Renting a luxury or exotic car should be an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons. At Monarq Motors, we’re committed to making sure your rental is smooth, thrilling, and free of surprises — especially when it comes to your bill. Unfortunately, many customers in the exotic rental market encounter hidden fees that take the shine off their experience. In this article, we break down some of the most common hidden charges in the industry and how Monarq Motors handles them with full transparency.
Security Deposits: Why They Matter
When you rent an exotic vehicle, you’re getting behind the wheel of a machine that often costs well into six figures. To protect against accidental damage, violations, or late returns, a security deposit is standard practice. At Monarq Motors, security deposits range from $750 to $1,500, depending on the class and value of the vehicle. This amount is held at the start of your rental and typically released within 5–7 business days after the vehicle is returned, pending a thorough check for any issues. For smoother processing, we recommend using a credit card hold rather than a debit card.
Fuel Charges: Keep It Full to Avoid Fees
Every car leaves our lot with a full tank of premium gas. If it’s returned without being refueled, we charge between $30 and $40 per quarter tank to cover the cost of fuel and the time it takes our team to refill. The easiest way to avoid this charge? Simply return the car with a full tank — and maybe snap a photo of the fuel gauge at drop-off, just in case.
Smoking Fees: The $500 Scent That Lingers
Luxury vehicles and smoking don’t mix. If smoke is detected in the cabin, we charge a $500 cleaning fee — not as a penalty, but because removing the scent requires multiple ozone treatments, deep-cleaning “bombs,” and hours of labor. This is one of the most common (and expensive) issues in exotic rentals, and it’s something we take very seriously to ensure the next guest gets the same fresh, premium experience.
Excessive Cleaning: Glitter, Trash & Interior Abuse
Another hidden fee that can catch renters off guard comes from excessive interior mess. Glitter, confetti, food spills, or general disregard for the car’s interior can result in deep-cleaning charges starting at $150 and going up to $500, depending on the extent. Think of it like staying at a five-star hotel — treat the vehicle with care and you won’t see a cleaning charge on your bill.
Curbed Rims and Exterior Damage
Luxury cars often come with low-profile performance tires and expensive alloy rims that are prone to damage if not handled carefully. If rims are curbed during your rental, we charge $225 per rim to professionally refinish them. Other minor damage like door dings or bumper scuffs, will also be assessed fairly and transparently.
Traffic Violations: Tickets, Tolls & Cameras
Any red-light camera tickets, tolls, or parking violations incurred during your rental are the responsibility of the renter. We deduct the cost of these from your security deposit once they appear in the system. Processing these charges may take 5–7 business days, which is why the full refund of your deposit isn’t always immediate. To stay fee-free, just drive responsibly and avoid those E-ZPass lanes without a tag.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Exotic cars are built for speed, but that doesn’t mean you should drive recklessly. At Monarq Motors, we’re lenient, but repeated speeding violations over 100 mph or aggressive driving behavior can result in deductions from your security deposit. Not only do these behaviors put others at risk, but they also increase wear and tear on the vehicle.
Late Returns Can Add Up
We schedule rentals back-to-back, so late returns can disrupt the next customer’s reservation. That’s why we charge late fees based on the delay and, in some cases, a full extra rental day. If you’re running behind, give us a call — we’re more than happy to work with you when communicated in advance.
Mileage Overages
While Monarq Motors offers generous mileage allowances, it’s important to know your limits. Some rental companies charge $3–$13 per mile for overages, and while we’re flexible, we recommend checking your contract beforehand to avoid surprises.
Insurance, Admin & “Fine Print” Fees
Across the industry, you’ll find companies that sneak in insurance surcharges, service fees, or vague administrative costs. At Monarq Motors, we pride ourselves on all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees. Everything is communicated clearly up front, so what you see is what you pay, and we’re always available to walk you through the details.
Rent With Confidence at Monarq Motors
At Monarq Motors, we believe that exotic car rentals should feel just as high-end behind the scenes as they do behind the wheel. Located in the heart of Long Island at 23 Heisser Court, South Farmingdale, NY, we provide an unmatched customer experience backed by honesty, performance, and style.Call us at 516-206-2755 or visit www.monarqmotors.com to book your next exotic experience — and drive with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect.