VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Budget in Alabama include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Alabama, 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 Alabama.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Budget counter in Alabama when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Budget booking in Alabama 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 Alabama 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)
Where are Budget car rental locations in Alabama?
Budget operates 15 locations across Alabama, including counters at five major airports and several city branches.
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
- Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
- Mobile Regional Airport (MOB)
- Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM)
- Tuscaloosa National Airport (TCL)
Beyond airports, Budget has city locations in Anniston, Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Pelham, Prattville, and Tuscaloosa. In Birmingham, Budget operates both the airport counter on Messer Airport Highway and a downtown branch at 2301 Third Ave S. In Montgomery, there is both an airport counter at 4445 Selma Hwy and a city location at 2900 Eastern Blvd.
To confirm which Alabama location best fits your itinerary, check your booking confirmation for the exact address and counter hours before you travel.
What are Budget counter hours at Alabama airports?
Budget counter hours vary by Alabama location, so confirming your specific branch before arrival is important.
- Mobile Regional Airport (MOB): Sunday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Birmingham, Messer Airport Highway: Monday through Sunday, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM): Sunday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Birmingham, Third Ave S (downtown): Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
If your flight arrives outside these windows, Budget offers keydrop service at Mobile Regional Airport for after-hours returns, and the Birmingham downtown branch also accepts after-hours returns. Always review your booking confirmation for the hours that apply to your exact Alabama Budget location, and plan your arrival accordingly to avoid missing the counter.
Does Budget at Birmingham Airport in Alabama offer a shuttle or park-and-fly service?
Yes, Budget at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport offers a courtesy shuttle bus as part of a park-and-fly service for Alabama travelers.
The Budget counter is located inside the terminal at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth, and there is an additional Budget location just down the street on Messer Airport Highway. The park-and-fly option with a courtesy shuttle is available for customers who need to leave their personal vehicle while renting from Budget in Alabama.
When you arrive at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth, follow the car rental signs inside the terminal to reach the Budget counter. If you are returning the vehicle, confirm the drop-off lot address on your rental agreement, as the Messer Airport Highway location operates separately from the in-terminal counter. Always check your booking confirmation for the specific Budget Alabama location assigned to your reservation.
What toll roads will I encounter driving a Budget rental car in Alabama?
Alabama has four main toll roads you may encounter when driving a Budget rental car across the state.
- Montgomery Expressway Bridge (Alabama River Parkway): US$1.50 for standard 2-axle vehicles
- Tuscaloosa Bypass (Joe Mallisham Parkway): US$1.50
- Emerald Mountain Expressway (Dozier Road): US$1.75
- Foley Beach Express Toll Bridge (BEX): US$2.75
Alabama uses the Alabama Freedom Pass as its dedicated transponder system. Unlike many other U.S. states, Alabama toll booths still accept cash and credit or debit cards in addition to the transponder, so cashless-only roads are not a concern here.
Budget rental vehicles in Alabama typically include an electronic toll device. At the counter you can choose an unlimited toll package (generally US$11 to US$25 per day depending on location) or pay per use, in which case Budget will charge the toll amount plus an administrative processing fee to your card after the rental ends. Review the toll program terms carefully before signing your Budget Alabama rental agreement.
What documents do I need to pick up a Budget rental car in Alabama?
To pick up a Budget rental car in Alabama, you must present the following at the counter.
- A valid, original (physical) driver's license in the main driver's name
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, for the security deposit hold
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting Alabama from abroad
If your driver's license uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license. The IDP is a translation only and is not accepted without the original license.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies or photos on a phone are not accepted at the Budget counter in Alabama. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit hold, so bring a major credit card with sufficient available credit.
Can I get tolls cashback on my Budget rental in Alabama?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Budget rentals in Alabama, include Tolls Cashback of up to 5% of your total booking value.
Alabama has four toll roads, including the Tuscaloosa Bypass, the Montgomery Expressway Bridge, the Emerald Mountain Expressway, and the Foley Beach Express Toll Bridge, so you may well incur toll charges during your Alabama trip. Hola Car Rentals will reimburse the lesser of your actual toll costs or 5% of your booking total.
To claim your cashback after returning your Budget rental in Alabama, email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return and include:
- Your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation
- A copy of the rental agreement signed at the Budget counter
- A receipt or statement showing the toll 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.
What is the minimum age to rent a Budget car in Alabama?
The standard minimum age to rent a Budget car in Alabama without a young-renter surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent from Budget in Alabama but will be charged a daily underage fee on top of the base rental rate.
Alabama is one of the states where 19-year-olds may be permitted to rent, though rental companies typically charge higher young-driver fees in those cases. Always confirm the minimum age and surcharge amount for your specific Alabama Budget location before booking.
