Photo

Cars that were uprighted and submerged by Superstorm Sandy remain at the entrance of a subterranean parking garage

In this Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, file photo, cars that were uprighted and submerged by Superstorm Sandy remain at the entrance of a subterranean parking garage in New York's Financial District. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

Regular Photo Size

The Holidays

Berlin elephants feast on tasty Christmas trees

Elephants feast on Christmas trees

Elephants at the Berlin Zoo finally got a chance to tuck into …

Photos: Welcoming 2013 Around the World

Here's a look at celebrations around the world as we say …

Photos: Holidays with the Obamas

Take a look at how the first family is spending the holidays …

Doggie hotels: A real holiday treat

The holidays are a time to shower our loved ones with gifts and…

Twinkle's Kitchen | Dressed-Up Candy

No time to bake this holiday season? Need a quick solution? Get…

Sandy leads to Thanksgiving rental car shortage

Existing reservations are mostly being honored

Updated: Tuesday, 20 Nov 2012, 11:05 AM EST
Published : Tuesday, 20 Nov 2012, 11:05 AM EST

SCOTT MAYEROWITZ,AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Thanksgiving travelers who have yet to rent a car in the Northeast are out of luck: Superstorm Sandy has created a shortage.

The storm has damaged thousands of cars — including those owned by rental companies. The loss of vehicles has been compounded by rising demand. Thanksgiving and Christmas are normally busy rental periods. And lingering mass transit problems caused by Sandy have added to demand.

Existing reservations are mostly being honored, but people who still want to book for Thanksgiving are finding almost no cars left. The few cars available carry a hefty premium.