AutoEurope and rental car insurance

I usually use AutoEurope, and I’ve always found the service excellent. I usually opt for the full no deductible coverage so when I get the car, I don’t have to buy anything extra,

See what AutoEurope has to offer and then compare with Avis direct after you add the insurance on the spot.

We have used Auto Europe exclusively for over twenty years for yearly trips to Europe. They will stand behind you if you have any problems. Avis is one of the companies AutoEurope frequently uses. But you have more protection and support by booking through Auto Europe and no hassles if you have a problem.

IMHO Avis versus AutoEurope versus any other large corporation generally makes no difference other than the logo you see at the counter. The guys you're renting from are locals, working for a local company that just has some loose agreement with the familiar named company.

I'm a satisfied customer of gemut.com, a US-based service that specializes in (among other things) setting up European car rentals. I tell them exactly what I want (locations for pickup/dropoff, dates, what class of car I want, etc.), they do all the shopping for me and come back with a price quote. Once I approve that and pay up front (fully refundable up to the actual pick-up), they send me the paperwork, which I print out and show the agency staff. Their prices are good (they'll meet or beat any price for a comparable rental you might find). They work with Europcar, Avis, Hertz, and others, they do all the detail work, you just pay, show up, and drive. (If your car is pre-paid, you can count on it being there when you arrive - no Seinfeld experiences.) If there are issues before, during or after the rental, they work with you and the agencies to resolve things favorably. I've rented cars through them for decades and have always had positive experiences. I've been places where they could not arrange a car but those are off the mainstream European tourist circuit. I have rented through them in Italy several times before, and am doing so again next week. Our car is from Budget, booked via AutoEurope; I deal with Andy at Gemut.

For insurance, I pay with a credit card that provides full, zero-deductible comprehensive coverage at no additional cost. (Some credit cards provide this benefit, some don't - check to see if yours does; if you want to use that, call the card customer service number and ask about the insurance coverage; they'll send you a note via email with details and that you can show at the counter in case you get any pushback).

I use this benefit often and have saved thousands of dollars over the years by skipping the supplemental insurance offered at the counter. Yes, it works in Italy, and in Ireland, and other places where people will tell you it won't. (Caveat: Always understand whatever insurance coverage you have or think you have, and be sure to follow the requirements of whoever is providing it - that goes no matter where you get insurance from).

See you out on the road in Italy!

When we lived in the US and visited Europe, we always rented through AutoEurope and bought full coverage that we prepaid. AutoEurope went to bat for me several times when I had conflicts with the rental agency. They are based in Portland, Maine and have a 24-hour number you can call from Europe. The representatives from the car-rental companies have desks in the AutoEurope headquarters so problems can be quickly resolved.

We alway use AutoEurope will full coverage
They are having a flash sale today-set up an account to get those rates
(I just booked an 8 day rental automatic midsize diff drop off point with full insurance for $415)

You will have a choice of agencies (Europcar, Hertz, Avis etc) so if Avis is your preferred vendor see what they offer on AutoEurope
We have had rented Europcar, Avis and Hertz thru AutoEurope

When using the Search Function you need to filter by Type and Date to get the most recent posts

IMHO Avis versus AutoEurope versus any other large corporation generally makes no difference other than the logo you see at the counter. The guys you're renting from are locals, working for a local company that just has some loose agreement with the familiar named company. I'm a satisfied customer of gemut.com, a US-based service that specializes in (among other things) setting up European car rentals.

Gemut says this on their website:

Why We Use Auto Europe Exclusively
As most readers know, for the past 16 years we have booked all our rental customers through Auto Europe. The principal reasons are competitive rates, service, and post-rental resolution of disputed charges.
https://gemut.com/car-rental-europe-tips-and-advice/why-we-use-auto-europe-exclusively

Thank you all so much for the rental info and for the filters for search!

Just a note

With AutoEurope you will pay upfront but you can always rebook if you find a better rate with them
Since you are just 2 weeks out probably not going to happen -but you never know
I would just check daily anyway

If you have any questions just call them toll free
They are US based and extremely helpful and knowledgeable

Enjoy your trip!

Also make sure all drivers have an IDP-required by law and AutoEurope also notes this on their rentals
We HAVE been asked to show it at rental desk-they don’t always ask-but if they do and you don’t have it they can and will deny you the rental

@John...

