Budget Car Rental

- 305 E Lewis and Clark Pkwy, Clarksville, IN 47129

For residents of Clarksville, Indiana, and surrounding areas, having access to a reliable car rental service is essential, whether for a family vacation, a business trip, or when a personal vehicle is temporarily out of commission. Budget Car Rental, a well-known name in the rental industry, has a branch conveniently located on E Lewis and Clark Parkway. While Budget generally offers a range of vehicles and services, it's important for local users to be aware of specific experiences at this particular location to make an informed decision about their car rental needs.

This article aims to provide a factual overview of the Budget Car Rental branch at 305 E Lewis and Clark Pkwy, combining general service information with direct insights from recent customer feedback. Understanding these details can help Hoosiers navigate their rental experience more effectively.

Budget Car Rental in Clarksville is located at 305 E Lewis and Clark Pkwy, Clarksville, IN 47129, USA. This address places it on a prominent road, E Lewis and Clark Parkway, which is easily accessible for residents across Clarksville and neighboring communities. Its presence on a main thoroughfare means it's generally straightforward to locate and reach, whether you're driving yourself or getting a ride.

The operating hours for this location are typically: Sunday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; and Saturday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM. It is always recommended to verify the most current operating hours directly with the branch, especially if your plans involve picking up or returning a vehicle near closing times or on holidays, as holiday hours may vary.

Budget also offers a pick-up service, meaning you can call the rental location directly to arrange for them to pick you up. Pick-up service policies (hours of availability, allowable pick-up distance) vary by location, so it's important to call and make arrangements in advance, typically at least 24 hours before your desired rental time.

As a national car rental company, Budget generally provides a variety of services and vehicle options. While experiences at independent licensee locations can sometimes differ from corporate-owned branches, here's what you can generally expect from Budget:

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Budget offers a range of vehicles, including economy, compact, mid-size, and full-size cars for everyday travel. For more specific needs, they typically have SUVs (various sizes), minivans, and trucks. The availability of specific vehicle types can vary, and reservations are always recommended.
• Flexible Rental Periods: Customers can book vehicles for daily, weekly, or long-term rentals (Budget by the Month), offering flexibility for different travel durations and needs, such as temporary vehicle replacements or extended trips.
• Fastbreak Program: For frequent renters, the Fastbreak program is designed to expedite the rental process. Members can proceed directly to the Fastbreak counter to pick up pre-printed contracts and keys, aiming to save time.
• One-Way Rentals: Budget typically offers one-way rental options, allowing customers to pick up a vehicle in Clarksville and return it to a different Budget location, which is convenient for various travel itineraries.
• Optional Protections and Add-ons: Customers can choose from various optional protection products, such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) to cover damage to the rental vehicle, and Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) for third-party liability. Additional amenities like GPS navigation systems, child safety seats, and roadside assistance are often available for rent.
• Fuel Options: Budget provides various fuel options, including paying in advance for a full tank (Fuel Plans), allowing Budget to refuel the vehicle upon return (EZFuel or Refueling Service, with associated charges), or self-refueling by returning the car full.

Customer reviews for Budget Car Rental on E Lewis and Clark Parkway indicate significant concerns that potential renters, especially locals, should be aware of:

• Vehicle Condition & Cleanliness Issues: A major highlight, but a negative one, is the reported poor condition of rental vehicles. One customer received a truck that "had been wrecked," "had a lot more body damage," was "filthy" inside with "spilled drinks all over the inside of the doors," "very dusty," "had a weird smell," and the bed looked like "someone carried dirt and rocks in it." This suggests vehicles are not consistently well-maintained or thoroughly cleaned, despite Budget's general policy stating that "Customers should check the car for body or interior damage, soil or dirt, and to ensure that it is smoke-free."
• Disputed Charges & Fuel Policy Issues: Customers reported being charged more than expected and specifically being falsely accused of not filling up the gas tank upon return, despite evidence to the contrary. Budget's standard fuel policy offers options for customers to avoid refueling charges by returning the car full. The alleged failure to honor these terms and the imposition of unexpected fees are significant concerns.
• Rude and Unapologetic Owner/Staff: Both reviews directly mention rude behavior from the owner. One customer stated, "he basically blamed us for not taking a better look at the truck before we took it." Another reported the owner was "rude and would not honor the details in the reservation to pre-pay the gas at a specified rate," stating, "He never apologized" and showed "no concern at all." This directly contradicts the expectation of professional and courteous customer service.
• Lack of Accountability/Independent Location: The owner reportedly stated, "he was the owner. Independent location," when a customer wanted to file a complaint. This highlights that while it operates under the Budget name, it may be an independently owned franchise, which can complicate corporate intervention for customer issues.
• Reservation Honoring Issues: One customer was told by the owner that a "new" employee didn't know what they were doing regarding a pre-paid gas reservation, and the owner "would-not honor even after reviewing my documentation and reservation." This suggests a potential lack of consistency in honoring reservation details.

These issues paint a concerning picture, particularly regarding vehicle quality, transparency in billing, and the overall customer service experience at this specific location.

For direct communication with the Budget Car Rental branch on E Lewis and Clark Parkway in Clarksville, you can use the following details:

• Address: 305 E Lewis and Clark Pkwy, Clarksville, IN 47129, USA
• Phone: (812) 944-4467
• Mobile Phone: +1 812-944-4467

Given the nature of the customer feedback, it is highly advisable for potential renters to meticulously document the vehicle's condition (inside and out) with photos or videos at pick-up and drop-off, keep all receipts, especially for fuel, and clarify all charges and policies in writing before taking the vehicle.

For residents of Clarksville, Indiana, and those in the surrounding Southern Indiana region, Budget Car Rental on E Lewis and Clark Parkway presents significant reasons for extreme caution when considering their car rental needs. While it bears the well-known Budget name and offers the convenience of a local branch, the recent customer reviews highlight severe and recurring issues that directly impact the customer's experience, financial integrity, and safety.

The reported problems with receiving dirty, damaged, or uninspected vehicles, combined with allegations of unfair extra charges and an uncooperative, unapologetic owner, paint a deeply concerning picture. The statement that it is an "independent location" further complicates seeking resolution through corporate channels, leaving locals potentially vulnerable to a frustrating and costly experience. Therefore, from a local user's perspective, while the convenience of location exists, the pervasive and serious negative feedback strongly suggests that this particular Budget Car Rental branch might not be a suitable choice for a stress-free and reliable car rental in Indiana. Locals should proceed with extreme caution and consider alternative options.

Budget Car Rental

305 E Lewis and Clark Pkwy, Clarksville, IN 47129, USA