What you need to rent a convertible
Renting a convertible works the same way as renting any other car — you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. The main differences are the price (convertibles typically cost 20 to 40 percent more per day than a standard sedan at the same rental company) and availability (they're often limited in number, especially during peak travel seasons).
Most rental companies require you to be at least 25 years old to rent a convertible, though some allow drivers as young as 21 with an additional daily fee. A few companies have no age restriction but charge significantly more for drivers under 25. Check the specific rental company's policy before you book, because age rules vary widely.
You'll also need to decide whether to purchase the rental company's damage waiver or rely on your own auto insurance or credit card coverage. This choice affects your out-of-pocket cost if the car is damaged, so understanding what you're already covered for matters before you sign the rental agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Convertibles rent for significantly more than standard cars at the same company, and availability is limited during summer and holiday periods.
- Most rental companies require you to be 25 or older, though some allow younger drivers for an extra daily fee.
- Your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental car damage, which can save you money if you decline the rental company's damage waiver.
- Convertible tops can be damaged by weather, careless handling, or vandalism, so inspect the roof mechanism and take photos before you leave the lot.
- Convertibles have less trunk space and lower ground clearance than sedans, which affects what luggage you can pack and where you can safely drive.
Where to rent a convertible and how prices compare
The major rental companies — Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National — all stock convertibles at larger airport and city locations, though not at every branch. Regional companies like Turo (peer-to-peer rentals) and specialty convertible rental shops in tourist areas offer more variety but often charge premium rates. Booking directly through the company's website usually shows you real-time availability and lets you see the exact model you're getting.
Prices vary by location, season, and how far in advance you book. A convertible in Miami in July costs far more than the same car in Denver in March. Booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead typically gives you better rates than last-minute reservations, but convertible availability can disappear entirely during peak summer weeks even with advance notice. Use a price comparison tool like Kayak or Autoslash to check rates across multiple companies at once, but verify availability on the rental company's own site before committing.
Daily rates for convertibles at major companies typically range from $60 to $150 per day for economy convertibles (like a Chrysler Sebring or Nissan Murano convertible) and $100 to $250 per day for premium convertibles (like a Mustang or Camaro). These are rough ranges; your actual price depends on location, season, and how far ahead you book.
Insurance and damage coverage for convertible rentals
Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, including convertibles, at the same level it covers your own vehicle. Call your insurance company before you rent and ask specifically whether rental cars are covered and whether that coverage includes damage to the convertible top. Some policies exclude rental coverage entirely; others cover collision but not comprehensive (weather, theft, vandalism).
Credit card rental car coverage varies by card issuer and card type. Premium cards (American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve) often include rental car damage coverage if you charge the entire rental to that card. Read your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm what's covered and what's not. Credit card coverage typically acts as secondary insurance, meaning your personal auto policy pays first if you have one.
If you're not covered by insurance or credit card benefits, the rental company will offer a damage waiver (sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW). This typically costs $15 to $30 per day and covers damage to the car, including the convertible top. Declining this waiver means you're liable for any damage, which can easily exceed $1,000 for convertible top repairs or replacement.
Convertible-specific concerns before you rent
Convertible tops are vulnerable to damage in ways a regular car roof is not. Inspect the top before you leave the rental lot — look for tears, stains, or areas where the fabric is separating from the frame. Take photos or video of the top in both open and closed positions. Many rental companies photograph the car at pickup, but having your own documentation protects you if damage is later disputed.
Ask the rental agent how to operate the top and whether there are any restrictions on using it. Some companies ask you not to open the top above a certain speed (usually 40 mph), and some restrict top operation in heavy rain. Understand these rules before you drive away, because operating the top incorrectly can damage the mechanism and leave you liable.
Convertibles have less trunk space than sedans because the folded top takes up room. If you're traveling with multiple large suitcases, a convertible may not fit your luggage. Ask about trunk dimensions when you book, or request a larger convertible model (like a full-size sedan convertible) if you have substantial baggage.
What to do if the convertible top is damaged during your rental
If the top tears, leaks, or stops opening or closing, report it to the rental company when ready. Do not attempt to repair it yourself or continue renting the car without reporting the damage. Take photos of the damage and get a written statement from the rental agent documenting what you reported and when.
If you purchased the damage waiver, the rental company covers the repair cost. If you declined the waiver and are relying on your insurance or credit card coverage, contact your insurance company or card issuer right away and file a claim. Convertible top repairs typically cost $500 to $2,000 depending on the damage, so this matters financially.
If the damage occurred due to something you did (driving with the top down in heavy rain, hitting a low-clearance structure, or rough handling), the rental company may hold you liable even if you purchased a damage waiver, because waivers typically exclude damage from misuse. Read the damage waiver terms carefully when you sign the rental agreement.
Ground clearance and driving restrictions for convertibles
Convertibles often have lower ground clearance than standard sedans, which means they can scrape on steep driveways, parking lot ramps, or unpaved roads. Before you rent, think about where you'll be driving. If you're planning to visit mountain roads, unpaved areas, or locations with steep terrain, ask the rental agent about the specific model's clearance and whether it's suitable for those conditions.
Some rental agreements restrict where you can drive the car — typically excluding unpaved roads, off-road driving, or driving in severe weather. Read these restrictions in your rental contract. Violating them can void your damage coverage and leave you liable for any damage that occurs.
Convertibles are also more susceptible to weather damage than closed cars. Hail, heavy rain, or extreme sun can damage the top or interior. If severe weather is forecast during your rental period, consider whether a convertible is the right choice for those days, or plan to keep the top closed during bad weather.
Booking tips and what to confirm before you drive away
Book convertibles as far in advance as possible during peak season (May through September in most of North America). Availability drops quickly, and prices rise as the rental date approaches. If you're flexible on dates, renting mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) is often cheaper than weekend rentals.
When you arrive at the rental counter, confirm you're getting the convertible model you booked. Rental companies sometimes substitute a different model if your original choice is unavailable, and you have the right to refuse and ask for a refund or different car. Get the exact year, make, model, and color in writing on your rental agreement.
Before you leave the lot, walk around the car with the rental agent and point out any existing damage — dents, scratches, stains on the interior, or issues with the top. Make sure all damage is documented on the rental agreement. Take photos of the entire car, including close-ups of the top, before you drive away. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage when you return the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a convertible if I'm under 25?
Some rental companies allow drivers under 25 to rent convertibles, but they charge an additional daily fee (typically $15 to $25 per day). Others require you to be 25 or older with no exceptions. Check the specific rental company's age policy when you book, because rules vary.
What happens if it rains while I'm driving with the top down?
The interior will get wet. Most convertible tops can be opened and closed while driving at low speeds, so you can close the top if rain starts. However, if you're driving at highway speeds, you should pull over safely before operating the top. The rental agreement typically holds you responsible for water damage to the interior if you drove with the top down in rain.
Is convertible rental insurance more expensive than regular car rental insurance?
The damage waiver costs the same percentage of the daily rental rate, but because convertibles rent for more per day, the dollar amount of the waiver is higher. If a regular car's waiver is $15 per day and a convertible's is $25 per day, you're paying more in total dollars, though the percentage is similar.
Can I return a convertible to a different location than where I rented it?
Yes, most major rental companies allow one-way rentals, but they charge a drop-off fee that varies by location. Returning a convertible to a different city typically costs $50 to $200 extra depending on the distance. Confirm the drop-off fee when you book, because it significantly affects your total cost.
What should I do if the convertible top won't close?
Stop driving and contact the rental company when ready. Do not attempt to force the top closed or continue driving with it open. The rental company will either send someone to help you or arrange a replacement car. Document the issue with photos and get a written note from the rental agent about what happened and when you reported it.