Car Insurance Italy

marshall,

Could you clarify if you need information on rental car insurance, or are you purchasing a vehicle there?

Note that for driving in Italy, you'll need the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are easily available at any CAA office for a small charge, and are valid for one year. As this is your first time in Italy, you'll also need to be aware of the ZTL (limited traffic) zones, as each pass through one will result in a hefty fine, which you likely won't know about until several months after you return home.

Hey ken,

Thank you very much for your reply! Not sure if you're from the Vernon I'm thinking of, but I am just in Metcalfe. I do have my IDP ready to go, but thank you for letting me know about those zones. Are they speed controlled? I will certainly keep a lookout. I will be purchasing the cars, not renting them. I would only need 3rd party Liability.

Thank you again,

Marshall wright

marshall,

I'm not sure of the insurance question, and will have to do some further research on that. Hopefully one of the others can provide some information.

The ZTL areas are not a speed zone, but rather a restricted area where cars are not allowed at certain hours, unless they have a special permit. The restrictions vary from one city to another. This restriction is designed to reduce the number of cars in historic parts of cities, in order to minimize damage and also allow for pedestrian zones. They are not connected to speed (more on that later). Do NOT drive in Florence as the city is just about saturated with automated ZTL cameras and EACH pass through one will result in a ticket (and hefty fine). ZTL areas in other cities are enforced by the "cop on the beat". You may want to have a look at THIS website.

You'll also have to watch your speeds closely, as there are automated cameras for that too. In addition, there is the clever Traffic Tutor system on the motorways which not only registers instantaneous speed but also average between two points. Violate either one and you guessed it, more tickets and fines! The motorways also have tolls.

I'm located in the sunny Okanagan Valley. I'm assuming your home location is in Ontario?

Are you purchasing these cars used from individuals or are you purchasing a new car(s) for overseas delivery? If it is the latter it will come with insurance for the time you are driving it in Europe and insurance for the ship to your home port. We've done the second scenario but never the first.

Thank you very much for all that information ken! If you find any more information on insurance that would be greatly appreciated. To the second poster, I am purchasing the cars used from used dealerships or from private sellers. I have done this a number of times, however this is my first time in italy!

Any more info and advice is greatly appreciated,

thanks you all,

Marshall Wright