Used to driving a luxury car at home? Then why settle for anything less on your next big getaway? And, if you want to really push the boat out, then hiring the prestige sportscar of your dreams is the ultimate way to ensure a holiday to remember.
Whether you’re looking for a vintage model or an open top, finding your perfect rental car can be trickier than it might seem – but with a little insider knowledge, you can track down the right pair of wheels for you, and fast.
From what you can rent and where, how to go about it and what kind of rates you can expect today, we’ve put together a complete guide on how to make the experience seamless. We’ve even included the caveats and potential pitfalls to look out for – so you can ensure you’re well prepared for every eventuality first.
The options
Unsurprisingly, the USA is one of the most popular destinations for luxury car rental by British travellers, with thousands each year opting to fly across the pond and take to the open road of Route 66 on the ultimate road trip. As such, there is a plethora of swanky cars to choose from – so much so, that you’ll be spoilt for choice.
One-way drop-offs are usually free within Florida, California and Nevada, which means you can drop your car off at the end of your trip without having to return to your starting point. Route 66 itself, however, does incur fees, and getting a convertible for this route can prove a little more difficult than, say, the Pacific Coast Highway.
If you’re less about the vintage, and more about the ultra-luxurious, then why not think about renting a luxury car in Dubai, where you can drive away in an opulent Rolls Royce and truly explore the sights in style? The epitome of style and sophistication, there are few automobiles that exude quite the same level of glitz and glamour. It’s the ultimate choice for a lavish vacation.
Of course, if you’re looking for a little more adrenaline, then you certainly won’t be disappointed, either. In Dubai, powerful supercars are ready and waiting to be driven away for a road trip filled with excitement. It’s a great place to find out what it’s like to own a Ferrari for a week, and who knows? It might inspire you to finally invest in your own.
Sports and luxury vehicles are also available to rent in key European holiday regions, including Monaco – a nation of glitz, glamour and F1 – and Italy; in particular, Tuscany. Italy is a nation known for its quality cars, so it stands to reason that you won’t have to look far to find what you’re looking for – but with some of the finest cars in high demand during peak season, it pays to book yours in advance.
Where to book
Booking your dream car is easier than you might think, with most big rental companies boasting enviable collections of luxury cars for your perusal. From Porsches to Bentleys, Lamborghinis to Maseratis, you’ll be spoilt for choice – but the great news is that many companies will let you take their cars for a spin first, to get a feel for the right set of wheels for you. Try Hertz’s The Dream Collection or Avis’ Select and Prestige Series when in Europe, Enterprise’s Exotic Car Collection in the USA, or RentluxurycarinDubai in the UAE.
Rental costs
Rates vary hugely, but be prepared to splurge – these cars are in high demand year round, so you’ll have to get your cheque book out pretty quickly if you want to secure yours.
Insurance
Rentals of luxury cars booked in the UK usually come with Collision Damage Waiver and theft protection, though in most countries there is likely to be a high excess – often as much as £5,000 on a high-spec vehicle.
To reduce the excess to zero, you can take out stand-alone excess waiver insurance – though be sure to ensure you’re getting the highest level to cover cars worth up to £120,000.
Rentals in the USA usually come with zero excess on the insurance. However, it’s still worth taking out a comprehensive stand-alone excess waiver policy to cover things like the wheels and windscreen, which are excluded from CDWs.
The takeaway
Hiring the luxury car of your dreams can make for a special trip you’ll never forget, so why not treat yourself to the finest you can get? If money is no object, then you needn’t choose just one, either – you could try a couple out if you’re doing a longer trip and make the experience even more memorable.
Renting a luxury car abroad couldn’t be easier, but be sure to head to a reputable company and take a look at the insurance offered before you get behind the wheel. It’s often helpful to get quotes beforehand, though if you’re happy to turn up on spec and hand over the asking price, then walk-ins are usually welcome.
