Auto Rentals and Leasing
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Reviews
This profile includes reviews for Budget Rent-A-Car's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Review Ratings
Average of 785 Customer Reviews
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Review fromHolly S
Date: 04/22/2025
1 starHorrible. Won't rent a car from Budget ever again. Showed up, my car wasn't ready (still being cleaned ??). Waited 20 min. They bring out another car (a VW, but the ****** I rented). Drove it less than 30 miles and couldn't get the door to the gas cap open after numerous attempts. Told the agent upon returning the car I could not get the gas door open. Waited 3 weeks for the $200 authorization hold to be refunded. Called Budget and the young woman had an entitled attitude. Said I returned the car with an empty fuel tank. Asked to speak w/ supervisor and the rude agent said it would be 2-3 hrs for a callback from the supervisor. They never called (shocker). Called again 4 days later. ***** with an agent who said he is a supervisor. He tells me they haven't refunded the $200 auth hold because I used 15 gallons of gas and they were charging me $152+tax. After telling him I only drove the car 27 miles (verified via the dashboard with the agent upon returning the car) he finally agreed to give me a credit for all but 1 gallon of gas ($22+tax!) Ill get ~$170 refunded in aprox 3-5 more days. Don't rent from Budget. What a scam.Review fromHaley S
Date: 04/22/2025
1 starIf you're considering using Budget to rent a vehicle, I highly recommend that you think twice! This was my first time renting from Budget, and it will definitely be my last. I learned a valuable ******* While ***** and Enterprise may be slightly more expensive, their quoted prices are accurate, and their employees are honest and forthcoming.I rented a vehicle from ************* on April 20th, with plans to return it to ***************** by 12 PM. However, I returned the vehicle at 1:18 PM. Despite being assured by the employee that I wouldn't be charged for the extra hour, I ended up being charged for an entire additional day. I even confirmed this with a representative over the phone, who gave me the same assurance. Yet, I was still billed for two full days!Customer service has been unhelpful, and it seems that Budget is only interested in making extra money at the expense of its customers. Moving forward, I will continue to use Enterprise and Hertz.I've also been trying to find the employee who checked me out to file a formal complaint, but I havent received any response regarding that, either!Review fromMatt
Date: 04/21/2025
1 starMatt
Date: 04/21/2025
If I could give a lower star I would... I have been renting cars for a long time and do so frequently. Usually, I rent from Enterprise but this time I decided to try Budget. From the beginning of the rental pick up at the counter to the turn in of the car five days later the rental was a horrible experience. The counter agent was very rude, the car was dirty inside and the rear bearings made noise at highway speeds. A few days after we arrived home from our trip we received an email from budget with a cleaning bill of $450. The pictures they attached to the email showed "excessive" interior dirt and sand. I looked at the pictures and couldn't find "excessive" dirt and sand in the photos. I saw a few pieces of grass clippings, some dirt but not "excessive" by any means. We were very careful to keep the car as clean as we could. We didn't have any animals with us in the car and we did not eat in the car or spill any liquids. The rental week was a rainy week and we were tracking in dirt from the wet conditions, but not in excessive amounts. I called their customer care number and were told the charges were going to remain as charged. After many calls to the management at Budget they agreed to lower the charge to $225. I still feel this is excessive and abusive and way over the cost it should be for an extra cleaning bill. I will not be renting from Budget again and would encourage others to stay away from that business.Budget Rent-A-Car
Date: 04/22/2025
Budget Case: 72031213
Regarding the Customer Review #***** mentioned above, thank you so much for letting us address your concerns.
Budget values our relationship with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
After reviewing your correspondence and researching your situation, no reservation number or renter information was included in the complaint. Kindly provide the following information so that we may complete our investigation:
Reservation/Rental Agreement Number.
Renter's Name.
Rental Location.
Exact Date/Year Rental.
Thank you,
Avis Budget Group
Response CoordinatorReview fromAnthony L
Date: 04/21/2025
1 starAnthony L
Date: 04/21/2025
If I could give 0 stars I would. Do not rent from Budget anywhere. Worst experience I've ever had with a rental car company and it's not even close. I was given a vehicle that broke down within the first 20 minutes of leaving the lot - on a bridge, with 3 young children inside. Budget ****************** is an absolute joke. They can not do anything to help you under any circumstance. And that is putting it as nicely as I can. I had to wait 4 hours for a tow truck just to return me to the original pickup location and lost an entire day of my trip in the process. When I received my exchange vehicle I was told they couldn't refund me for the lost day because I had prepaid and to bring the vehicle back without putting gas in it as a small token. It was also written on my rental agreement. Thankfully I kept the rental agreement because I received my final receipt and surprise, they charged me for the fuel. When I spoke to ****************** they couldn't even refund me for the full amount of the fuel charge because it would put the amount below my pre-paid rate. There are a lot of rental car options, choose any over this terrible company. If it's the only option then you might consider walking to wherever you need to go.Budget Rent-A-Car
Date: 04/22/2025
Budget Case: 71826613
In regards to the Budget Review # *****
We appreciate you reaching out to Budget in regards to your feedback that we received pertaining to your rental. I am incredibly sorry for the experience you had and the condition of the truck that you received. We are following up aggressively with the senior management for the
Budget rental location to address the issues that you outlined in your complaint.
