Terms and Conditions

1. Agreement

By making a reservation, signing a rental agreement, or using a vehicle from Sonic Car Rental ("the Company"), you ("the Renter") agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. These terms apply to all rentals at our Florida locations: Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and Tampa (TPA).

2. Eligibility

• Minimum age is 21 years old. Maximum age is 75 years old.
• A young driver fee applies to drivers under the age of 25.
• A senior driver fee applies to drivers over the age of 70.
• A valid driver's license in English and Latin letters is required, issued at least 1 year prior to rental. Digital driver's licenses are not accepted.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory in addition to the regular driver's license for non-US license holders. The IDP is valid only if accompanied by the original license.
• A credit card personalized with the cardholder's full name is required (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover Card).
• A valid photo identification is required (passport for foreign customers).

3. Reservations

• The Company honors all reservations that meet the rental requirements.
• The Company reserves the right to decline reservations with inaccurate, altered, or false information.
• Reservations are based on vehicle category, not specific makes or models. Vehicle images are illustrative only.
• Reservations are honored up to two hours from the scheduled pickup time when flight information is provided. Our representatives will monitor flight status.
• Without flight information, reservations not claimed within two hours may be treated as a no-show, subject to vehicle availability.
• Cancellations or modifications are free of charge up to 48 hours before the scheduled pickup time.

4. Payment and Security Deposit

• Payment is accepted via credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card), debit cards, and cash.
• A security deposit starting at $500 USD will be pre-authorized on your credit card at pickup. The amount varies by vehicle category.
• Cash deposits are not accepted for security reasons.
• The deductible is normally $1,000. Upon hiring CDW coverage, the security deposit is reduced to $300 USD.
• The security deposit is released after the vehicle is returned in the same condition. Allow 5 to 7 business days for bank processing.
• The Surcharge, FL Waste Tire/Battery Fee, Customer Facility Charge, Priv Fee Recovery CHG 10 PCT, and VLF REC must be paid at the counter.

5. Insurance and Protections

• SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance): $39.99/day. Increases civil liability coverage. Deductible of $1,000.
• TPL (Third Party Liability): $29.99/day. Covers damages to third parties. Available for foreign clients only.
• CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): $29.99/day. Covers damages to the rented vehicle up to $20,000 with a $2,500 deductible.
• SLI, CDW, and TPL are not included for residents of Canada, Puerto Rico, and USA.
• To use your own insurance, you must provide proof of TPL and CDW coverage from State Farm, Liberty Mutual, Geico, All State, or Infinit. Insurance must be issued in the USA only.
• Acceptable proof must include a declaration page with SLI coverage of at least $500,000 and Property Damage Liability (PDL) of at least $500,000.
• Insurance from outside the US is not accepted.
• If you do not have acceptable insurance, you must purchase coverage at the counter.

6. Vehicle Use and Restrictions

• Vehicles cannot be driven outside the State of Florida. Violation results in a flat fee of $2,000 USD.
• Florida residents are allowed 50 miles per day. Extra miles are charged at $0.99 per mile.
• Only authorized drivers listed on the rental agreement may operate the vehicle.
• The vehicle must not be used for illegal purposes, racing, towing, off-road driving, or any use not permitted by the rental agreement.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any toxic substances voids all coverage and protections.

7. Tolls

• All rental vehicles are equipped with a SunPass/e-toll transponder glued to the windshield. It is not removable.
• E-Toll/SunPass activation fee: $14.99 USD per day.
• Prepaid unlimited tolls: $19.99 USD per day.
• Declining the toll pass results in a $30 USD penalty per toll used, plus the cost of each unpaid toll.
• Removing the toll device from the vehicle results in a $250 USD penalty.
• It is not possible to use a personal toll device or pay tolls on the spot.
• It is highly recommended to activate the toll device to avoid violation charges.

8. Fuel Policy

• The vehicle must be returned with the same fuel level as at pickup.
• Returning with less fuel incurs an administrative fee of $25.00 plus $9.00 per gallon.
• Use only the fuel type specified on the tank lid (regular, premium, or diesel).

9. Additional Drivers and Extras

• A maximum of 2 additional drivers may be added at $14.99 USD per day per driver.
• Additional drivers must meet the same rental requirements as the primary renter.
• Child car seats are available at $10.00 USD per day, subject to availability.
• Only drivers authorized at contract signing may operate the vehicle.

10. Return of Vehicle

• The vehicle must be returned clean, undamaged, and in the same condition as at pickup.
• Rental rates are based on 24-hour periods. Extra hours or days result in additional charges.
• Return the vehicle at least 1.5 hours before domestic flights and 2.5 hours before international flights.
• Failure to contact us within 3 days after the return date regarding the vehicle may result in the company reporting it to the authorities.

11. Additional Charges

The following may result in additional charges:

• Extra hours or extra rental days
• Missing fuel (administrative fee + per-gallon charge)
• Vehicle cleaning fee
• Damage to the vehicle (body, interior, tires, windshield)
• Traffic violations, parking tickets, or toll violations
• Towing charges
• Key replacement or key repair
• Lost or damaged license plates
• Insurance coverage decline due to contract violations

12. Accidents and Incidents

• Any accident or incident must be reported immediately to Sonic Car Rental at (321) 364-3351.
• Provide your contract number, vehicle license plate, and location.
• Remain at the scene until instructed otherwise.
• Coverage may be declined if the driver was under the influence or violated contract terms.

13. Roadside Assistance

• Roadside assistance is provided at no additional cost for mechanical issues resulting from normal use.
• For flat tires, locked keys, or breakdowns, contact us within 30 minutes at (321) 364-3351.
• Remain at the scene. Attempting to fix the issue yourself and causing damage is considered negligence.
• Services resulting from customer negligence may incur additional charges.

14. Limitation of Liability

Sonic Car Rental shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from the rental, including but not limited to loss of income, travel expenses, or personal inconvenience. Our total liability is limited to the rental charges paid for the specific rental period in question.

15. Governing Law

These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, United States of America. Any disputes arising from these terms shall be resolved in the courts of Orange County, Florida.

16. Contact

For questions about these terms and conditions: