Overview

DiscoverCars.com is a leading global car rental booking platform that acts as an aggregator, comparing deals from over 1,000 trusted suppliers (including major brands like Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar, Alamo, and local providers) to help users find the best rates. Founded in 2013 in Riga, Latvia (originally as Discover Car Hire, rebranded in 2019), it connects travelers with rentals in 164 countries and over 50,000 locations worldwide. The platform emphasizes transparency, with all mandatory fees, taxes, and extras included in quotes to avoid surprises. It’s won awards like the World Travel Tech Award for World’s Best Car Rental Booking Website (four years running) and has been ranked among Europe’s fastest-growing companies by the Financial Times. As of 2025, it serves tens of millions of users annually via its website and mobile app.

How It Works
1. **Search**: Enter your pick-up/drop-off location, dates, driver’s age, and country of residence. Filter by car type (e.g., economy, SUV, van), unlimited mileage, or free cancellation.
2. **Compare**: View options from multiple suppliers, sorted by price or rating. Check details like deposit amounts, fuel policies, and supplier reviews.
3. **Book**: Select a deal, add optional full coverage insurance (often cheaper than at the desk), and pay securely. You’ll receive a voucher via email or app.
4. **Pick-Up**: Present your voucher, valid driver’s license (held 1+ year), ID (e.g., passport), and credit/debit card for deposit. Changes/cancellations are free up to 48 hours before.
5. **Support**: 24/7 multilingual help in 31 languages for any issues.

The site negotiates bulk deals directly with suppliers for savings up to 70%, and it’s available in 17 languages.

Key Features
Pricing: Starts from ~$10/day (varies by location; e.g., Milan averages $30–50 for economy). All-inclusive quotes; young driver fees (under 25) and deposits (refundable, ~$500–$1,500) extra. Debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) accepted by many.
Insurance Options: Basic CDW included; upgrade to full coverage via DiscoverCars (often 50% cheaper than on-site upsells, e.g., $200 vs. $400). Excludes third-party liability in some cases.
Coverage: 164 countries; unlimited mileage on many deals; vans/SUVs available. Age limits: 18+ in Europe, 21+ in US (with fees).
App & Tools: Mobile app for iOS/Android; filters for eco-friendly cars, one-way rentals; post-rental reviews to rate suppliers.
Cancellation: Free up to 48 hours; flexible policies on most bookings.

Pros and Cons
Based on user experiences from over 50+ rentals across reviews:

Pros:
– Transparent pricing with no hidden fees, saving time and money compared to direct bookings.
– Excellent customer support for resolving issues (e.g., refunds for damages processed in ~1 week).
– Wide selection and easy comparisons; app makes on-the-go management simple.
– Strong for international travel, with reliable partners in Europe, US, and beyond.

Cons
– As a third-party broker, issues like “no-shows” or disputes fall to the supplier (e.g., cars given away if late).
– Some users report frustration with AI chat support or extra charges from low-rated suppliers (check ratings 8+).
– Full coverage may not cover everything (e.g., third-party damage); read terms carefully to avoid “scam” perceptions from user errors.

Pricing and Availability
Prices fluctuate by demand—book early for deals. As of October 2025, expect $20–$60/day for economy cars in major cities. New users often get £9 off or similar promos. Available unlocked worldwide; download the app for exclusive offers. For US rentals, verify state-specific rules (e.g., 18+ in NY/MI).