For many travelers, exploring their vacation destination freely with a rental car is the ideal vacation experience. However, rental car prices can vary considerably and contain unexpected cost traps, as a recent study by the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor (AK Oberösterreich) reveals. A comparison of 18 popular European vacation destinations found price differences of up to 165 percent.
The study, which analyzed the offers of six well-known rental car companies for the first week of August 2025, provides important insights and practical recommendations for consumers to find the right and most cost-effective vehicle for their trip and avoid unpleasant surprises. The experts' conclusion: A comprehensive comparison and booking directly with the provider from home are essential.
Comprehensive price comparison: AK Upper Austria examines the rental car market
In its latest study, the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor focused on the rental car market for vacationers. For the detailed price comparison, the offers of six internationally renowned rental car companies – including industry giants such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, and Sunny Cars – were researched online for the first week of August 2025. The selection of destinations included 18 of the most popular European vacation destinations, including numerous Greek islands, Cyprus, the Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily, various regions in Spain and Portugal, France, and Croatia.
The focus of the research was to find the cheapest available vehicle category. Strict attention was paid to ensuring that the listed prices included all essential services: all taxes, unlimited mileage, and comprehensive insurance coverage, including fully comprehensive and theft insurance. The option of renting a navigation system was also taken into account. This comprehensive approach was intended to ensure comparability of offers and uncover hidden cost factors as early as possible.
The results of the price comparison revealed considerable discrepancies. The AK found the absolute cheapest rental car without a deductible on the Canary Island of Gran Canaria, where a vehicle could be had for just €202 per week. In most of the destinations examined, Sunny Cars as the provider with the best offer without deductible, which underlines the positioning of this broker in the segment of fully comprehensive insurance offers.
Price hotspots and cost traps: Where renting becomes expensive
While Gran Canaria was identified as a relatively affordable place for rental car travelers, other destinations proved to be significantly more expensive. According to the AK study, the most expensive places to rent a car were Lisbon, Madeira and SardiniaIn the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, the cheapest available offer without a deductible was €333, while the most expensive offer for the same category and period was a whopping €888. This represents a significant price difference of €555 for the same rental car, highlighting the need for travelers to compare prices carefully.
Another crucial factor that can significantly influence costs is the question of Insurance deductiblesThe AK Upper Austria warns of significant financial risks: According to the available offers, in the event of an insurance claim, the renter may be required to pay a deductible of up to 2.783 euros. Comparing the cheapest offer for each destination with and without a deductible, the average additional cost is 90 euros per week to completely exclude the deductible. This may seem like an additional expense at first glance, but a Fully comprehensive insurance without deductible The greatest possible security and avoids unpleasant surprises and high out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim. The decision for or against a deductible should therefore be carefully considered, especially given the high amounts that could be due in the event of a claim.
Booking recommendations: Direct route to the provider and caution with platforms
To avoid letting the rental car become a cost trap, the AK Upper Austria offers clear recommendations for travelers. First and foremost, to compare prices in peace and don't let yourself be tempted into hasty decisions by apparent "bargains" or time pressure. Careful research from home before the trip begins is essential.
Another important note concerns the booking method: The AK recommends booking the rental car to book directly with the provider and not through online booking platforms. Experience shows that online platforms are of little help in cases of problems or discrepancies and rarely offer more favorable conditions than the direct booking portals of the rental car companies themselves. This can lead to lengthy and frustrating disputes in the event of damage or ambiguities in the contract.
A notable exception is the ÖAMTC, which, as an established automobile club, offers a special service for its members. The ÖAMTC enables online comparison of offers from renowned providers such as Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz, and Sixt. Prices booked through the ÖAMTC generally include comprehensive insurance coverage with no deductible. In addition, members often benefit from a price discount of up to five percent when booking through the club. This makes the ÖAMTC a trustworthy option for travelers who value safety and reliable conditions.
Practical information for picking up and returning your rental car
In addition to the booking process, picking up and returning the rental car are also crucial moments where cost traps can lurk. The AK Upper Austria advises travelers to Read the rental agreement thoroughlybefore signing it. All important provisions should be carefully reviewed. This includes, in particular, the Insurance Cover (Liability insurance, minimum insurance sum, fully comprehensive and theft insurance, with or without deductible), the Fuel regulation (full/full or full/empty), regulations for additional driversthe Minimum age of drivers As well as the Behavior in the event of damage. Any ambiguities in these points can lead to high additional charges later on.
Within the Picking up the rental car Special vigilance is required on-site. It's not uncommon for customers to be asked to pay extra, for example, by attempting to sell them unnecessary supplementary insurance even though they have already purchased sufficient coverage. A careful review of the documents and a critical look at the additional services offered are essential here.
Another important step is this Extensive inspection of the vehicle before departureAny existing damage, such as scratches, dents, or chips, must be documented by the rental company in the handover report. It is also recommended that you take your own photos or videos of the vehicle's condition to provide evidence in the event of a dispute.
Within the return of the vehicle You should always get confirmation that the rental car was returned damage-free. This can be done with a signed report or a written confirmation from the rental company. In the event that no one from the rental company is present when returning the vehicle, as can happen, for example, when returning the vehicle outside of business hours, having fully comprehensive insurance with no deductible in place will avoid subsequent discussions and claims. It is also advisable to record the mileage and fuel level at the time of delivery and return.
The AK Upper Austria study on the rental car market highlights that while flexible exploration of a vacation destination is appealing, it requires careful planning and foresight. The enormous price differences and potential cost traps, especially related to insurance and additional services, make comprehensive comparison and a conscious booking decision essential. The recommendation to book directly with the provider, carefully review contracts, and carefully document the vehicle's condition are invaluable for every traveler. Those who follow this advice can enjoy their vacation carefree and use the rental car as a practical means of transportation instead of letting it become an unexpected cost trap.