Whether you’re renting a car for a family vacation, or you need to rent a truck because you’re moving, you want to make your journey as stress-free as possible. Unfortunately, even the most careful drivers can’t always avoid flat tires, dead batteries, or other vehicle issues. The good news is that when you rent a car or truck from Budget, you can take advantage of roadside assistance that will have you back on the road in no time. Here is your guide to Budget’s roadside assistance program.
Why Rent a Car or Truck From Budget?
Many consumers choose to rent a car or moving truck from Budget for the following reasons:
- Customers who book and pay in advance can receive a 35% discount
- Most customers are able to book a car within 60 seconds, thanks to Budget’s quick reservation process
- Budget has a diverse fleet of moving trucks, making it easy for customers to find a truck that suits their needs
Budget Roadside Assistance for Rental Cars
When you rent a car, pickup truck, or SUV from a participating Budget location in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you have the option of purchasing an extended roadside assistance plan. The plan includes the following services:
- Towing
- Key replacement/locksmith services
- Battery jump-start
- Flat tire changes and replacements
- Fuel delivery
Additional charges may apply for certain services. For example, if you lose your rental car keys and Budget delivers another set to your location, you’ll have to pay for the replacement keys. Budget may also charge you for replacement tires, depending on the circumstances that lead to you needing a replacement. If you run out of fuel, Budget will send you a separate bill to cover the cost for 3 gallons.
Budget Truck Rental Roadside Assistance
Budget also offers a roadside assistance plan for moving truck rentals. For an additional fee, you can purchase truck roadside assistance and take advantage of:
- Flat tire changes
- Rim replacement
- Key replacement/lockout services
- Windshield and side-window damage
- Battery jump-start
- Towing (excluding collisions)
- Fuel delivery (up to $10 worth of fuel)
If you need to use a Budget moving truck to tow your personal vehicle and rent a car carrier or tow dolly from Budget, then you’re eligible for Auto Tow Protection (ATP). When you purchase Budget ATP, Budget will cover the loss of or damage to your personal vehicle in the following circumstances:
- Fire or explosion
- Flooding
- Windstorms, cyclones, tornadoes, or hail
- Landslides
- An overturned rental truck or overturned towing equipment
- Collision with a vehicle or object
Budget will reimburse you on an actual cash value basis up to $20,000, minus a $500 deductible per loss. Your protection is null and void if you allow an unauthorized driver to operate the truck, tamper with the truck in any way, or use the truck for illegal purposes.
How To Reach Budget Roadside Assistance
Budget roadside assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rental car customers can call 800-354-2847, while truck rental customers can call 800-423-1640. After contacting roadside assistance, Budget recommends that you remain in the vehicle unless it isn’t safe to do so. Make sure to lock your doors and turn on your vehicle hazard lights.
Should You Purchase Budget Roadside Assistance?
If you’re renting a car, you might not need to purchase Budget roadside assistance. If you have a membership with AAA or another roadside assistance provider, your plan should already cover rental cars. Depending on your insurance provider, they might also offer roadside assistance for rental cars. Check your policy to ensure that you’re not paying extra for coverage you already have. Most car insurance companies and roadside assistance providers don’t cover large moving trucks, so if you’re renting a Budget moving truck, it makes sense to purchase Budget roadside assistance.
What To Do if Your Rental Car Breaks Down
Whether you rent a car from Budget or another rental car company, there are steps you should always take if your rental car breaks down:
- Contact emergency services if the vehicle is at risk of catching fire.
- Contact the rental agency if you didn’t purchase their roadside assistance plan.
- If you do have a roadside assistance plan from the rental agency, call the roadside assistance hotline.
- While you wait for assistance, remain in the vehicle unless it isn’t safe to do so, and make sure your hazard lights are on.
If you have third-party roadside assistance coverage, you should still contact the rental agency first. Most rental contracts stipulate that you contact the agency as soon as possible. The rental agency might permit you to use your third-party plan. If that’s the case, you should ask about reimbursements. Ensure you get the rental agency’s approval before contacting your service provider. Using your own plan without permission voids any reimbursements you might have gotten from the agency, and you might have to pay additional penalty fees.
Should You Purchase a Third-Party Roadside Assistance Plan?
If you frequently rent cars for leisure travel, purchasing a third-party roadside assistance plan might make sense. Most providers offer travel-friendly perks on top of standard assistance services. For example, an AAA membership can get you discounts on your rental car, discounts on attraction tickets, and no-fee traveler’s checks. Plus, you will always have the same roadside assistance plan no matter where you go or who you rent from.
Remember, the more time you spend on the road, the more likely you will get a flat tire, lock your keys in the car, or run out of gas. While rental car companies limit roadside assistance, purchasing an upper-tier plan from a third party can grant you more flexibility and services.
If your insurance company provides roadside assistance for rental vehicles, you might receive a discount for bundling a roadside assistance plan with your car insurance policy. Remember that using your insurance provider’s roadside assistance coverage may count as an insurance claim. Frequent usage might result in a premium increase.
It’s easy to see why drivers choose Budget when they need to rent a car or a moving truck. Whatever your rental needs are, Budget can provide you with the right vehicle and protection plans to give you peace of mind.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
