One of the best ways to see Italy is to rent a car so you can get off the beaten track, plan your own itinerary and have the freedom to truly explore the wonderful country. However, if you’re thinking about renting a car then to have the most enjoyable experience you should certainly consider renting a luxury or exotic car!
Driving a luxury car is hugely pleasurable and as well as turning heads you’ll also have a superior driving adventure than if you had just rented a standard model instead! From Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Mazzanti, Pagani to luxury SUVs and top end Alfa Romeos, there’s plenty to choose from when you’re planning a trip to Italy (whether you are a tourist, expat or a visitor, this must be on your bucket list!!).
What Is A Luxury Car And An Exotic Car?
Renting a luxury car or an exotic car will massively improve your trip; but for the purposes of our discussion, what exactly are they?
A luxury car is any vehicle that provides you with enhanced comfort, internal amenities such as fridges or TVs and delivers a higher level of road performance than a regular model. Technically the term is somewhat subjective although brands such as Ferrari and Porsche are classic examples of a luxury car.
An exotic car, also known as a ‘supercar’ or even ‘hypercar’ is an extremely high performance vehicle which is street legal but has exceptional capabilities, similar to those of a racing car!
How Much Does Renting A Luxury Car In Italy Cost?
Renting a luxury can be the experience of a lifetime although the costs can be quite steep! For instance, as a rough guide, a Lamborghini Aventador will usually cost around 1500 Euros to rent per day. Alternatively, a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder will set you back by about 1100 Euros for a full day’s rental.
A Jaguar F Type costs around 450 Euros per day while the iconic Porsche 718 Boxster comes in at just over 500 Euros per day. At the lower end of the market you can rent a Maserati GranTurismo for around 350 Euros per day.
I do think that if you are going to rent a luxury or an exotic car in Italy, you have to strongly consider getting an Italian brand!
How Do You Rent A Luxury Car In Italy?
It’s very easy to rent a luxury car in all the major cities of Italy. You can still rent a luxury vehicle from more remote parts of the country but you will have to factor in the extra delivery costs which can quickly add up! Therefore, it’s better to pick up your car in person from an agent in one of the major cities.
The most convenient way to book a luxury car for rental is to visit one of the main rental sites online. This way you can browse the available cars, find out all the important specifications and reserve your vehicle in advance.
The Dream Collection, by the trusted car rental company Hertz, has a superb selection of luxury vehicles and supercars that you can choose from. Prices are extremely reasonable, considering what you get for your money, and there are a number of delivery options that you can choose from.
With Bentleys, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Rolls Royce’s, luxury touring vehicles and more, The Dream Collection by Hertz is a fantastic resource if you’re looking to rent a luxury car. You can browse the cars by brand or car type as well as select from multiple pickup or delivery locations.
Do You Need Special Insurance To Rent A Luxury Car In Italy?
It’s always critical to read the fine print when you’re renting a supercar in Italy; however, as a general rule, the rental price should include a comprehensive basic insurance package.
You’ll also have to place a deposit on the car before you can rent it. The deposit required can be anything upwards of a 1000 Euros so always check with the agent to find out what it will be. Unfortunately, the coverage you get from the agent will not be 100% zero liability so you’ll have to drive carefully!
To avoid issues down the road you should first consult with your own private travel insurance provider to see if it includes car rentals and what the coverage limit is. Secondly, you should contact your credit card issuer to find out if they cover any expenses in an insurance policy that may occur while you’re renting a supercar.
What Documents Do You Need To Rent A Luxury Car In Italy?
In order to rent a luxury car in Italy you will need to have a valid form of ID and an up to date driving license. You should also be aware that the minimum age for renting a luxury car in Italy is 23 years old.
Important Things To Consider When Renting A Luxury Or Exotic Car.
There’s a lot of things to keep in mind when you’re renting a luxury or exotic car in Italy to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience and the rental is smooth and stress free.
Insurance And Coverage Is Extremely Important.
Before you touch the car, make sure that the car and all the passengers are covered properly. Never rent a luxury or exotic car without proper insurance. It can ruin your life. Take proper insurance, and do not depend solely on insurance though your credit card company or phone company.
Always Do Your Research Before Your Trip.
It’s great to be spontaneous however before you rent a luxury car or exotic car you should always try to plan ahead and do your research in advance. When you’re planning a rental you’ll have to make reservations in advance in order to avoid being disappointed when it comes time to collect your vehicle. You should take account of the price and all the practicalities of the rental.
Ask For A Model Guarantee While You’re Making Your Reservations.
To make sure that you are able to rent the car of your dreams you should ask the rental agency for a guarantee as early as you can. This means that the car you have reserved will be waiting for you to pick up or will be delivered on your arrival to the country.
Don’t Forget To Take Account Of Your Luggage.
