Budget Car Rental FAQs Budget Car Rental FAQs

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.

Budget offers several optional rental car protection plans, including a collision damage waiver. Read our FAQs about this popular rental car insurance plan.

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.

If damage occurs to your rental vehicle during your rental period, Budget’s claim administrators, Sedgwick Claims Management Services or Viking Client Services, will attempt to collect on the damage.  With your consent, these claim administrators will work directly with your personal insurance and collect on the bill from the carrier.

Sedgwick Claims Management Services and Viking Client Services.  Budget outsources our damage claims management to these two companies.  If you receive a letter in the mail, an email or phone call from either company, it is a legitimate communication, initiated at the request of Budget. Please work with them directly to resolve all claims issues and answer any claims questions.  

 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 profile.update@avisbudget.com 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.

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 $14.50 US per day with a maximum of $87 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.