Why We Use Auto Europe Exclusively
As most readers know, for the past 16 years we have booked all our rental customers through Auto Europe. The principal reasons are competitive rates, service, and post-rental resolution of disputed charges.

Yes. But two things can be true at the same time.

AutoEurope books through multiple rental agencies...including Avis and Budget and more. I'm picking up a car on Tuesday in Italy, at the Budget Rent a Car counter. I had Gemut arrange the booking for me, and I paid them. They (Gemut) went through AutoEurope, who booked our car from Budget. Budget probably got the car from some guy named Enzo or Luigi. I expect to see signs with the logos for most of them at the counter (except gemut....don't know about Luigi).

I have had Andy at Gemut book cars for me all over Europe, from the Azores to Lithuania to Italy to Ireland to Malta to Turkey. Exactly whose logo is on the keychain may vary. At some rental counters, I see familiar international signage everywhere. At others, I've seen plastic signs for 8 or 10 different, famous international companies on the wall (Hertz, Avis, AutoEurope, Sixt, whatever), along with the local company's real name (which I had never heard of before arriving). A couple times, no familiar logos anywhere. I've come to accept that I shouldn't be distracted by the logos.

This certainly runs counter to the accepted wisdom for booking flight tickets, which always says to book directly with the airline (which I agree with and almost always follow).

This long chain of company affiliations we see with car rentals seems to work out just fine - for car rentals. Different business models. I just shrug and move on.

Well, renting from Avis USA is not the same as renting from Avis Italia. They are two different companies although both part of the AvisBudget Group. Also consider that many offices are just independent franchisees (maybe a car dealership, or even a gas station), which has entered a franchise contract with Avis. The same is true for all other car rental companies.

In any case, just want to remind you that many cars in Europe, especially in Italy, are diesel cars. Diesel cars are good, as diesel fuel costs less (the fuel tax is lower) and diesel cars get more miles with a gallon, and have much more power (torque), which is very useful on steep mountain roads.

However you must make sure you know what AdBlue additive is, in case you run low. AdBlue is an additive required by European emission regulations, and if you run low and don't refill it, the car will not restart. Usually the car rental company will give you a car that has enough, but if you drive for a lot of miles, you might run into the situation where you have to refill it.

https://gemut.com/car-rental-europe-tips-and-advice/diesel-rental-cars-need-adblue

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/adblue/

You can also get insurance from third parties, like Amex and Allianz. In Italy you're going to want to have as much insurance as possible to cover anything.

At others, I've seen plastic signs for 8 or 10 different, famous international companies on the wall (Hertz, Avis, AutoEurope, Sixt, whatever),

It would be impossible to see AutoEurope on the wall because they don't own any cars. They are simply a broker. Perhaps you are confusing them with EuropCar, an unrelated company

It would be impossible to see AutoEurope on the wall because they
don't own any cars. They are simply a broker. Perhaps you are
confusing them with EuropCar, an unrelated company

This is an important point.
You are renting a car from the agency- Europcar, Avis, Hertz, etc. There is no “AutoEurope” desk at the airport or location in town. You will be looking for the “Europcar” or “Hertz” desk/location. All of your paper work there will be from that agency.
You will receive a voucher from AutoEurope, you simply show that at the desk.
We have rented cars thru AutoEurope probably 10 times in multiple countries with Hertz, Europcar, Avis- and have never had a snag in the process before, during or after. I am confident that if we did ever have a problem AutoEurope would handle it. I assume AutoEurope is well known and respected at these agencies.

We have rented thru AutoEurope probably a dozen times, and like how it shows the price for numerous car rentals. We know we get the best price without having to check with individual rental companies.

If you would feel better having help, we have also rented three times thru https://www.gemut.com/. Either Bob or Andy are great, and I highly recommend them.

I'm curious how they explained how you are not required to purchase insurance for Italy? Italy auto coverage is specifically excluded on a number of credit cards such as the Amex Platinum. Did they clue you in as to how it works? The Gamut website doesn't appear to explain it.

I worked at Auto Europe for nearly a decade in early 2000s. I use them personally on my trips. I have posts in this forum discussing the same topics in this thread.

