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Budget Rent A Car Profile

Budget Rent A Car

www.budgetinternational.com

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1.6

Overall reputation rating based on reviews and complaints

Budget Rent A Car earns a 1.6-star rating from 16 reviews and 483 complaints, indicating that most renters are dissatisfied with rental experience.

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Budget Rent A Car Complaints Page 10 of 25

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I
8:31 pm UTC

Budget Rent A Car over charge for rental car plus smell of smoke in the car, especially back seat

First time renter. The car was received at the Daytona Beach airport. Unbeknownst to me the previous renter was a heavy smoker. A sticker on the door states that if you smoke in this vehicle you will receive a $450 fine. This was disregarded, apparently and the car was rented without proper cleaning. Shortage of vehicles did not allow for an exchange. Both my wife and I are hypersensitive to cigarette smoke. We rented the car on July 25, 2022 through Aug. 1, 2022 and returned the vehicle 2 days early. We drove the car less than 50 miles but the receptionist wrote down 108 miles. When we rented the car we were not told where to bring it back or what info was going to be needed upon return. We felt like we should have been reimbursed for at least one day's payment for the rental. Then we were told that the rates were based on a weekly rental, not daily but that information was not given to us at the time of the rental. Because of the pandemic, we have stayed home almost all of the past 2 1/2 years and now are planning to take a few trips, but we will be reluctant to use or recommend Budget.

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F
6:25 pm UTC
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Budget Rent A Car Budget Truck Rental Service

The original agreed upon amount was $71.06 including truck rental and mileage. Upon returning the box truck, the Budget Truck customer service representative refused to complete a walk-through/inspection of the truck. I was told things were "All set" and was sent away. Budget Truck Rental then proceeded to charge my account twice for two amounts that were not agreed upon. When I contacted the corporate office the CSR stated it would be best to handle matters at the physical location. Once I arrived at the location I was made to deal with two different representatives. One requested I bring back a copy of the gas receipt. When I returned with the requested receipt, another CSR was there and took over. The new CSR stated he "took a photo" that would prove otherwise. The photo did not provide the actual truck nor any detail connecting the truck I had rented to the said "photo". I requested a copy of the inspection report. Once I viewed the inspection report it was not signed, dated nor completed for the return of the truck. The CSR at the location stated it would just need to be a "trust" system. As I do not work for Budget Rental nor do I know any of the employees personally, I find it highly unprofessional and unsafe to "trust" people who should be conducting a business. My account has been charged twice for two different amounts and neither charge is accurate nor agreed upon.

Desired outcome: I would appreciate an appropriate refund.

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N
5:50 pm UTC

Budget Rent A Car Car rental [protected]

I have had a rental car for now 8 weeks this coming Saturday. I had to have a new car 3 weeks ago due to license were expired and I needed a new contract. Ok when I set up this contract I have right now they used the wrong card when it was inputted due to I paid the other one with the debit card but I told the guy that I wanted the credit card on the new contract which did not happen. So I have had money held on my credit card that is not for the car rental but that's not the worst problem that can be dealt with, its the fact that you have take WAY more money then was suppose to take. I have never been late calling in to extend and if you look on my last contract for June I never missed a calling not once and I have NEVER missed calling on Saturday, One Saturday I had to call 7 times due to no one could seem to find my contract another issue was they had someone else's phone number on the contract that I don't know. So I'm told that I'm being charged late fee which should of never happened, YOU have tried to repo the car for no reason at all and the driver accused me of smoking in the car which I DO NOT smoke and that someone else was driving it, well the car was parked no one was driving it when they pulled up. If my friend hadn't been outside they would of taken my car. I went in that day to the office and was told that I owed for two weeks which should not of been the case I only owed for one week and I was in there to rectify the problem which wasn't my fault. This second contract has been a nightmare. On Monday when I went to office it was to make payment and change the card on file but it wouldn't work and the man in that runs the office at 8008 Hosbrook Rd Cincinnati, Ohio tried to help me and he called and they told him to run it and change it the next business day, so I left and he called me the next day, but before this could be resolved you all took $1003.00 from my account or put it on hold, That is my RENT and it needs paid by the first of August or I will get an eviction three days later and I have never been late making my payments and if this happens I will be getting an attorney. Hopefully the car will be back by Saturday I'm in process of buying a new car but these funds need to be release ASAP and the late fee charges removed as I have never been late on any of it, the late fees were your representatives error for not doing their jobs and extending my contracts when I call. I AM FURIOUS with your company and I will be consulting an attorney if this is not corrected asap. I work for the federal government I pay my bills and I make good money I have no reason not to pay for something that I received usage for. I have tried to call everyday all day long since Monday and no one will answer the phone in your prevention department so I'm writing this and I expect get a response or it will be my attorney contacting you. Call me at [protected] which is what I prefer.

