The Hertz “Dream Cars” program and Enterprise Exotic are both in New York, and both require that you’re 25. But for Hertz you’re dealing with a special car program that lives within airport locations and includes 75 free miles a day as well as a same-location return policy. By contrast Enterprise is a Manhattan branch that specializes in renting exotics and holds a deposit of its own, plus requires that you have transferable insurance. If you’re flying in and staying somewhere near the airport, then Hertz is easier. Otherwise, if you have an insurance plan that transfers, try Enterprise Manhattan.
Either one is fine so long as you fit their rules. The differences depend mostly on age, what papers you need to show and how big a deposit is required, as well as how many miles you get and whether you can pick up or return the car somewhere other than the rental location.
No One Under 25
Both Hertz and Enterprise will rent an exotic to no one under 25. If you’re in New York and under that age, you can get a regular car from Hertz at 18, but not a Dream Car. At Enterprise Exotic in Manhattan, the only second driver they’ll add is a spouse or domestic partner who is also 25. So if you’re on a business trip and your colleague isn’t a spouse or domestic partner, then they can’t be second driver at Enterprise.
Security Deposit
The most comfortable thing you can do is turn up at a Hertz rental with your valid US or foreign license and a credit card in your name that has enough credit to pay for your rental, and proof of insurance. Platinum members can skip proof of insurance and a second form of ID. Debit cards aren’t accepted at pickup, but can be used at the return if you insist. Be sure you bring insurance proof in your own name and matching the name on your license and credit card. Your ID gets photocopied, sealed and shredded when you return the Dream Car.
To pick up your exotic from Enterprise in Manhattan, you need a valid photo driver’s license, a major credit card in your own name for the security deposit, and fully transferable personal auto insurance that Enterprise must check. So call your insurer or agent first, or you won’t be getting the keys.
When you reserve the car, Enterprise will take your money for the full cost of the rental and a security deposit that varies from car to car. Their New York City branch also holds a deposit of their own up to $1,000 that stays unavailable until you’ve returned the car. A note on the card hold: it does put that amount of the card out of reach for you to use while the rental is outstanding. Damage waiver is optional at Enterprise’s exotic branch in New York City, but they charge $29.99 to $74.99 a day for it, depending on the car. The company says it is not insurance.
New York law says the price of the damage waiver on a car with an MSRP over $50,000 has no fixed cap and must be based on fair market value, as the company determines it. Your liability for damage to the car is limited to the lesser of the cost of the reasonable repairs or the fair market value of the car, with no administrative or loss-of-use fees.
A Limited Number of Miles
Hertz includes 75 miles free with every daily rental. One-way rentals and returning to a different location are not allowed. Enterprise’s exotics have a limited number of miles allowed. If you go over the limit, at Hertz it’s $0.75 a mile, at Enterprise it’s up to $0.25, so if you take a long drive you’ll be dinged more at Hertz.
Enterprise Exotic Car Collection is at 50 West 44th Street, 3rd Floor, Manhattan, and they offer pickup service. Be sure you ask about the delivery fee before you book the rental. It can vary by location and car. They have no after-hours returns, so plan your drop-off time.
Hertz’s Dream Collection is chosen for sporty design and power. You can get a BMW 740i, Porsche Boxster, 911, Macan or Cayenne, Mercedes G550, C63 AMG, CLA45 AMG, Range Rover Sport or Velar, and a Nissan GT-R. The two-door GT-R will seat four, but if you have a full party to drive you should rent the five-seater BMW 740i or G550. You can book a Dream Car online or upgrade at one of their locations where they’re offered. They’re at over 40 US airports, so check whether yours is one of them. If ID is not accepted, Hertz may offer you a different model.
So if you can take a flight into the airport, drive about 75 miles a day and drop off the car at the same location, a Dream Car might be the best way. Enterprise is in Manhattan, and might work better if you’re staying in the city, your insurance transfers to it and you’re OK with the big deposit. Whatever rental you pick, be at least 25 and have your driver’s license and a major credit card, in your own name.
