Speedway Rental

- 562 Baltic St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

For residents of Brooklyn and the wider New York City area, finding the right car rental service can sometimes be a challenge. While major national chains are ubiquitous, many New Yorkers seek out local businesses that offer a different kind of experience, potentially with more personalized service or unique offerings. Speedway Rental, located on Baltic Street in Brooklyn, presents itself as one such local option, catering to individuals who might find the processes of larger companies overly bureaucratic.

Speedway Rental aims to provide functional and accessible transportation solutions for Brooklynites. Unlike some larger chains, which might have stringent requirements or a less flexible approach, a local business like Speedway Rental often strives to offer a more personal touch. This can be particularly appealing to New Yorkers who appreciate supporting independent businesses and are looking for a straightforward rental process for their diverse needs – from weekend trips and family visits to temporary transportation when their own vehicle is unavailable. However, it's also important for potential renters to be aware of the full spectrum of experiences, as smaller operations can sometimes come with their own set of considerations.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Speedway Rental at 562 Baltic St, Brooklyn. We will cover its location and how accessible it is for local users, detail the types of services and vehicles typically offered by a local rental company of this nature, highlight the positive features as well as critical points of feedback from past customers, and provide essential contact information. Ultimately, this will help New Yorkers make an informed decision about whether Speedway Rental is the right choice for their car rental needs.

Location and Accessibility

Speedway Rental is situated at 562 Baltic St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA. This address places it in the vibrant and centrally located Gowanus/Park Slope area of Brooklyn. This is a highly accessible neighborhood for many New Yorkers, whether they reside locally or are traveling from other parts of the city.

The Baltic Street location benefits from its proximity to several key public transportation hubs. The R train at Union Street station is a short walk away, offering convenient subway access to Manhattan and various Brooklyn neighborhoods. Additionally, the major Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center transit hub, serving the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, Q, D, N, R, W subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), is within a reasonable distance. This robust public transit network ensures that New Yorkers can easily reach Speedway Rental without needing a car initially, which is a significant advantage in a city where personal vehicle ownership is not universal.

For those driving to pick up a rental, Baltic Street offers relatively direct access to major Brooklyn thoroughfares, facilitating travel to other boroughs or out of the city. The location within a bustling urban environment means that while street parking might be tight, the overall connectivity for both pick-up and embarking on a journey is quite strong for a local business.

Services Offered

As a local car rental business, Speedway Rental likely focuses on providing a practical range of vehicle options and flexible rental terms to meet the everyday needs of Brooklyn residents. Based on common practices for independent rental agencies in NYC, their services typically include:

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: While not expecting luxury or brand-new models, a local rental typically offers a selection of functional vehicles. This may include:

  • Economy and Compact Cars: Ideal for city driving, fuel efficiency, and easier parking in urban settings.

  • Mid-size and Full-size Sedans: Providing more comfort and space for longer trips or multiple passengers.

  • SUVs: For those needing more cargo room, passenger capacity, or a higher driving position.

  • Vans (e.g., Minivans, Cargo Vans): Essential for families, group travel, or light moving/hauling needs.

  • Trucks (e.g., Box Trucks): Some local rental places, especially in urban areas with moving needs, also offer larger trucks for rent.

• Short-Term and Long-Term Rentals: Options for daily, weekly, or monthly rentals to accommodate various needs, from a quick errand to an extended period where a personal car is unavailable.

• Insurance Replacement Rentals: Likely provides vehicles for individuals whose cars are being repaired due to accidents, often working with insurance claims.

• Flexible Requirements: One customer review specifically mentions that "big chains rejected us and asked us for many things to rent us a car and would not care to help with a solution, in Speedy they listened to us and gave us a car with no hassle." This suggests they may have more flexible rental requirements compared to larger corporations, which can be a significant benefit for certain customers.

• Basic Inclusions: Rentals would typically include standard insurance coverages (though supplemental insurance is always a recommendation) and basic amenities for a functional car.