When it comes to planning your trip and reserving the perfect car you’ll have to remember to consider your luggage and whether it’s all going to fit comfortably in the car. Obviously, if you’re renting a luxury SUV then you’ll have no worries in terms of space but other luxury and exotic cars have very little storage space!
If you have a lot of luggage which won’t fit in the trunk of the exotic car then you can plan a circular route in your rented car. This means that you can leave the bulk of your luggage in hotel storage facilities until you return. Then you can just take a small suitcase with you that will easily fit in the car’s trunk.
In general, most supercars have enough space for two carry-on luggage sized bags with a little extra space on the back seat. Other cars, such as the Ferrari GTc4Lusso, have a good amount of space in their trunks so always do some research in advance so you can accurately plan the necessary arrangements for your luggage.
What’s The Included Mileage?
When you rent a luxury or exotic you will often be allotted a certain amount of daily mileage, such as 150 km per day for example. That means that if you exceed the included mileage you’ll be charged for the extra mileage by the mile! This can quickly add up to be a very significant amount of money because the fee for extra mileage can often be as much as 5-10 Euros per mile, depending on the model of car.
Do Not Book Half Days.
When you rent a luxury car you’ll usually be charged by the day. This means that if you’re arriving at the airport then it’s better to get a taxi to the hotel and then pick up the car the next day. That way you won’t have to pay for a whole day just to get you from the airport to the hotel.
Consider Luxury Car Transfers Instead Of Rentals.
There is no better way to be met at the airport or dropped off at a special event than by a stunning supercar. If you’re planning a night out or travelling from the airport to the hotel you can book a luxury car transfer instead of renting your own!
This way you’ll save on the cost of renting a car for several days while still being able to enjoy the luxury and exclusivity of the vehicle during your stay in Italy.
Pay Close Attention To The Agent During The Handover.
It’s absolutely critical to pay close attention to the agent when you pick up your luxury car. Always listen to the agent explain the features that the car comes with. Modern luxury cars also have high levels of technology and functionality that might surprise you!
Therefore, to make the most of the experience you should learn as much as you can from the agent who will be happy to run through all the great features with you. That way you won’t miss out on any of the extras which make the car stand out from a standard vehicle.
Ensure that you know your way around the basics of the car including the fuel cap, the starter button and, of course, the speed injection.
Personally Examine The Car And Document Its Condition.
When you pick up your luxury car you should always give it a careful examination before taking the keys. You should get out your camera and document the condition of anything which is damaged, no matter how obscure.
For instance, the wheel rims are a common item that gets damaged so take a few photos so you won’t have to pay for any damage that you did not cause yourself when you return the car. Similarly, you should be equally careful when returning the car to ensure that you aren’t blamed for any of these pre-existing conditions; so have your photos ready in case you need to prove you didn’t scratch the wheel rims or any other pre-existing scratches or marks.
Additional Rental Considerations.
When you’re renting a luxury car it will usually be delivered on the back of a truck. This means that you’ll have to pay for the time that it’s being delivered to you which can add up if it’s travelling a long way!
Therefore, it’s better to pick up the car in person if you can, although if you can’t this extra cost should be calculated when you’re making your plans. Having a luxury or exotic car delivered to a remote location can end up being very expensive.
Therefore, if you can, it’s a better idea to rent your luxury car from a location in a major city in Italy where you’ll also have more choice of vehicle. You’ll also be able to return the car to the same location to avoid the delivery fees which can often be quite high.
Driving An Exotic Car In Italy Without Renting.
You can drive an exotic car without renting it. There are many race tracks in Italy which will allow you to drive the car in a track for a fee. Normally, a professional racing instructor will be in the car with you. Typically the fee will include your choice of a super car, brief driving lesson, helmets and driving on a real race track (about three laps).
There will additional packages that you can buy including taking photos and videos. Autodromo di Modena (this is the area where you will find the factories of Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Ducati and Pagani), Mugello Racing Track, Imola Racing Track and Monza Circuit are great options.
Italian Super Car Tours.
There are many tour operators in Italy who offer guided tours in a super car. You can take multi-day tours from cities like Bologna, Verona, Lake Cuomo or Rome in a Ferrari 488 GTB / Spider or Lamborghini Huracan Performante! All inclusive packages can start around $15,000.
Italy Is A Great Place To Rent Exotic Cars.
Renting a luxury car in Italy will be one of the best experiences in your life as you cruise down the roads through the outstanding natural beauty of the country while enjoying the amazing capabilities of your vehicle.
You can rent a luxury car for several days, a few hours or even just to experience it while driving around a race track. There’s a little bit of planning that needs to be done before you pick up the keys for your luxury car but once you’re behind the wheel and pulling away from the delivery location all the forethought will be more than worthwhile!
So buckle up and get ready to realize the thrills and joys of exploring Italy in a luxury supercar.
