VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Budget in the United States include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in the United States, including Budget, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your rental period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected Budget rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in the United States.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Budget counter in the United States when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Budget booking in the United States are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the Budget counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the Budget counter in the United States charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with Budget to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
What documents do I need to pick up a Budget rental car in the United States?
To pick up a Budget rental car in the United States, you must bring the following physical documents to the counter:
- A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card (debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit)
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting from abroad
If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. For other non-English licenses, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation only and must be carried alongside your original license.
All documents must be physical. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Budget counter in the United States.
How do toll roads work when renting from Budget in the United States?
Toll roads across the United States are almost entirely cashless, and your Budget rental vehicle comes pre-equipped with an electronic toll device or is enrolled in a plate-based billing system. There are very few cash toll booths remaining in the United States.
At the Budget counter, you will typically be offered two options:
- An unlimited toll package, which costs approximately US$11 to US$25 per rental day depending on the location, covering all tolls during the rental period
- A pay-per-use arrangement, where Budget charges you the actual toll amount plus an administrative or processing fee for each day you use a toll road
Toll systems vary by region. Common systems in the United States include E-ZPass in the Northeast, FasTrak in California, TollTag and TxTag in Texas, and SunPass in Florida. Your Budget rental vehicle is compatible with these systems through the rental company's toll program.
If you do not enroll in a toll program, Budget will bill tolls and processing fees to your credit card, sometimes weeks after the rental ends, as toll agencies process invoices in batches. To avoid unexpected post-rental charges, review the toll program terms carefully before signing the rental agreement.
What is the minimum age to rent a Budget car in the United States?
The minimum age to rent a Budget car in the United States without a surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent from Budget in most United States locations but will be charged a daily young-renter surcharge, and most vehicle classes are restricted to drivers 25 and older.
Two states have different rules by law:
- New York: Budget and other rental companies must rent to licensed drivers aged 18 and older, though a young-renter surcharge still applies
- Michigan: Similar rules apply, requiring rentals to drivers 18 and older with a surcharge
Vehicle classes typically restricted to drivers 25 and older at Budget in the United States include full-size cars, full-size SUVs, minivans, vans, convertibles, luxury, and premium categories. Drivers aged 21 to 24 are generally limited to economy, compact, and intermediate vehicles.
If you are aged 21 to 24 and from Latin America or the Caribbean, certain Budget rates in the United States may waive the young-renter surcharge for the main driver. Check your booking confirmation to see if this waiver is shown, as it is not available on all rates.
Does Hola Car Rentals offer toll cashback for Budget rentals in the United States?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Budget rentals in the United States, include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during the rental.
The United States has extensive toll networks, including E-ZPass in the Northeast, FasTrak in California, TxTag and TollTag in Texas, and SunPass in Florida. Whether you pay tolls through Budget's toll program or directly, you can claim cashback after your rental ends.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after a Budget rental in the United States:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals confirmation, the signed rental agreement, and a toll receipt or statement showing charges paid
Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Claims submitted after 30 days are not accepted. The reimbursement covers the lesser of the actual tolls paid or 5% of your booking total.
How much is the security deposit for a Budget rental in the United States?
When picking up a Budget rental car in the United States, the counter will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card as a security deposit. This is not a charge but reduces your available credit until the rental is closed and your bank releases the hold.
For standard vehicle classes at Budget locations in the United States, the typical hold is approximately US$300 to US$400. The exact amount can vary depending on:
- The specific Budget location (airport versus city center)
- The vehicle class selected (premium or specialty vehicles may require a higher hold)
- The length of the rental period
- Local rules at the pick-up location
The hold must be placed on a physical major credit card in the main driver's name, with the driver's name printed on the card. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted for the deposit at Budget counters in the United States.
After you return the vehicle, Budget releases the hold, but your bank controls when it reappears in your available credit, which can take up to 15 business days.
How does the Budget Fastbreak pickup process work at United States airports?
Budget operates a Fastbreak service at many major United States airports, designed to speed up the pickup process for enrolled members. At airports such as Denver International (DEN) and Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW), the process works as follows:
- At Denver (DEN): Go to the Fastbreak counter, kiosk, or designated Fastbreak line in the baggage claim area, present your ID, collect your keys, and receive directions to your vehicle. A shuttle runs from the terminal to the rental lot, though note there is a shuttle gap between approximately 12:30 AM and 3:30 AM when self-transport is needed.
- At Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): Check the Fastbreak monitor at the counter, select your vehicle, and exit using your license and hang tag. Shuttles depart from the terminal lower level.
At airports without Fastbreak, Budget operates standard counters, often open 24 hours at major hubs. Downtown and city-center Budget locations in the United States typically have limited hours, such as weekday hours from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and reduced weekend hours, so plan your arrival accordingly.
To return your Budget vehicle at United States airports, follow the Car Rental Return signs from the highway. Keep your fuel receipt and note the odometer before dropping off.
Can I add an additional driver to my Budget rental in the United States?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Budget rental in the United States, either at the time of pickup or later at a Budget location, provided both the main driver and the additional driver are present with valid licenses.
The additional driver fee at Budget in the United States is US$13 per rental day, with a maximum charge of US$65 per rental. However, there are important state-level exceptions:
- California: No additional driver fee for a parent, sibling, or child of the main renter
- New York: The fee is reduced to US$3 per day
For Budget in the United States, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old at the time of pickup. Up to two additional drivers may be added if they meet the age and license requirements.
Some categories of additional drivers may be added at no charge, such as a spouse or domestic partner, or a fellow employee on a business account. Check your booking confirmation to see if an additional driver is already included in your rate.
Every additional driver must sign the rental agreement at the counter. Anyone who drives the Budget vehicle without being listed on the agreement will not be covered by the rental protections.
Is third-party liability insurance included in a Budget rental in the United States?
Third-party liability coverage at Budget in the United States depends on the state where you pick up the vehicle. Some United States states require rental companies to include state-minimum third-party liability in every rental, but not all states have this requirement.
Where no state minimum applies, your own personal auto insurance policy, if it extends to rental vehicles, would typically respond instead. However, coverage limits under state minimums or personal policies may be low relative to the costs of a serious accident in the United States.
Hola Car Rentals strongly recommends adding Liability Insurance Supplementary (LIS), also known as ALI or SLI, to your Budget booking in the United States. This supplemental coverage protects you against bodily injury and property damage you may cause to other people while driving the rental, with limits up to US$300,000.
Key points to understand about third-party liability for Budget rentals in the United States:
- LIS/ALI/SLI does not cover damage to the Budget vehicle itself, which requires CDW/LDW
- Coverage applies only to drivers listed on the rental agreement
- Driving in restricted areas or violating the rental terms can void coverage
Check your booking confirmation to confirm what liability coverage is included in your selected rate.
Does travel assistance come with a Budget rental booking in the United States?
Most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Budget rentals in the United States, include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection. However, there is one important limitation: this benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada.
If you are visiting the United States from another country and renting a Budget vehicle, the travel assistance coverage typically includes:
- Medical coverage for up to 5 passengers in the event of an accident or non-pre-existing illness
- Legal assistance in case of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
This coverage is particularly relevant when driving a Budget rental in the United States, where a highway breakdown or medical emergency far from a major city can be costly. If you need assistance, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day at +1 888 980 9992 or via WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001, and provide your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number.
Travel assistance does not cover damage to the Budget rental vehicle (that requires CDW/LDW) or liability to third parties (that requires LIS/ALI/SLI). Always review your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your reservation.
What is the fuel policy for Budget car rentals in the United States?
Budget car rentals in the United States follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. This means you receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges.
To avoid fuel charges on your Budget rental in the United States:
- Check the fuel gauge with the Budget agent at pickup and confirm the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location so the gauge does not drop before you arrive
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
If you return the Budget vehicle with less fuel than recorded at pickup, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than the retail pump price, plus an administrative service fee.
Some Budget counter locations in the United States may offer a prepaid fuel option. If you accept it, you pay for a full tank upfront and do not need to refuel before return, but any unused fuel is generally non-refundable. The Full-to-Full policy is almost always the better value if you plan to refuel near the return location.
Can I pick up a Budget car in one United States city and return it in another?
Yes, one-way rentals are available through Budget across the United States, allowing you to pick up in one city and return in a different city. Budget operates over 1,400 locations across all 50 United States states, making one-way trips between major cities generally feasible.
Whether a drop-off fee applies depends on the specific route:
- Same-city airport to downtown: often no drop-off fee
- City to city within the same region or state: a drop-off fee typically applies and varies by distance and vehicle class
- Long-distance or cross-country routes: a drop-off fee almost always applies and can be significant
The drop-off fee for your Budget one-way rental in the United States will be shown during the booking process under the section labeled as payable at the destination. It cannot be prepaid and is settled directly with Budget at the counter.
Cross-border one-way rentals, such as picking up in the United States and returning in Canada, may be restricted or require advance approval from Budget. Always check your booking confirmation for any cross-border driving restrictions before finalizing a one-way reservation.
Is a credit card required to rent from Budget in the United States?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name is required to rent from Budget in the United States. The card must have the driver's name printed on it and must have sufficient available credit to cover the security deposit hold, which is typically US$300 to US$400 for standard vehicles at Budget locations in the United States.
The following types of cards are not accepted for the security deposit at Budget counters in the United States:
- Debit cards linked to a bank account
- Prepaid or gift cards
- Virtual or single-use card numbers
- Someone else's credit card (the card must belong to the main driver)
Even if you prepaid your Budget booking in full through Hola Car Rentals, you are still required to present a physical credit card at the counter for the deposit hold. The hold is a temporary authorization, not a charge, and is released after you return the vehicle, though your bank may take up to 15 business days to reflect the release.
It is recommended to bring a backup credit card in your own name in case your primary card is declined, and to notify your bank of your travel to the United States to prevent fraud blocks on the authorization.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a Budget car in the United States?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory for renting a Budget car in the United States if your driver's license uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script. In all other cases, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required, as visitors can generally drive in the United States on a valid foreign license.
Key points to know before picking up your Budget rental in the United States:
- The IDP is a translation document only and must be carried alongside your original license at all times. It is not a standalone license and will not be accepted without the original.
- If you believe you may need an IDP, obtain it in your home country before traveling. United States issuers such as AAA do not issue IDPs to holders of non-United States licenses.
- Some United States states or individual Budget locations may request an IDP even for licenses in the Latin alphabet, so carrying one is always a safe precaution.
All documents presented at the Budget counter in the United States must be physical originals. Digital copies are not accepted. If your license is not in English, bringing an IDP reduces the risk of any issues at the counter and ensures a smoother pickup experience.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.
Suggested Currencies
- $ USD - United States Dollar
- € EUR - Euro
Other Countries
-
Albania
-
Algeria
-
Andorra
-
Angola
-
Antigua & Barbuda
-
Argentina
-
Australia
-
Austria
-
Bahamas
-
Bahrain
-
Bangladesh
-
Barbados
-
Belgium
-
Belize
-
Benin
-
Bermuda
-
Bolivia
-
Bosnia & Herzegovina
-
Botswana
-
Brazil
-
British Virgin Islands
-
Bulgaria
-
Burkina Faso
-
Burundi
-
Cameroon
-
Canada
-
Cape Verde
-
Cayman Islands
-
Central African Republic
-
Chad
-
Chile
-
Colombia
-
Comoros
-
Congo - Brazzaville
-
Congo - Kinshasa
-
Costa Rica
-
Côte d’Ivoire
-
Croatia
-
Curaçao
-
Cyprus
-
Czechia
-
Denmark
-
Djibouti
-
Dominica
-
Dominican Republic
-
Ecuador
-
Egypt
-
El Salvador
-
Equatorial Guinea
-
Eritrea
-
Estonia
-
Eswatini
-
Ethiopia
-
Finland
-
France
-
Gabon
-
Gambia
-
Germany
-
Ghana
-
Greece
-
Grenada
-
Guatemala
-
Guinea
-
Guinea-Bissau
-
Guyana
-
Haiti
-
Honduras
-
Hong Kong SAR
-
Hungary
-
Iceland
-
India
-
Iraq
-
Ireland
-
Israel
-
Italy
-
Jamaica
-
Japan
-
Jordan
-
Kenya
-
Kuwait
-
Latvia
-
Lebanon
-
Lesotho
-
Liberia
-
Libya
-
Liechtenstein
-
Lithuania
-
Luxembourg
-
Madagascar
-
Malawi
-
Mali
-
Malta
-
Mauritania
-
Mauritius
-
Mexico
-
Moldova
-
Monaco
-
Montenegro
-
Morocco
-
Mozambique
-
Namibia
-
Netherlands
-
New Zealand
-
Nicaragua
-
Niger
-
Nigeria
-
Norway
-
Oman
-
Palestinian Territories
-
Panama
-
Paraguay
-
Peru
-
Philippines
-
Poland
-
Portugal
-
Qatar
-
Romania
-
Russia
-
Rwanda
-
San Marino
-
São Tomé & Príncipe
-
Saudi Arabia
-
Senegal
-
Serbia
-
Seychelles
-
Sierra Leone
-
Singapore
-
Sint Maarten
-
Slovakia
-
Slovenia
-
Somalia
-
South Africa
-
South Korea
-
South Sudan
-
Spain
-
St. Lucia
-
St. Vincent & Grenadines
-
Sudan
-
Sweden
-
Switzerland
-
Taiwan
-
Tanzania
-
Togo
-
Trinidad & Tobago
-
Tunisia
-
Türkiye
-
Turks & Caicos Islands
-
Uganda
-
Ukraine
-
United Arab Emirates
-
United Kingdom
-
United States
-
Uruguay
-
Vatican City
-
Venezuela
-
Yemen
-
Zambia
-
Zimbabwe