Features / Highlights

Speedway Rental's customer feedback offers a mixed but insightful view of its operations, highlighting both strong points and areas of concern:

• Personalized and Hassle-Free Service (Positive): A significant highlight, as per customer testimonials, is their "easy, personal and overall great" experience, especially for those who faced difficulties with larger chains. They are praised for "listen to us and gave us a car with no hassle." This "non corporate business" approach is a major draw for many New Yorkers seeking a less rigid rental process.

• Functional, Not "Mint" Vehicles (Acknowledged Trade-off): Customers are advised, "Don't expect a mint car, but a functional car." This transparency about vehicle condition, coupled with the benefit that "there's no need to be paranoid while using the car," suggests a practical approach where functionality and ease of use outweigh pristine aesthetics. For many, this trade-off is acceptable for an accessible, no-fuss rental.

• Responsiveness and Problem Solving (Positive for some): The sentiment of "they listened to us and gave us a car with no hassle" points to an ability to find solutions where larger companies might not.

• Serious Concerns Regarding Insurance and Past Debts (Negative): A critical review highlights a severe issue where a customer's "licence suspended due to Speedy not settling an insurance case from 2008." The claim that the "new company does not settle debts from previous owners" and unresponsiveness from their "claims' department in New Jersey" points to significant operational and legal concerns that potential renters must be aware of. This suggests a potential lack of continuity or accountability regarding long-standing issues.

• Shady Practices and Financial Burden (Negative): The claim of "super shady" practices and the imposition of a "£4000 fee to pay - which they SHOULD be taking responsibility for as I took full insurance on the Car" are extremely serious allegations that speak to potential risks for customers. This indicates a profound disconnect in how insurance and claims are handled, creating substantial financial and legal jeopardy for the renter.

Contact Information

For those considering Speedway Rental, here is the provided contact information. Due to the nature of the reviews, it is highly recommended to clarify all terms and conditions directly with them.

Address: 562 Baltic St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA

Phone: (718) 783-0800

Mobile Phone: +1 718-783-0800

Their website also indicates hours of operation for the Baltic Street location as: Mon - Thurs 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM to call us; Saturday CLOSED; Sunday call us. It is always best to call and confirm current hours and policies before visiting or making a reservation.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Yorkers, especially those in Brooklyn seeking a car rental experience distinct from large corporate chains, Speedway Rental at 562 Baltic St offers a compelling, albeit complex, proposition. On one hand, its appeal lies in its "non corporate business" approach, which, according to some customers, provides an "easy, personal and overall great" experience, particularly for those who have faced hurdles with more rigid rental companies. The promise of a "functional car" without the paranoia of minor dings, combined with a convenient Brooklyn location accessible via public transit, can be very attractive for locals looking for straightforward, no-hassle temporary transportation.

However, it is absolutely crucial for any potential renter to carefully weigh these advantages against the very serious and concerning allegations raised by other customers regarding insurance claim handling and potential financial liabilities from past issues. The claims of "bait and switch" tactics, suspended licenses due to unresolved cases, and large unexpected fees are severe red flags that cannot be overlooked.

Therefore, while Speedway Rental could be suitable for New Yorkers who prioritize a personalized and less bureaucratic rental process, it comes with significant caveats. Locals considering this option should exercise extreme caution:

• Verify Insurance Thoroughly: Independently confirm all insurance coverages and policies, both theirs and your own personal car insurance or credit card benefits, before signing any agreement. Do not solely rely on verbal assurances.

• Document Everything: Take extensive photos and videos of the car's condition at pick-up and drop-off. Keep meticulous records of all communication and paperwork.

• Clarify All Charges: Ensure you understand every single fee, including potential liabilities for past issues or accidents, and confirm that there are no hidden or surprise charges.

If these precautions are diligently followed, and a renter is prepared for the possibility of older but functional vehicles, Speedway Rental might indeed offer a convenient and accessible option for temporary car needs in Brooklyn. However, the documented risks suggest that it may not be suitable for those seeking complete peace of mind or an unquestionable track record of claims resolution.

Speedway Rental

562 Baltic St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA