Dream of turning heads and feeling like a million bucks on the road? Well, good news for you…
Exotic car rental services have seen a surge in demand over the past few years. Today, more people than ever are realizing that they can drive their dream car without having to purchase it themselves.
Here’s the inside scoop:
Own a Lamborghini, Ferrari, or Rolls-Royce? Great. But did you know that it costs a fortune to maintain such vehicles? Between insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, these high-end sports cars can easily bleed you dry.
Renting is a different story.
What You Will Learn in This Guide
- Why Exotic Car Rentals Are So Popular
- Renting an Exotic Car vs. Owning One
- Choosing the Right Exotic Car Rental Service
- Factors to Consider When Renting an Exotic Car
- Tips for Making the Most of Your Rental Experience
Why Exotic Car Rentals Are So Popular
The exotic car rental market is booming right now.
Individuals are starting to care less about ownership and more about experiences. Why spend hundreds of thousands on a depreciating asset when you can have the same exact experience for a small fraction of the cost?
Let’s look at it this way…
Renting an exotic car is an awesome experience without the negative aspects of ownership. Say goodbye to hassling over maintenance schedules and expensive insurance premiums. This is how you turn your dream into a reality.
By finding a reliable exotic car rental company, you will have the opportunity to drive luxury vehicles that were once only available to the highest bidder. The average person can now take a McLaren on a weekend getaway or show up to their wedding in a Bentley.
Market research supports this trend.
According to Market Intelo, North America owns the largest share of the global exotic car rental market, at 38%. This is due to a high demand for high-performance vehicles in the region, as well as tourism.
Renting an Exotic Car vs. Owning One
If you are still on the fence about renting an exotic car versus buying one, let’s break down some of the top reasons renting makes way more sense.
Cost savings are astronomical. Exotic cars depreciate drastically the second you drive them off the dealership lot. When you rent, you don’t have to deal with depreciation.
Variety is endless. Why settle on one car when you can rent a different exotic vehicle each month? One weekend you can have a Ferrari, the next weekend you could take a Porsche 911 GT3 out for a spin.
Maintenance is zero stress. Specialized mechanics and expensive parts make exotic car maintenance a pain for most people. Rental companies have experts on staff to handle all of this for you.
What it boils down to…
Exotic car rentals allow you to match the ride to the occasion. Wedding? Rolls-Royce Phantom. Desert road trip? Lamborghini Urus. Business event? Mercedes-AMG GT.
Choosing the Right Exotic Car Rental Service
Not all exotic car rental companies are created equally. Some are known for skimping on vehicle maintenance while others are transparent with all of their fees and policies. The best services make the customer experience a priority in everything they do.
Look for the following qualities:
- A well-maintained fleet of modern model years
- Transparent pricing without hidden fees or surcharges
- Comprehensive insurance packages
- Flexible car pickup and return policies
- Customer reviews from verified previous renters
The exotic car rental experience should be a premium one from start to finish. This includes the booking process, spotless vehicles, and staff members that are actually passionate about these high-end sports cars.
Tip: Ask about their vehicle inspection process. Most reputable rental companies walk customers through the car before and after rental to document its condition.
Factors to Consider When Renting an Exotic Car
When it comes down to it, picking a rental exotic car all boils down to your desired experience.
Are you looking for straight-line speed and heart-pounding performance? Check out some supercars such as the Lamborghini Huracán or Ferrari 488. Both of these exotics deliver performance that will keep you glued to your seat.
Are you going for luxury and comfort? Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Mercedes-Maybach sedans and convertibles deliver a completely different experience. Expect silky-smooth rides, handcrafted interiors, and turning heads without going faster than the speed of sound.
Take these things into account when choosing a rental:
- The occasion and setting
- Number of passengers
- Need for storage space
- Driving experience level
- Weather conditions during rental period
Exotic cars can be more demanding to handle safely. It’s important to be honest with yourself when it comes to your skill level. Reputable rental companies will also work with you to find a vehicle that matches your comfort zone.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Rental Experience
Congrats on booking your dream car. But don’t forget to make the most of every minute behind the wheel.
Plan your route in advance. Scenic routes are some of the most memorable when driving exotic cars. Mountain roads, coastal highways, and desert stretches are all great ways to make the most of the car’s capabilities.
Did you know that 68% of exotic car rentals are made for special occasions or one-time events such as weddings, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays? This includes when renting an exotic car for a wedding.
Take photos and videos before you take off. Rental companies actually encourage this as it leads to repeat customers and happy referrals. Pro tip: a quick video of yourself behind the wheel will last you a lifetime.
Learn how to handle the vehicle. Most rental services will have staff on hand to teach you the car’s features. They can explain everything from launch control and drive modes to basic functions that are different than standard vehicles.
Show the car some respect. The best thing you can do for your rental experience is to treat the vehicle with respect. Speed limits exist for a reason. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking in traffic. Follow all the rules and regulations and drive the vehicle as if it were your own.
Things to Know Before You Book
Before you book your exotic car rental, there are a few practical considerations to make your experience as seamless as possible.
Insurance requirements vary. Some companies include full coverage insurance in their rates. Others require you to purchase additional insurance or provide proof of coverage.
Age limits apply. Drivers must typically be at least 25 years old to rent an exotic car. There are even higher age requirements for high-performance models.
Deposits can be high. These rentals require a significant refundable security deposit upon pick up. The company will deduct any charges from this deposit.
Mileage limitations apply. Daily mileage is typically capped at a certain amount. Exceeding your mileage allowance can lead to steep per-mile charges.
Bottom Line
Luxury exotic car rental services are an amazing opportunity to experience high-end sports cars.
You no longer need deep pockets and a garage full of supercars to experience your dream vehicle. The exotic car rental industry makes these cars accessible for special occasions, weekend getaways, and even just treating yourself.
Final Thoughts:
- Choose a reputable rental service with transparent policies and pricing
- Match the vehicle to the occasion and your skill level
- Plan your route in advance to take full advantage of the car’s features
- Take advantage of staff to learn about the vehicle and its features
- Respect the car and drive safely. Take photos and videos to capture memories.
- Pay attention to insurance, age, mileage, and deposit requirements
The exotic car rental industry is only going to continue to grow. It’s because the sector provides a truly special and unique experience. That moment where you grip the leather steering wheel, hear the engine roar to life, and cruise down the street in something you only normally see in magazines.
It’s worth every penny.
