Top Tips for First-Time Luxury Car Renters

There’s something undeniably exciting about hiring a luxury car for the first time.

Maybe it’s the thrill of driving a Range Rover for a weekend escape. Maybe it’s cruising through London in a Mercedes. Or perhaps you’re an overseas visitor finally ticking “drive around the UK” off your bucket list.

But here’s the truth: Luxury car hire is different from standard car rental and first-time renters often don’t know what to expect. The questions start piling up pretty quickly:

•  What do I need to hire a luxury car in the UK?
• Is the deposit huge?
• What’s included and what’s extra?
• Which company can I trust?

 If that sounds familiar, you’re in exactly the right place. This article will walk you through the things people really want to know when renting a prestige car for the first time and how Avis Prestige takes the stress out of the entire process.

Understand What’s Included

One of the most common concerns first-time car hirers have is “What’s included… and what’s a hidden extra?”

GPS, insurance, additional drivers, roadside assistance: many companies charge for every little thing. Suddenly, your “affordable” luxury hire feels anything but. This is where Avis Prestige stands out straight away.

With Avis Prestige, the essentials come as standard:

•  GPS / sat-nav
• Comprehensive insurance
• Additional driver
• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Clear mileage policies (many unlimited)

There’s no “surprise bill” at collection. No add-ons pushed at the desk. Just transparent pricing, exactly what first-time car hirers need. (Don’t worry we include these as standard so even if you are a regular long long-standing customer, you get all this too!)

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Online searches like “best luxury car for road trips UK” and “hire a Range Rover UK” show that people often don’t know which prestige car is right for them. What makes this easy with Avis Prestige is their curated fleet. It’s not hundreds of random vehicles: it’s a handpicked selection of genuine luxury models. Every car is prestige-level, immaculately maintained and ready for a special experience.

Tip: Consider what type of car suits your trip: a sleek sports car, a roomy executive sedan or a 4x4 for longer drives?

Consider the Convenience

If you’re flying into the UK, the last thing you want is to queue at a rental desk after a long-haul flight. You are probably searching for “airport meet and greet car hire London” for good reason.

Avis Prestige’s Meet & Greet Service is a game-changer. Instead of navigating shuttle buses and lines, you’re met at Heathrow or Manchester airport and handed the keys personally. We can even deliver your car directly to selected hotels, perfect for travellers easing into the UK’s roads (and left-hand driving!).

Consider Insurance, Excess and Deposits

Here’s a secret: Some first-time luxury renters have no idea what “excess” means until they’re hit with a big number.

Avis Prestige makes this far less intimidating:

• Insurance is included
• Everything is explained clearly
• There’s a Zero-Excess option for extra peace of mind
• No confusing jargon

It’s one of the reasons we are highly rated by international visitors: it’s clear, fair and straightforward.

Do a Proper Vehicle Check

One of the most important steps for any first-time luxury car renter, whether you’re hiring in the UK or travelling from overseas, is completing a thorough vehicle inspection before you leave the collection point. This is standard practice in the car rental world but it becomes even more crucial when you’re dealing with high-end, premium and performance vehicles. Luxury cars come with advanced technology, precision engineering and higher asset value, so understanding the condition of the car from the start protects you and ensures you enjoy the best experience possible.

With Avis Prestige, this step is simple and stress-free. Every vehicle is immaculately prepared, fully inspected and clearly documented before you collect it. A member of the Avis Prestige team will walk you through the car, point out features, answer questions and make sure you’re completely comfortable: ideal for first-time renters or overseas visitors who may be driving a high-end vehicle or UK roads for the first time. It’s all part of the premium, personalised service that makes Avis Prestige stand out.

Plan Your Route

If you’re escaping within the UK or visiting from abroad, you may not be familiar with:

•  Driving on the left
• Narrow countryside roads
• City traffic restrictions (ULEZ, congestion charges, low-emission zones)
• Motorway rules

Even UK renters driving a prestige car for the first time may want extra confidence on route planning or handling a more powerful vehicle. That’s why Avis Prestige provides local guidance at pick-up and ensures every car includes built-in sat-nav, making it easy to navigate cities, airports and scenic routes.

Enjoy the Experience

Hiring a luxury car isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about the experience. Whether exploring the English countryside, arriving at a special event or upgrading a business trip, a prestige car adds excitement to your journey.

Plus, with Avis Prestige, you can focus on enjoying the drive, knowing you’ve chosen a company that prioritises quality, reassurance and exceptional service.

Why Avis Prestige Is the Best Choice for First-Time Luxury Car Renters

From transparent pricing to premium vehicles and personalised handovers, Avis Prestige is built around making luxury car hire simple, especially for first-time renters.

• Premium vehicles from the world’s top brands
• Clear, upfront insurance and deposit information
• Airport Meet & Greet, hotel delivery and easy collection
• Immaculately maintained, newer-model vehicles
• Friendly experts who guide you through the car
• Ideal for international drivers and UK residents alike 

Avis Prestige makes the entire process easy, enjoyable and stress-free. Book your hire car and start your journey with us.