Compare Rental Cars: How to Find the Best Deal for Your Vacation

Last updated: June 10, 2026, by the EasyTerra Editorial Team

You can compare rental cars based on 7 criteria: price, deposit, insurance, fuel policy, cancellation policy, mileage limit, and reviews. If you only look at the price, you’ll pay an average of €80–150 more per week in unexpected costs. In this article, you’ll learn what matters for each criterion and how to make the right choice.

On this page:

• Why it pays to compare rental cars

• What are the 7 factors to consider when comparing rental cars?

• Global chain, budget provider, or local specialist?

• 5 common mistakes when comparing rental cars

• Step-by-Step Guide: Find the Best Rental Car in 5 Steps

• Compare now for your June vacation

• Frequently Asked Questions

Why It Pays to Compare Rental Cars

Take all criteria into account when looking for a rental car, and you’ll save an average of €80–150 per rental period. You’ll avoid hidden fees and unnecessary arguments at the rental counter. Because let’s face it: getting into a verbal spat when picking up your rental car isn’t a great way to start your vacation. So compare thoroughly and take care of everything well in advance.

You’ll save money

Generally speaking, renting a car through EasyTerra is much more affordable than booking directly with a rental company.

Here’s an example. Let’s say we want to rent a Peugeot 2008 from one of the larger European companies at Málaga Airport for the week of June 14–21, 2026. Through EasyTerra, you’ll pay €152.06; booking directly with the rental company costs €111.03. At first glance, you might think the rental company is much cheaper. But be aware: if you have to cancel your reservation for any reason, you’ll lose your money with the rental company. If you want the option to cancel (up to 48 hours in advance), the cost goes up significantly to €171.72. That’s already a difference of nearly 20 euros, because cancellation is always included with EasyTerra. And if you want to cover the deductible, the cost directly through the rental company is as high as €405.50, while with EasyTerra it’s €187.06. Plus, with us, that price even includes comprehensive coverage!

Compare rental car prices: directly through the rental company vs. EasyTerra

*) Includes comprehensive coverage, which costs extra with the rental company.

You’ll save time

In the example above with just one rental company, you’ve already seen that comparing options can be quite difficult—let alone when you want to compare multiple car rental providers. Just imagine: five tabs open, and making sure you’ve selected the same car from all providers under the same terms. That’s impossible. Also, never assume prices are just the base rate, because there are always additional costs on top of that. At EasyTerra, the prices you see are all-inclusive by default.

No surprises

Let’s go back to the example above for a moment. You’ll have to pay the extra fees for cancellation or excess waiver at the counter of the respective rental company. That leaves plenty of room for haggling (“no, you really do need even more coverage”). With EasyTerra, you won’t run into surprises like that, because you pay the entire rental amount online and can easily brush off sales pitches. The only extras you’ll need to pay for on-site are things like a child seat.

What are the 7 factors you consider when comparing rental cars?

The 7 criteria you use when comparing rental cars make the difference between a great and a disappointing rental car experience.

1. All-inclusive price vs. base rate

Be careful when you see rental cars advertised with a “starting at” price. Such prices often exclude insurance, airport fees, or a possible young driver surcharge. All-inclusive rates can be 30–60% higher, but they provide a fair comparison. EasyTerra always displays the all-inclusive price of rental cars in its search results.

2. Deposit and Authorization Hold on Your Credit Card

The security deposit reserved on your credit card ranges from €700 to €2,500, depending on the type of car and the rental company. Some companies (such as economy brands) often require a relatively high security deposit. Keep this in mind, as you’ll naturally want to keep enough credit available for expenses during your vacation. EasyTerra displays a warning if a rental car requires a relatively high security deposit.

Tip: Filter by “low deposit” or set the maximum amount.

3. Insurance Coverage and Deductible

Standard insurance (CDW) has an excess of €800–2,000, again depending on the type of car. That excess also applies to comprehensive insurance (SCDW), which covers damage to the roof, windows, tires, and undercarriage. You can waive the excess, which costs about €5–15 per day. With EasyTerra’s Worry-Free cars, your deductible is always covered.

4. Fuel Policy

The fairest and most cost-effective fuel policy is “full-to-full”: you pick up the rental car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. Avoid the “full-to-empty” option, where you receive a full tank (but at the counter rate) and are “allowed” to return the car with an empty tank (but that never works out). Keep the receipt from your last fill-up before returning the rental car.

