Car rental case study: the same starting price can lead to different final costs

When you search for a rental car online, it’s natural to compare the advertised prices and choose the most affordable option.

However, two quotes for the same vehicle category and the same dates can come with very different terms. Mileage, security deposits, cover, additional drivers and extra equipment are just some of the factors that can affect the total cost of your booking.

This case study looks at an eight-day compact SUV rental, with pick-up at Lisbon Airport, to explain why the starting price doesn’t always tell the whole story.

If you’re still comparing your options, it’s also worth understanding how to choose a car rental company.

What might not be included in the car rental price?

For this example, let’s assume an eight-day trip with an SUV rental, two drivers, motorway use and the possibility of travelling with children.

This is where differences start to emerge between seemingly similar quotes.

Security deposit: an amount that can affect your travel budget

In our example, we’re looking at a compact SUV rented for an eight-day holiday.

When comparing two similar quotes, one difference may be the security deposit required by the car rental company.

Although this amount is not charged, it is placed on hold on your card for the duration of the rental.

For a vehicle in this category, the security deposit can, in some cases, approach or exceed €1,000.

If you use the same card to pay for holiday expenses, accommodation or meals out, this can affect the funds available during your trip.

To understand this topic better, read our article on the difference between a deposit and a security deposit when renting a car.

Additional driver: a small extra that can add more than €50

Imagine you’re travelling as a couple and both of you want to drive.

Some companies include a second driver as part of specific promotions, while in other cases this service is charged separately.

For a rental of around a week, the additional cost can range from €50 to €100, depending on the booking duration and the company’s policy.

If you plan to share the driving on longer journeys, it’s worth including this cost in your initial comparison.

Travelling with children can increase the total booking cost

For families travelling with young children, adding child car seats or booster seats to a car rental can increase the price significantly.

For a family with two or more children, this could add around €100 over a week’s holiday.

Comparing prices without taking this equipment into account can therefore give you an incomplete picture of the actual rental cost.

Cover and excess: the difference can amount to several hundred euros

Not all quotes include the same level of protection.

In many cases, the lowest price includes only basic cover, while other options include a reduced excess or additional protection.

For a booking similar to our example, this cover can add several tens of euros to the final price and, in some cases, approach several hundred euros over the full rental period.

It’s not just about how much the cover costs, but also how much financial responsibility the driver retains if the vehicle is damaged.

Extras: small charges that can change the total cost

A family travelling with two children may need two child car seats.
A couple may want to share the driving on a long journey.
Someone travelling for business may need an electronic toll device or additional services.

Individually, these costs may seem small. Together, however, they can significantly change the final booking price.

Out-of-hours pick-up: a detail many travellers overlook

In our example, the vehicle is picked up at Lisbon Airport. However, not all flights arrive during standard opening hours.

If your flight lands late at night or very early in the morning, there may be a fee for picking up or returning the vehicle outside the branch’s normal opening hours.

Tolls and additional services: small costs that add up

We’re looking at an eight-day trip starting in Lisbon, which means motorway use is likely along the way.

Electronic toll services usually involve a small daily charge. Combined with other extras, however, they help explain why two similar quotes can lead to very different final costs.

Throughout this article on car rental prices, we’ve explored how security deposits, cover, additional equipment and extra services can affect the final cost of your booking.

Before making a decision, it’s therefore worth looking beyond the price shown in the first search result.

At Drivalia, you’ll find clear terms, a modern fleet and the support of an international brand operating across several European markets. This experience and reach help you book with greater confidence, knowing exactly what the rental terms are before your trip begins.

Book your rental car today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with choosing a transparent option tailored to your needs.