How to choose a rental car in New York
New York City is a giant metropolis with skyscrapers, business centers, parks and incredible views. And anyone who lives here or is passing through needs a convenient way to get around, because traveling by foot takes too much time and energy. The first thought is to rent a car, but how do you figure out which one is right for you and what to look out for?
What do you need to do to rent a car? Drivo has made your car rental process in New York easier and collected tips on where to look for cars for different purposes, how to choose the right class, how not to get confused by the nuances of insurance and how to save money.
Where to Rent a Car in NYC
Firstly, choose a starting location in the city that will be best for your travels.
Because of its large area, New York City is in dire need of a transportation system that is convenient for locals, tourists and visitors alike. Due to its size, the ease of collecting a rental car is crucial. Drivo stands out as a universally convenient option for renting a car, accommodating any need and budget.
Drivo's self-drive locations are strategically placed in several key locations in New York City, eliminating the need for a long and exhausting search for a place to rent a car.
Drivo in Brooklyn, NY (BRK)
Location:
3221 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11235
Business Hours
Mon-Sat: 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Located near bustling Brighton Beach, our Brooklyn Drivo Center is just a two-minute walk from the Q subway line, making it incredibly convenient. It will be very easy and convenient to get here before renting, and just as convenient to get home.
Great for groups of friends, families and travelers. There is also an additional option — those who want to treat themselves can rent a Rolls-Royce or a Mercedes-Benz.
All types of city cars and premium models can be found here.
Drivo in Newark, NJ (EWR)
Location:
408 Carnegie Ave, Newark, NJ 07114
Business Hours
Mon-Sat: 06:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Located next to Newark International Airport, this Drivo location offers its services across the tri-state area and way beyond. An airport shuttle is available upon request, ensuring a smooth and carefree transition from airplane to car, and a friendly team is on hand to help with your luggage.
This Drivo location offers all the latest car additions and exceptional service. The wide fleet includes available caters to every need, from fuel-efficient compact cars to large 15-passenger vans suitable for a variety of group events such as corporate parties, team building events, big-traveling and school trips.
Drivo in South Ozone Park, NY (JFK)
Location:
124-10 South Conduit Ave, South Ozone Park, 11420
Business Hours
Mon-Sat: 06:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Drivo Rent-A-Car, located nearly half a mile from John F. Kennedy Airport, provides affordable rental rates in the costly NYC area.
A distinctive service for our customers here is the video/photo check-out and check-in procedure. This system ensures that vehicles are prepared and ready to go, making the process easier, providing peace of mind and saving time. This location will please you with no lines and fast service.
The convenient location near the transportation hub and the rich fleet will especially please all international travelers and those who use domestic flights.
Drivo in LaGuardia, NY (LGA)
Location:
2261 94th Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11369
Business Hours
Mon-Sat: 08:00 AM - 12:00 AM
The newest and largest Drivo, located just a couple of walks from LaGuardia Airport Terminal B, offers 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport terminals. The diverse selection of vehicles in this store will satisfy a variety of preferences and requirements.
A great choice for travelers — a spacious department with plenty of choices and an accessible location.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Drivo’s locations, vehicles, and services, always refer directly to Drivo’s official website.
What should you consider when choosing a location?
Here's some more information needed to rent a car in NYC:
- Proximity to travel hubs
Opt for rental locations close to major airports, train stations, or popular neighborhoods. This will save you time, money and nerves.
- Operating hours
New York is a city that never sleeps, but rental offices do. Check the operating hours to ensure they align with your travel schedule, especially if you're arriving on a late flight or have an early morning start.
- Vehicle selection
Make sure the location offers a vehicle that meets your specific needs — whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for family trips. Drivo rentals feature many types of vehicles from Economy to Luxury cars and even trucks.
The process of returning a car
- Think ahead of time about where and when you will leave your car after the rental. Ask about additional conditions, such as returning the car at night.
Cars and Car Brands for Rent
Car rental platforms typically categorize vehicles by type or class, such as economy, compact, mid-size, full-size, luxury, SUVs and vans. Each class caters to different needs and preferences. Here's what makes each class different:
1. Economy and Compact cars
Ideal for solo travelers or couples with light luggage, looking for fuel efficiency and ease of parking in crowded cities.
What brands of cars are typically included:
Chevy, Mitsubishi, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai
2. Mid-size and Full-size cars
Suitable for small families or groups requiring more space for passengers and luggage without significantly sacrificing fuel economy.
