EconomyBookings review 2025 — honest pros/cons and how it works. You will find a step-by-step booking guide, insurance explained, and hidden fees to watch. There are also comparisons with DiscoverCars, Rentalcars.com, Auto Europe, and booking direct. Perfect for first-time renters.
- What it is: EconomyBookings is a car-rental broker (aggregator). You book on their site, but you pick up from a local or international supplier (e.g., Hertz, Avis, Sixt, small local agencies).
- Best for: Price hunters who like comparing lots of suppliers at once, especially in Europe or destinations with many local agencies.
- Pros: Big inventory; often low prices; filters are decent; you can add their “Full Coverage” (excess reimbursement) for peace of mind.
- Cons: As with any broker, policies depend on the actual supplier; deposits and credit-card rules vary; customer service sits between you and the rental desk, which can slow resolutions.
- Bottom line: Good for deals if you read the rental conditions carefully and follow the steps below. If convenience + elite benefits matter more, booking direct with a premium brand can be smoother.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Is EconomyBookings & How It Works (in plain English)
Think of EconomyBookings as a search engine for car rentals. You enter your dates and destination; they show cars from a mix of global brands and local companies. You pay (fully or partially) on EconomyBookings; then you collect the car from the supplier at the pickup location. Important implications:
- EconomyBookings ≠ the company handing you the keys. The supplier’s rules on deposits, credit cards, age, and insurance apply at pickup.
- EconomyBookings sells an optional “Full Coverage” policy (more on that below). It’s usually an excess-reimbursement style plan: you still leave a deposit with the supplier, and if something happens, you claim a refund of eligible charges afterward.
- Cancellation/changes can be via EconomyBookings (if you booked with them), but last-minute issues at the counter are decided by the supplier’s staff and rules.
This is standard across brokers (DiscoverCars, Rentalcars.com, etc.). If you’ve used flight/hotel OTAs, the concept is similar.
Who It’s Best For (and who might skip)
Great fit if you:
- Want the lowest price across many suppliers.
- Are renting in places with lots of small/local agencies (Balkans, Canary Islands, Sicily, Eastern Europe, etc.) where brokers surface deals you might not otherwise find.
- Don’t mind reading fine print (fuel policy, deposit, excess) and following a checklist to avoid surprises.
Maybe skip if you:
- Value brand loyalty (status upgrades, guaranteed models) with Hertz/Avis/Sixt.
- Plan a complex rental (cross-border, one-way into another country, winter-tire requirements) and prefer one set of rules enforced by a premium brand.
- Hate admin: with any broker, there’s an extra layer if something goes sideways.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large inventory = competitive pricing, especially off-airport and with local agencies.
- Helpful filters for car class, fuel policy, mileage, rating.
- Ability to add Full Coverage to cut risk of big excess charges.
- Convenience: compare many suppliers in one place.
Cons
- Supplier rules govern everything at pickup (deposit/credit card, age, local insurance).
- Excess-reimbursement style coverage means claim after the fact, not always instant waivers.
- Customer support is a middle layer between you and the counter — sometimes slower dispute resolution.
- With some local suppliers, service quality varies (true across brokers).
Step-by-Step: How I Book on EconomyBookings (Beginner Friendly)
This is the exact flow I recommend, with tips to avoid fees and friction:
1) Search your dates & location
- Enter city/airport + dates + pickup/return times.
- If your flight arrives late, match pickup time to your actual landing + baggage window to avoid after-hours fees or closed desks.
2) Use filters like a pro
- Fuel policy: Prefer Full to Full (pick up full, return full) — simplest and usually cheapest.
- Mileage: If you’re road-tripping, choose Unlimited to avoid surprise charges.
- Deposit: Lower deposits are easier on your card limit.
- Supplier rating: I like filtering 7.5+/10 when available.
- Transmission: In Europe, automatics can be limited — filter early.
3) Open the Rental Conditions (the most important click)
This link spells out age rules, deposit, required cards, local insurance, cross-border, extra fees. Read it all — yes, all of it. Key checkpoints:
- Deposit / Excess: How much will be held on your card?
- Credit vs. debit: Many suppliers require a credit card in the main driver’s name (with embossed name sometimes).
- Age / young driver fee: Often 21–25 triggers daily surcharges.
- Cross-border / islands / ferries: Must be pre-approved; sometimes forbidden.
- Out-of-hours: Late/early pickups = fee.
- Winter equipment: Snow tires/chains may be mandatory in season.
4) Pick your coverage (understanding “Full Coverage”)
- EconomyBookings’ Full Coverage typically reimburses eligible charges (damage, theft excess, some fees).
- You still leave a deposit with the supplier; if they charge you, you later submit documents to EconomyBookings for reimbursement.
- If you want zero-deposit, walk-away simplicity, you’ll usually need to buy the supplier’s own top-tier insurance at the desk (more expensive).
