Budget Car Hire worries

[ScoobyRay]

Hi All,

We are due to fly out to MCO in exactly a month and have hired a Ford Explorer through Budget, however all i am seeing is bad reviews about budget now? I have used Budget before in Germany and they were phenomenal, but I am really worried that I have made an error in going with them? Surely they cant be that much different to Germany? I can see that they seem to be somewhat underhanded with charges, but I would guess that's most of the car rental companies usually?

I went onto live chat about a month ago asking about deposit requirements and the guy told me they don't take any deposit? Again, that cant be right can it?

Am I right to panic now or am I just being too cautious?

[Hypnobabe]

The cars we got from budget were fine and dealing with them in the airport was fine too - it was just that we could really have done with speaking to someone in the airport office and couldn’t and they snuck that extra charge in. We got a Ford Explorer first off and it was fine. As long as you’re prepared to travel back to airport if you need them and check your final bill it’ll be fine.

[Hypnobabe]

They don’t take a deposit they take your credit card details - all car rental places would do this. Things you’re not covered for on budget collision waiver - keys, tyres, glass - you can get a policy to cover this much cheaper before you go

[ScoobyRay]

Originally Posted by Hypnobabe

They don’t take a deposit they take your credit card details - all car rental places would do this. Things you’re not covered for on budget collision waiver - keys, tyres, glass - you can get a policy to cover this much cheaper before you go

See more...

I know in the past when I have hired they take a deposit to cover fuel, stuff like that. 1 place in Germany wanted 950 euros for a 3 day hire, and said it would take a fortnight to get it back. Lets see what Budget try this time.

Thanks Hypnobabe

[DFCH-Andy]

Budget will block circa $250-$300 from your card locally.

The most important thing to remember with Budget is to view and read the screen and ensure you have declined the optional extras such as Personall accident, RSN, Emergency sickness cover and that it reads $0 next to the estimated charges:

Then once you have your rental agreement, ensure it shows $0 next to the estimated charges unlike the example below:

[cornishfrogboy]

I have used budget on at least my last 6 USA visits, in Florida, Ohio and California. They are part of Avis.

The service has never been less than exemplary. I have suffered no hidden charges.

As with all hires, I inspect the car thoroughly and photograph all marks.

I write when signing ‘ absolutely no upgrades or extras taken’.. as I do on all car hires.

I always comply with fuel rules. I.e full to full.

Without hesitation, they will be my preferred vendor on my next vacation.. because they have never let me down.