What brands of cars are typically included:
Kia, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai
3. Luxury cars
For those seeking a luxurious driving experience with high-end features, comfort, and performance. Perfect for business trips or special occasions.
What brands of cars are typically included:
Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz
4. SUVs and Vans
Planning a trip to the countryside or across the terrains? Great! An SUV is the best choice for difficult road or weather conditions, while vans offer the most seating capacity.
Great for large families, groups, or travelers needing ample space for luggage.
What brands of cars are typically included:
Dodge, Nissan, Toyota, Kia, Chevy, Chrysler, Jeep
Here's a brief guide to help you select the perfect car that aligns with your requirements and budget:
1. Depending on where you'll be driving, you might need a car with specific performance features. For city driving, you might prefer a car with good maneuverability and parking ease. For rural or rough terrains, a vehicle with higher ground clearance and 4x4 drive mode might be necessary.
2. Decide if you need additional features like GPS navigation, ports for chargers, air conditioning or a child seat.
3. If you are traveling in a large company, specify the number of seats in the car in advance. Also, don't forget to pay attention to the size of the trunk — a small trunk is fine for shopping bags, but, for example, a larger trunk is needed for bicycles.
Insurance and car rental terms
Unlocking the secrets of insurance and car rental agreements can dramatically enhance your car rental journey in NYC. Being fully informed before you set off is not just advice; it's essential insider knowledge. Here's what you need to focus on.
Insurance Insights
A key tip is to thoroughly check your existing insurance policies before opting for additional coverage at the car rental desk.
- Liability insurance
In New York state, you're required to have a minimum amount of liability insurance. This is to cover expenses for injuries or property damage you may cause to others in an accident.
- Mandatory Collision Damage and Loss Damage Waivers (CDW/LDW)
While not exactly insurance, these waivers relieve you of financial liability for any damage to the rental car. It's a smart choice to opt for this protection unless your own auto insurance or credit card already covers you. In New York, rental companies must offer CDW/LDW options, but costs and coverage will vary.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
PAI covers medical costs for you and any passengers in case of an accident.
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)
SLI boosts your liability coverage well beyond New York's legal minimums.
- Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
PEC safeguards against theft of personal items from your rental car.
Car rental terms
- Mileage know-how
Discover if your rental agreement includes unlimited mileage or sets a daily cap. Going over the mileage limit could lead to hefty extra charges.
- Fuel rules
Most rental companies adopt a full-to-full fuel approach. You collect the car with a full tank and should return it the same way to dodge any refueling charges. Make sure you're clear on the policy specifics.
- Late return policy
Get acquainted with the rules regarding late returns. Handing back the car after the agreed time might lead to additional fees, potentially equal to an extra day’s rental.
- Age restrictions
Younger drivers, typically under 21 or 25, might encounter extra fees or limitations on what cars they're eligible to rent.
- Extra drivers
Adding more drivers to the rental agreement usually comes with an additional cost. Confirm all drivers are officially listed to ensure insurance coverage is valid.
- Fines and tolls
Remember, you're on the hook for any traffic fines or tolls accrued during the rental period. Some companies offer toll payment services, although with extra administrative fees.
- Cancellations
Review the cancellation terms to safeguard against any changes in your itinerary. Some rates might offer greater flexibility than others, allowing for changes without penalty.
Use this insider's list to navigate car rental terms effortlessly, ensuring a smooth and informed way to rent a car.
How to find a cheap car rental in New York
And finally, the cherry on the cake! We've sorted out the legal nuances and figured out how to choose the perfect car for traveling around New York City. But how to make it all as budget-friendly as possible? We've gathered a few non-obvious and useful tips for you:
Book a car online
The pricing system in the car rental industry is very flexible and changes quickly. Therefore, to get the best price and the most up-to-date offers, we recommend renting a car on the Drivo website. This will help you get the most up-to-date information and the most positive car rental experience.
Where are the friendliest prices?
Rental aggregators often jack up prices — there's little to like about it. Drivo always tries to keep rental prices low and customer-friendly, and regularly shares discount promo codes and raffles off specials on holidays. Book a car with us — it will definitely not hurt your pocket.
Keep an eye on social media
On Drivo's social media there’s a lot of useful information about the rental process, ideas for new trips, as well as discounts, promotions and special offers. Click on the icons on the left and subscribe — so you won't miss anything!
