What if I am not at fault for an accident/damage?

Ensure that you get the other party’s contact information so that we may pursue them and/or their insurance company on your behalf for damages. Please note that our pursuit of the other party does not absolve you from your contractual obligation to pay for the damage.

Who is responsible for parking, tolls and moving traffic violations?

You are responsible for payment of any parking, toll and moving violations along with an administrative fee, so please drive safely and observe all ordinances. Payments for these violations may be processed by our designated agent (Verra Mobility or similar processor) for this purpose. You may contact Verra directly in response to any correspondence alerting you of a parking, toll or moving violation during your rental with us.

How do I sign up for an account?

Setting up an online account with us is free and easy. Simply click on the Account link and enter the requested information. It is a quick sign-up process and gives you easy access to all of your rental information.

How do I view, modify or cancel a reservation or request a receipt from a past reservation?

If you have an online account set up with us, this will give you the easiest access to these items. All you will do is log into your account and you can find everything you need.

Do you permit pets in the rental car?

Housebroken pets are allowed to travel in your rental car, just as they do in your personal car. Although Budget does not assess an extra fee for pets, pet owners will incur an additional charge for damage caused by animals, or any special cleaning required as a result of shedding or accidents.

Will you check my driving record?

Budget reserves the right to check driving records and deny rental depending on the history.

What if I incur damage to the Budget vehicle while I am renting under my company’s rental account?

In accordance with the terms of your company’s corporate contract with Budget, you must complete an accident/incident report, provide us with any accident reports from the local or state authorities, and notify your employers that the rental vehicle was damaged. Ask your employer if you need to file a claim with your personal insurance, corporate credit card insurance or whether there is coverage offered through your employer’s insurance. If applicable, Budget will contact your employer to verify that you are eligible for the corporate damage waiver coverage. If Budget does not receive a response from your employer, you will be billed and held responsible for vehicle damage.

What should I do if I’m involved in an accident or the car is damaged during my rental?

Auto accidents are not something that we like to think about, but they can and do happen, even to the most careful drivers. When an accident occurs, first ensure that you are in a safe area away from traffic. Next, contact local police (usually available by dialing 911) and complete an accident report.

What should I do if I have problems with my vehicle? Do you offer roadside assistance?

In the unlikely event that an emergency light illuminates on your control panel, do not ignore it. Use good judgment about whether you can get back to our location safely and do not hesitate to call our toll-free 24-hour roadside assistance at 205-322-3596.

Does the cost of the rental include fuel?

Budget’s rates do not include the cost of fuel but we do offer three refueling options:

Does Budget have a Lost and Found department?

Each year the Budget team finds hundreds of cell phones, sunglasses and other personal items in our vehicles, and in our rental locations. If you have left a personal item behind, please call us at 205-322-3596 or complete and submit our customer service email form. Renters are responsible for their own personal items, and we highly recommend that you report any lost belongings at your earliest convenience. While we cannot promise the return of lost items, we will do our best to help you.

Do you have a frequent renter program?

Yes, Betterway Rewards is the official frequent renter loyalty program of Budget Birmingham. For more information, please visit our Frequent Renter page

Is smoking permitted in rental cars?

No. Budget maintains a 100% smoke-free fleet in the U.S. and Canada, and any type of smoking (pipe, cigarette, cigar) is prohibited in all Budget vehicles. Just as renters are assessed a fee for cleaning the car’s interior for excessive stains, dirt or soiling attributable to the renter’s use, customers will be assessed an additional charge if the car smells of smoke when it is returned. Rent a Budget car and breathe easy — because our stringent no-smoking policy is your assurance of a 100% smoke-free fleet.

Does my own insurance protect me in the event of an accident?

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 that 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. Note that prohibited use of the rental vehicles will void optional coverage protections.

What if I don’t return my car on the designated return time or day?

Vehicles are rented on a daily (24-hour) basis. Time begins at contract origination. Full daily charges renew every day at time of contract open. If a vehicle is returned 30 minutes after time of contract open, late fees apply. Any vehicle returned 90 minutes after time of contract open will incur full daily time and mileage charges. There is no grace period for rental fees, surcharges and optional equipment or protections charges.

Can someone else drive a car that I rent?

Yes, with some exceptions and certain restrictions.

What are your age requirements for renting?

You must be at least 21 years of age to rent, but the following provisions apply for customers between the ages of 21-24:

Do you require a deposit to rent a vehicle?

Yes. Your deposit type and amount will vary by reservation length, vehicle options, etc.

Are there maximum age requirements for renting?

Budget Car and Truck Rental of Birmingham does not have a maximum age limit.

Can I use a check/debit card?

Yes. If you prefer to use a bank-issued check/debit card rather than a credit card, the card must be presented at the time of rental. It must have the renter’s name embossed and we must be able to charge the full deposit amount needed at the time of rental. Bank-issued check/debit card customers must be 25 years of age or older, are excluded from renting some premium, luxury and specialty cars, and cannot have any additional drivers other than a legal spouse.

Is my regular driver’s license sufficient when I am renting outside my resident country?

Foreign licenses (any license issued outside of the U.S.) are acceptable as long as it can be determined that the document presented is a valid driver’s license and must be accompanied by a valid passport. An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in a country other than the U.S. will be accepted as an English translation of a foreign license. An IDP is not valid without the accompanying foreign license. Non-U.S. residents should obtain their International Driving Permit from their home country before traveling.

What kinds of credentials will I need to present when I pick up my rental?

Generally, the following credentials are required to release a rental to you:

Does Budget offer satellite radio in its rental cars?

While some of our vehicles have a free trial of satellite radio, most do not. Unfortunately this is not a feature that can be guaranteed on any vehicle.

What are blackout dates? Why am I getting this error message?

Blackout dates are dates when special discounts or promotions are not available. These dates typically fall on or around major holidays or other peak travel seasons.