Classic car rentals
Tooling around in a classic car is a wonderful experience, but actually owning one means making major inroads into your savings. Renting a classic car enables you to enjoy the experience and stay within your budget.
What are the Essential Requirements for Renting a Classic Car
You must have completed your 21st birthday at the time of renting the car (in some States the minimum age could be higher).
You must possess a valid driving license this, together with address proof will have to be shown before taking the rental classic car.
Your driving records must not have any blips, such as parking fines, breaking of safety rules, and arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol.
You need to have insurance cover.
Useful Information to know before renting a Classic Car
Find out the State rules and regulations governing driving
Find out the area / mileage restriction for example, the rental agency may not allow you to drive the classic car beyond a radius of 30 miles.
Even though the minimum age requirement is 21 years, you will probably be charged a fee if you are below 25 years of age.
The rental agency may decide to check your driving records with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Some rental agencies will rent out the classic car only for a full 24 hours, and not on a per hour basis.
In the eventuality of cancellation, you will probably need to pay a fee if you don t inform the agency within the stipulated time frame (usually 48 hours minimum).
You will need to secure the younger passengers in your car in child safety seats.
When you return the classic car to the rental agency, the tank s gasoline level should be the same as when you took the car. If the level is lower, then you need to pay extra per gallon (maybe $5 to$6 per gallon).
The rental classic car is likely to have spare tools in the trunk. Check these out, as if some tool is claimed to be missing when you return the car, you will have to pay for it.
Ask if you can take your four-legged friend in the classic car some rental agencies do not permit pets, as damage can be caused to the leather seats and interiors.
Remember to return the classic car in time! Although some rental agencies will overlook your tardiness by half-hour or one hour, you will have to pay extra for every hour after that period.
Keep a copy of the classic car rental agreement with you at all times. This document, together with your driver s license, should be your constant companion, even if you stop on the way just for a quick cup of coffee you never know when the car could be stolen!
Facilities provided on renting a Classic Car
Child safety seats are provided by all classic car rental agencies
Cellular phones may be provided by a few classic car rental agencies
A chauffeur, if required, is provided by almost all classic car rental agencies for an additional fee
If you are having a lot of luggage that does not fit in the vehicle (for example, when arriving at the airport), the rental agency could make provisions for taking the bags to your place of accommodation.
Most people enjoy listening to music while driving a car. So the classic car that you rent is likely to be fitted with a CD player. You can even request the rental agency to supply you with music CDs of your choice, whether it is country music or hip-hop or jazz.
If required and is not provided, request the rental agency for a map and a guidebook of the area where you will be driving the classic car.
Steering the Rental Classic Car
You need to remember that a classic car is a timeless beauty that is worlds apart from the modern categories of vehicles. Some of its features will mean driving with extra care. For example, some classic cars do not have much ground clearance and can easily hit a bump in the road. Others tend to get into high speed at the slightest tap on the accelerator. So it is imperative that you really understand how to drive the classic car that you will be renting. Preferably, take it on a short test drive with one of the rental agency s drivers. Understand how the controls of the car work, taking extra precautions in checking out the braking system.
Damages / Break downs / Theft
However careful and responsible a driver you may be, there is always a possibility that the classic car you rent is damaged in an accident with another vehicle or hits a lamppost. In such a scenario, after calling the police (and also for medical aid if necessary), contact the rental agency pronto. In fact, before signing the rental agreement, find out: will the security deposit paid at the start of the rental cover the damages To what extent do you have to pay for repairs
Secondly, if the classic car suddenly breaks down, do not rush into getting it towed or serviced. Call up the rental agency first and ask them if it is ok for a technician to work on the vehicle. Make sure that you keep a receipt with details of the service work done, so that you get a refund from the rental agency. The agency should be having a breakdown cover for the classic car that you have taken.
Your worst nightmare: the classic car is stolen. Here, too, you need to read the agreement carefully, as a classic car s value is very high and you need to know to what extent you will be held responsible for the theft.
Classic Car Rental Rates
Here s a general idea of what you need to pay for a classic car. This article is not endorsing any of the models mentioned; the rates are also approximate ones. Deposit fees will be extra, and there is a high possibility that you will need to pay more if you are renting a classic car on a holiday.
You and four friends can pool finances and hire a 2-door 1959 Cadillac Convertible to go and cheer your favorite team at an NBA game. Rate: less than $600 for a day.
Take your parents out to a special lunch on their wedding anniversary in a 1964 red Chevy Corvette convertible. Rate: about $600 per day
Take your sweetheart for a drive in a bright red Auburn Speedster and pop that all-important question at a candlelit dinner. Rate: about $600 per day
Arrive at the church in style for your wedding vows in a grand 1975 Lincoln Continental. Rate: about $300 per day Get away for the weekend and go for a long drive with your wife in a 1971 Corvette Stingray. Rate: about $400 per day AND when you rent that classic car, be a responsible driver
Don t drink and drive
Don t take drugs
Don t break the speed limits
Don t unfasten your seat belts at any time during driving
Don t remove a child from his or her safety seat at any time while driving
Don t ignore parking rules
Don t break any State laws, rules and regulations
Have A Nice Ride!
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