Queens rental plans can begin at a hotel in Long Island City, a home in Astoria or Flushing, or an airport arrival. Tell us whether the trip is a city stay, a celebration or the start of a longer drive. Passenger count, luggage and the preferred vehicle help shape a useful inquiry.
An airport handover is a different request from delivery to a residential address. Share the flight and terminal details where relevant, or the building entrance and meeting contact for a neighborhood pickup. Include stops in the Rockaways, Manhattan or Long Island so the proposed timing and return plan reflect the whole trip.
Yes, you can rent a luxury or exotic car in Queens, but there are several important points to consider. You are not going to be able to walk up to a car rental company and expect them to hand you the keys to a Bentley or Ferrari. You need to show that you can drive legally and carry appropriate insurance, and be prepared to leave a significant deposit for any damage to the expensive ride. If you plan to rent one on a weekend, be aware that you may need to book a longer rental.
The New York State minimum age for renters is 18, but companies may charge more for young renters under 25. Exotic car companies sometimes go as high as 24 years old. You must have a valid license to rent one, and that includes valid foreign licenses without the need for an international permit. It may help if you have the international permit, however. Credit cards are not needed for a rental, but without one expect a background check, which may take several days to complete.
Full Coverage Package
Exotic cars make rental firms nervous, so they often ask for a personal policy with a full coverage package including comprehensive and collision, and liability to cover you in the event of an accident. If your policy is liability only, you will need an upgraded policy, which should be taken out at least 24 hours before pick-up. Generally, the big insurers State Farm, Geico, Progressive and Allstate will cover rentals. However, smaller insurers may balk at covering more expensive rentals. Check with your insurer beforehand. Also, bring your license and insurance papers to verify.
New York state law sets the minimum liability limit for all rentals at $25,000 for injury to one person. You can buy additional insurance at the counter, but it is not mandatory. A damage waiver for a car with a sticker price of $35,000 to $50,000 may not cost more than $15 a day, but more expensive cars have no cap on the waiver price, which should match the fair market value. The waiver can be voided if the driver races the car, uses an unauthorized driver, or drives while drunk or reckless.
Rental Deposit
It is not that rental companies want to add to your costs, but these are very expensive cars. Be aware that a car may be worth from $75,000 to $500,000, and may require a deposit of more than $1,000. Cash deposits are refunded at the time of return, but card holds may take 3 to 5 business days to be released, sometimes delayed for holidays or bank issues.
A rental deposit covers costs insurance doesn’t, like dings in the door or small wheel scuffs or windshield cracks. And paying from the deposit is cheaper than making a claim, which raises your premiums. The deposit will be deducted for any damage, be it minor or major. The state passed a law capping what you owe for damage at the lower of reasonable repair cost or the car’s fair market value, and bars loss-of-use charges. The damage claim must come at return, or within 10 days for after-hours returns.
Two-day Rental Minimum on Weekends
Exotic car companies will often impose a two-day rental minimum on weekends, with a three-day minimum on major holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and New Year’s. One-day rentals are sometimes permitted for week days. And you won’t find hourly self-drive rentals. Many car rental firms get most of their inquiries and reservations Friday to Sunday, so a one-day weekend booking may mean turning away a two- or three-day rental. You can try your luck on the day itself, as a firm may let an unbooked car go for one day.
A 10% deposit holds your reservation, but cannot be refunded. If you cancel your reservation at least 14 days before it begins, you pay nothing else. No refunds will be given for early returns, bad weather, or for shortening the term of rental.
Free miles are limited, with a 125 free-mile-per-day standard. Once that is exceeded, charges can vary from as little as $2.50 a mile up to $6.95 a mile depending on the vehicle. Check the rental company’s overage costs before setting out on long drives. The state caps extra driver fees to $5 each per day and has a 6% special tax that is added to the regular sales tax, with a supplemental 6% tax as well.
It may be time-consuming, but do your homework on price and overages. Be as careful as you would with your own car. But if you dream of traveling in a Bentley or a Ferrari, maybe the hassles will be worth it.
