Does Avis impose any charges for providing or installing hand controls in its rental vehicles, according to the Budget franchise agreement?
Budget Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- Avis will not impose any charge for providing or installing hand controls in its rental vehicles.
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- Avis will train an adequate number of mechanics or other employees in the proper installation of vehicle hand controls, and at least one such employee will be trained at any location at which a mechanic is employed. Likewise, similar instruction will be incorporated as part of the formal training undertaken by newly-hired mechanics and other appropriate employees.
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- When no person trained in the proper installation of hand controls is available at a particular location, Avis shall make appropriate alternative arrangements for the installation of hand controls at that location, and shall use its best efforts to satisfy the customer's request.
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- Avis shall inform all employees who have contact with the public of the availability of hand controls, notice requirements, and all other policies regarding reservations of vehicles equipped with hand controls as set forth in this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 80–426)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Budget's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, specifically referencing an agreement between Avis Rent A Car, Inc. and the U.S. Department of Justice, Avis will not impose any charges for providing or installing hand controls in its rental vehicles. This policy is part of Avis's commitment to making vehicle rentals accessible to individuals with disabilities. Avis is also required to train mechanics or other employees in the proper installation of vehicle hand controls, ensuring at least one trained employee is available at locations with mechanics. If a trained person is unavailable at a particular location, Avis must make alternative arrangements for hand control installation to satisfy customer requests. Avis must also inform all employees who interact with the public about the availability of hand controls, notice requirements, and other related policies.
This requirement ensures that Budget, as a related brand, provides accessible vehicles without additional costs for hand control installation. This benefits customers with disabilities, making Budget rentals more inclusive. The agreement also specifies that if a renter requests hand controls in a particular size of car and that size is unavailable, the renter will be upgraded to the next available size vehicle at no extra charge.
For a Budget franchisee, this means adhering to Avis's policies regarding hand controls, as Budget operates under a license agreement with Budget Rent A Car System, Inc. Franchisees must ensure their staff is trained and aware of these policies to provide appropriate service to customers with disabilities. This compliance is essential for maintaining brand standards and meeting legal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act.