There is a maximum of 1 additional driver that can be added to a rental contract. A surcharge of $5.00 per day will apply for each additional driver. The minimum age for additional drivers is 23 years of age. Additional drivers are also recognized as if they are the principal driver. This policy is open to anyone wishing to have a rental vehicle from our company. The additional driver fee will be applied to each additional person printed on the contract, whether or not that person will be driving the vehicle. The person responsible for payment of the rental MUST be named on the rental contract, even if that person will be driving. No additional drivers will be removed from the contract after the vehicle leaves our office. All additional drivers are responsible for the vehicle until the vehicle is returned.

The only office that accepts after hour returns, is Bayside, which is located at 189-03 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, New York 11358. All other locations cannot accept returns while we are closed. All returns MUST be done while that rental office is open. Vehicles must be returned to the same location they were picked up from, unless written approval was made ahead of time. In the event you drop a vehicle off while we are closed, the customer is fully responsible for any and all damage that may arise. The rental will still be open and the customer will be charged until the key is returned to the rental office.

Cargo vans are normally equipped with 2 front passenger seats. Any van rental that has in it any additonal seating is considered a passenger van, and will be charged as a passenger van. In the event the cargo van you rent is equipped with a rear jump seat, a third person may use that seat without incurring any additional charges. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES may anybody sit in the cargo area of a cargo van.

Cash is a viable method of payment for any of our rentals. If you with to leave a cash deposit, you must present a valid picture Driver's License, and some type of local utility bill and either a job ID or a paycheck stub that can be verified.

We are not responsible for any cost that the renter claims during the rental period. We do not reimburse the cost of other car rentals, restaurants, hotel, or any other travel costs during the rental period of our vehicle.

Before renting a vehicle from our establishment, a deposit must be left. If it is left on a credit card, a hold will be place upon your account until the rental period is over. If you choose to leave the deposit on a debit card, a charge will be made, and upon return, your debit card will be credited for the difference, as not to hold your funds in limbo for an excessive period of time.

Many major credit card companies do cover car rentals in the event of an accident. Some do not, and it is your responsibility to contact your credit card carrier to see if they do, in fact, cover a car rental in the event of an accident. Most major credit cards, such as American Express, Mastercard, Visa, and Discover have car rental insurance available at no charge as a courtesy to the credit card owner. Call your credit card company and ask them, "Do I have car rental insurance on my card," and if yes, ask them what the limit is, and they will tell you. If you are covered, you may decline our insurance, and you will be covered for collision damages or theft of our vehicle with no deductible. This is very good for you. Some credit cards, including American Express do have higher insurance coverages. American Express also has a higher level of insurance available. It is called Premium Car Rental Insurance. We recommend it very highly. In most instances, credit card carriers do not cover a box truck. It is considered commercial, and it is not under their policy.

The renter is fully responsible for all tire, wheel, and hubcap damage during the rental. Whether the tire and wheel were damaged by road hazard, driver error, or even a blowout, the renter will be held responsible and charged for any expenses to repair the vehicle or replace the tire or related components. If towing is necessary, the renter is also responsible for all towing expenses.

We reserve the right to electronically check a first time renters' drivers license to check the status and history of a drivers' record. The only information we are able to access is DMV information, which is public knowledge. There is a slight charge for this procedure. License abstracts are conducted once every 6 months.

We allow almost all of our vehicles to be driven out of New York State, but we must be told where you are planning to travel to, and your furthest destination. Once we are told your driving destination, and if it is an out-of-state trip, you will need to get written approval from the manager, and an unlimited miles program might or might not be available, depending on the type of vehicle. We will be able to create a special mileage program just for you. We want to make sure that you get the proper vehicle with roadside assistance for your long journey outside the state. Your safety and comfort on long distances, and all trips, for that matter, is our main concern. So please, let us help you by offering the proper vehicle for your needs.

Depending on your driving history record, we reserve the right to rent or not to rent you any specific vehicle. Other factors that may determine our decision are your age, and whether or not you are able to supply your own collision insurance. This policy also applies to any additional driver on the rental agreement.

We offer free drop off and pick up service to and from the renters' home to our nearest office for a rental vehicle. Just call our office ahead of time, and we will arrange for you to be picked up.

For you convenience, we now have available for rent, portable GPS navigation units. The daily rental rate for the unit is $9.95. There is also a $250.00 refundable deposit for the unit. The deposit is refunded upon returning the navigation device in an undamaged condition. Upon returning the GPS unit, if it should be broken, damaged, or parts missing, the $250.00 deposit will not be refunded. In the event the unit is lost or stolen during your possession, again, the $250.00 deposit will also not be refunded.

DURING A 2-, 3-, OR 4-DAY HOLIDAY PERIOD, UNLESS WE SPECIFICALLY WRITE OTHERWISE ON YOUR CONTRACT, THE RATE QUOTED TO YOU WILL NOT CHANGE IF YOU DECIDE TO RETURN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE DATE & TIME PRINTED ON YOUR CONTRACT. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU RENT A VEHICLE DURING THE THANKSGIVING 4-DAY HOLIDAY PERIOD, YOUR RENTAL CHARGE WILL BE THE SAME IF YOU KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR 1, 2, 3, OR 4 DAYS. HOLIDAY PERIODS INCLUDE LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, THANKSGIVING, JULY 4th, CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR'S. DURING A 4-DAY HOLIDAY, THE RATES ARE ALWAYS A 4-DAY CHARGE, AND NO DISCOUNT MAY BE APPLIED TO THAT RATE. AT VERY INFREQUENT TIMES, DUE TO TECHNICAL REASONS, THE INTERNET RATE MIGHT NOT BE REFLECTIVE OF A 4-DAY HOLIDAY. FOR EXAMPLE, THE INTERNET RATE MIGHT BE DISPLAYED AS A 1- OR 2-DAY RATE. THIS WOULD BE CONSIDERED AN ERROR, AND WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ACCEPT A RESERVATION WITH THE 1- OR 2-DAY PRICE. WE WOULD THEN NOTIFY YOU BY PHONE OR VIA E-MAIL AND ADVISE YOU OF THE CORRECT HOLIDAY RATES. YOU WOULD THEN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FINALIZE THE RESERVATION WITH OUR FRIENDLY SALES AGENT.

During holiday periods, discounts and coupon specials DO NOT apply. Holiday rates might be higher than internet prices, and are NOT DISCOUNTABLE. If your reservation is made within 4 weeks of a national holiday, the posted internet price is not guaranteed, so please call to confirm prices. During certain holiday periods, such as Memorial Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, Christmas, New Year's, and possibly other holidays, the minimum rental is 4 days. This means that if the vehicle is returned before the 4th day, the charge will still be the full holiday 4 day charge. Due to the many reservation requests during a holiday time, in order to confirm and hold your reservation, you must call in and give a deposit towards your rental. Without a paid deposit, we cannot guarantee the reservation for the vehicle. For further information please call our office.

There is optional vehicle protection available to cover the renters' financial responsibility for damage or loss to the vehicle. This coverage, CDW, Collision Damage Waiver, is optional, and may be declined. There are several options that you might have. Many credit cards today give car rental insurance at no charge. Your own automobile policy from home or business might also cover car rentals. Insurance companies will insure a "like" vehicle, meaning, if you have a car or a minivan, they will insure a rental car or minivan. If you don't own your own truck or 15-passenger van, they will not cover a rental truck or passenger van. It is wise to call these institutions and inquire if you have car rental insurance. If you do have this insurance, then you do not have to purchase insurance from us, but if you have a debit or bank card, these cards DO NOT cover car rentals. 15-passenger vans, full-size SUVs, and box trucks are NOT covered by any credit cards, unless you join the American Express Premium Car Rental Insurance (this is a fantastic plan that will cover most all vehicles and we highly recommend it). If you rent any one of the above vehicles from our fleet and do not supply your own insurance, you will be required to purchase CDW insurance in order to reduce your exposure to extreme potential losses. If you need further explanation, we will gladly discuss it with you. In some circumstances we reserve the right not to rent a specific vehicle unless the renter supplies us with proof of self insurance.

International drivers are always welcome. We DO ACCEPT foreign drivers licenses from many countries, and of course all international licenses are accepted. Please call our office with any concerns. Drivers with foreign licenses, must bring their passport or Visa at the time of rental pickup. If you are living in the USA, whether permanently or temporarily, you must also bring with you proof of where you reside. This might be a telephone bill or a paycheck stub. We must be able to identify your place of residence while in the U.S. These requirements are due to homeland security issues. If you are staying with family or friends while in the U.S., you must supply us with their address and a valid telephone number.

Our internet website prices are often discounted from normal pricing. The discounted rates are guaranteed to you, subject to our rental policies. Should you cause an exception, the rate charged might be different than the one displayed on this website. Please print out and bring in your online reservation if possible. Internet rates are not guaranteed unless confirmed with a paid deposit.

All rental vehicles are calculated by a 24-hour clock. There is a 1 HOUR GRACE period, but if you exceed the 24-hour period by more than 1 hour, a per hour late charge will apply to each hour late, starting from the first late hour, until you reach the daily rate. When the total late fee reaches the additional day rate, you will be charged only an additional day.

In order to rent a vehicle from our company, you must possess a valid driver's license. It doesn't necessarily have to be from New York. Out of state licenses are accepted, but we do need a proof of address of where you're staying locally in town. No Learner's Permits or State IDs are acceptable. In addition to having a valid driver's license, you must have at least 18 months driving experience in order to rent a vehicle from us.

Our travel radius policy is very simple. If you will be traveling a "longer distance" away from our office than a 350 mile radius, you must notify us at the time of reservation. The reason for this is that our rates for a "long distance" rental plus mileage rates might be different than those quoted to you on the internet or by our agents. In this instance, we can arrange for an all-inclusive mileage plan. In addition, if you rented a vehicle and after taking the vehicle, only then decided to change your travel plans and go on a "long distance" drive, you will still be expected to notify our office so that we can review your rental contract and possibly change the rental and mileage rates if applicable.

In some cases when renting a vehicle, the customer might have needs or concerns regarding one or more of our policies. This is understandable, so at Empire Rent-A-Car, we are always available to help. One of the owners or managers are always available to speak with you, and if need be, try to create a rental package that caters to your special needs. Your satisfaction is our concern.

At Empire Rent-A-Car, as a deposit or payment, we gladly accept cash, credit card, or debit card, providing it has a Visa or Mastercard logo. If you choose to use a credit card, we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

During Holiday periods and weekends, Friday-Sunday periods, reservations must be made at least 48 hours before pick up time in order for your reservation to be valid. If reserving less than 48 hours in advance, please call our office and confirm the reservation with our agent. We will do our best to put you in the vehicle you requested. Also, please note that even if you make a reservation and the computer sends you a reservation confirmation, there is the chance that you will not be able to pick up the vehicle you selected at the time you reserved. This is due to customers before you who might be extending their rental at the last minute. In order to guarantee your vehicle, you must call us with a credit card deposit during weekend and holiday period. If you wish to confirm your reservation, please call our main office at 718-353-6848 with your deposit, especially if you wish to reserve within less than 48 hours of your pick up time. We must have this policy due to the extremely high demand for vehicles during the peak seasons of the year. We cannot guarantee your weekend or holiday reservation if you reserve within less than 48 hours prior to pickup and did not call in with a deposit on your credit card. In order to confirm, please call us and leave a credit card, or come into our office with a cash deposit.

All of our rentals must be returned to the original pick up location. You can only return a vehicle at a different location if you have prior approval from one of our rental agents. If you encounter a problem with the vehicle during your rental, you must notify us immediately, but you are not allowed to abandon the vehicle or leave the vehicle at a place of your choosing. Arrangements MUST be made with our office to check out the vehicle at a location near you. We have a network of repair facilities that should be able to service the rental vehicle should a problem arise. Please remember, that if you leave the vehicle or abandon it, you will be responsible for ALL costs incurred to retreive the vehicle and return it to our office. The rental will extend through the date and time that the vehicle returns to our office. Please remember, that if you leave a vehicle due to a flat tire or running out of gasoline, it is your responsibility to refuel the vehicle and also to replace the flat tire.

Our policy is clear and simple. No one wants to sit in a car that has pet hair or an odor in it, so please do not carry dogs or cats in the vehicle. If you must, then cover the area where your pet is going to be. If the vehicle comes back with pet dirt or odor, YOU WILL be CHARGED an additional charge for cleaning and deodorizing the vehicle. The charge is a mininum of $70, depending on the amount of work necessary to clean the interior and remove the hair and odor. This is a strict policy that will be enforced. Please be considerate of other people.

We do driver's license abstracts every 6 months on all of our customers to see their past driving record. With this public information, we have the right to refuse to rent to any customer based on past history. In addition to the license abstract, should you have any points on your license, it is our policy to charge $1 per point per day.

We are very proud of our competitive rates for our retail customers, as well as our corporate accounts. The rates printed on your rental agreement are ONLY valid until the due back date printed. If any renter, whether retail or corporate, extends the rental past the rental due back date printed on the rental agreement (contract) and returns the vehicle on a later date than the one printed on his/her original rental agreement, the additional days past the printed "Due Back" date will be priced at the higher, full price rate displayed in our office price sheet. If any renter extends his/her rental past the due back date and those extended days fall into a weekend, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, or into a holiday period, such as any Federal holiday, plus others, the renter WILL BE RESPONSIBLE for the full rental policy and prices of that weekend or holiday. Please be advised that some weekends and holiday rental policies might include substantially higher rates than our normal price sheet rates plus a minimum rental charge of 3 or 4 days if the rental spans over the holiday period. No exceptions can be made to this policy, unless it is in written form and an updated rental agreement approved by our manager, so please return your vehicle at the agreed upon date printed on your rental agreement.

Our policy for refueling is very simple. Please return the vehicle with the same fuel level as when you took the vehicle out. The fuel level amount will be printed on your rental contract. If you return it with less fuel, we will charge you $6.00 per gallon used, so please check your fuel level before returning the vehicle. We do not refund for extra fuel added. Only put in the amount of fuel that you are going to use on your trip.

If the renter, whether retail or corporate, extends the rental period to a new date past the original return date on the rental agreement, no matter the reason, this will automatically void any special pricing or rate that was associated with the original rental length, and the normal printed price sheet rental rate will then be applied to the total rental time, starting from the first day of the original rental agreement. In other words, if the renter was given a 2 day special price that included a certain percent discount, and then decided to extend the rental to 5 days, then the percent discount will no longer be valid, and the total rental will be calculated by the regular printed price sheet price. Any exception must be given by the manager in writing.

We will always do our best to have the vehicle that you reserved available for you for your pick up time. At times, due to conditions that are beyond our control, if your vehicle is not available for you in a reasonable time, we might upgrade your vehicle to a similar one to the one you reserved in order to satisfy you and your needs at no additional charge.

The renter is fully and totally responsible for any damage sustained to, and the cost of repair or replacement of the tires and the rims of the rental vehicle. Any work done to the tires or rims MUST be first authorized by our manager. If our manager approves a repair, the renter must return all claimed original parts, including the tire, rim, and repair receipt upon return of the rental vehicle.

Many of our vehicles are equipped with Roadside Assistance straight from the manufacturer. If you should experience any type of problem or issue with your rental vehicle, just call the office, and we will arrange a representative to help you with your situation.

Each one of our vehicles is equipped with a spare tire and a jack and lug wrench. It is the sole responsibility of the renter to replace the tire with the spare provided in case of a flat tire. We do not give flat tire replacement service. The renter is also responsible for the cost of the replacement tire. Unfortunately, there are sometimes road hazards, but we cannot assume responsibility for the damage caused to the tires and rims. Please drive carefully and be aware of streets ahead of you. All tire equipment, meaning spare tire, damaged tire, lug wrench, and jack must all be returned to us upon the completion of the rental period.

Child safety seats are available. We understand that many people travel outside New York with little kids. We are proud to say that we carry a full line of children and infant seats. It is a New York State law to have all back seat passengers who are age four or older, but under age seven to be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system. A child older than four years of age and over four feet nine inches in height may be restrained by a safety belt. Bicycle racks available in our Bayside location. Many people rent vehicles that are not large enough to accomodate a bicycle, in addition to their luggage. For a small charge, we can rent you a bike rack so you can take your bike with you.

The renter is fully and totally responsible for any parking, traffic, and E-Z PASS summonses during the time of the rental. If you ignire it and do not pay any summonses you receive, we will be obligeted to send your summonses to a company that charges a service fee to collect our ticket charges and bill you on YOUR credit card. There is a fee of $40 over and above the fee for the summons, plus any additional late fees or other service charges administered by New York City or any other municipality that issued the summons. This could cost you a lot more than the original ticket, so if you should get a ticket please pay it in a timely manner, in order to avoid all the other charges that you will have to pay anyway. If you try to avoid paying summonses, you will only pay a lot more later. There is no escape from paying summonses. Please take our advise. We know and we're trying to help you. PLEASE PAY YOUR SUMMONSES.

Many of our vans and trucks are equipped with trailer hitches. If you should need to tow something during your rental, you need to let the rental agent know exactly what you are towing, the distance you will be towing, and the gross weight of what you are towing so we can set up the vehicle with the necessary equipment for a safe tow.

NO repairs of any kind, no matter how large or small may be done to the rental vehicle without written approval of management. If a repair is done without approval, the renter will be fully reposnsible for any and all additional repair work that might be needed in order to properly repair the rental vehicle and to bring it back to its pre-damaged condition.

We are always concerned about your safety. Therefore, we have a policy that restricts the rental of certain smaller vehicles for very long distance trips. Our policy is that if you are traveling to a radius of over 350 miles, you should travel in a roomier and heavier, full-size car instead of a compact or mid-size. You will be more comfortable and safer in the larger vehicle. Please let us know your travel intention and we will fit you in the proper vehicle for your trip. Ask one of our representatives to create the right package for you. If traveling out of the country, to Canada, you must notify us and discuss the rental with us prior to arriving at our counter, so we can provide you with the pertinent vehicle paperwork.

A weekend rental is either from Friday until Monday or Saturday until Monday.

This fee is to protect the renter in case of any type of damage to the windshield of the rental vehicle. Whether it be a rock chip, a crack, or someone throwing something at it, you are not liable for the replacement cost.