Europcar rents cars and vans at locations in over 140 countries. In most countries you need to be 21 or older, have held your license for at least a year and show a credit card at pickup.
Where Europcar Operates
Europcar's site lists locations in over 140 countries, including city centers, near major train stations and at key airports in the United States. Availability and models vary by location, so check Europcar's site for your pickup point.
Europcar's Vehicle Categories
Europcar groups its fleet into city cars, premium cars, electric cars, and vans and trucks. The city car category runs from compact, fuel-efficient cars to eco-friendly models. Vans and trucks suit moves and groups.
Booking Your Rental
You enter your rental dates, pickup location and vehicle category, then confirm with your payment method. Europcar's Privilege For You program lets members earn points on each rental and gives a 10 percent member discount on future bookings.
Driver Requirements
Europcar's general rental terms set the baseline, and the terms for your country can differ.
- Age and license history: most countries require drivers aged 21 or over who have held a license for at least one year. Age rules vary by country and vehicle category.
- Young drivers: drivers classed as young drivers pay an extra charge. The age cutoff and amount vary by country, and the surcharge is added when you enter your age at booking.
- International Driving Permit: required if your license is in a language or characters that can't be read in the country of rental. It's valid only when shown with your regular license.
- Credit card: you must show a valid credit card with an expiry date after your return date. Major cards including American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are accepted. Some luxury or special models need two cards.
The Deposit Hold
Europcar places an authorization on your card rather than charging it. The amount is based on the rate and the rental period plus other charges, and it's held until the final charge is settled. It varies by vehicle category, protection package, rental length and country.
Optional Protections
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): limits your liability for damage to the vehicle, subject to a Non-Waivable Charge that applies when the car comes back damaged and the costs can't be recovered from a third party.
- Theft Waiver or Protection (TW or TP): relieves you of financial liability if the car is stolen, except where negligence or a breach of contract is involved. CDW alone doesn't cover theft, and TW may be mandatory in some countries.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): provides a payment for death or permanent disability of you and your passengers, with amounts that vary by country.
Compare these with the rental coverage on your credit card before you add them at the counter.
Fuel and Return
Europcar gives you the car with a full tank. If it comes back without a full tank, you pay for the missing fuel plus a refueling service fee, unless you bought the full tank option. Check the car for new damage before you hand over the keys and follow the instructions at your return location.
Read the full terms for your country on Europcar's site before you book.
Updated October 17, 2026: rental terms.
