Hi Rick Steves' Community!
We are well-seasoned travelers traveling to Italy in July and would like to book a car for the first time. We are looking for suggested car rental agencies. Are you aware of any car rental agencies that allow you to add a spouse as a driver for free?
Thanks! Best, Eric
We call up Autoeurope, get zero-deductible collision; cars from Avis, Hertz or Europcar. You need to be cognizant of ZTL issues and have an IDP.
The only way I know to avoid paying for an additional driver is to do a lease plan and, in your case, that ship has long ago sailed timing wise. You might look into leasing for future trips ... it has its inconveniences but for us it's the only way to go.
All of the main rental agencies will charge a fee for an additional driver, there may be small local agencies that do not, but none I have seen.
As others have hinted, you probably want to pony up for zero deductible CDW, you will have to purchase liability insurance, by law, from the company, or they include it. Your credit card car insurance coverage likely will not work, nearly all credit cards exclude Italy from coverage.
Will reiterate you learn about ZTLs and fines related to the Autostrada, both expensive surprises long after your trip. Any town of a largish size, you really do not want a car in, so planning an itinerary that is a mix of car and public transportation works the best, renting a car for short periods when needed.
If you are a AAA member, spouse is free with Hertz.
I've never rented a car in Europe (nor am I married), so I don't pay a great deal of attention to information on this forum about car rentals. However, I believe I recall a post from a few years ago to the effect that Costco rentals don't have an extra fee for a second driver--or perhaps specifically for a spouse as second driver. If that's the case, the savings would probably more than cover the cost of Costco membership (which I also do not have).
I have used my Hertz status to have my husband drive for free.
Avis was a no in September 2022. We have always asked in Europe and it was always extra.
Which actually can work out okay, because we definitely needed a "navigator" in addition to a driver lol. So since I am the better navigator, husband drives and I navigate ( a full time job!). Have fun!
The last time I checked Costco didn’t offer cars in Italy.
Many credit cards no longer exclude Italy from their secondary car rental insurance coverage. Call your credit card companies as the little benefits brochures you received with the credit cards are instantly out of date.
Thanks everyone for your insight. We had a delightful trip!