We take great pride in supplying its customers with mechanically sound and well-maintained vehicles. When the Budget rental locations do not keep the rental trucks properly maintain, we then forward our customer's comments directly to the District Manager that is responsible for the area, and appropriate actions will be taken to prevent any recurrences.
Upon review of your case detail our records revealed that you have reached out to us regarding this inquiry, and we have processed an adjustment for the fuel charge,
Again, thank you for allowing us to be of assistance to you.
Sincerely,
ABG Client Relations
Escalation Team
Avis Budget GroupReview fromAmy C
Date: 04/19/2025
1 starAmy C
Date: 04/19/2025
Don't rent from Budget, they rented me a vehicle with a broken tail light and brake light and I didn't know it until I got pulled over. They never did a walk around with me and tried to charge me for gas even though I returned it with a full tank. They refuse to give me my deposit back because I got the extra insurance by force, I was not allowed to take the vehicle unless I got the extra insurance. Budget rental car will always be a thief in my book and I will warn everyone I know about my experience.Budget Rent-A-Car
Date: 04/21/2025
BBB Review#: 37298
Case: 71990479
Dear ******* *******,
In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.
Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
Our records show that the fuel charge removed, additionally, we show that all coverage options were agreed to and signed for at the time of rental. We have shared the feedback provided with ***************** so that this can immediately and appropriately be addressed with the locations staff and Management.
Thank you for allowing us to assist you.
Sincerely,
Avis Budget Group
Client Relations TeamReview fromRima I
Date: 04/18/2025
1 starRima I
Date: 04/18/2025
I rented a car from Budget and had a slew of issues that I spoke to a representative about. 1. I booked a car reservation WELL in advance for an SUV as we were traveling to an out of town wedding. I get to the budget location and am notified that a SUV isn't available. I never received a courtesy call. The car rentals at the airport were out of cars that day so I had no other option than accept this rental. I spoke to the lady at the counter and she said to contact budget customer service after returning the vehicle to get a refund on the SUV/sedan price difference.2. I drove to my brother's wedding and was pulled over by the police who was scanning license plates. He said that THE CAR WAS UNREGISTERED. They gave me an unregistered vehicle which is outrageous and illegal!! I spoke to a customer service representative right after getting pulled over. They told me to go to a budget location and they'd register the vehicle or get me another. I returned the vehicle because I refuse to spend my time sitting there waiting for them to rectify a mistake that was theres.I tried to get a refund AT LEAST ON THE *** BETWEEN THE ***** AND SUV AND NEVER GOT A REFUND. They REFUSE to give me any kind of refund. I will never rent from Budget again. I was a loyal customer but the fact that their customer service representatives could give a f less about their customers, I refuse to rent from them again.Budget Rent-A-Car
Date: 04/21/2025
BBB Review#: 37291
Case: 71226811
Dear ******* ****,
In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.
Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
Reservations are booked based on our expected availability, however when vehicles are returned back late or returned damaged it can cause us to not have the availability we had expected. In these cases we will offer you the next class of vehicle we have available. Additionally, our records show that our **************** Team did send you a 3 day free rental coupon for the inconvenience this matter caused you.
Thank you for allowing us to assist you.
Sincerely,
Avis Budget Group
Client Relations TeamReview fromK. R.
Date: 04/17/2025
1 starK. R.
Date: 04/17/2025
I prepaid for a Premium class; Ultimately had to pick up vehicle at ************** location (rate change). Vehicle seemed fine until our trip. It lost all air in passenger front tire (0) on the *** thruway.Steel belt was exposed on the interior of front passenger tire, cut hand my hands, and had to call AAA $167 bill. Reported everything. Budget case#.At the end of 6 calls, multiple holds, and supervisor; Was compensated for about $100. Unacceptable.Budget Rent-A-Car
Date: 04/20/2025
BBB Review#: 37275
Case: 72013054
Hello,
In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.
Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
Once this complaint was received, we tried to conduct an investigation. Unfortunately, there was not enough information provided, and your rental was unable to be located if you would kindly provide us the following information below, so we can investigate this matter further.
Reservation Number;
Renter's Name;
Rental Location;
Exact Date/Year of Rental;
Thank you for allowing us to assist you, please note you can also contact our **************** Team directly at ************ for assistance.
