Is all-inclusive car rental worth it?
For most leisure travellers, yes. The all-inclusive headline price is a little higher, but it already includes the insurance, excess waiver, fuel fairness and no deposit that a “cheap” rate charges back at the counter. Compared like-for-like, all-inclusive is frequently the same price or cheaper - and much less stressful. It’s less worth it only if you already own standalone excess insurance and don’t mind a deposit held on your card.
We’d rather you make the right call than oversell you, so here’s the honest version - including when the cheapest option genuinely wins.
Compare the real total, not the sticker
The headline price hides the parts that matter. A fair comparison adds, to the budget rate, the cost of bringing it up to the same protection level:
| Cost element | “Cheapest” rate | All-inclusive (DisDou) |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | Lowest | Slightly higher |
| Zero-excess cover | + €15-€30/day at desk | Included |
| Glass / tyres / underbody | Often excluded | Included |
| Fuel policy | Risk of full-to-empty | Like-for-like |
| Deposit held | €1,000-€2,500 | No-deposit option |
| Cancellation | Varies | Free to 1 hr before |
Add the second column up and the “cheap” rate usually lands at or above the all-inclusive price - before you count the time spent declining upsells and the risk you’re carrying.
When all-inclusive is clearly worth it
- You don’t hold a separate annual excess insurance policy.
- You don’t want €1,000-€2,500 frozen on your card, or you have no credit card.
- You’re driving on island, mountain or rough roads (glass/tyre/underbody risk).
- You value a fixed, predictable price and 24/7 support over chasing the lowest number.
When the cheapest rate can win
We’ll be straight: if you already own a good standalone excess policy, you’re happy to have a deposit held on a credit card, and you’ll confidently decline every counter add-on, a bare budget rate can come out cheaper. You take on more admin (claiming the excess back yourself) and more risk in exchange for a lower headline price. For frequent business renters that trade-off can make sense.
Our take
For a once- or twice-a-year holiday, the few euros of difference buy a genuinely worry-free car: no excess to fear, nothing blocked on your card, a fair fuel policy and a real support line. That’s the trade DisDou is built around - you might pay a little more than the rock-bottom price, but you get a lot back.
See the all-in price for your trip
Compare all-inclusive cars and judge the real total for yourself.
Search all-inclusive carsFrequently asked questions
Is all-inclusive car rental worth it?
For most leisure travellers, yes. Once you add proper zero-excess cover, a fair fuel policy and account for the deposit, an all-inclusive rate is often the same price or cheaper than a “budget” rate - and far less stressful. It is less worth it only if you already hold strong standalone excess insurance and a credit card you’re happy to have held.
When is the cheapest rate actually better?
If you own an annual standalone excess policy, are comfortable with a deposit being held on your credit card, and will decline all counter add-ons, a bare budget rate can be cheaper. You carry more admin and risk in exchange.
Is all-inclusive really more expensive?
The headline price is usually a little higher, but it already contains the insurance and excess waiver a budget rate sells separately. Compared like-for-like, the gap often closes or reverses.