Thread: Budget Car Rental Warning

We received a complaint from a user who used the Nonrev Network to rent a car for Lisbon. When he declined the collision damage waiver they placed 12,000 Euro (15,333 USD !?) hold on his credit card as a deposit. No other members of the large group he was traveling with was given a similar hold by their car rental companies. He also had coverage through his car insurance as well as credit card. At the location he was advised it was local law. When complaining to Budget later via e-mail they just advised that it was local policy and he should have been advised by the travel partner who accepted the booking.

In February I declined the collision damage waiver from Budget in the Dominican Republic and a 25,000 RDS ($770)hold was placed on my card. I had even paid AX a fee for full primary coverage before leaving the US because my auto insurance would not cover me outside the US. I thought it was just a requirement in that country. They did not advise it was because I declined coverage.

Here is what is currently on Budget's web "Common Questions":

Do you require a deposit to rent a vehicle?
Yes. Your deposit type, amount and method of payment will vary by Budget location. In most U.S. corporate-owned locations, a hold of $300 (in Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia it's $400) or total estimated charges (whichever is greater) will be placed on your credit/debit card at the time of rental. It's perfectly fine if you choose not to return the car on or before your scheduled return date, but we will place up to three additional holds on your card (depending on how long you keep the car) to cover expected rental charges. Upon your return of the car, all holds will be released, and the actual cost of the rental will be charged. Please note that your bank may take up to two weeks to post the released credit hold to your card. Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for any returned checks due to debit card hold processing.

Canadian rentals at corporate-owned locations require a credit card hold of $300 CAD for the first day, and $75 CAD for each additional day. Other countries and licensee-owned locations may vary.

To receive your quoted rate, some airport locations also might require you to present your airline ticket or boarding pass when you pick up your car. For full details, be sure to read the helpful terms and conditions that appear on steps 3 and 4 in the online reservation process and on your reservation confirmation page and/or e-mail.
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I also tried initiating a reservation for Lisbon but was not advised of any such fee, at least not prior to confirming.

Has anyone experienced this with Budget?

Have you experienced it with any other car rental companies?