these links and completes the car rental reservation process at budget.com, you earn commission!
Budget pays all new car rental Affiliates 3% commission (based on time and mileage) for each completed car rental reservation referred from your Affiliate link. Higher commission rates are negotiable for high performers. As the number of completed car rentals that your site refers to our site increases, so can your commission.
It's simple. Once you advertise the Budget approved link on your site, youll be paid a commission percentage each time a customer clicks on the link, reserves a car, and pays for their rental. We monitor all attribution and transactions through Commission Junction, where as an affiliate you will have full access to promotional material, resources etc.
No, it's absolutely free to join the program!
You are responsible for promoting budget.com and our offers to your audience and for providing them with a link to visit our site. You may set up as many links to pages within budget.com on your site as you like and can promote budget.com to your opt-in- e-mail list or through search engine results. However, you may not purchase the word Budget, Budget car rental or other Budget-related search terms that incorporate the Budget name from search engines. All creative elements that we provide, such as logos, banners and text links, cannot be altered in any way.
By working with the Commission Junction network, Budget will provide customer support and will process all reservations and car rentals that your site generates, and pay your affiliate commissions.
Do you have an affiliate account on Commission Junction? If not, register today for an affiliate account – it’s fast & free!
If you already have an affiliate account on Commission Junction, simply apply to the Budget Affiliate program. Within five to seven business days, you’ll be notified via e-mail of your acceptance into the program.
Budget invites aesthetically pleasing sites that are interested in promoting our brand. We do not accept personal home pages or personal Web sites that incorporate images or content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, harassing, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable in any way. Or sites that depict sexually-explicit images, promote violence, illegal activities, or unlawful discrimination of any kind.
No. As part of the application process we must be able to review your Web site, so it must be live at that time.
Currently we are accepting sites based in the U.S. and Canada.
Yes, you can have multiple sites under one Affiliate Account as long as they are different sites with separate URLs. Once in the program through Commission Junction, you will have access to full setup and technical support.
Position the links in a highly visible spot such as your homepage and/or all other high-traffic areas. When your links are placed in an easily accessible location, your visitors are more likely to click on them, which will lead to higher numbers of completed car rentals, and more commission opportunities for you!
Through the Commission Junction Account Manager, you will be able to run reporting to track the reservations, sales, and commissions you have earned through the Budget Affiliate program.
Once approved via the online enrollment process, each Affiliate is assigned an individual Affiliate ID and given approved links that contain a unique identifier. Every time your customer follows one of those links to budget.com, your unique URL is detected and we credit you with sending the customer to us. To ensure proper tracking, its important that you don't make any modifications to these links.
Commission checks are mailed out from Commission Junction once a month. You must have a minimum account balance of $50 if using Direct Deposit and $100 if payment by check in order to receive payment.
Marketing & Technical Questions:
e-mail: [email protected]
You spoke and we listened! Based on an overwhelming number of renter requests, Budget strives to maintain a 100% Smoke-Free Fleet in the U.S. and Canada. To help ensure that our cars look and smell fresh, we ask all customers to refrain from any type of smoking (pipe, cigarette, cigar) in Budget vehicles.
We sincerely appreciate your consideration for the next customer who rents your car. To this end, if any car smells of smoke when it is returned, customers will be assessed an additional charge – just as they would if the car's interior had excessive stains, dirt, pet hair or soilage attributable to the renter’s use.
Tobacco smoke leaves a residue on fabrics, fibers and surfaces of vehicles, which emits odors that the majority of renters find unpleasant. Ridding cars of tobacco smoke odor and residue requires considerable time. This inconveniences our customers because vehicles are unavailable for rental while they are being deep-cleaned. Budget’s Smoke-Free Fleet policy helps ensure that the greatest variety of cars is available to every customer at all times.
Note to Our Renters Who Smoke
Please understand that this smoke-free policy is an extension of our policies concerning excessive staining, pet hair, dirt or soilage attributable to the renter’s use. Budget expects these guidelines to ultimately benefit all renters, including those who smoke. Every renter deserves a clean and fresh-smelling car.
•Budget also has initiated an enhanced inspection process to help ensure a pleasant rental experience for all. Each vehicle will be confirmed “smoke-free” when it is provided to a customer. Upon its return, it will be inspected. If it is determined that the vehicle must be cleaned of tobacco odor and residue, the renter will be assessed a fee of up to $250.
•Just as we assess cleaning fees for excess dirt and soilage in vehicles, the Return Agent will inspect the vehicle for physical evidence of smoking (ash/butts in the vehicle, cigarette burns, etc.) as well as smoke odor. As necessary, photos will be taken to substantiate the cleaning fee.
•In most cases, the inspection and customer notification will occur at the time of return by our Return Agent in the vehicle return area. If the Return Agent finds evidence that the car has been smoked in and/or it smells of smoke, the customer will be informed that they might be assessed a cleaning fee of up to $250. The customer will then be given a receipt as per standard procedure.
•Later, a location manager will inspect the vehicle to validate the findings of the Return Agent to determine if a cleaning fee is to be assessed. If so, the customer will be notified in writing that the fee has been charged to the credit card we have on file.
•Under certain circumstances, the Return Agent may be unable to notify the customer of the possible assessment of the fee at the time of vehicle return. Examples include:
The customer leaves the return area before a Return Agent is able to inspect the vehicle.
A Return Agent is unable or unavailable to inspect the car thoroughly at time of vehicle return; the inspection will be conducted by trained staff at our service island later.
The vehicle is returned after hours when no Return Agent is available to inspect the vehicle.
When the vehicle can be inspected only after the customer has left our facility, if it is found to require smoke-related cleaning, the customer will be notified via mail that the fee has been charged to their credit card.
How to Avoid Paying a Cleaning Fee
•To avoid paying the fee, customers should refrain from smoking in or near the vehicle at all times.
•Rental vehicles should be thoroughly inspected by the customer prior to leaving the rental location. Customers should check the car for body or interior damage, soil or dirt, and to ensure that it is smoke-free.
•If, at the time of rental check-out, the vehicle is not to the customer’s satisfaction, the customer should immediately visit the rental counter and speak with an agent before leaving our facility. The customer will be provided with another vehicle, if one is available, and no fees of any kind will be assessed.
•As new vehicles enter the fleet, or existing vehicles are inspected and found to be smoke-free, a sticker will be placed on the rear side window informing the customer that the vehicle is smoke-free, that smoking in the vehicle is prohibited, and that if cleaning of tobacco residue and odors is required, the $250 fee will be assessed.
•This Smoke-Free Fleet policy is in effect for 100% of our fleet, not only those vehicles with window stickers.