Desired outcome: A telephone call asap, late fees removed and my account corrected. [protected] Nancy Upshaw

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T
11:11 pm UTC
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Budget Rent A Car Car service light problems while rentaing a car on July 20-23, 2022.

While renting a car in Boston on July 21,2022 the service light came on that said tire pressure was low. Air was put in the tire, the light came back on about 20 minutes later. Had a blow out at 11 that night . ( driver side rear tire) Tire replaced with the spare one. The next day I did a Roadside Assistance tire damage report .( claim #[protected])

The service light also came on that said Oil change needed soon. I called the Roadsidee Assistance Department and was given a choice, take the car to Pep Boys and get an oil change and I would be reimbursed for what was paid for the oil change, or take the car to a Budget near by and get another car. I decided to get another car. Roxie called a Budget in advance to see if they had a car available and was told they had some, but when I get to the location given, there were no cars available. ( dispatch ID # [protected]) I then took the car to Pep Boys. They checked the oil level to see if it was safe enough to drive. I was told that the tire was damaged badly because the tire pressure gauge was set too high. I got a new tire because I did not feel safe driving on the spare one.

The tire blowout in the middle of nowhere was very dangerous and frightening. ( 11 at night)

This whole ordeal took 1&1/2 day and 1/2 night from my vacation time.

Desired outcome: Total reimbursement for car rental because because my vacation was interrupted by car issues that should have been taken care of before renting the car out.

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2:55 pm UTC
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Budget Rent A Car Item left in rental car by mistake

I rented a van from Reagan National Airport on Saturday, July 17 and returned it on July 18th (Rental agreement [protected]). Unbeknown to me until July 19 that I had left my EZ Pass transformer in the vehicle. Could not reach anyone at the local number location all day to make them aware of it. I do believe the phone was taken off the hook. I was going to go back to the airport on Wednesday, however, I got an email stating that my EZ pass balance was negative which meant, whomever, cleaned out that van did not turn my transformer into lost and found but took it and used it.

Needless to say, your employees are not trustworthy. I have since had the transformer deactivated, however, I had to pay the negative balance created by your employee. Not sure I will be using your company again for my rental needs.

Shelia Clayton-Poindexter

Desired outcome: Some kind of compensation...free rental day or something!

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A
2:06 pm UTC

Budget Rent A Car Being overcharged for service not ordered. Asking for a refund. Also did receive discounts that was suppose to be given.

We rented 3 trucks from budget and didn’t take insurance, but was charged with the third truck and also rented a car that never received the discount given for being USAA members. We contacted budget, because when I went to pick up the truck, I have my husband to be credit card and they told me that I needed to put a card with my name on it, and it would not be charged and when we closed it out, they would contact us to know how we wanted to pay it, his card or cash, but we turned the truck in at the mall as they close but said leave the keys, but it was automatically charged and I would have never given them my card because, but because they said it wouldn’t be charged, I did. Otherwise I would have left and come back with my husband. We have a legal shield department that tried several times contacting them, but they wouldn’t respond. We open a case with USAA with the information and it took over 3 months to receive information from budget and they didn’t even send all the information and paperwork needed. The employee did verify that we didn’t want insurance and was the one told me and I was there when they told out her people that putting a card on the account does not charge it. And again we were not contacted, just immediately process. We made many phone calls, but no customer service at all. Also when we were over charged and contacted them they also didn’t give the discount for the truck, but did refund that to USAA, but did not refund the charge on the truck insurance or other discount that was suppose to be given. Very poor customer service, tried calling many times being patient and trying to resolve this issue. Ask for paperwork needed because the paperwork they did send only a few could not hardly be read. Continued contacting them and again being very patient, hoping to resolve these unauthorized charges and not reserving the discounts that we was suppose to get. I do need help. The over amount was over 2,000 dollars. I appreciate your help. This happened in West Ashley, Charleston, S.C. But most of all reply was from their customer service. The young lady that helped in Charleston was good and knew we didn’t authorize insurance, and tried helping correct this issue. But after speaking to the manager she wouldn’t as well as the customer service department not in Charleston, thanks for your help.

Desired outcome: To be refunded and for them to correct the error they caused.

