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DO NOT drive under-insured in Italy

Posted by (US Pacific Northwest) on

Note: This was posted as a reply on another topic thread by Rome resident "Ron in Rome" (as he's known here). I thought it deserved it's own topic, since this question is asked so frequently.

By law, CDW and theft insurance is built into all the rental car rates in Italy. In addition, DO check with your VISA card as NONE of my cards (including a Platinum AMEX) will cover ANY rental car insurance in Italy... (no surprise with the number of car thefts and the way folks drive over here!)

I end up having to purchase Super-CDW. It's expensive, but driving here you will probably need the peace of mind. I rented a car a few months ago that got a door ding in a parking lot and they wanted to bill me over $1,000.... thank goodness I purchased the $0 deductible! DO NOT drive under-insured in Italy.

Posted by
32355 posts

Kent,

Thanks for the warning!!!

At least one of my Credit Cards provides some form of car rental insurance, but this is apparently "outsourced" and provided by a separate insurance agency. The terms and conditions are so complex that I haven't bothered with it on recent trips, and just take whatever "zero deductible" is offered by the rental firm.

Although somewhat more costly, this proved to be good value, as on my last visit to England the agent found a "dent" in the number plate holder which I could have been charged for (he speculated that someone may have backed into the car in a parking lot). Fortunately, I had "zero deductible" so just walked away with no problems.

Posted by
2297 posts

Very good point! Things happen especially in Italy. Just look around and see how many cars have their side mirrors missing ... We were lucky that our Visa (CIBC Aerogold) does offer full coverage at 0% deductible. And we had to use it, fortunately with no hick-ups.

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