Sincerely,
Avis Budget Group
Customer Advocacy Response CoordinatorReview fromEdwine D
Date: 04/15/2025
1 starEdwine D
Date: 04/15/2025
Today, I had to cancel my cancer treatment cause I don't have a credit card.I have been renting from Budget for a couple of years. Due to the location of my cancer center, which is located about 3 hrs from my home, I have to rent a car every month. I've never had any issues. I made an online reservation using my debit card and picked up the car the next day. No one has ever asked me any questions other than the usual ask: a driver's license and card. I ALWAYS use my debit card.This morning, I gave the female agent my driver's license and debit card, and upon checking them, she said we don't accept debit card. She said, "It's been about 4 months." I told her that I rented a car last month and no one said anything to me. I told her that I had made my reservation online and paid for it. I never got any notification that my payment had been rejected. She was adamant when I asked her to make an ************ as I waited for a taxi to take me back home. I called reservation and asked what methods of payment they accept. He said "debit, credit" and I asked him if he was sure to which he replied in the affirmative. So he transferred me to customer service.I stated my issue to the customer service rep. ***** listening, he said (wait for it) I'm not aware of any changes but I'm not going to override what she stated to you. He continued by saying that if the rental car is located in an airport (which I told him), you have to have a flight reservation as proof. I reminded him that I have often used this location to rent a car with no issues at all. Further, the agent at the airport never asked for proof other than my driver's license and card. And the reservation guy never asked for proof ********* BUDGET RENT A CAR, WHICH IS IT? If you are implementing a policy, make sure all your employees are aware! PLEASE POST YOUR POLICY CHANGES IN THE WEBSITE. IF WHAT SHE SAYS IS TRUE, THIS POLICY SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED THERE AS WELL!Budget Rent-A-Car
Date: 04/16/2025
BBB Review#: 37267
Case: 71893878
Dear ******* ****** Des,
In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.
Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
Our debit card policy for airport location does state that you need a return flight. You can see the debit card policy for *** at this link on our website. **************************************************************************
Thank you for allowing us to assist you, please note you can also contact our **************** Team directly at ************ for assistance.
Sincerely,
ABG Client Relations Team
Avis Budget GroupReview fromPatrick C
Date: 04/15/2025
1 starPatrick C
Date: 04/15/2025
Please beware. Terrible customer service. Use hertz or enterprise. Used this budget twice recently and had major issues both times. First time waited 2+ hours (only 3 people infront of me). The staff callled it typical Tuesday and they said are always understaffed. The second time they gave me a smashed vehicle with a broken headlight. Save time and effort and use one of the competitor.Budget Rent-A-Car
Date: 04/17/2025
BBB Review#: 37265
Case: 71903308
Dear ******* ******* ****,
In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.
Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
Any difficulties or problems encountered by a customer are a concern to us, and we apologize most sincerely for any inconvenience you may have been caused. Please be assured that your experience was not typical of Budget's usual high standards, and that the responsible manager has been contacted to prevent any recurrence.
Although we realize that we cannot make up for a disappointing experience such as this, we do appreciate you contacting us. Only by being made aware of a problem can we correct it and offer the high quality of service that our customers expect and deserve.
Thank you for allowing us to assist you, please note you can also contact our **************** Team directly at ************ for assistance.
Sincerely,
ABG Client Relations Team
Avis Budget GroupReview fromIcel C
Date: 04/15/2025
1 starIcel C
Date: 04/15/2025
Waited 1 hour 40 minutes to get to the counter. Walked downstairs to my designated spot and no car. Waited in another line for ****************************************** line. Finally I found a worker and asked if there was a ***** Malibu and it was brought out. Over 2 hours to get a car. Ridiculous. Confirmation # ********US3Budget Rent-A-Car
Date: 04/17/2025
BBB Review#: 37263
Case: 71940637
Dear ******* **** ***** ,
In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.
Budget prides itself on prompt, attentive service, and we very much appreciate your business. We are sincerely sorry that you were inconvenienced, and extremely disappointed that we fell short of your expectations. Be assured that a copy of this letter, along with the details of your report, is on its way to the appropriate management team. Aside from stressing the importance of dependable vehicles, we also feel that quick and efficient service is equally important, whether you are traveling on business or pleasure. Budget values its customers and recognizes that travel can sometimes result in some frustrating experiences.
We appreciate your feedback because it helps us maintain our high service levels in the areas you mentioned. At Budget, it is our goal to deliver a safe, dependable, hassle-free rental.
Thank you for allowing us to assist you, please note you can also contact our **************** Team directly at ************ for assistance.
Sincerely,
ABG Client Relations Team
Avis Budget Group
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