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J
12:57 pm UTC

Budget Rent A Car being over charged

This is my rental agreement [protected] I rented a hyndia elantra or similar and was given a nissan sentra and was told it was an intermediate car, When I returned the card I was charged for an upgraded car. This is the 2md time in a row this has happened with Budget at the same location with the same guy. I want a refund immediately. I feel like the agent is scamming me for more momey which is a reflection of budget. I love renting with Budget but do not feel that I can trust renting anymore.

Desired outcome: I want a refund

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R
5:14 pm UTC
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Budget Rent A Car Rental car — boston airport

We rented a car from Budget last month: picked it up at Boston Logan airport on June 17 and drove 90 miles to our destination in NH. It was only after we reached our destination that we realized the car (a Prius) was nearly out of gas and the windshield fluid reservoir was empty. When we returned the car on June 20, we went to the customer service desk to tell them about the gas and windshield fluid problems. The agent we spoke to told us we would receive a credit for 9 gallons of gas plus $25 for our inconvenience ($72.13 total) and that this credit would be applied to our credit card within 5 business days. We waited 10 days, but no credit appeared on our Visa, so we called Budget Customer Service. The customer service agent ("Carlos") who answered our call looked up our record and initially told us that because the agent at Logan Airport had entered the amount we were to be refunded as a "Non-refundable Prepay" instead of a credit, we wouldn't be receiving any reimbursement from Budget. After arguing with him for 15 minutes, Carlos finally agreed to give us a $45 credit, which at least covered what we paid for gas. We did receive the $45.

We have received good service when we have rented cars from Budget in the past, but after this most recent experience, we will probably be renting from a different company when we travel somewhere in the future.

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G
10:00 pm UTC

Budget Rent A Car Car rental-registration expired

on 6/28, I rented an SUV from JFK airport location; one hour into vacation, I received a ticket for expired reg and officer was going to tow the vehicle but gave me a break with the understanding, I'd resolve and not drive the vehicle.

For two hrs, I was on the phone unable to reach a rep or was transferred till call was dropped so next day, had to return to JFK airport wasting valuable vacation time and different direction than family and I were scheduled.

They switched the vehicle and I was on my way tickets unresolved.

Once home, I tried once again to reach customer service only to waste another 2 hrs and just frustration.

How does a major rental company not audit and maintain compliance on vehicles and then rent to customers?

Aggravation and frustration-

Desired outcome: Budget must pay ticket and service recovery if I use them again-recognize the frustration and oversight

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J
2:01 pm UTC
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Budget Rent A Car Budget Terminal was not open to pick up car.

Back on Friday night/Saturday morning (June24th/25th), my son and I had a late flight from Chicago to Columbus, Ohio. My flight information was provided with my rental car reservation. Our flight was delayed by 30 minutes, planned arrival was 12:50 am and we arrive around 1:20 am. Terminals normal hours are 1 am or when last flights arrived, from what we were told by the agent the next morning. We took the rental car shuttle bus to the terminal for which no one was there to let you our of the garage. There were at least eight groups of people in the same situation as I was in and they were from different flights. Needless to say we all had to find hotel rooms at 1:30 am and change our itinerary for the weekend. I had to pay a higher rate for the hotel near the airport. I would like a refund on my rental car reservation 10761649US3 to cover the additional expenses that I incurred due to the Budget employee(s) leaving working early and leaving 15 plus people stranded and having to make alternate plans. What is funny, the rental car shuttle bus was still running at this time but the terminal was closed! We spoke to the bus driver and an airport cop and they have said that this isn't the first time this terminal has had employees leave early and left people stranded.

Jeff Richardson

[protected]@gmail.com

Desired outcome: Please refund me my rental car charges to cover my additional expenses.

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S
11:16 am UTC
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Budget Rent A Car Car rental

I rented a car through priceline from Budget and the drop off location was incorrect. Priceline advised that I needed to contact budget once I called budget they told me that they changed the drop off location. When I went to pick up the vehicle I found out the drop off location had not been changed and the clerk advised me to go ahead and take the vehicle and then call your 1800 number and they would change the drop off location no problem. When I called I was advised by the cust ser. rep he had taken care of it. I called bak to verify and was told it had not been taken care of and there would be a 300.00 fee and then I spoke to a supervisor named Amanda and she advised me that she would give me a 60% discount on the return fee because I was dropping it off at a different location. I advised her I did not want the charge going to my corporate card which you had on file and she advised no problem I could pay when I dropped it off. When I went to drop of the vehicle in TN they had no record of the vehicle supposed to being dropped off there and also advised I could not change the payment method and would have to call your customer service and they charged me over 400 to my corporate card. I called billing and was told no problem we can change the payment method I gave them the card I wanted it charged to and today I get a message from my employer that you have charged my corporate card which I specifically said I did not want it charged to. I need to speak to someone asap

Desired outcome: I would like to be refunded the 364.00 that my card was charged because I should not have been charged also the billing error which could potentially cause me issues with my employment if I do not get this handled.

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M
8:03 pm UTC
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Budget Rent A Car Car smells like weed

The car smells like a carload of weed travelled from Fl to Ca. They said swap cars by going back to the airport.

So stop me vacay…….

Desired outcome: Bring ME a replacement car where I am

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D
7:55 am UTC

Budget Rent A Car Car rental

We rented a car at phx airport on June 17 2022 reservation number 07882798USO I waited in line for about an hour got paperwork went to get van

Saw it had scratches and dents took pictures filled out form letting them know

As I left the garage I noticed a huge crack in passenger side windshield

Had to take van back, dents and scratches one thing but this was a unsafe van and never should of have been rented

What kind of safety checks are done on your cars

We then had to wait another hour to get another car

Customer service associate was wonderful he did a great job

Desired outcome: I would like a refund for my time and stress Thank you Richard guilfoyle

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8:40 pm UTC
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Budget Rent A Car Truck breakdown and refund

TRUCK#: 616322

REF [protected]

[T28702109]

On 05/28/22 I rented a Budget Truck for a one-day rental to move household goods. The truck broke down a few hours later due to a missing timing belt. Roadside assistance on site stated lack of maintenance. I stayed in a hotel for three days with no replacement or repair with my household goods towed away at a random tow lot. I had to return to residence on 05/30/22 due to military duty. Budget towed the broken vehicle to my residence on 05/31/22 and then towed it away on 06/01/22. Budget charged me 452.07 for mileage and 5 days of rental use even though the vehicle has been broken since day 1. I was then told that they will not pay for the entirety of hotel expenses, nor food expenses. They also stated they will not reimburse my trip back to Jacksonville, the clothes I had to buy, nor the deposit I lost for the movers waiting for me to return. We never got to use the intended move time and services were not rendered yet they over-charged me and are not reimbursing expenses. Communication barely exists and they're ignoring me despite repeated e-mail attempts.

Desired outcome: I want a full reimbursement of food expenses ($130.06), hotel charge ($380.07), and what budget charged ($452.07) for a total of: $962.83.

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1:48 am UTC
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Budget Rent A Car Charged for 16 Hours less Rental

I pre-booked a car from Budget on April the 7th 2022 for pickup on the 27th May 2022 at Perth Airport.

I had pre-paid a total of $855.00 to pickup on the 27th May and return on the 5th of June.

I had to change the pickup time to 12:00pm on the 28th of May because my flight had changed. I was notified by Budget that I would have to pay an extra $490.00 for 16 hours less rental.

This cannot be justified with 'base rates' used as an excuse from Budget.

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10:47 am UTC
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Budget Rent A Car Overcharged

[protected]

April 17 9AM -April 20 10PM

Original Price: 121

Charged: 1124

Late Fee: 104 per day

Why am I being double charged for this booking? When I called to extend my trip this was not close to price I was given for adding the extra days.

Desired outcome: Refunded for the amount I was overcharged

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F
6:54 pm UTC

Budget Rent A Car The Car was filthy in and out. The windshield was dirty to the point of unsafe.

I picked up the car at the Orlando airport garage. When approaching the car, I noticed it was unwashed. When I entered the car, I noticed the windshield was dirty to the point of unsafe. Then noticed what looked like milk or Ice cream stains on the rear seat. For me to get another car I would have to take my luggage back to the terminal and wait in the line again. So being I had a deadline I drove the car to the nearest service station and cleaned the windshield. When I returned the car, I told the attendant at the Budget counter about the issue. He offered a compassion refund, but I never got it. I have rented many Budget cars in the past and never had an issue. I will list the information I have below.

Reservation number [protected]-us6

Budget car#[protected]

Plate # FL LDPV56

Sincerely Frank Verdolotti

[protected]

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3:16 am UTC
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Budget Rent A Car Inability to Honor Pre-booked Reservation

I made a rental car reservation over a week in advance so I could travel to my grandmother’s funeral. I received multiple confirmation emails, and yet when I arrived (5/4/22), I was told they had no cars available. I had walked 20 minutes from my hotel with my bags to the rental location (700 West 7th St, Los Angeles, CA) only to be told they couldn’t help me. They left me completely stranded outdoors in an unfamiliar city without shelter and denied me the transportation they had previously promised. The clerk offered no help, no sympathy, and no suggestions as to how to get transportation. Due to the abject incompetence of this location, I had to book a last minute flight in order to get to my grandmother’s funeral. I hope Budget never again puts a customer through what I had to endure today. I’d be happy to provide any additional details to a Budget rep.