- If your credit card includes CDW/excess for rentals, weigh whether you need extra coverage at all (check card T&Cs carefully).
5) Payment & voucher
- Pay attention to whether you’re paying now or partly now / balance at pickup.
- After booking, download the voucher. It shows pickup instructions, what you’ve paid, and what remains due.
6) Before pickup: documents + photos
- Bring passport, driver’s license, credit card (main driver’s name), and voucher (digital or printed).
- If your license isn’t Roman alphabet, get an International Driving Permit.
- Take photos around the car before you drive; note every ding on the contract.
7) At the desk: the polite but firm script
- If they push extra insurance, ask: “Is my deposit guaranteed if I decline? What’s the exact excess?”
- Confirm fuel policy and mileage.
- Verify return time and after-hours instructions.
8) Return the car like a pro
- Refuel within 10–15 km of the drop-off if Full-to-Full.
- Take final photos of each side, the roof, wheels, and the dashboard fuel gauge/odometer.
- Ask for a return receipt if staffed.
Fees & Policies Explained (So You Don’t Get Caught Out)
Deposit / Excess:
Most suppliers place a hold on your card, from a few hundred up to several thousand (premium cars). If damage/theft occurs, they charge up to the excess. With excess-reimbursement coverage, you claim back later.
Credit vs. Debit:
Even if EconomyBookings accepts debit online, many suppliers require a credit card at pickup. If you only have debit, filter for debit-friendly suppliers and check the Rental Conditions.
Fuel policy:
- Full to Full: Best for most travelers.
- Same to Same or Pre-purchase: Can be fine, but read the fine print (service fees on fuel, etc.).
Mileage:
Unlimited is great for road trips. Limited mileage can be cheaper upfront but expensive if you exceed the cap.
Young driver & additional driver:
Expect surcharges for under-25 (or over-70 in some places). Extra drivers usually cost per day unless a promo includes one free.
Cross-border & ferries:
Often restricted or requires pre-approval + fee. Inform them ahead of time — don’t just do it.
Winter gear:
Some countries legally require snow tires/chains in season. Book them in advance — on-site inventory sells out.
EconomyBookings “Full Coverage” — What It Typically Is (and Isn’t)
Usually is:
- An excess-reimbursement plan (third-party style). If the supplier charges you for eligible damage/theft, you submit the paperwork to EconomyBookings to get reimbursed.
Usually isn’t:
- A supplier’s own zero-excess package that removes the deposit and stops the desk from charging you. If you want that “walk away, no deposit” experience, buy the supplier’s premium cover at the counter (often pricey), or choose a supplier/product that includes it.
Practical tip:
If you’re risk-averse but price-sensitive, EconomyBookings’ Full Coverage + a standard deposit can be a sweet spot. If you hate admin or claims, go supplier’s premium cover.
Real-World Scenarios (What I’d choose)
- Iceland winter road trip: I’d prioritize 4WD, winter tires, unlimited mileage. I’d compare EconomyBookings with DiscoverCars and direct with local specialists. I’d likely add wind/ash/undercarriage if offered locally.
- Italy (Sicily) summer: I’d filter for low deposit suppliers with high ratings. I’d do Full to Full, check hours (siesta!), and consider broker Full Coverage vs. local zero-excess if parking on tight streets.
- USA city hop: Often booking direct with a major brand (loyalty perks, good support) wins for convenience; still worth running a broker search for a deal.
EconomyBookings vs Other Platforms
Use this quick comparison to decide where to start. (Policies and inventory vary by country; always read rental conditions.)
| Platform | Best For | Big Plus | Potential Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| EconomyBookings | Budget hunters; Europe/local agencies | Broad inventory, good deals, optional Full Coverage | Supplier rules vary; claims are reimbursement-style |
| DiscoverCars | User-friendly first-timers | Clear policy summaries; strong filtering | Same broker limitations (supplier decides at counter) |
| Rentalcars.com | Wide global coverage | Ties to Booking.com ecosystem; lots of brands | Service experience varies by supplier |
| Auto Europe | Europe & premium suppliers | Good for one-ways/complex itineraries | Sometimes higher prices vs local agencies |
| Kayak/Expedia | Quick meta search | Convenient if you book flights/hotels too | Aggregator layers; policy clarity varies |
| Direct (Hertz/Sixt/Avis) | Smooth counter experience | Status perks, clearer policies, direct support | Usually higher price; less supplier variety |
My routine: Run at least two broker searches + price direct with one premium brand. If a broker deal is 15–30% cheaper and the supplier reviews look solid, I book via the broker. If the difference is small, I go direct for simplicity.
Cancellation, Changes & Refunds (What to Expect)
- Free cancellation windows vary by deal; many allow free cancel up to 48–72 hours before pickup, some up to 24 hours. Check your specific rate.
- If you cancel late or no-show, you may lose prepaid amounts or be charged a fee by the supplier.
