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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.
| 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. |
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.
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.
Up to 10% off base rate
Up to 20% off Australia and New Zealand rentals
Get $24 off car hires with code
$1/day one-way car hire in Australia
Get $15 off bookings with code
Up to 20% off base rates on van and truck rentals
Up to 15% off Austria car hires
Up to 10% off 3+ day rentals
Earn Qantas Points on car hires
Get $50 off 6+day rentals
Free upgrade on next car rental
Up to 15% off prestige car rentals
Up to 15% off 5+ days rentals
Up to $30 off rentals
Get $200 hotel voucher on car hires
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