Desired outcome: I’d like for Budget to cover the cost of my plane ticket, which was $351.60.

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5:44 pm UTC
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Budget Rent A Car Customer service representatives

On April 28, 2022 at approximately 1:00 PM I went to the Budget rental counter at the Atlanta Airport. I spoke to a representative who was very professional and offered great customer service. However, she then expressed that my truck would not be ready for an hour. I informed the representative that I reserved a compact car. She told me that would not be a problem and she would work on the misunderstanding but it would still be one hour before my car would be ready. I reserved and paid up front for a compact car. After 45 minutes I walked up to the counter and asked where I stood in line to receive my rental car. I was told by another associate that I was next. After watching three customers walk up to the counter and receive paperwork for their cars I once again asked if my rental car was ready? The associate I spoke to this time was rude not helpful and told me that I reserved a truck and that's what I was getting. I asked to speak to the manager and a gentleman named Charles walked up to the counter. I informed Charles of my problem and he told me that there was nothing he would do about it. Not, couldn't do anything about it, wouldn't. Charles became rude and would not consider my request. I tried to show him my reservation and he refused to look at it. I asked for his supervisor and he told me he didn't have a supervisor. An unknown person whom was also waiting for a car gave me the airport managers name which I have. I was never able to speak to him directly because when I asked Charles if I could speak to Dennis the manger Charles told me he was at lunch and probably wouldn't return. I telephoned Budget and made a complaint. As of today, I have not heard back from anyone at your company regarding my complaint. Subsequently, I received a Ram truck 4x4. I would like to speak to someone regarding this issue. Charles and the associate had the worst customer service that I have ever encountered by a service industry representative in my life.

Desired outcome: Suspension or termination!

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Update by Dan Ornelas
May 03, 2022 6:12 pm UTC

On April 28, 2022, at approximately 1:00 PM I approached the the Budget counter to obtain my rental car that I reserved and pre paid. I was told that my rental car would not be ready for at least an hour. I was also told that I was going to get a truck that I rented. My rental reservation number 07142673US6 was for a compact car, not a truck. I attempted to resolve the issue but was told there was nothing they would do to assist me. Both Charles and the associate were rude and never tried to resolve my car issue. I asked Charles who his supervisor was and Charles told me that he didn't have a boss but the rental car airport manager was at lunch and was not going to return to the airport. I was given a lifted Ram 4x4 truck and not the compact car that I reserved. Charles told me I could cancel my reservation but he couldn't guarantee that I would be compensated. I was irate but had no recourse because I needed to be at a function. I called and filed a complaint over the phone and spoke to a very nice and professional person but never received a call or an e-mail. This was the very worst customer service that I have ever had at any time with a service delivery associate.

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Bonita Cooper
Omaha, US
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Dec 30, 2022 1:50 am UTC

I had a combination (to some degree) of all the negative experiences listed in the reviews. My own review coming. If you all knew what I know, you wouldn't rent.

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3:46 am UTC

Budget Rent A Car Reimbursement after car collision

Hi,

On March this year we traveled to Ireland for Holidays. In my return to the airport I was parked in a gas station when a third vehicle hit my rental car in the front, nothing big, however, the painting was damage.

The third vehicle driver gave me all details related to his insurance, which I it passed to Budget rental cars.

After almost 2 months, I'm waiting for my reimbursement, they charged to me all repairs for the rental car saying the money will be back once the third insurance pay for the damage, until now, nobody from Budged is answering my emails and phone calls.

Details about the rental car agreement:

Vehicle: CORSA UNLEADED

Reg No: 191D42211 B06625 GREY

AS SIGNED CONDITION REPORT

Out DueIn

Location: DA DA

Date: 11−03−22 14−03−22

Time: 16:08 14:00

Odometer: 60251

Contract: DA522395

Thanks

DA522395

Desired outcome: Reimbursement of cost reparations

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About Budget Rent A Car

Budget Rent a Car offers a range of rental vehicles, including cars, vans, and trucks, to accommodate various transportation needs. Customers can book vehicles for different durations, from short-term rentals to longer leases. Additional services such as insurance options, roadside assistance, and car seats are available. The company operates in multiple countries, providing options for local and international travel.
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