Europcar vs Hertz: Which car hire company is better? | finder.com.au
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Europcar vs Hertz

Do you have penchant to hit the road on four wheels? Check out our comparison of Europcar and Hertz before you book your ride to get it just right.

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip
Updated
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Being picky about which rental company to book with can be the difference between an expensive, stressful trip and a comfortable, relaxing one.

Europcar and Hertz are two leading companies, so choosing between them can be difficult.

We've made the decision that much easier by comparing all those niggling details, from vehicles and prices to policies and inclusions, to simplify the decision.

TL;DR: Our verdict

The winner: Hertz wins by a landslide. Not only does it offer a cheaper rate when you pay in advance in a like-for-like car rental search, it has less-strict driver requirements, picks you up in certain locations, lets you add a second driver for free under select circumstances and price matches, taking an extra 10% off the difference.

Compare today's car prices

Europcar vs Hertz

FeatureEuropcarHertzWinner
Where can I hire a car?
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Asia
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • Caribbean
  • Middle East
  • Africa
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Asia
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • Caribbean
  • Middle East
  • Africa
Both
What type of cars does it have?
  • Sedans
  • Compact cars
  • SUVs/minivans
  • Vans
  • 4WDs
  • Hybrid vehicles
  • Trucks
  • High-performance vehicles
  • Utility vehicles
  • Speciality vehicles
  • Premium/luxury vehicles
  • Sedans
  • Compact cars
  • SUVs/minivans
  • Vans
  • 4WDs
  • Hybrid vehicles
  • Trucks
  • High-performance vehicles
  • Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Europcar
Does it require a deposit?NoNo, but the total price is cheaper if you pay a deposit.Both
Is insurance included?Yes. Standard cover is included in all rentals, with reduced liability up to $4,730.Yes. Rentals include accident damage excess to reduce your liability for loss or damage to the vehicle. This varies per vehicle type.Both
How much is excess? The damage liability fee is usually up to $4,730, depending on the location and the vehicle.$4,650 for 2WD;

$6,001 for prestige/adrenaline vehicles, 4WDs, AWDs and light trucks/vans;

$7,000 for vehicles heavier than 3 tons and

$8,250 for dream collection vehicles.

Both
Do I need to wash the car?Europcar does not say whether cars should be washed. However, cleaning fees apply for excessively dirty or smelly vehicles.No. However, the vehicle should not be returned in an excessively dirty or smelly condition, for which fees apply.Both
Rental requirements Drivers must be:
  • 21+ years with a full, valid driver's licence
  • Have held an Australian licence for 3+ years
  • Have a licence written in English or an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Drivers must be:
  • 21+ years of age with a valid driver's licence
  • Have a licence either written in English or accompanied by an IDP
Hertz
Does it charge per mile/kilometre?No, but for rentals with limited mileage, you will be charged per extra kilometre/mile.No, but if the rental has limited mileage, you may be charged per kilometre/mile for exceeding the limit.Both
Is there unlimited mileage?Most rentals include unlimited mileage. If not, the limit will be specified in the rental agreement.Depending on the location and vehicle, mileage may be limited. In this case, the daily mileage allowance will be defined in the rental agreement.Both
Does it rent to under 25s?Yes, but a young driver surcharge applies for most rentals. The cost varies by location.Yes. In most places, the minimum driving age is 21. However, branches in certain locations cannot rent to people below the age of 25. Fees and restrictions may apply.Both
Does it accept cash?NoNoBoth
Does it price match?Yes. Europcar matches cheaper rates found on its cars.Yes. Hertz will match and better competitive rates on its cars by 10%.Hertz
Does it pick you up?NoIn some locations.Hertz
What are my payment options?
  • Credit card
  • Visa debit card
  • Cash (some locations)
  • Cheque (some locations)
  • Credit card
  • Visa debit card
  • Cash
  • Charge card
Both
Does it accept debit cards?YesYesBoth
Does it allow for cancellations/changes?Yes. Cancellations are free of charge up to 48 hours before the pick-up time. Changes and cancellations can be made online. Fees may apply.Cancellations and changes to the return date, time and location can be made online before the start of the rental. Fees may apply.Both
How long does it hold reservations?If credit card details are not provided when booking then 1 hour. If credit card details are provided when booking then until close of business, or 12:00 the following day at 24-hour rental stations.Hertz usually holds vehicle reservations for either 2 hours after the pick-up time or until 11:59pm, depending on the location and type of vehicle.Both
Can I add an extra driver?Yes, provided they meet the rental requirements. Fees vary depending on the location. In Australia, the daily fee starts from $7.32, capped at 5 days.Yes. Immediate family and partners, employees and employers can drive free of charge provided they meet the rental requirements. Other additional drivers must pay a daily fee of $5.50, capped at 5 days. An additional fee applies for drivers aged 21–25.Hertz
Does it have manual and automatic cars?YesYesBoth
Is there a loyalty programme?Europcar's Privilege loyalty programme rewards members with priority check-in and drop-off, discounts, free weekend rentals and partner discounts.Hertz's Gold Plus Rewards Programme allows points to earn free car rentals. Members also enjoy fast pick-up and drop-off, exclusive offers and discounts.Both
Is there GPS?Yes, for a fee.Yes, for a fee.Both
Can I return the car early?Europcar does not charge for early returns, but you will not be refunded for the remaining unused time.Hertz allows you to return the car early, but an early return fee may apply.Both
BookBook your ride with EuropcarBook your ride with Hertz

Which is cheaper?

We put the two on an even playing field and searched for a quote from their official websites for the same rental query. We looked for a three-day hire from Gold Coast Airport for a 25-year-old driver and pulled up the absolute cheapest vehicle each had available. Both quotes were retrieved on 26 November 2018.

The verdict?

Hertz comes up cheaper but only if you pay straight away. You also don't know what car exactly you'll get as the cheapest on offer are "mystery cars".

If you'd prefer to book now and pay later - and know what car you're getting - Europcar wins on cost with a hire price mere cents cheaper than Hertz.

What are the deals like?

Europcar's deals cover certain locations, dates, vehicles and early bookings. It has a dedicated Australian website which features deals in Australia.

Hertz has deals on particular vehicles, dates and locations, as well as early bookings and partner offers. It too has an Australian website that features domestic deals.

Latest Europcar and Hertz deals

EuropcarEuropcar
Exclusive

Extra $24 off car hires with code

Available on rentals until 31 July 2021 when you spend a minimum of $240. Destinations include Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

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Coupon code ends

Europcar vs Hertz: Who won?

Despite Europcar coming up cheaper for a book now, pay later hire, Hertz still comes out on top in our eyes. Its price-match guarantee goes above and beyond with a bonus 10% off if you find its rental cheaper elsewhere, it doesn't charge for select additional drivers, picks you up at select locations and has a more-lenient driver policy.

Here's a list of both of their winning points:

Europcar

  • Wider range of vehicles
  • Cheaper when you choose to book now, pay later

Hertz

  • Less-strict driver requirements
  • Price-match guarantee will beat any Hertz quote found elsewhere by 10%
  • Select additional drivers can be added for no extra charge
  • Will pick you up from select locations
  • Cheaper when you pay when you book

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