Budget Car Rental Review

Budget is one of the most well-known of all car rental companies, having been in operation since 1958.

It was actually launched by Morris Mirkin as a fleet of 10 cars, with the unique selling point of deliberately undercutting both the per-mile and daily rate of his competitors – hence the name.

A year later, Mirkin was joined by Jules Lederer, who helped him build the business into an internationally renowned brand.

Currently, the company is part of the Avis Budget Group and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey. It operates out of over 3,350 locations worldwide, of which 2,275 are company-owned, and 1,650 are licensee locations.

While most of these locations are in the Americas, they operate all over the world, including everywhere from Albania and Australia to Yemen and Zimbabwe.

As its name implies, the company maintains a good reputation for offering affordable and value-for-money vehicle rentals.

When Does It Make Sense to Use Budget?

Because Budget is a very reliable car rental company, it would make complete sense to utilize their service if you have limited funds at your disposal.

Given that they have a very good brand name, booking from them, particularly if you are not in your home country, should also give you lots of peace of mind that you will be well looked after.

Additionally, Budget offers competitive rates that help you save money without sacrificing quality, and because they have plenty of locations at airports, they are ideal for business travelers who want a convenient car pick-up and drop-off solution.

They are also a great option for tourists who want to drive to other destinations after arriving at the airport or take an extended road trip, while those who want to hire a car for an extended period of time would benefit from Budget’s rates being cheaper than most of their competitors.

Given that the company offers one-way rental options, it also makes sense to book from them if you do not intend to return to the office where you picked it up.

It also goes without saying that if you are a member of Budget’s loyalty program, you will probably want to keep your allegiances with them.

When Doesn’t It Make Sense?

While Budget might be a good choice in several situations, there are times when it may not be the best option for you.

For instance, if you need a luxury or high-end vehicle, their selection is a lot more limited when compared to some of their competitors who specialize in luxury fleets.

At the same time, travelers looking for high-performance sports cars or top-tier models might need to consider other rental providers with broader options.

Another instance where Budget may not be the best fit is in highly pedestrianized cities or destinations where the public transportation is good. In these places, you might find it more cost-effective to take the bus or train because it is not only cheaper but will also save you the hassle of trying to navigate unfamiliar roads and find gas stations or parking spaces you don’t have to pay for.

Despite offering competitive rates, it might not make sense to make a reservation with Budget if your work or lifestyle schedule requires highly flexible cancellation policies. You might find they are not as lenient as other rental companies, and you could be hit with other charges.

For drivers under the age of 25, Budget charges a young renter fee, which may make it a less attractive option for younger travelers as compared to companies with lower or no fees for that age group.

Additionally, Budget’s locations tend to be near airports or central business districts. So, if you are visiting a remote area, you might be better off renting a vehicle from a competitor who has a presence in that destination, as opposed to hiring something from the company in an office a fair distance away.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Vehicle from Budget

All car rental companies have areas of their operation they excel at and others that could do with a bit of fine-tuning, and Budget is no different.

Here is a list of pros and cons to weigh up if you are considering hiring a vehicle from them.

Pros

Arguably the biggest pro of the Budget Car Rental is their competitive pricing. The company enjoys a solid reputation for offering vehicles at affordable rates and often has special offers and discounts, which sometimes include free upgrades and extra days.

They also have a diverse range of vehicles that incorporate several brands of economy cars and some SUVs and 4WDs, which means they cover several different needs. You can pick these up in around 120 countries worldwide and they are particularly prevalent near airports and CBD areas.

At selected locations, Budget Fastbreak allows you to skip the queue and get your car quickly. The company also offer 24-hour roadside assistance to their customers, a solid loyalty program and various protections and coverages, including Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Excess Reduction (ER), and Zero Excess.

Cons

On the flip side, while their lower prices make them appealing, Budget rentals may offer older vehicles with more wear and tear, which could potentially lead to mechanical issues or a less comfortable driving experience.

Depending on the circumstances, they might also hit you with fees you might not expect for things like fuel, insurance, or one-way drop-offs, which can quickly inflate the final cost.

Additionally, you might not always get the specific car you booked, and some of the company’s reviews on Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot suggest poor customer service has been provided to them at some worldwide locations. This includes difficulty resolving issues or receiving unhelpful support.

Budget Booking Experience

If you want to book a rental car with Budget, you will find the process straightforward and user-friendly overall.

Through their various reservation systems, customers can easily secure a vehicle online, through the Budget mobile app, or at any of their rental locations.

On their website users can filter options based on car type, rental duration, and pickup location, which helps to find the best fit for their needs. They can also choose to add extras like child seats, satellite navigation systems or additional insurance coverage, which may bring them extra convenience and peace of mind.

Generally, the pickup and drop-off processes are quick, especially at major airports worldwide where the company has many dedicated counters. However, it is worth noting that availability may be limited during peak travel seasons if you turn up at any of their offices without having already made a reservation.

Important Things to Note Before Renting with Budget

Budget is a significant player in the car rental industry and enjoys a good reputation. However, before making a reservation with them, here are some important things you should be aware of.

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Budget is known throughout the industry for its competitive rates. However, you should be mindful that they can hit you with additional charges for things like taxes, airport surcharges, and young driver fees.

For this reason, it is important to always read the fine print before committing to a booking to avoid any unexpected fees.

Insurance & Deposit Policies

Like most companies, Budget requires a security deposit at the time of rental, which typically is held on your credit or debit card. The amount varies depending on where you hire the car from and the specific vehicle type.

You should also be aware that if you decline Budget’s insurance offerings, you may be asked to provide proof of coverage from your personal auto or credit card insurance.

Vehicle Condition & Inspection

It is important to always inspect the car before driving off with it and to document any existing damage with photos and videos.

You should also do the same when you drop the vehicle off to them to prevent disputes when returning the vehicle.

Cancellation & Refund Policies

While Budget may have some flexibility with their cancellations, you may be subjected to fees if you cancel a prepaid rental. Again, check the terms of your booking to understand your eligibility for a refund.

Customer Service

Budget provides 24/7 roadside assistance and customer support, but the quality of service you receive may vary by location. In some countries, you should be aware that English might not be the first language of the person who is helping you.

Alternatives to Budget

Budget is a major name within the car hire sector and competes with the likes of Hertz, Avis, National, Dollar, Alamo, Priceline and Enterprise.

Depending on your destination, there may be several other companies that offer similar services.

Final Verdict: Should You Rent from Budget?

Considering the length of time the company has been in operation and its solid reputation, you should have no qualms about hiring a vehicle from any Budget location.

That said, as they do have several competitors in the marketplace, it never hurts to see what the others are offering.