Renting a car is usually considered a chore. A slight inconvenience. Something that’s done out of necessity if your car is in the shop or if you’re traveling. But what if you embraced it as an opportunity to treat yourself to a little extra luxury, and what if we told you it can even be cost effective to do so? Enter: the lesser chosen, more adventurous car rental strategy: renting luxury rental cars.

While a sporty ride featuring a little extra horsepower might not be the most practical option, it can add a pinch of pizazz to a business trip or boring daily commute. Rather than automatically settling on the rental car that’s most like the car you drive normally, instead you can relish all the bells, whistles and adrenaline rush that luxury rental cars provide.

Here are a few reasons you might consider a luxury rental car:

The Price is Right for Luxury Rental Cars

Depending on the location and your date of your rental, you may find that supply and demand works in your favor. Maybe the rest of the renters require mini-vans because they’re traveling with children. In that case, the rental agency just may have a surplus of luxury rental cars on hand. Our suggestion? Don’t rule out a fancier car just because you think it might be cost prohibitive. It never hurts to ask about and compare options. You may be surprised to find that a luxury vehicle is within just a few dollars a day of what you were planning to rent. (Likewise, there may be times when luxury rental cars is in demand — perhaps there’s a nearby ball or black tie event — and instead of driving away in the BMW like you planned, you’re in a hatchback.

A Luxury Rental Car Fits the Trip

If you’ve ever island-hopped along Route 1 from Miami to Key West — cruising through Islamorada and over the seven-mile bridge — then you know that the journey is at least as good as the trip. And you need a car that matches the spectacular views, perhaps even a convertible to appropriately soak in the experience. The same could be said for rolling down the Vegas Strip, or visiting vineyards in Napa Valley. If you’re flying first class and staying in the corner suite, you may need to complete the trifecta with a luxury rental car that will turn heads and draw eyes.

Because You Normally Drive a Luxury Car. Or You Never Have.

Renting an Audi may be a no-brainer — because you always drive an Audi. Conversely, maybe you’ve always had the attitude that as long as it drives (and passes inspection), then it’s good to go! And this one time only, you’re going to level up to luxury rental cars. In either case, it makes sense.

Rental Car Damage Protector Makes Insurance Easy

We’ve all been there: you have picked out your rental car and confirmed the rental period, and then the associate begins listing all your rental insurance options. It can cause some anxiety, even if you confirmed that your personal car insurance policy or even a credit card may offer coverage. And the fact that you’re upgrading to a luxury rental car may have you rethinking your plan to waive one or all of the coverage options.

Don’t worry. We have something for your consideration: Allianz Global Assistance’s OneTrip Rental Car Protector. For just $11 per calendar day, you can use this protection as your primary coverage for collision, loss, and damage up to $50,000. Even better, you’ll have 24-hour emergency assistance at your fingertips. And you’ll get access to all these benefits without using your personal car insurance policy.¹

You Can Pick from Popular Makes and Models

Here is the key to being able to use our OneTrip Rental Car Protector to provide peace of mind for luxury rental cars: picking a vehicle that’s valued at less than $50,000. You’ll find that while this won’t include exotic vehicles available at niche rental agencies, there is a big sweet spot of popular, luxury makes and models available at larger rental car companies including Enterprise and Alamo. These include the 2019 BMW X3 sDrive30i (Fair Market Price: $38,219), which is known for superior handling and sneaky good fuel efficiency.^{2, 3} Then there’s the 2018 Audi A3 Premium Sedan 4D (Fair Market Value: $31,437), which boasts both sporty handling and a relaxing ride.² Plus, the turbocharged engine powers acceleration more typical of a sportscar.⁴ What better car for cruising out of Las Vegas on Highway 93’s flat, straight pavement?

Whether or not driving a fancy car is part of your daily life or something you do when in Rome (or Vegas), luxury rental cars can elevate the ho-hum task of getting from here to there to something a lot more memorable. Drive safe and have fun!