Can you rent a luxury car for a proposal in New York? You can, but it isn’t easy. Weekend minimums are common. Many high-end rental companies don’t do hourly rentals. There’s also a hefty deposit and insurance requirements to meet before taking possession of the car.
A one-day Saturday rental is rarely possible; many sports car rental companies require two days for weekends, and three days for holiday weekends. These types of cars are expensive to buy, and given that demand is strongest on weekends, a two-day minimum ensures the owner the best return on their investment. Also, there are only so many luxury cars in the New York area. Pro tip: Opt for a shorter drive around town on a weekday afternoon. This lets you slip under the company’s weekend minimum of two or three days.
Full Coverage
Age requirements vary. Drivers usually need to be 24 or older, though some outlets will rent to 23-year olds. If you have liability-only coverage, you must pay for your own full coverage and have to make this change at least 24 hours before taking the car.
Because New York minimum liability coverage gives just $10,000 in property damage, and rental exotics cost far more than that, you’ll want to call ahead to check whether your coverage extends to rentals. While big insurers like State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and Allstate usually do, some smaller ones might not. Remember to bring your license and insurance papers when you get the car.
You’ll probably be driving $75,000 - $500,000 cars, and you have to have insurance to match. One New York sports car rental business asks for no less than 100/300/100 (bodily injury, bodily injury per accident, and property damage). Another makes an exception to its full-coverage rule if you have premium rental protection on an AMEX Centurion or Platinum card.
The damage deposit varies by company; it can be $1,000 or more, and one New York company charges up to $5,000. A damage deposit can be paid on a cash basis, and you’ll get it back right away when the car is returned. If you pay by credit card, your hold will usually be released in three to five business days. And all bets are off if a holiday slows things down on either end.
Don’t file a claim that will raise your insurance premiums. You want to use the deposit to cover small damage that your insurance won’t pay for: scuffed wheels, curbed tire sidewalls, and minor dents. Expect $300 per wheel scuff, $500 per tire with missing rubber, and $1,000 or more for major damage.
New York law has special rules to protect you from overpaying for damage to your rental. The law states that you owe only for the lesser of either the cost of reasonable repairs or the fair market value of the vehicle immediately before the damage, less the salvage. There is no claim against you or your insurer for loss-of-use or administrative fees.
Open Container Law
The proposal itself is a big deal, but so is the celebratory glass of champagne or two. But whether you can pour it on the way turns on whether your means of transport has a Department of Transportation permit and is built for 10 or more. If not, an open bottle counts as a traffic infraction under New York’s open container law. Forget about popping the cork until you get to dinner. If you want to sip in a chauffeured ride, go for a large stretch limo or minibus, built for 10 or more people. Any smaller and you’re limited to sparkling grape juice.
Chauffeured rental companies are the one area where hourly rentals do exist, so you can enjoy an expensive car without paying for a whole day. All New York City for-hire or luxury limousine drivers must have a TLC Driver License. Do ask to see the driver’s TLC license, and compare the card to the driver.
Location Is Everything
Central Park won’t allow vehicle drop-offs at its wedding sites, so park outside the park and walk to your spot. A New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Special Events permit is needed if you have 20 or more guests, and it involves a $25 non-refundable application fee.
You’ll come out better if you factor in the $9 congestion toll into Manhattan at or below 60th Street at peak hours, charged once a day with E-ZPass. These tolls are a one-shot deal, but a car can rack up a lot of miles. Check the rental company for its daily mileage allowance. Extra miles are pricey: One company offers free miles of 125 miles a day, and if you drive more, you pay $2.50 to $6.95 per mile, depending on the car you rent. New York has a law that caps the authorized-driver fee at $5 per day.
Some companies need a 10% deposit to hold a date, but it is not refundable. If you pay the 10% holding deposit to keep the car and it looks like you’ll need to cancel, do so at least 14 days beforehand to avoid further penalties. Don’t expect a refund if it rains. Even if you return the car early, you’ll pay the rental fee for the entire time it was reserved.
With this knowledge you can make it happen. Pick a weekday afternoon, or accept a weekend minimum. As early as possible, make sure that your insurance applies and budget for the damage deposit hold. Hold the champagne until you are out of the car. Then pour and enjoy.