5. Cancellation Policy

At EasyTerra, cancellation is always free up to 48 hours before the start of the rental period. This is the standard: no filters, no extra charges, no separate “flex rate.” If you book within 48 hours, free cancellation is usually no longer possible.

6. Mileage Limit and Border Rules

In Europe, you’re usually allowed to drive an unlimited number of kilometers with a rental car. On islands, with luxury brands, and in the United States, this is by no means always the case. Be aware of this, because paying for every kilometer you drive beyond the limit is often expensive.

If you plan to cross a border with the rental car, you must indicate this when making your reservation. A surcharge applies for this, which varies by provider and by country. For example, crossing from Italy into Slovenia costs €30–80. Not all rental companies allow border crossings, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before finalizing your reservation.

7. Reviews by Pickup Location

A brand name is less telling than reviews of specific locations. EasyTerra asks all customers about their on-site experiences. As a result, a Sixt location at Faro Airport might have a 7.5 rating, while the same chain in Málaga might have a 5.5. Always read the latest 5 reviews for the specific pickup location. EasyTerra displays these directly in the search results.

Tip: Filter by customer satisfaction.

Global chain, budget provider, or local specialist?

As we mentioned above, a brand name doesn’t tell the whole story, but it does allow you to distinguish between options to a large extent. For example, a global chain offers the assurance of economies of scale, a budget provider has lower starting prices, and a local specialist offers a personalized approach.

Global chains (Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt)

These providers compete on the basis of their presence, good service, and reliability. They’re represented at virtually every airport, and if you book with a particular chain frequently, you’ll know the entire process like the back of your hand. However, rental car prices from global chains are often slightly higher.

Value chains (Budget, Enterprise)

The rates for these chains are generally lower, and their fleets are primarily focused on the economy and compact segments. These companies may be part of a larger chain (Budget is part of Avis; Keddy is part of Europcar). The office is sometimes located slightly outside the airport (with a shuttle service) to keep costs down.

Local Specialists

Independent providers excel in flexibility and local knowledge. They also often offer attractive rates. The experience is much more personalized: they can give you tips on the most scenic routes and the best restaurants. You can easily find many of these local car rental companies through EasyTerra. The downside is that they often have a limited fleet, so you’ll need to book well in advance.

5 Common Mistakes When Comparing Rental Cars

1. Sorting by price alone
   Price is just one of the factors that matter when choosing a rental car. For a worry-free vacation, you need to consider more than just that.
   Tip: Use our filter system to select the options that matter most to you.

2. Not arranging insurance online
   Standard insurance (CDW) is always included with EasyTerra, but comprehensive insurance is not. If you want that, don’t wait until you’re at the counter, because it will cost you much more then.
   Tip: filter for “comprehensive coverage.”

3. Not checking the fuel policy
   In most cases, the most favorable fuel policy is “full-to-full.” This is standard for many rental cars, but not always, and an unfavorable fuel policy can cost you a lot of money.
   Tip: filter by “favorable fuel policy.”

4. Underestimating the deposit
   The deposit is a somewhat hidden aspect of car rentals. The amount is listed in the rental terms, but many people overlook it.
   Tip: Filter by “low deposit” or set a maximum amount.

5. Ignoring reviews
   We ask all our customers about their experiences at the counter. We then rate the rental companies, and you’ll see those ratings listed for all rental cars.
   Tip: Filter by “customer satisfaction” and read the last 5 reviews.

How EasyTerra Takes the Work Off Your Hands

When searching for a rental car, EasyTerra makes it easy for you: compare dozens of car rental companies at every location based on 7 criteria using a single, easy-to-use filter system. No more clicking back and forth between different tabs, no calculator needed to add up extra costs. The all-inclusive rates and terms are displayed side by side.

• 100% free comparison
  You’ll never pay more than you would directly through the rental company.

• All-inclusive rates as standard
  No more surprises at the counter—all surcharges are included in the final price.

• Dozens of rental companies at a glance
  From global chains to local specialists at your destination.

• Reviews by pickup location
  Not just a brand name, but the real experience at the counter where you pick up your car.

Step-by-Step Guide: 5 Steps to Finding the Best Rental Car

• Choose dates + locations
  Select the start and end dates and locations (you may choose a different drop-off location if you opt for a one-way rental ). Be sure to schedule the drop-off time a few hours before the pickup time (in the car rental industry, an extra hour counts as a whole day!).

