Budget Car Rental Reviews

Budget.com offers a 29-minute grace period for all rental car returns. Vehicles returned within 29 minutes past the 24-hour window will be accepted without additional fees. After 30 minutes, customers will be charged an additional hourly rate, plus taxes.

For early returns, the daily rate could increase as longer rental periods usually result in lower daily rates. The overall rental fee may be affected by early returns.

In case of damages to the rental car, the outcome depends on whether a loss damage waiver was purchased with the initial reservation. Immediate action is required, including contacting the police, Budget’s 24-hour roadside service, and filling out an accident report.

Rental car damage can result from theft, damage to tires, natural disasters, collisions, vandalism, or any scenario requiring medical attention. Even if the damage was not the renter's fault, they are responsible for getting the information from the other party and may be liable for damages.

For smoking policy, Budget has a smoke-free fleet policy. If a vehicle is returned with evidence of smoking, a cleaning fee of up to $450 may be assessed. The vehicle will be inspected upon return, and if necessary, photos will be taken to substantiate the cleaning fee.

For late returns, a different or higher rental rate may apply, and a late return fee may be charged. The vehicle must be returned in the same condition as received, with ordinary wear and tear excepted.

To open an account on budget.com, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Budget website: Go to budget.com.
2. Click on "Sign In": Located at the top right corner of the homepage.
3. Select "Create an Account": This option is usually found below the login fields.
4. Fill in the required information: Provide your first name, last name, email address, and password.
5. Verify your email: A verification link will be sent to your email. Click on the link to verify your account.
6. Complete your profile: Add additional details such as address, phone number, and driver's license information.
7. Save your information: Ensure all details are correct and save your profile.

For any issues during the process, refer to the help section on the website.

Top 10 budget.com-en alternatives:

1. Monarch Money: Known for its feature-rich personal financial tools, including zero-based budgeting and detailed spending analysis.
2. NerdWallet: Offers a broad view of financial health, including net worth tracking and credit score monitoring.
3. YNAB (You Need A Budget): Popular for its hands-on zero-based budgeting approach, helping users allocate every dollar.
4. Goodbudget: Utilizes the envelope budgeting method, ideal for those who prefer a more manual approach.
5. EveryDollar: Simplifies budgeting with a zero-based budgeting system, making it easy to track expenses.
6. Empower Personal Wealth: Focuses on wealth tracking and spending analysis, providing a comprehensive financial overview.
7. PocketGuard: Offers a simplified budgeting snapshot, helping users see how much they can safely spend.
8. Honeydue: Designed for COUPLES, allowing them to budget together and track shared expenses.
9. Qube Money: A free alternative that uses a digital envelope system for budgeting.
10. Daily Budget Original: Another free option, providing a straightforward way to manage daily expenses.

These alternatives offer various features to suit different budgeting needs and preferences.