First Time Renting an Exotic Car? 12 Tips Before You Drive in Orlando

Renting an exotic car for the first time is exciting, and a little intimidating. These cars are faster, lower, wider and more valuable than anything most people drive day to day, and the rental process is different from picking up an economy car at the airport counter.

These twelve tips answer the questions first-time renters usually have, and will help your first exotic rental in Orlando go smoothly from booking to return.

Before you book

1. Check your insurance first

This is the step that can slow a booking down. Insurance is required for every Emiris rental and is not included in the daily rate. Full coverage is preferred.

Many personal auto policies and credit card rental benefits limit or exclude exotic and high-value vehicles. Call your insurer and ask whether your policy covers a rented vehicle of this value, and up to what amount. If you don't have suitable coverage, tell your concierge. We'll try to help you find a policy. Read our guide to exotic car rental insurance in Florida.

2. Make sure you meet the requirements

At Emiris, every driver must be 21 or older with a valid driver's license. You'll also need insurance and a refundable security deposit. The full list is on our rental requirements page.

3. Budget for the deposit

Exotic rentals require a refundable security deposit. The amount depends on the vehicle, and your concierge confirms it before you book. Make sure the card you use has enough available credit for both the rental and the deposit.

4. Choose a car for your plans, not just your poster

A two-seat supercar is unforgettable, but it has little room for luggage and can be tricky on steep driveways. If you're arriving at the airport with suitcases or traveling with family, a luxury SUV like the Lamborghini Urus or Rolls-Royce Cullinan may suit you better. If you're new to high-performance cars, a car like the Porsche 911 Targa is easier to settle into than a track-focused model.

5. Plan your route and mileage

Mileage is limited, with allowances starting at 100 miles per day depending on the vehicle. Most Orlando drives use only part of that, but a round trip to the coast can exceed it. Share your plans when you book so your allowance is written into your rental agreement. Our list of scenic drives near Orlando includes approximate distances.

At the handoff

6. Do a walk-around together

When your car is delivered, walk around it with your concierge. Note any existing marks on the wheels, bumpers and paint, and take time-stamped photos and a short video. This protects you and gives both sides a clear record.

7. Learn the controls before you move

Exotic cars often have unusual controls: push-button gear selectors, steering wheel drive-mode switches, nose-lift buttons on some models, and convertible roof controls. Ask your concierge to show you:

• How to select drive, reverse and park
• How to raise and lower the roof, if it's a convertible
• How to use the nose lift, if the car has one
• Which drive mode to use for normal driving
• How to open the doors, trunk and fuel filler

8. Adjust everything before you drive

Set your seat, mirrors and steering wheel before you leave. Visibility in some supercars is limited, especially to the rear, so take a moment to get comfortable with the mirrors and any cameras.

On the road

9. Start gently

Exotic cars have a lot of power and can feel twitchy at first. Use comfort or street mode, accelerate smoothly and give yourself time to learn how the brakes and steering respond. Wet roads after a Florida storm call for extra care.

10. Watch for driveways, speed bumps and curbs

Low cars can scrape on steep ramps, speed bumps and parking stops. Approach slopes slowly and at an angle, use the nose lift where available, and avoid pulling all the way up to curbs that are taller than the front bumper.

11. Park smart

Choose well-lit spaces with room around the car, ideally end spots or valet where available. Avoid parking under trees that drop sap or berries, and never leave valuables visible.

12. Drive responsibly

Obey speed limits, avoid aggressive driving and never drive after drinking. Exotic cars attract attention, and the best drives are the ones that end with the car and everyone in it back safely.

A few Orlando-specific notes

• Traffic: I-4 can be slow during rush hour and around the attractions. Plan drives for early mornings or evenings.
• Weather: summer afternoons often bring heavy rain. Know how to raise the roof and slow down in standing water.
• Heat: cabins get hot quickly. Use a sunshade when parked.

Common first-timer mistakes to avoid

• Leaving insurance until the last minute. It's a common cause of delays. Call your insurer the day you start planning.
• Underestimating the deposit. Make sure your card has enough available credit for both the rental and the deposit.
• Choosing a two-seater for an airport run with luggage. Supercars have tiny trunks. Pick an SUV for transfers.
• Driving the first miles in sport mode. Start in the default or comfort mode while you learn the car.
• Forgetting about the mileage allowance. A spontaneous trip to the coast can exceed it. Plan ahead.
• Skipping the walk-around. A few photos at handoff save a lot of questions later.

Your pre-rental checklist

Before the car arrives, make sure you have:

• Your driver's license (and the license of any additional driver, who must also be 21+ and insured)
• Proof of insurance that covers the vehicle
• The card for your deposit, with enough available credit
• Your signed rental agreement, with your mileage allowance
• Your route plan and the delivery address or flight details
• A phone mount and charger for navigation

Returning the car

Return the car on time, at the agreed location, with the fuel level stated in your agreement. Do another walk-around with your concierge and photograph the car and odometer. Your deposit is returned according to the terms of your rental agreement.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to rent an exotic car in Orlando? At Emiris: age 21+, a valid driver's license, insurance covering the vehicle (full coverage preferred), a refundable security deposit and a signed rental agreement.

Is insurance included? No. Insurance is required and not included. Our concierge will try to help you find coverage if you don't have it.

How many miles can I drive? Allowances start at 100 miles per day and depend on the vehicle. Your exact allowance is set in your rental agreement.

Can a friend drive too? Yes. Additional drivers can be added to your rental agreement if they are 21 or older, have a valid driver's license and are covered by insurance.

What's the easiest exotic car to drive for a first-timer? Grand tourers and sports cars with comfortable modes, like the Porsche 911 Targa, are easier to settle into than track-focused cars.

Can the car be delivered to the airport? Yes. We deliver to Orlando International Airport (MCO), hotels and homes across Orlando.

Ready for your first exotic car?

Browse the collection or contact our concierge. We're happy to help you pick the right car for your first rental. Call or text (407) 476-6159, or message us on WhatsApp.