The Joy of Open-Top Driving
Some drives are made for convertibles — the Amalfi Coast with Mediterranean air flowing over you, the Pacific Coast Highway with the California sun on your face, or a leisurely cruise through the French Riviera with nothing but blue sky above. Renting a convertible transforms transportation into the experience itself. Here's everything you need to know to make it happen.
Where to Find Convertible Rentals
Convertible availability is highly seasonal and location-dependent. The best markets for convertible rentals — in terms of both availability and pricing — are Southern California (year-round), the Mediterranean coast (April–October), Florida and the Caribbean (November–April), Australia's east coast (October–March), and the French and Italian Rivieras (May–September).
In colder or less touristy markets, convertibles are rare in rental fleets. Northern Europe, the UK (despite the romantic notion of an English countryside drive), and inland destinations typically have limited or no convertible options.
What to Expect Price-Wise
Convertibles typically cost 50–100% more than the equivalent hardtop model. A week's rental in Spain might be €250 for a compact sedan versus €450–600 for a convertible. The most affordable convertibles are compact models like the Fiat 500C, VW T-Roc Cabriolet, or MINI Convertible. Premium options like the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, BMW 4 Series, or Audi A5 can easily reach €150–300/day.
Book well in advance for peak season — convertible inventory is limited, and popular destinations sell out months ahead.
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Search Convertibles →Practical Considerations
Luggage space: Convertibles sacrifice boot space for the folding roof mechanism. Most compact convertibles fit one medium suitcase at best with the roof down. If you're traveling with significant luggage, you'll need to keep the roof up to use the full boot space — which defeats the purpose.
Security: Soft-top convertibles offer zero security for belongings. Never leave anything visible in the car — not a bag, not sunglasses, not a charging cable. Thieves know convertible drivers are tourists, and a slash to the soft top costs the rental company money that they'll charge to you.
Sun protection: Extended open-top driving means serious sun exposure. Wear sunscreen (SPF 50+ on your scalp if needed), a hat, and keep water within reach. Wind burn is also a real issue at highway speeds — a buff or scarf helps.
Wind and noise: At speeds above 80 km/h, wind noise in a convertible can make conversation and phone calls difficult. Wind deflectors (sometimes available as an add-on) reduce buffeting significantly. For highway stretches, put the roof up and save the open-top experience for scenic coastal and countryside roads.
Best Drives for a Convertible
The Pacific Coast Highway (California), Amalfi Coast SS163 (Italy), Grande Corniche (French Riviera), Cape Peninsula (South Africa), Great Ocean Road (Australia), and Hana Highway (Maui, Hawaii) are consistently rated among the world's best convertible drives. Each combines scenic beauty with moderate speeds and manageable distances that let you enjoy the open-air experience without fatigue.
Insurance Note
Convertibles may be excluded from some credit card CDW programs and third-party insurance policies. Verify that your coverage applies to convertible vehicle categories before declining the rental company's insurance. Some policies classify convertibles as "specialty" or "luxury" vehicles regardless of the model's price class.