Since when has Budget offered Budget Franchises?

According to Budget's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Budget has been offering Budget Franchises since April 2003. The company has been involved in the vehicle rental business, operating directly and through independent agents, since November 2002. This indicates that Budget initially focused on company-operated and agent-based rentals before expanding into franchising.

For a prospective franchisee, this history suggests that Budget has a substantial amount of experience both as a franchisor and in the car rental industry. The franchisor's experience since 2003 in franchising specifically means they have likely refined their franchise model, support systems, and training programs over the years. This could translate to a more stable and well-structured franchise system for new franchisees.

It's also worth noting that Budget's predecessor offered Budget Franchises from 1987 until 2002. This demonstrates a long-standing history of franchising car rental services, even prior to the current Budget Rent A Car System, Inc. taking over the franchising operations in 2003. This extensive history could provide a level of confidence for potential franchisees, knowing that the brand has been tested and proven over several decades.