Quick answer
To rent an exotic or luxury car in Chicago with DDE Rentals you need four things: approval for the selected vehicle and driver, a valid driver's license, full-coverage auto insurance that covers the rental vehicle, and a refundable security deposit — $1,000–$7,500 depending on the car, shown on each vehicle's page. You'll also need an accepted payment method; we take cards, ACH, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, cryptocurrency, and cash. Our team verifies your license and insurance before every handover, so having documents ready keeps delivery quick. The rest of this guide walks through each requirement and what happens at booking, handover, and return.
Age requirements
DDE’s general policy starts at 21 years old, but the exact listing’s requirements and your approval govern the booking. We can also consider drivers 18–20 on a case-by-case basis — reach out and the concierge will review it with you. Some vehicles carry a different age minimum, which the concierge will confirm when you book. If self-drive isn't a fit, a chauffeured booking puts a professional driver behind the wheel instead.
Driver's license
A valid driver's license is required, and we verify it before every handover — it must be current and in good standing (the Illinois Secretary of State sets the standard for licensing in the state). Bring the physical license to delivery — verification is quick, and it's the same check whether you collect the car or we deliver it to your door.
Insurance
Full-coverage auto insurance — comprehensive, collision, and liability — that covers the rental vehicle is required. DDE’s published requirements specify minimum limits of $100K/$300K/$100K, and coverage limits beyond that depend on the car you're renting — our team is happy to review your policy and confirm it qualifies before you book. Coverage is verified before handover, so send your policy details to the concierge ahead of delivery day to keep things moving.
Security deposits
Every rental carries a refundable security deposit, from $1,000–$7,500 depending on the vehicle — a Mercedes G63 holds $2,000, a Rolls-Royce Ghost $2,500, and the Lamborghini Aventador S $7,500. The exact amount is listed on each vehicle's page next to the daily rate. The hold is authorized on the day of your reservation and released 24–72 hours after the end of your rental, once the car is returned in its original condition.
Payment methods
DDE lists the following payment methods. Confirm the payment route and deposit arrangements for your booking:
- Debit / credit card
- ACH transfer
- Zelle
- Venmo / Cash App
- Cryptocurrency
- Cash
Cancellations
Cancellations are not refunded. If you cancel more than 72 hours before your reservation date, we issue a credit you can apply to a future booking. If your dates might move, tell the concierge when you book — rescheduling early protects your credit and your car.
Delivery and handover
We deliver across the Chicago metro — home, hotel, venue, O'Hare, or Midway — with delivery fees confirmed at booking based on distance. The suburbs are covered too: Naperville, Hinsdale, Wheaton, Bolingbrook, and beyond. Flying in from out of town? The same checklist applies — bring your physical license, and send insurance details ahead so the car can meet your arrival. At handover we verify your license and insurance, walk the car together, and complete the deposit authorization. Returns work the same in reverse: we collect the car, check it over, and release the deposit once it's confirmed in original condition.
Under 21, or no qualifying insurance?
If you're 18–20, you may still qualify to self-drive on a case-by-case basis — ask the concierge and we'll review it with you. Otherwise you still have options — they're just chauffeured. A chauffeured booking puts a professional driver behind the wheel, so the age minimum and self-drive insurance requirement don't apply to your party — our chauffeur vs self-drive guide compares the two ways to rent in full. That's also how every prom reservation works: a professional private driver is included, and parents coordinate directly with our team. If you're not sure whether your policy qualifies, send it over — reviewing coverage before you book costs nothing and avoids surprises on delivery day.
The checklist, in one place
- Driver approval for the exact vehicle — review its minimum age and eligibility with DDE.
- Valid driver's license — physical license in hand at handover.
- Full-coverage insurance — comprehensive, collision, and liability with minimum limits of $100K/$300K/$100K, covering the rental vehicle.
- Refundable deposit — $1,000–$7,500 by vehicle, released 24–72 hours after your rental ends.
- Payment method — card, ACH, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, crypto, or cash.
