Amex GBT: Car rental prices remain stable, but additional fees can increase the cost
Amex GBT expects only a moderate rise in car rental prices during the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027. However, taxes, insurance and local fees could be more important than the daily rate itself.
After several years of severe disruptions in vehicle availability, car rental market enters a calmer period. According to the new Ground Monitor Amex GBT Consulting, Business car rental prices in most observed markets are expected to remain stable or grow moderately over the next 12 months.
The forecast is based on data from corporate programmes Amex GBT, and is therefore primarily relevant to business travel rather than the leisure market as a whole. Improved vehicle availability is reducing pressure on prices, while the costs of insurance, repairs and tax changes are working in the opposite direction.
Europe remains relatively peaceful, with one major exception
France and Spain have the most stable forecast, from unchanged prices to a rise of 0.5%. In the United Kingdom, an increase of between 0.6% and 1.3% is expected, in Germany from 1% to 2%, and in the Scandinavian countries from 1% to 2.5%.
The Netherlands stands out with growth from 41% to 51%, primarily due to higher vehicle-related tax costs. For the Adriatic region markets, Amex GBT has not published a separate forecast, but the European trend suggests more stable base rates with the possibility of greater seasonal fluctuations at tourist destinations.
The day tariff no longer tells the whole story
In the US and Canada, growth is expected from 1.5% to 2%, while Australia could see an increase from 3% to 3.4%. Brazil and Chile are in the range of 2% to 4%.
However, Amex GBT warns of rising city, airport and other additional fees, particularly in North America. This is precisely why travel managers must look at the total cost of rental when negotiating with suppliers, rather than just the agreed daily rate.
Improved fleet availability also opens up space for volume consolidation with one or two car rental partners. For TMCs and corporate buyers, this can mean a better negotiating position, provided they monitor additional fees, vehicle categories and the actual cost of each individual trip in detail.
