A side-by-side comparison of two major car rental companies, Budget and Europcar.
Exploring new places in a rental car offers you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and discover uncharted territories.
With a multitude of car renting options, we've made it easier for you to choose the best one by comparing two of the best in the market.
Budget vs Europcar
| Feature | Budget | Europcar | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where can I hire a car? |
Check using Budget’s location-finding tool. |
Check using Europcar’s station finding tool. | Both offer services in 150+ countries throughout six continents. |
| What type of cars does it have? |
Type and brand of vehicle depends on the location. Get the exact car type through Budget’s online booking process. |
Check the availability through the reservation process. | Both offer a wide range of options. |
| Does it require a deposit? | Depends on the destination. For specific deposit amounts, use Budget’s location-finding tool and on the location page, click “additional fees and credit holds”. | Depends on the destination, length of the rental and rental cost. Proceed with the booking process for the exact amount. | Both require a deposit, generally using a credit card. |
| Is insurance included? | Four protection plans are available at an additional cost: | Three protection plans are available at an additional cost:
| Both offer multiple damage protection plans for a fee. |
| How much is excess? | Depends on vehicle type and location. | Depends on vehicle type and location. | Excess varies for both. |
| Do I need to wash the car? | Cleaning fee required if the vehicle is returned excessively dirty. | Cleaning fee is added to the bill if the cleaning required is “more than standard”. | Both require you to return a clean car or pay a cleaning fee for excessively dirty returns. |
| Rental requirements |
Rental requirements vary. Check the location page for more information. |
| Both require same documents. |
| Does it charge per mile/kilometre? | Rates are based on a 24-hour period. | Rates are based on a 24-hour period. | Neither charge on per kilometre basis. |
| Is there unlimited mileage? | Both offer limited and unlimited mileage options. | ||
| Does it rent to under 25s? | Drivers between 21 and 24 years old are allowed to rent for a surcharge at most locations. | Driving restrictions as per country’s law. In most countries, the minimum age to rent is 21 years. Young Driver Surcharge may be applicable in some cases. | Age restrictions are applicable based on laws of respective countries. |
| Does it accept cash? | Yes, only for paying off the full amount when returning the car. | Only in some locations with additional identity proofs. | Budget accepts cash when receiving the final payment. Europcar accepts cash as deposit and final payment at select locations. |
| Does it price match? | Yes. Only valid on bookings made directly with Budget. The base rate is matched with an additional 10% discount if you fulfill the criteria. | Yes. Only valid on bookings made direct with Europcar. The difference is refunded. Conditions apply. | Both allow price matching on their websites and apps only. |
| Does it pick you up? | Picks you up for free at most locations.Call the location at least 24-hours before your rental time to check availability. | Delivery and collection service at an additional fee. | Budget offers free pick-ups at most locations while Europcar doesn’t. |
| What are my payment options? |
|
| Budget has a wider range of payment options. |
| Does it accept debit cards? | At some locations. | At some locations. | Neither widely accepts debit cards. |
| Does it allow for cancellations or changes? If so, how? | Depends on the location. No cancellation fees for rentals within Australia. US$50-$75 fee for cancelling before the rental time in the US. US$150 fee for cancellation afterwards. | Yes, free cancellation and modifications up to 24 hours before the rental time. EUR50/GBP45/USD65/AUD67 charged for cancelling within 24 hours. | Budget has zero cancellation fees within Australia. Europcar charges less for a no-show. |
| Can I add an extra driver? | Yes, at an additional fee of $16.50 per day or maximum $82 for the rental. | Yes, at an additional cost depending on the destination. | Both allow an extra driver for a fee. |
Who offers the best price?
We compared Budget and Europcar rental prices in the US, Europe and Australia. An automatic Toyota Corolla for one day from Sydney Airport costs $46 on Budget and $90 on Europcar. Car rentals from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York start from $75 on Budget and $150 on Europcar. At London Heathrow Airport, renting a Vauxhall Corsa for a day costs $76 on Budget and $59 on Europcar.
The verdict: Europcar offers better prices in Europe while Budget has lower rates in the US and Australia.
What are the deals like?
Both Budget and Europcar offer numerous programs including discounts on long-term rentals, frequent flyer miles and loyalty discounts.
There are current deals running on both sites. Budget is offering two days free for 9+ days rentals in Australia and up to 10% off on US rentals. You can find more deals on its deals page.
Europcar has 18% off on eight-day+ rentals in Australia. You can also view partner discounts on its deals page.
The verdict: Budget has a wider range of discounts than Europcar.
Top deals from Budget and Europcar
Europcar
15% off car hire
Valid for rentals until 21 July 2019 at participating locations across Australia and New Zealand. Minimum of 5 days rental. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Europcar
$1/day one-way car hire in Australia
Valid on select dates on select car hire relocations in Australia. Destinations updated regularly.
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Europcar
10% off New Zealand car hire
Valid until 1 August 2019. Minimum of 3 days rental. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Europcar
15% off Dublin car hire
Valid until 31 March 2019. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Budget Car Rental
35% off Canada car hire
Valid on all dates and select Canada destinations. Must be pre-pay to avail the discount. Conditions apply.
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Budget Car Rental
15% off car hire
Valid for travel from 1 January - 31 March 2019. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Budget Car Rental
Third weekend free car hire
Valid from 7 January - 7 April 2019. Minimum rental of three days. T&Cs apply.
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Budget Car Rental
Earn double Qantas points
Valid from 7 January - 7 April 2019. Get 4 points for every $1 spent. T&Cs apply.
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Coupon code ends
Budget Car Rental
Free upgrade car hire
Valid from 7 January - 7 April 2019 across Australia. Minimum rental of three days. T&Cs apply.
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Europcar
Up to 20% off car hire
Valid for rentals until 1 August 2019 at participating locations across Australia and New Zealand. Minimum of 2 days rental and must be booked 21 days prior vehicle pick up. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Budget Car Rental
Fifth day free car hire
Valid from 28 January - 30 April 2019. Minimum rental of five days. T&Cs apply.
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Coupon code ends
Europcar
25% off premium hire insurance
Get up to 25% off on your car rental when you purchase GoZen Cover. Valid at participating locations across Australia and New Zealand. T&C's apply.
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Popular Europcar coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Jan 2019 | Third weekend free car hire | TPN**** |
| 14 Jan 2019 | Earn double Qantas points | MPN**** |
| 14 Jan 2019 | Free upgrade car hire | UPN**** |
| 2 Oct 2018 | Fifth day free car hire | TPN**** |
| 17 Jan 2019 | 15% off car hire | ******** |
