I'm trying to rent a car to drive through Tuscany. However, I only recently got my license renewed after years of not having one. Most rental companies stipulate that you need to hold a valid license for at least 12 months to rent. Does anyone have any experience with the enforcement of this rule at the rental desk? thank you.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34261 posts
Brian, My concern would be if you have a claim or accident. If the terms and conditions say that's what's required and you somewhere check a box to say you have read and agree, or sign somewhere to say its all accurate and then they find out that you have been economical with the truth they could fail to pay or even sue you. It might be better to check with somebody who can give an authoritative answer rather than a few people from the internet, lovely as we all are.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10720 posts
I always use AutoEurope for car rentals (they are a consolidator based in Maine) and I don't recall ever having to state how long I have had my license. I think they do ask your age. When I arrive at the rental office I have never been asked how long I have been licensed. In Italy they didn't ask for my International Drivers Permit, but it is the law in Italy for each driver to have one.
Posted by
Birmingham, Alabama, USA
290 posts
I rented in Sicily recently and do not recall them being concerned with how long my license was issued. Be sure to get the International Drivers Permit from AAA. The rental agency will likely not ask you for it, but if you should get pulled over or have other interaction with the police while using the car, you will need to have it for them.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
I also rent from AutoEurope or Kemwel and have not been questioned about my license. I just present it. By the way, you can check their rates online. I call them to finalize my rental. The International Drivers Permit can be obtained at your local AAA office. No test is required. Just $15 and two passport type photos which they can take there. Where are you picking and dropping off the car? Just be aware that Florence has the dreaded ZTL zone which is basically a boundary around the city that only authorized vehicles can enter. If you drive into this area, you will get a very expensive ticket in the mail in about a year or so. Check with your rental company if you can obtain a GPS. Also, get a Michelin, or similar, map at your local Barnes & Noble store. Study it for your routes and familiarize yourself with the street signs. Have fun driving through Tuscany!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
Brian, I've never been asked how long my license has been valid, but agree with Nigel that if you don't disclose that to the rental agency and you're involved in an "incidente stradale", the consequences may be unpleasant. Are you aware of the usual "issues" for driving in Italy? If not, post another note for the details. One of the issues is the I.D.P., which the others have mentioned. EACH driver must have an I.D.P. and this is used in conjunction with your home D.L. Regarding the insurance question, you may be able to get the answers you need by contacting Gemut. They offer a PDF Car Rental Guide that you can download, but an E-mail might be a good idea also. Good luck and happy travels!