Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION: What are blackout dates? Why am I getting this error message? Learn More

ANSWER:


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.


QUESTION: Is smoking permitted in rental cars? Learn More

ANSWER:


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. Isn’t it nice to know that, in this world of uncertainty, you can always depend on Budget for a clean, well-maintained, fresh-smelling vehicle?  Rent now.


QUESTION: Where are you located? What are your business hours? Learn More

ANSWER:


We have five convenient Birmingham Metro locations: Birmingham International Airport, Messer Airport Highway, Downtown, Pelham, and Inverness. . We also have an airport parking facility at our Messer Airport Highway location.  Please use our locations map to find the location of your choice with a list of that locations business hours.


QUESTION: What is your policy regarding credit/debit cards? Learn More

ANSWER:


Credit Card – We gladly accept a variety of different credit cards. The card must be present at the time of rental. It must have the renter’s name embossed, and we must be able to obtain the full amount of the authorization at time of rental. In the event of a decline, the card cannot be run again for a full 24 hours. The authorization amount depends on the length of the rental. Once you have made the reservation, please contact the pick-up location for the exact authorization amount.

Check/Debit Card–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. If a bank-issued check/debit card is used to secure the rental, we will require the card be charged equal to $80.00 plus estimated rental charges, plus one additional day of all charges, fees and taxes or a minimum OR $300.00, whichever is greater.  Some premium, luxury and specialty vehicles cannot be rented with a bank-issued check/debit card.

For check/debit card customers renting at the airport location, one of the following is acceptable as a third form of identification in addition to a driver’s license and debit card:

  • A round trip ticket, or travel itinerary from the airport of rental, disclosing a return date and showing the renter’s name.
  • US Military identification card (For Government business rentals only).

For check/debit card customers renting at an off-airport location, the following is acceptable as a third form of identification with the renter’s name and current address printed in addition to a driver’s license and debit card:

  • Birmingham Residents (Jefferson and Shelby Counties)- Current copy (within the last 45 days) of renter’s contracted cellular phone bill, home telephone or utility bill, bank statement (cannot show any negative balance or have a zero beginning or ending balance), mortgage statement, paycheck stub or insurance statement/policy declaration showing their local address and name.  If the addresses do not match, a second qualifying document is required.
  • Alabama Residents (all counties except Jefferson and Shelby) must bring an additional qualifying document from the list noted above.

For Customers 21-24-we will accept a debit card but require a current bank statement and current pay stub (both within the last 45 days). The bank statement cannot show a past due or negative account balance or negative account activity.   No other documents will be accepted.

A current Gold member of the Betterway Rewards Program who has received a certificate in the last 12 months will be exempt from the third form of identification requirements.

All other renters must present an air travel itinerary including return information (flight #, date, time, renter’s name) in lieu of the additional qualifying documents noted above when using a debit card.


QUESTION: Are there any restrictions if I use my debit card? Learn More

ANSWER:


  • Cannot rent Luxury vehicles, Sport Coupes, Specialty or Premium SUV. Other restrictions may apply.
  • Card must be in the renter’s name – NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • If for any reason the card declines the amount of authorization, we cannot run the card again for a full 24 hours.
  • We do not accept Prepaid, Direct Deposit, Tax Refund, Gift Cards or Government Benefit cards of any kind. You can use these to pay at the end of the rental, not at the beginning.


QUESTION: How much of a deposit is required on my card in order to rent? Learn More

ANSWER:


Credit and debit cards require the same amount of money to be available on the card. There is no difference in the amount that is needed just because it is a credit card or a debit card. The minimum deposit amount that we will need is $300.00 or more depending on the length of the rental. If you want to be sure on how much is needed, go ahead and make the reservation, then call us at (205) 322-3596 or email customercare@budgetbhm.com for the exact amount.


QUESTION: How old do you have to be to rent a car? Learn More

ANSWER:


There is an age requirement. You have to be 25 years old or older to rent a vehicle from Budget Rent a Car. If you are at least 21, you are still able to rent, but will pay a Young Adult Driver Fee of $27.00 per day extra.


QUESTION: Do you have a frequent renter reward program? Learn More

ANSWER:


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


QUESTION: Why should I book at BudgetBHM.com instead of Budget.com or online travel agent sites? Learn More

ANSWER:


Customers enjoy the lowest available rates, most updated information, and local Birmingham specials by reserving on BudgetBHM.com. Find out for yourself my visiting our Deals page and signing up for our emails.


QUESTION: How do I join your email list to find out about your current specials? Learn More

ANSWER:





QUESTION: Can I rent a car or moving truck to go one-way? Learn More

ANSWER:


You can reserve a one-way rental by calling us at (205) 322-3596 during business hours. Otherwise, please use Budget.com.


QUESTION: Can I add an additional driver to my rental? Learn More

ANSWER:


Yes, additional drivers can be added at a cost of $13.00 per day as long as they are over the age of 25 and are present when you pick up the vehicle. Your legal spouse can be added for free as long as they are over the age of 25.


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