Getting a fancy ride for graduation in New York City and Long Island should be possible, but not without expense. New York law says a rental company can’t refuse a car only because the driver is between 18 and 25 when insurance is available, but they can add an under-25 surcharge. Many luxury and exotic rental businesses in the region still set a minimum age of 24 and want full coverage insurance. The under-25 fee doesn’t have one set number. The state Attorney General says these surcharges vary from company to company, so ask each one. The weekend minimums and deposit matter too.
Insurance Comes First
Insurance comes first. They’ll want to see that you have full coverage (which means comprehensive, collision and liability) on a car already in your name, and it has to cover a rental in your name. Liability-only policies have to be upgraded to full coverage at least 24 hours before the rental. Don’t forget to bring your license and insurance papers for verification. Some let you rent if your American Express Centurion or Platinum card offers their premium car rental insurance. Big insurers like State Farm, Geico, Progressive and Allstate typically extend coverage to rental cars, but certain smaller insurers may not. Check your plan or talk to your broker.
If they mention a collision damage waiver, consider it, but remember New York prohibits rental companies from using declining it as a reason to refuse the rental. The state cap on what those waivers cost per day does not apply to cars with an MSRP above $50,000, so on most luxury and exotic cars there is no fixed maximum price.
Exotic cars worth $75,000 to $500,000 mean a deposit of $1,000 or more is expected. If you bring the car back exactly as you found it, cash deposits come back right away, but it can take longer with a card. Credit card holds are usually released in 3 to 5 business days, but holidays and your bank’s policies affect that, and sometimes processing can take even longer. Damage comes out of the deposit. Like one exotic firm charging $300 per scuffed wheel, $500 per damaged tire if the sidewall’s rubber is gone, and $1,000 or more for big dents, scratches or body damage, then leaving it to you to seek reimbursement from your insurer. New York law also limits what they can bill you for any damage to the car. There’s no charging for loss of use or related administrative fees, and your damage liability is capped at the lesser of a reasonable repair cost or the car’s fair market value before the damage. If your deposit covers small repairs like dents, cracked windshields or scuffed rims, paying for it and saving the claim should save money on your future premiums, too.
Not having a credit card shouldn’t be a problem in New York, but don’t start your hunt the day before. The rental company can screen your credit or require a cash security deposit.
Weekends Are When Exotic Rentals Are Busiest
Weekends are when exotic rentals are busiest. Many companies won’t take advance bookings for one-day weekend rentals; it’s typical to want a two-day minimum on normal weekends and three days on holiday weekends like Memorial Day weekend. Many companies are leery of a single weekend day because it means they have to turn away a two- or three-day booking. As a rule, book a weekday if you can, because a short rental is usually harder to accommodate from Friday to Sunday. It won’t hurt to ask, but the answer is likely to be no. Some will also offer hourly rentals for an event, but they always include a professional driver, and they’re unlikely to release a car for an hour or two of self-driving. A graduation car booking could take time, since there are only so many cars, so call well ahead.
No matter what the rental looks like, what matters is the contract. A 10% holding deposit is common and non-refundable; cancel at least two weeks ahead to avoid more penalties; no refunds for returning early or bad weather on the day.
If you’re planning a drive out to Long Island and back from New York City, the miles can add up quickly. At least one company offers 125 free miles per day, but it may run to overage fees of $2.50 to $6.95 a mile after that depending on the car. The mileage allowance may differ by rental location and shift with season, how often the car is rented and depreciation, so check the number on your contract before planning a Long Island run.
Once You’re in the Car
A high school graduate on a junior learner permit faces extra limits. In New York City, they can only drive 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a parent, guardian or driving instructor supervising in a car with dual controls; on Long Island, they can’t carry more than one passenger under 21 outside immediate family unless a parent, guardian or instructor supervises.
Graduation night and a little alcohol don’t mix. The state’s Zero Tolerance Law can catch you out even without a DWI. A driver under 21 who shows a BAC of .02 to .07 faces a six-month license suspension on a first violation, so be careful. A first DWI conviction means up to a year in jail.
If you’re skipping the driving altogether and getting a limo, here’s how the state wants you to ride safe. Its Limo Safety Checklist says look for a valid diamond-shaped DOT inspection sticker on the windshield, ask to see the driver’s commercial license, and everyone wears a seatbelt the whole time.
It’s possible to rent a luxury ride, but you have to sort out the age and insurance issues, and sort them out first. Then book your weekend as soon as possible with the minimum days in mind. Once you’re in the car, treat it like your own.