In a nutshell go with them over directly booking with the agency. If the car company drops the ball, does something shady, etc, Auto Europe can handle it instead of you. They have the leverage that you do not on your own.

Also, I always buy full coverage from them. I don’t like hassle or surprises when I drop off the car and am trying to fly home.

We booked the Rome rental with AutoEurope (Avis), including Super Coverage and cancelled our previous rental directly with Avis. We want to book a second car in Salerno. The only option with AutoEurope is a company called, NOLEGGIARE...has anyone heard of them? Again, I already have a direct book with Avis, but would like to go with AutoEurope for the full coverage. Thank you all...you have been so helpful.

Laura,

I too have always had excellent rentals with Auto Europe and I have no first-hand experience with Noleggiare.
Out of curiosity, I asked AI and this is what was stated:

"Overall, Noleggiare reviews are mixed, but many recent reviews highlight potential issues with fraudulent or unfair damage charges, aggressive insurance upselling, and poor customer service. While some customers report positive experiences, the volume of negative accounts suggests a pattern of misleading business practices.
*Common complaints**
Fraudulent damage charges: This is the most prevalent complaint. Customers report being charged for pre-existing or minor, nearly invisible damage upon returning the car.
"Underside damage": Some renters report being charged for damage to the underside of the car that they could not have been expected to notice upon pickup.
Aggressive inspection: Staff at the return counter are described as actively searching for small scratches or marks to charge for.
Forced insurance upsells: Noleggiare staff are frequently accused of pressuring customers to purchase expensive, additional insurance. They may claim that a customer's pre-purchased third-party insurance is insufficient or that a credit card deposit is impossible without it.
Unhelpful or uncommunicative staff: Many reviewers mention long waits, uncooperative personnel, and difficulties communicating with staff who do not speak English well.
Administrative fees for traffic fines: The company will charge customers a fee for forwarding their details to authorities for traffic violations, which is a common practice in Italy but can feel deceptive.
Poor vehicle condition: Some customers complain about receiving dirty cars or vehicles with mechanical issues, such as low coolant.*

But then again, so many car rental companies receive pretty poor reviews so not sure about this AI take on things.

I know there is a Hertz agency in Salerno

Try searching on AutoEurope.eu to see if that agency comes up

Or
https://www.kemwel.com/

Both are operated by AutoEurope

I've been renting cars regularly in Italy and other parts of Europe for over 25 years and can offer this piece of fundamental advice: Unless you're ok with strife and argument at the return, buy the super-cover/zero deductible coverage from the agency you're renting from when you pick up the car. Anything less or different will get you into trouble. Do you think you have the coverage with your credit card? You don't. Do you think you have the coverage via a third party agency you booked with? You don't. And they will find damage which you will be forced to pay for in some capacity either on the spot or by putting a hold on your card etc... Even if your third party agency goes to bat for you, you'll still be subject to a hold on your credit card until it is resolved in your favor for which there is no guarantee. Unless you want a very uncomfortable car return experience, buy their insurance and go have a good time. The cost will generally double the cost of the rental and perhaps even a little more, but you can return the car in any condition whatsoever and they'll smile and wish you a good flight home. There is absolutely no way around this and don't believe anyone telling you otherwise, particularly if they're selling you a service. If you truly want to have a nice and relaxed experience with the car from beginning to end, this is the only way.  

I don’t agree with the previous post regarding third parties and insurance, namely from an Auto Europe perspective.

When you rent from Auto Europe and get the zero deductible rate, that insurance package comes directly from the rental car agency.

Auto Europe does offer some additional insurance that is backed by them for instances where the rental car company’s insurance package (that you buy from AE) does not cover things like the windshield or tires, etc. Also, if you see “refundable excess” that means you have to file a claim with AE to get the deductible refunded. I don’t typically buy this additionally to the zero deductible rate, but I have before.

So far I never been hassled during a return. Even when I scraped the paint off the side mirror on a trip last year.

Indeed, if you purchase the agency’s super cover zero deductible insurance right at the counter during the pick up, you can return a battered mess to them at the end of your rental and they will wish you well. Without that insurance, while you might ultimately prevail, you’ll endure a very uncomfortable experience to finish your trip with and it will follow you until the resolution. They will “find” damage. I’ve decided long ago that it isn’t worth the aggravation.