In today’s talent-driven market, the debate around company car vs car allowance is heating up. Candidate expectations are changing fast, especially when it comes to car-related perks.

We ran a poll asking a simple question:

Would you rather have a company car or a car allowance?

The results were clear:

• 65% chose car allowance
• Only 35% said they’d take a company car

So, what does this really tell us about what candidates want and how can employers respond?

Why Car Allowance Is Winning

While we didn’t collect open responses in the poll, here’s what the results likely reflect:

• A car allowance offers flexibility, candidates can choose their own vehicle
• Many people already own a car they prefer to maintain, rather than switch

This shows a clear shift: people expect benefits that fit into their life, not ones they have to work around.

When a Company Car Does Still Make Sense

Of course, the company car still has its place, particularly in:

• Field-based roles
• High-mileage sales positions
• Jobs with regular client visits

In these situations, a fully maintained vehicle can still be a very attractive and practical perk.

The key takeaway isn’t to eliminate the option but to consider offering a choice. Giving candidates the flexibility to decide what works best for them can be a real differentiator when they’re comparing offers.

What This Means for Employers

The key takeaway? Flexibility is everything.

Offering candidates a tailored package that suits their lifestyle and working patterns can be the difference between securing your ideal hire or losing them to a more modern, thoughtful competitor.

💡 Small benefit changes = big impact Even tweaks like offering car allowances, work-from-home options, or wellness days can make your offer stand out in a saturated market.

The Bigger Picture: What Candidates Actually Care About

This poll ties into a broader shift we’re seeing – a move away from flashy perks and toward practical, meaningful benefits.

Things like:

✅ Real flexibility (no micromanagement or token hybrid setups)

✅ Career development and mentorship

✅ Competitive compensation

✅ Mental health and well-being support

These are the benefits that resonate. Not the “free fruit on Wednesdays” type of perks – but things that truly make a difference in someone’s day-to-day.

Want to Attract the Right Talent?

If you’re reviewing your benefits package or hiring this quarter, now’s a great time to re-evaluate what you’re offering and how it’s being perceived.

We speak to hundreds of candidates every week, across engineering, tech, telecoms, and beyond. If you’d like to hear more about what’s actually working right now in your sector, we’re always up for a chat.

Get in touch now!