- Changes (time/location) can reprice your rental.
- If you bought Full Coverage, cancel it separately if you’re canceling the car.
- Always keep email proof of cancellations and any promised refunds; if refunds go to a “wallet/credit,” check if you can request a card refund instead.
Tip: Book a free-cancellation rate first when your dates are uncertain; re-check prices weekly and rebook if it drops.
15 Common Pitfalls (and my fixes)
- Arriving with only a debit card. → Book debit-friendly suppliers or bring a credit card in the main driver’s name.
- Wrong pickup time. → Match to real arrival; watch for desk closing hours.
- Ignoring deposit size. → Filter for lower deposits if your limit is tight.
- Assuming unlimited mileage. → Confirm mileage policy; buy extra if needed.
- Skipping fuel policy. → Choose Full-to-Full and refuel near drop-off.
- Declining all insurance with a huge excess you can’t afford. → Either take broker Full Coverage or buy the supplier’s premium cover.
- Not checking for winter equipment laws. → Add tires/chains early (inventory runs out).
- Missing age restrictions. → Young driver? Expect daily fees; add it to your budget.
- No International Driving Permit where required. → Some desks will refuse the rental without it.
- Cross-border travel without permission. → Get it in writing (and in the contract).
- No photos at pickup/return. → Photos = proof. Always do it.
- Returning late. → Most suppliers give a short grace period (varies!), then charge a full extra day.
- Forgetting tolls/parking tickets. → These can appear weeks later with admin fees.
- Assuming child seats/GPS will be available. → Pre-book; bring your own if possible.
- Not reading the voucher. → It has critical instructions and what you’ve already paid.
Is EconomyBookings Legit? (And is it right for you?)
Yes, it’s a legit broker used by many travelers. Like any aggregator, your experience also depends on which supplier you choose. My rule of thumb:
- If EconomyBookings shows a well-reviewed supplier with a good deposit policy and a deal that beats direct by a healthy margin, I book it — with Full Coverage if I want extra peace of mind.
- If the price gap vs. booking direct is tiny, I consider booking direct with a premium brand for the simplest counter experience.
- If a local supplier looks too cheap with low ratings, I skip it. Peace of mind is worth a few dollars a day.
Example: My 7-Step “Deal & Safety” Checklist
- Shortlist cars with Full-to-Full fuel, unlimited mileage, 7.5+ rating.
- Open Rental Conditions and note deposit, card rules, age fees, hours.
- Check a second broker and one direct brand for price sanity.
- Decide coverage (broker Full Coverage vs. supplier zero-excess vs. your credit card).
- Book a free-cancellation rate if unsure; set a reminder to re-price weekly.
- Before pickup: documents + photos checklist on your phone.
- At return: refuel, photo walk-around, request return receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Do I need a credit card at pickup?
Usually yes, in the main driver’s name, for the deposit hold. Some suppliers allow debit with extra conditions; filter specifically for that and read the conditions.
2) Is EconomyBookings’ “Full Coverage” the same as the supplier’s zero-excess?
No. It’s typically excess reimbursement. The supplier can still charge you first; you then claim a reimbursement from EconomyBookings per the policy.
3) Can I cross borders?
Sometimes, with pre-approval and fees. Always check Rental Conditions and get it on your rental agreement.
4) What if my flight is delayed and I arrive after closing?
Contact the supplier as early as possible; out-of-hours fees may apply. Some locations don’t allow late pickups at all.
5) Can I name a second driver?
Usually yes, for a daily fee unless included. Add them at the desk and bring their license.
6) How do cancellations and refunds work?
Depends on the rate. Many allow free cancel up to a time limit. Read your voucher; keep all email confirmations for any refund request.
7) Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
If your license isn’t in Roman alphabet, yes. Some countries require IDP regardless; check country rules.
8) What about deposits on premium cars (SUVs, luxury)?
Expect higher deposits and stricter card rules. If you’re not comfortable with a large hold, choose a category with lower excess.
SEO Goodies You Can Use
Suggested internal links:
- “Driving in [Country] tips”
- “What to pack for a road trip”
- “How I find cheap flights”
- “[City] itinerary with self-drive day trips”
Suggested keywords to sprinkle naturally:
EconomyBookings review, is EconomyBookings legit, EconomyBookings insurance, EconomyBookings Full Coverage, car rental broker vs direct, best car rental site for Europe, avoid car rental hidden fees, car rental deposit credit card.
Final Thoughts
EconomyBookings is a solid starting point if you want to chase the best value across lots of suppliers. The platform does its job: it shows you options and prices quickly. Your real-world experience then hinges on choosing a good supplier and knowing the rules before you get to the counter. Follow the checklist in this guide and you’ll avoid 95% of headaches that trip up first-time renters.
=> Suggested post: DiscoverCars Review & Complete Guide (2025) – Is It the Best Car Rental Platform?