• Select filters
  Check the boxes for the filters that matter to you. Want a completely worry-free vacation? Then filter for “Worry-Free” rental cars, which include a low deposit, unlimited mileage, a reliable rental company, and excess coverage.

• Compare prices
  At EasyTerra, car rental prices are always all-inclusive: there are no additional costs (unless you order extras like a child seat, which you’ll pay for on-site).

• 
  Reviews Found the perfect rental car? Read the latest 5 reviews of that specific rental company.

• 
  Reservations Read the terms and conditions, check the deposit amount, and only then click through to finalize your reservation. With EasyTerra, you can always cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before pickup.

Still looking for a destination for June? Compare options for your vacation right away

June is the ideal month to explore Europe by car: the high season hasn’t started yet, prices are attractive, and the roads are quiet. Below you’ll find the 5 most popular June destinations among EasyTerra travelers, with a direct link to the comparison page for each location.

View the full selection of car rental companies for each destination and book a car that suits your needs right away:

Mallorca (Spain) → beach vacations, mountain roads, and the Tramuntana

Crete (Greece) → Knossos, Samaria Gorge, Elafonissi Beach

Split (Croatia) → Dalmatian Coast, Krka National Park, island hopping

Madeira (Portugal) → levada hikes, laurel forests, and volcanic landscapes

Oslo (Norway) → fjords, national parks, and the Atlanterhavsveien

Tip: Use the filter to find the rental car and provider that best suit your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should you look for when comparing rental cars?

Don’t just compare prices—also consider the security deposit amount, insurance coverage, deductible, fuel policy, mileage limit, and reviews of the rental company. These criteria together determine whether your vacation will be hassle-free or if you’ll face surprises at the counter.

2. What’s the difference between the all-inclusive price and the base price?

A base price (“starting at”) usually excludes insurance, youth surcharges, or airport fees. The all-inclusive price adds up all these costs to a single final amount. The all-inclusive price is, on average, 30–60% higher, but it’s the amount you’ll actually pay. EasyTerra always shows you the all-inclusive price, but individual rental companies often don’t. That’s why you should always compare based on the all-inclusive price.

3. Which car rental company is the best?

That depends on your destination, preferences, and travel profile. International chains like Hertz, Avis, and Sixt offer high service standards, while budget brands such as Budget and Enterprise are often more affordable. Local rental companies know the region best. EasyTerra displays them all in a single overview so you can choose by location.

4. Is it cheaper to book a rental car directly with the rental company?

Usually not. EasyTerra receives volume discounts that we pass on to you. With us, you’ll pay at most the same price—but usually a lower one—than if you booked directly with the rental company. Loyalty program members of a particular brand can sometimes find a better deal through their own account.

5. How much does it cost to compare rental cars?

Nothing. Comparing prices is 100% free for consumers. When a booking is made, EasyTerra receives a commission from the car rental company; you don’t pay any extra fees. So you don’t have to pay anything at the counter, unless you’ve ordered extras like a child seat. You’ll pay for those on the spot.

6. How do I know if a rental car insurance policy offers sufficient coverage?

The standard insurance (CDW) has a deductible of €800–2,000, and you’ll have to pay this yourself in the event of damage. Want to drive worry-free? Then opt to waive the deductible. At EasyTerra, this costs about €5–15 per day; if you arrange it at the counter, you’ll pay much more.

7. What is a reasonable security deposit for a rental car?

A typical deposit ranges from €700 to €2,500, depending on the car class and rental company. The deposit is held on your credit card and released after you return the car. For premium models or younger drivers, the deposit may be higher. With EasyTerra, you can filter for “low deposit” or set a maximum deposit amount.

8. Which fuel policy is the most cost-effective?

Full-to-full is the most cost-effective: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. Avoid full-to-empty, as you’ll pay for a full tank in advance at a rental company markup, with no refund. Keep the receipt from your last fill-up before returning the car.

9. Why do reviews differ between locations of the same rental brand?

A car rental company is a chain with local franchisees. As a result, service, hours of operation, and wait times vary greatly. Always read the latest five reviews for your specific pickup location; they’re more relevant than the brand’s overall reputation. EasyTerra displays these directly in the results.

10. How can I avoid hidden fees when renting a car?

Simple: book through EasyTerra, because with us you always see the price you’ll actually pay, including any surcharges. Carefully choose the rental car and terms that suit you. If you want to change or add something at the counter, you’ll pay top dollar.