Pay extra and AVOID Budget!

[PalmettoPath]

But the OP went to the counter, which actually caused one of the issues (90 minute delay in picking up the car but the clock started ticking based on reservation time). Also, according to the OP, they were LIED to saying the prepay fuel charge would drop off.

I agree the contract has everything on it, but going to the counter doesn't always solve everything, and in this case, caused more problems.

I guess my point is that whatever is on the paper when you leave that counter is important. If it were still on the paper, then I would not leave until it were removed, for example. But things happen of course...

 

[3kidz4dis]

No. You can see your reservation on the rental car company’s site. Any third party booker will give you the company’s confirmation number as well.

While we were standing on line, we tried.. we went on the budget direct site. But it didn’t get us closer

 

[3kidz4dis]

We too had a horrible experience with Budget last month (like a previous poster, it was $100 less than Alamo) Booked a full size car through Costco for $201 (no add ons) There was no line picking up the car and the only thing the attendant mentioned to me was the $200 hold on my credit card (which I was aware of). Also I did agree to the toll responder (which I know now, I should not have). There were only 2 cars to choose from and 1 clearly was not a full size as the trunk size was so small. The other car was at least spacious and it was late and we were tired so I just took that (it was an intermediate car) We turn the car in with a full tank of gas and I asked the attendant if I will get a receipt emailed to me. I thought it was odd that after 24 hours I still hadn't received a receipt so I contact Budget and they said it will be 48 hours. It ended up being a week and my receipt was for $570! I was charged 55 bucks for gas and Loss Damage waiver coverage. I contact Budget and they said I had agreed to that. I was livid. I was directed to file a claim online. I did and within 48 hours, the first response was I would get a credit for the gas only. I asked for a copy of the agreement to show where I supposedly signed off. A week goes by, no response, I contact them again and they said they requested a copy but it takes 2-3 days. I said I contacted you over a week ago. No response. Last week I finally get the full credit of Loss Damage (plus gas). I was charged $70 for the toll responder/tolls which was my fault for agreeing as I didn't do the research on other options. I will never rent with Budget ever again.

That is insane that you were charged $70.00!

 

[Anthony1971]

We have been hassled at other airports by other big companies including Alamo and National from upgrades to insurance to trying to give me a 2 door car and saying that is what I paid for. We just stood our ground and got the "bigger" car they did have for the same price we paid. This also did happen once when picking up at MK rental but only for an upgrade which I did not take and they "found a like car for me" They did the same to the people next to us as well. Maybe it is just certain staff at MCO Budget with some reporting bad and come good and I 100000000% believe this has the most to do with it. Bottom line ALWAYS say no NO NO NO NO NO NO and check the contract before you sign anything. We always book through the direct rental sites now with codes if we can find one and avoid contact with any rental employee as much as possible..... In some places/airports this is not possible.

 

[georgina]

Prepay or not prepay and so on are all in the contract. Whenever we pick up the car at MCO, no matter if it's Budget or any of the others (we go with lowest price at the time), fuel, insurance etc. and all costs are agreed to or denied and the decision appears in the paperwork we get from the counter. I've never had any issues with any of them (knock on wood). But maybe it's because I always prefer to go to the counter in person and go over the paperwork (basically to avoid situations like this).

With my Costco rentals I very much prefer skipping the counter. No hard sell to change the reservation choices. I see the price and it has always been that price. I go to the aisle for my reservation and pick a car. They ask at the checkout window if I want to prepay fuel and I say nope.

The time I had Budget at the counter they went through pages of extra stuff I had to deny. I got a bit angry with the agent and said NO, I don't want any of it! Such a waste of my time. Just give me my car.

 

[EACarlson]

No. You can see your reservation on the rental car company’s site. Any third party booker will give you the company’s confirmation number as well.

Having the confirmation number doesn't do anything for you. You need them to attach your loyalty number to the reservation, which Budget will not do with many third party reservations, and never with a reservation that has been pre-paid. Other rental companies have similar restrictions. I'm not aware of any rental companies that allow you to use their loyalty benefits on third party pre-paid reservations. Even on some third party post paid reservations the rate either specifies no benefits or they won't allow attachment of a loyalty number. Thrifty is known for this.

 

[Donna M]

In November I almost got tricked into getting the insurance. The guy spoke broken English and he was speaking fast and low. I don’t know exact wording but he said something like the basic insurance is ok or the upgraded which gives you such and such and more security for you. He said it so fast I almost said yes basic nothing extra, then it clicked what he said and I said no thanks no insurance. I definitely made sure I was looking at the bottom line when signing that time (I always do like I said just double checked).

One company almost got us on this one, so sly.

 

[Minniesgal]

Agree we had 1 really really bad experience with Budget and never any with Alamo who we have used many many times. Son and husband waited 4 hours for a booked budget car then got conned into buying extra insurance I’d already paid for as I wasn’t there

 

[Lilsia]

Alamo. Hawaii A few years ago. The issue wasn't with the number. My reservation wasn't eligible for any advanced check in. I was able to use the Kiosk at the airport. A "helpful" agent was making sure I understood all the options I was declining.

This was a package. I don't know when COSTCO paid Alamo or gave them my info

I think that is a Hawaii thing. Hertz says that perk, to go straight to your car, is not available on Oahu either. I wonder why that is.

 

[mikehn]

Costco is the only 3rd party, that I know of, that allows you to enter in your budget fastbreak number. And you can confirm it by logging into your budget account, you can see the reservation you just booked through Costco.

 

[EACarlson]

Costco is the only 3rd party, that I know of, that allows you to enter in your budget fastbreak number. And you can confirm it by logging into your budget account, you can see the reservation you just booked through Costco.

Priceline allows it also on postpaid reservations. When I book using Autoslash, it books through the Priceline engine.

 

[Lumpy1106]

I feel they are always trying to trick people into getting the upgrades. They probably get a commission for upselling. I’d have been upset if I were you too, but I’m pretty sure the first agent lied to you. Once you accept it, you’ve signed that you accept it. I would have asked for a supervisor and got it on video or writing if that was truly something that is done. Them saying that makes no sense.

I make a point of knowing the quoted total when I go into the rental car place. And I make sure when I’m signing that it’s the total that I’ve previously agreed upon.

In November I almost got tricked into getting the insurance. The guy spoke broken English and he was speaking fast and low. I don’t know exact wording but he said something like the basic insurance is ok or the upgraded which gives you such and such and more security for you. He said it so fast I almost said yes basic nothing extra, then it clicked what he said and I said no thanks no insurance. I definitely made sure I was looking at the bottom line when signing that time (I always do like I said just double checked).

The magic word is "decline". Decline, decline, decline until they hand it back to you with no added insurance, and especially no pre-paid gas.

 

[Lumpy1106]

I think the location has more to do with whether or not you have a negative experience than the company. In Long Beach the agents have always been super chill and they don't play games. Seattle is another story. We've shown up at Dollar where they did not have a car for us (in my best Seinfeld voice, "that's why you take a reservation"), another time we got off a cruise a needed a car for literally about 3 hours and one of the companies would not honor the reservation we made on the shuttle on the way to the RAC and wanted to charge us some exorbitant $$$$. We walked that one until we found one that did. Alamo tried to charge us for pre-existing damage - also Seattle. I've waited the better part of a day for a car with a reservation @ LAX Alamo too but Seattle seems to be more times than not.
Anyone have stories about the lesser known companies (ACE et.al)? Those always have such bad reviews I don't bother. I don't fly Spirit, why would I put up with the nonsense when I am getting the rental car?

 

[Lewisc]

The magic word is "decline". Decline, decline, decline until they hand it back to you with no added insurance, and especially no pre-paid gas.

Decline the "deluxe" coverage. Don't thank the agent who helped you check the box for basic coverage. Basic coverage is still an add on.

 

[3kidz4dis]

Hmm, never tried negotiating a fuel allowance. But twice, we waited in line for over an hour to be told they don’t have any cars left. None. And that we would have to wait an additional, unknown, amount of time for someone to return a car.

I was looking at the line and afraId that was going to happen

 

[3kidz4dis]

Costco is the only 3rd party, that I know of, that allows you to enter in your budget fastbreak number. And you can confirm it by logging into your budget account, you can see the reservation you just booked through Costco.

We tried it and didn’t work

 

[gmi3804]

Costco is the only 3rd party, that I know of, that allows you to enter in your budget fastbreak number. And you can confirm it by logging into your budget account, you can see the reservation you just booked through Costco.

Priceline has a field to enter your car rental frequent renter number.

Even if there is no place to add it, you can call the company and they'll add it.

 

[EACarlson]

Priceline has a field to enter your car rental frequent renter number.

Even if there is no place to add it, you can call the company and they'll add it.

Priceline has a place for it, it doesn't always take though. I've had to cancel and rebook multiple times to get Thrifty to accept my Blue Chip Number through Priceline.
Every rental care company I've ever called has refused to add the number to a third party booking. Or they'll tell you it's added but it's not.

 

[gmi3804]

Priceline has a place for it, it doesn't always take though. I've had to cancel and rebook multiple times to get Thrifty to accept my Blue Chip Number through Priceline.
Every rental care company I've ever called has refused to add the number to a third party booking. Or they'll tell you it's added but it's not.

I've never had a problem with Priceline, but I only rent from the "big" companies; Thrifty and Dollar don't make the cut for me.

 

[EACarlson]

I've never had a problem with Priceline, but I only rent from the "big" companies; Thrifty and Dollar don't make the cut for me.

Thrifty and Dollar are the same company as Hertz. Of the 10 companies with cars on site at MCO, 9 are owned by 3 companies. Only Sixt is independent.