Almost everyone has had to rent a car sometime or another, but they usually only think about renting something like a Ford Focus, a Subaru Outback, or maybe even a Chevy sedan. Not many people realize that, if you know where to look, you can rent a luxury car for not much more.
Renting a luxury car is a quick and easy way to add style to any trip, vacation, or outing. Whether you’re visiting the family or on a weekend getaway with friends, here are a few easy ways to rent a luxury car and live your trip in style.
#1. Know Where to Look
If you don’t know where luxury cars can be found, then it’s safe to say you won’t find one for your trip. Wherever you’re going, make sure you research ahead of time to see if there are any luxury car rental companies and where they’re located. The likelihood is that you won’t find them located in the airport, but some companies may be willing to pick you up or deliver the car to you.
#2. Reserve Ahead of Time
The most important thing to remember when booking a luxury car rental is to reserve your car ahead of time. Once you find a company that offers luxury cars for rent, contact them so that you can make your reservation. Most companies will offer this by either phone or website.
When you reserve your car, be sure to make a note of the make, model, and color of the car that you’ll be renting. If you reserve your car by phone, have the salesperson confirm this verbally for you. If you reserve it on a website, save the information so that you have it on hand when you pick up your car.
#3. Compare Rates
If you’re heading to a big city, you’ll probably have multiple rental companies to choose from. Before you commit to one and make your reservation, shop around and compare rates. Ask each company for the estimated total cost and what that includes: insurance, maintenance, etc. Even if you call and ask them, you don’t have to commit to the company until you’re ready.
When it comes to the price of a luxury car rental, you can expect to pay more than you would for a regular car. Just like with a regular rental car company, there will be different price tiers with each tier offering better rental options.
A standard elite rental is going to cost much less than an executive luxury rental. While you’ll still be paying for a luxury car, you should expect a BMW or an Audi rather than a Maserati or a Tesla.
#4. Always Read the Insurance Policy
Always Read the Insurance Policy
In almost every situation, your luxury car rental will include accident insurance to cover the vehicle in case something happens. However, very rarely will an insurance policy include every part of the vehicle.
Most rental companies will include a basic insurance package that doesn’t include windshield or tire damage and it’s up to you to either buy additional insurance or cover any damage costs. If you choose not to pay for additional insurance, you’ll be asked to sign a waiver form guaranteeing that you’ll pay for any damage that may occur.
Even if the rental company does not explicitly tell you what the insurance policy covers, be sure to read over it before signing and taking the car. If anything happens, you’ll be held accountable to whatever forms you signed.
Since you never know what may happen, it’s highly recommended that you pay for additional insurance to cover at least the windshield. Luxury car repair costs are notoriously high and the last thing you want to do is have to pay for repairs on your vacation.
#5. Familiarize Yourself with Company Policies
Some rental companies have very strict rules about who can drive. You’ll typically have to pay an additional driver fee if more than one person is going to drive the car. Some companies may not allow anyone under 25 to drive the vehicle, or they may charge an underage driver fee on top of the additional driver fee.
As terms and conditions will vary from company to company, make sure to familiarize yourself with the policies of your chosen rental company. Even if you’ve rented a luxury car on another trip, certain locations and companies will have different conditions for their rentals.
#6. Know What Size of Vehicle You Need
If you’re planning a family road trip, you’re going to need a much different vehicle than if you’re cruising around Las Vegas for the weekend. If you’ll be driving yourself and three others, you’ll need more seats than if you’re only driving yourself and a friend.
Before you call to make your reservation, make sure you know how much space you’ll need during your trip. This includes any luggage you may need to transport and how many people will be with you in the car. Many luxury cars may only have two doors which can make fitting several bags and multiple people impossible.
If you don’t know how big of a vehicle you’ll need, you can always call the rental company and ask. They’ll be able to let you know what luxury car will meet your needs.
Live the Dream on Your Next Trip
Live the Dream on Your Next Trip
Renting a luxury car is a great way to not only make your trip feel extra special, but to give you a feel for what it’s like to drive a car that you may otherwise never own. Whether you’re in town for a wedding, on your honeymoon, or on a business trip, renting a luxury car is an experience that you’re sure to never forget.
