We plan to rent a car in Italy to visit Northern Italy / Dolomites / Alps. When using AutoEurope to rent a car, should we rent directly from AutoEurope (as a third party provider) - or just see what they offer, then book directly with the car company offered?
What have people's experience been - booking direct through the car company or via AutoEurope app?
We always book with AutoEurope
No complaints at all, they are known for their stellar customer service
We’ve had a Hertz, Avis and Europcar with them
The rate that AutoEurope offers may not be offered by the actual car agent
Also check AutoEurope.eu
We've only rented twice but both times went directly with AutoEurope. As I recall, their insurance rates were better than we could get directly from the provider.
We've always used AutoEurope and will continue to do so. They probably have better pricing than you could get on your own.
But what I value most is having someone on your side. If you're standing at the rental counter and the clerk demands you pay for expensive insurance coverage or no car, what are you going to do? If you booked with AutoEurope then you call their 24hr number. If you booked directly, best of luck.
Furthermore you likely can't really book directly with the major US brands. You'll go to the US site of Avis or Hertz and they'll make the reservation for you, but it's just as a convenience. The European Hertz et all share the same name but are actually independent companies. Search online and you'll find stories where people have had issues with their rental, they take it up with the US company, only to be told "you didn't rent from us".
Thanks everyone - I realize this was a common question and I did search (after I posted the question) on the forum as well. Your answers are all beneficial,
After much research, I am going to go with AutoEurope. I just got off the phone from them and they were very helpful in answering questions. One thing I did notice was I had the website pulled up while I was speaking with the agent, and she had a more expensive quote for me then what was on the web (about $30) - but she said she could match the web price.
Lastly, I am still unsure about coverage for "Personal Injury". My auto insurance (USAA) doesn't cover it in Italy, and the fine print of AutoEurope agreement says they cover "Liability for injuries or damages to persons outside the vehicle"; but "Personal Injury is not covered". I need to call my credit card company back and ask them about it to clarify,
We have rented cars in Europe before and honestly I don't think I put so much thought into it all as this - but I'm more cautious now and want to do the 'right thing' financially.
Betsy
AutoEurope has 3 websites:
www.autoeurope.com
www.autoeurope.eu
www.kemwel.com
check all 3 because price deals vary for the same dates.
For insurance I always select the NO DEDUCTIBLE option under the Insurance coverage option (in the .eu website it is called WITH INSURANCE EXCESS). That is because the deductible in case of accident or damage is at least 1,000 euro and I don't want to deal with hoping that my credit card will refund me. Somehow those rental car companies always manage to blame you for small dents that may or may not be your fault. That way you don't have to worry about that at all.
Choosing the extra NO DEDUCTIBLE coverage will increase the cost, but in my experience the additional cost is not very large.