Drivers under 25 are also restricted from renting certain vehicle classes. Categories such as Full Size, SUV, Minivan, Luxury, and Premium are generally reserved for renters aged 25 and older. Economy, Compact, and Intermediate vehicles are typically available to younger drivers.
One exception applies to travelers from Latin America and the Caribbean aged 21 to 24: eligible Hola Car Rentals rates with Budget may waive the underage fee when the waiver is explicitly shown on the booking confirmation and the vehicle belongs to an eligible category. Check your confirmation carefully or contact support to verify eligibility before your Alabama Budget pickup.
How does the security deposit work for a Budget rental in Alabama?
When you pick up your Budget rental car in Alabama, the counter will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge but it reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after the rental ends.
For standard vehicles rented in the United States, including Alabama, typical holds range from US$300 to US$400. The exact amount depends on the vehicle class, the specific Budget Alabama location, and the length of your rental. Premium or specialty vehicles may carry higher holds.
- Only a major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card is accepted for the deposit
- Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted
- The card must be in the main driver's name
- Ensure your card has sufficient available credit before arriving at the Budget Alabama counter
After you return the vehicle, Budget releases the hold. Your bank or card issuer controls when the funds appear back on your statement, which can take up to 15 business days. Notify your bank of your travel to Alabama to prevent fraud blocks on the in-person authorization.
What insurance options should I consider for a Budget rental in Alabama?
When renting from Budget in Alabama, two main types of protection are worth understanding before you arrive at the counter.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability for damage to the Budget rental vehicle itself, including collision, theft, and vandalism. A deductible may still apply unless your confirmation shows zero excess. CDW and LDW do not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people.
Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the Budget rental in Alabama. Some U.S. states require rental companies to include state-minimum liability, but not all do. Hola Car Rentals strongly recommends adding Liability Insurance Supplementary coverage of up to US$300,000 to your Alabama Budget booking.
- CDW/LDW covers the rental car only
- LIS/ALI/SLI covers third parties, not the rental car
- Neither covers your personal injuries (that requires PAI) or belongings (PEC)
Review your booking confirmation to see which protections are already included in your Alabama Budget rate before accepting or declining anything at the counter.
Can I add an additional driver to my Budget rental in Alabama?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Budget rental in Alabama, either as part of your rate or by paying a fee at the counter.
When the additional driver is not included in your rate, Budget in Alabama charges US$13 per rental day plus taxes, with a maximum cap of US$65 plus taxes for the rental period. Check your booking confirmation to see whether an additional driver is already included before arriving at the counter.
Requirements for adding a driver at any Alabama Budget location:
- The additional driver must be physically present at the Budget counter at pickup
- They must present a valid driver's license and any required ID
- For Budget in Alabama, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement
Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW. If someone drives the Budget vehicle in Alabama without being named on the contract, coverage may be void and additional charges could apply.
What is the fuel policy for Budget rentals in Alabama?
Budget rentals in Alabama follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges.
- At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the Budget agent 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 Alabama return location so the gauge does not drop below full before you arrive
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
If you return the Budget vehicle in Alabama with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a refueling service fee.
For after-hours returns at Alabama Budget locations that offer keydrop service, such as Mobile Regional Airport, leave the fuel receipt in the key envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone as evidence.
Can I pick up a Budget car in Alabama and return it in a different city?
Yes, one-way rentals are available through Budget in Alabama, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your route.
With Budget locations in multiple Alabama cities, including Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa, as well as airport and downtown branches in several of those cities, there are various one-way combinations available within the state. Routes between different cities or regions typically carry a drop-off fee, while same-city airport-to-downtown returns often do not.
The drop-off fee for your specific Alabama Budget route will be shown during the booking process under the section labeled as amounts due at the destination. It is not included in any rate plan and cannot be prepaid through Hola Car Rentals.
- Check the booking details page before confirming your reservation to see whether a drop-off fee applies
- Changing your return location after booking may reprice the rental and recalculate the fee
- Cross-border one-ways out of Alabama may be restricted or carry higher fees depending on Budget partner rules
Always verify the drop-off fee on your booking confirmation before picking up your Budget rental in Alabama.
Does my Budget Alabama booking include travel assistance if something goes wrong on the road?
Yes, most Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Budget rentals in Alabama, include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection at no extra cost.
This benefit is particularly useful if you experience a medical emergency while driving Alabama's highways or rural roads far from a major city. Coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in case of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
To reach assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or contact WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
Important: this travel assistance benefit applies only to non-North American customers. Travelers who are residents of the United States or Canada do not qualify for this coverage, regardless of which Budget location in Alabama they rent from. Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your reservation.
- 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