Convertible Car Rental
A convertible makes coastal and desert drives memorable. Compare convertible availability across suppliers — fleets are small, so book early for peak season.
Is renting a convertible worth it?
For a scenic drive in warm, dry weather, many travelers think so — the Pacific Coast Highway, the Florida Keys and desert routes out of Las Vegas and Phoenix are classic top-down drives. It's a poor choice for groups, lots of luggage, or rainy and very hot summer days. Most rental convertibles are four-seaters with a small trunk.
Last reviewed . Rules vary by rental company — check your rental terms before you book.
Seats and luggage
The typical rental convertible seats four, but the rear seats are small and the trunk shrinks when the roof is down. Plan on two adults with soft bags, or carry-on-size luggage only.
If you're flying in with large suitcases, check the trunk dimensions of the class before booking, or plan to drop bags at your hotel first.
Security and weather
Soft tops are easy to cut, so never leave valuables in the car and put the roof up when parked. Theft from the car is usually excluded from rental waivers.
Summer midday heat in Las Vegas, Phoenix and Florida can make top-down driving unpleasant. Mornings and evenings are the best time to drop the roof — and wear sunscreen.
Example vehicles
US rental companies book a vehicle class, not a specific model. These are typical examples — you'll get one of them or a similar car.
What affects the price
The search shows live prices for your dates. These are the things that move them.
- Season — spring and summer in coastal cities is peak
- Small fleets that sell out quickly
- Premium convertibles (BMW, Mercedes) cost more than the Mustang class
- Age requirements, which can be stricter than for standard cars
Convertible Car Rental tips
- Book early — convertible fleets are small at most locations.
- Travel light, with soft bags.
- Keep the roof up and the car empty when parked.
- Check that the roof works and has no tears before leaving the lot.
Rental requirements
- A valid driver's license, held for at least a year at most companies. Visitors can usually rent on their home license; if it isn't in English, carry an International Driving Permit or official translation alongside it.
- Minimum age is 21 at most major companies, and drivers under 25 pay a daily young-driver surcharge. New York and Michigan require companies to rent to drivers from 18, with surcharges.
- A credit card in the main driver's name. Some locations accept debit cards with extra checks — often a return travel itinerary at airports, a larger deposit or a credit check.
- International renters should also bring a passport.
More detail: What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car? · What Is the Minimum Age to Rent a Car in the USA? · Can You Rent a Car With a Debit Card? Rules & Tips · International Driving Permit (IDP) — Do You Need One and How to Get It
Insurance and deposit
- Collision and loss damage waivers (CDW/LDW) are optional. Before you accept one at the counter, check whether your own auto policy or a credit card benefit already covers rental cars — many do, with conditions.
- Liability cover varies by state and company. Supplemental liability (SLI) raises the limit and is worth considering if you don't have a personal auto policy, including as an international visitor.
- A security deposit is held on your card at pickup and released after the car is returned and checked. It can take several business days to disappear from your statement, and holds are larger on debit cards and premium cars.
More detail: Do You Need Insurance to Rent a Car? · What Is a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)? · How Much Is a Rental Car Deposit? How Holds Work
Fuel policy and additional fees
- Full-to-full is usually the cheapest fuel policy: you collect the car full and return it full. Prepaid fuel only saves money if you return the tank nearly empty, and refueling charges on a car returned short are well above pump prices.
- Airport rentals include airport concession recovery fees and facility charges on top of the rate. State and local rental taxes apply everywhere.
- Other common extras: additional-driver fees, young-driver surcharges, toll-program charges, one-way drop fees, child seats and late-return charges. Read the rental terms before you pay so you know which charges are included and which are added at the counter.
More detail: Car Rental Fuel Policies Explained — Which One Should You Choose? · Hidden Car Rental Fees — The Complete Guide to What to Watch Out For · How are tolls and traffic fines handled? · Can someone else drive the car?
Top cities for Convertible Car Rental
Florida
Car rental in Miami
Compare Miami rental cars at MIA, Fort Lauderdale and city branches — then plan for SunPass tolls, South Beach parking and the drive down to the Keys.
California
Car rental in Los Angeles
LA is a driving city. Compare rental cars at LAX, Burbank, Long Beach or a neighborhood branch — then hit the Pacific Coast Highway.
California
Car rental in San Diego
Compare San Diego rental cars at the airport's Rental Car Center, a short free shuttle ride from both terminals.
Nevada
Car rental in Las Vegas
Skip the car for the Strip, rent one for everything else. Compare rentals at Harry Reid International's Rent-A-Car Center for Red Rock, Hoover Dam, Zion and the Grand Canyon.
Florida
Car rental in Tampa
Compare Tampa rental cars at TPA's Rental Car Center, linked to the terminal by the SkyConnect train, and explore the Gulf Coast.
Florida
Car rental in Fort Lauderdale
Compare Fort Lauderdale rental cars at FLL, Port Everglades-area branches and beachside locations — a smart base for all of South Florida.
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FAQ
Convertible Car Rental — FAQs
Everything you need to know about renting a car
Compare prices for your dates
Enter your pickup location and dates to see which suppliers have cars for this kind of rental and what they cost.
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