Budget Car Rental

- 983 E Easy St, Simi Valley, CA 93065

For residents and visitors in Simi Valley, California, accessing a dependable and varied vehicle rental service is essential, whether for weekend trips, business travel, or moving personal goods. The Budget Car Rental location at 983 E Easy St serves as a key local provider, offering services as both a dedicated Car rental agency and a Van rental agency. This dual functionality ensures that customers can find everything from a compact car for navigating the Ventura County area to a larger van for bigger projects or family transportation needs.

Budget is a nationally recognized brand, but this local Simi Valley branch is the face of the service for local users, offering standard corporate benefits like the option for Active military discounts. They also strive for a high level of customer convenience, accepting modern payment methods including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for streamlined transactions. The facility itself also prioritizes accessibility, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, making it easier for all California customers to manage their rental process in person.

However, the customer experience at this specific location, as highlighted by multiple local reviews, requires careful consideration by potential renters. A significant recurring issue revolves around closing times and communication for vehicle drop-offs, especially concerning van or truck rentals. One detailed account describes a deeply frustrating experience where a customer was instructed to drop off a vehicle after the location's actual closing time, leading to significant inconvenience, threats of extra charges, and a rude response from a local employee. The customer was ultimately forced to seek a refund through Budget's national customer service for charges they deemed erroneous, stating the process "ruined my Father’s Day."

Another severe complaint mentions a last-minute, pre-pickup reservation cancellation without adequate communication, severely disrupting travel and moving plans. These examples suggest a potential disconnect between booking confirmations and the local branch's operational realities, stressing the need for Simi Valley customers to meticulously verify all details—especially operating hours and drop-off protocols—directly with the 983 E Easy St office, regardless of what the initial contract or confirmation states.

While the convenience and national backing of a brand like Budget are attractive, local users should be prepared to exercise due diligence to avoid operational mishaps. The competition, such as the Enterprise branch noted by a reviewer as being "right across the street and they are great," provides a clear alternative that may be worth exploring for critical or time-sensitive rentals.

The Budget Car Rental location is conveniently situated in a commercially accessible area of Simi Valley, California, making it easy for both local residents and travelers to reach. Its position provides a central point for those in Ventura County requiring vehicle rentals.

The official address and standard operating hours are as follows:

Address: 983 E Easy St, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA

Standard Hours of Operation (Car Rental):

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

It is extremely important to note that the after-hours return policy can be complex and restrictive at non-airport locations. While some Budget locations may offer a key drop box, the customer is fully responsible for the vehicle, including any damages or theft, until the contract is officially closed on the next business day. Furthermore, based on customer feedback, if the location does not permit after-hours drop-offs, returning a vehicle when the office is closed can result in significant problems, including potential penalty charges. Customers in California are strongly urged to confirm the exact and current closing time and the official drop-off procedure for their specific vehicle type (car or van/truck) directly with the branch prior to the rental period.

The location itself is designed to accommodate all customers, featuring the following verified accessibility elements:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance: Ensures smooth entry and exit for customers with mobility aids.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Provides designated, easy-access parking spaces for pick-up and drop-off.

Budget Car Rental in Simi Valley functions as a full-service local rental agency, catering to a diverse range of transportation needs beyond standard travel. The services offered leverage the national brand's fleet diversity with a local focus.

• Car Rental Agency Services: Providing a comprehensive fleet that typically includes economy cars, compact cars, intermediate/mid-size cars (often the most popular category), SUVs for family trips, minivans, and sometimes premium/luxury vehicles and convertibles.
• Van Rental Agency Services: Offering a selection of vans, which typically include cargo vans for moving small loads, and passenger vans (like the Chrysler Pacifica or similar) for larger groups or families.
• One-Way Rentals: The ability to pick up a vehicle at the Simi Valley location and drop it off at another participating Budget location in California or across the U.S.
• Local Pick-up Service: Many non-airport Budget locations offer a complimentary local pick-up service to transport the renter to the facility, which must be arranged by calling the local branch directly at least 24 hours in advance.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepting a variety of modern payment methods for convenience:
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Corporate and Program Bookings: Facilitating reservations made through various partnerships, including AARP, military discount programs, and corporate accounts.

Key features of the Budget Car Rental experience at the Simi Valley location focus on customer value, convenience, and community support, though operational practices must be managed by the customer.

• Active Military Discounts: A significant highlight is the availability of discounts for active military personnel and veterans. Customers should inquire about the latest BCD (Budget Customer Discount) codes to apply at booking, as these offers can provide substantial savings off base rates.
• Diverse Fleet Selection: Serving both car and van/truck rental markets means customers can secure the right size vehicle for any purpose, from a small commuter car to a large van for moving, all from a single, local point of contact.
• Flexible Payment Options: The acceptance of Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments offers modern transaction convenience, minimizing friction at the counter.
• Physical Accessibility: The premises are designed to be accessible to all members of the Simi Valley community, providing a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot.
• Budget's Fastbreak Service: For frequent renters, the availability of the Fastbreak program allows for a quicker check-out process, which can mitigate wait times and streamline the pickup experience.

Direct contact with the local Simi Valley office is essential for clarifying operational details, especially regarding vehicle pick-up and drop-off times.

Address: 983 E Easy St, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA
Phone (for local reservations and inquiries): (805) 579-8254
Mobile Phone / Alternative Contact: +1 805-579-8254

The Budget Car Rental location at 983 E Easy St in Simi Valley, CA, is worth considering primarily for its brand-backed, diverse fleet, and accessible discounts. The combination of offering a full range of Car rental agency and Van rental agency services under one roof is a definite advantage for Ventura County users who may need vehicles for both travel and moving needs. The availability of Active military discounts and the modern payment options, including NFC mobile payments, also provide tangible benefits for eligible or convenience-focused California customers.

However, the decision to choose this location must be made with eyes open to the significant customer feedback indicating operational and customer service challenges, particularly with drop-offs and adherence to confirmed contract times. These reviews serve as a powerful cautionary note for all potential California renters, especially those booking vans or trucks with strict deadlines.

The main value proposition is the convenience of a national chain in a local, accessible setting. To maximize the positive experience and mitigate the risks highlighted by customers, Simi Valley renters should adopt a proactive approach: 1) Call and confirm the *exact* time the office closes on the day of return, regardless of what the contract states; 2) Clarify the specific after-hours drop-off policy for the rented vehicle, including the location of a key drop box (if available) and the liability implications; and 3) For critical rentals, consider the competition nearby, as suggested by a long-time customer. Ultimately, Budget offers the fleet and features, but the renter is required to manage the potential for local operational issues.

Budget Car Rental

983 E Easy St, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA