Budget Rent A Car Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Budget Rent A Car offers affordable car rental services, providing a wide selection of vehicles and convenient rental options for travelers and locals alike.

Budget Rent A Car is a leading international car rental brand known for affordable, reliable service. Founded in 1958 by Morris Mirkin in Los Angeles, California, the company began with a fleet of just 10 vehicles aimed at cost-conscious travelers.

In 1960, Mirkin partnered with Jules Lederer to form Budget Rent A Car Corporation, which rapidly expanded through franchising. Today, Budget is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, and operates as a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group.

Budget began franchising in 1960, enabling rapid national and international growth. By offering lower rates and operating from off-airport locations, the brand appealed to value-conscious customers.

Budget’s core offerings include rental services for cars, trucks, and vans, catering to both leisure and business travelers. The company differentiates itself through competitive pricing, a wide range of vehicle options, and customer-focused programs like the Budget Business Program, which offers corporate discounts and complimentary Fastbreak service.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial License Purchase Fee $30,000
Construction, remodeling, decorating, and leasehold improvements $15,000–$50,000
Furniture, fixtures, other fixed assets, and equipment $15,000–$28,000
Signage $10,000–$25,000
3 months’ rent and security deposits $9,000–$18,000
Vehicle Insurance Premiums $15,000–$37,500
Grand opening advertising and promotional costs $2,000–$5,000
Office supplies $500–$2,000
Miscellaneous opening costs $1,000–$3,000
Automobiles $450,000–$1,290,000 plus interest
Travel and living expenses during training $3,000–$7,500
Additional funds—three months $55,000–$72,400
Total Estimated Initial Investment $605,500–$1,568,400
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial License Purchase Fee $30,000
Construction, remodeling, decorating, and leasehold improvements $15,000–$50,000
Furniture, fixtures, other fixed assets, and equipment $15,000–$28,000
Signage $10,000–$25,000
3 months’ rent and security deposits $9,000–$18,000
Vehicle Insurance Premiums $15,000–$37,500
Grand opening advertising and promotional costs $2,000–$5,000
Office supplies $500–$2,000
Miscellaneous opening costs $1,000–$3,000
Automobiles $450,000–$1,290,000 plus interest
Travel and living expenses during training $3,000–$7,500
Additional funds—three months $55,000–$72,400
Total Estimated Initial Investment $605,500–$1,568,400

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Budget Rent A Car offers a comprehensive training program designed to ensure franchisees and their team members are fully equipped to operate their locations effectively. The training is primarily digital, allowing flexible access, and must be completed to the franchisor’s satisfaction.

  1. Web-Based Training via Workday Learning: Franchisees, their General Manager, and other approved employees must complete online training programs that are accessible on any web-enabled device. These sessions are mandatory and designed to cover essential operational knowledge.
  2. Manuals and Support Materials: The franchisor provides detailed manuals that include administrative and operational procedures. These materials are used in conjunction with the online training to ensure consistent standards.
  3. On-the-Job Instruction: Practical training is incorporated to reinforce digital learning. Franchisees and their staff gain hands-on experience to better understand daily tasks and customer service expectations.

Territory Protection

Budget Rent A Car does not grant exclusive territory rights to its franchisees. While franchisees may be assigned a general area for operations, the franchisor retains the right to establish other Budget locations or distribution channels within or near that area.

This means franchisees might face competition from other Budget franchisees, corporate-owned locations, or different channels under the same brand. The lack of territorial exclusivity also allows Budget to maintain flexibility in strategic placement and market coverage.

However, franchisees are still expected to meet sales quotas and development milestones within their operating area as outlined in the agreement. This structure allows Budget to grow its brand presence while franchisees compete under uniform standards.

Competitors

Below are some of

Budget Rent A Car

key competitors in the

Other Automotive

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

174

New
+
-8%
-8%

$45,000

$626,000

$1,588,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Dollar Rent A Car

Dollar Rent A Car is a car rental franchise offering affordable vehicle rental services to both leisure and business travelers. Franchisees benefit from a recognized brand and a business model designed for operational efficiency.

Franchisees

?

68
+
10%
10%
Investment

?

$879,000 - $15,874,000

Budget Rent A Car

Budget Rent A Car offers affordable car rental services, providing a wide selection of vehicles and convenient rental options for travelers and locals alike.

Franchisees

?

174
+
-8%
-8%
Investment

?

$626,000 - $1,588,000

Ziebart

Automotive detailing and protection franchise providing services such as car detailing, rust protection, and window tinting, helping customers maintain and protect their vehicles.

Franchisees

?

85
+
-1%
-1%
Investment

?

$450,000 - $924,000

U-Save Car and Truck Rental

U-Save Car and Truck Rental offers affordable car and truck rental services, providing transportation solutions for individuals and businesses.

Franchisees

?

71
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$165,000 - $1,520,000

Turbo Tint

Turbo Tint specializes in automotive window tinting services, offering quick and professional installations with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction.

Franchisees

?

17
+
42%
42%
Investment

?

$296,000 - $415,000

TravelCenters of America

TravelCenters of America provides a range of services for travelers, including fuel, food, and convenience items, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

Franchisees

?

14
+
17%
17%
Investment

?

$7,423,000 - $49,717,000