Rick Steve's book recommends buying collision Damage Waiver Insurance when renting a car in Italy. This adds 25% to the cost of renting the car. What are my options? What is your experience? I really didn't understand the credit card option. But I think it means that there can be a hold placed on your card if an accident happens. Can someone clarify. Thanks
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Joseph,
An excellent rundown of this topic is available here:
www.initaly.com/info/rentcar/faq.htm
Scroll down to the section on insurance.
Posted by
Sun City Center, FL, United States
49 posts
Most companies include thw basic CDW (and is mandatory) however there is usually a huge deductible of 1000 collision and about 1500 for theft. Then they will offer the super insurance that offers zero deductible and that is expensive. This is where Visa comes in. Visa will pay that deductible on most cards. Best to deal with a live person at Visa to verify the coverage. I would get them to email the verification to you.
Posted by
San Francisco, CA
15 posts
I've been talking with kemwel.com regarding a car rental for Italy. They offer a car through Hertz with CDW of ZERO deductible. The quote is one week for approx. $255. I don't own a Garmin - I have a Magellan that can't use European maps. So, I'll be renting a GPS from them as well.
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
Most credit cards do not offer cdw in Italy. I always buy the inclusive package which contains cdw. However, you must pay some deductible. Last summer I reserved an inclusive package from Autoeurope and took the car from Europecar. Autoeurope is a broker and they arrange car rentals with various companies. The deductible was 200 euro from Autoeurope and 400 euro from Europecar. I damaged the car in a tiny mountain top village outside of Naples called Nusco in a narrow alley. I had to pay Europecar the 400 euro when I returned the car. I contacted Autoeurope when I returned and they refunded the 200 euro difference.
IMHO, take the inclusive package because you never know. Remember, an accident is an unplanned event. Had I not taken the inclusive rate I would have had to pay for the entire repair. You never mentioned in your post, but I am guessing this will be your first time driving in Italy. I have been driving in Italy for 30 years and it is ALWAYS an adventure in motoring The further south you go traffic laws become only suggestions.
Buon viaggio,
RB
Posted by
OP
St. Paul, MN, usa
7 posts
Thanks for the replies and information. I will take the inclusive policy.
Posted by
Hanford, California, USA
26 posts
Just got off the phone with my insurance company - they told me that if I had full coverage I didn't need anything else while in Italy - I'm with State Farm if it matters.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
Buy all the insurance and insurance upgrades offered to you. Better safe that sorry!