Hi all, may I have some car rental advice please? After enjoying Rome, Florence and Venice by train, we plan to rent a small car for 3 more weeks in October. We’ll then explore back roads and small towns from the Dolomites to Naples. We plan to purchase full protection as our credit card doesn’t offer insurance, so we’re looking for a combination of affordable + good service. What car rental companies and brokers have you experienced that you recommend? Which ones should we stay away from? Why? Many thanks!
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8359 posts
I go through Hertz or AutoEurope, which ever one's cheaper. Often AutoEurope will put me in a Hertz car. We've had good experience with both companies' reservation system.
Optional CDW insurance is a governmental requirement in Italy, and the good news is that it's fairly priced vs. other countries. Just don't let them put "personal property insurance" on there, which covers your luggage.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1609 posts
We've rented from Europcar in Italy seven times with no problems.
Posted by
1059 posts
I’ve had very good experiences with EuropCar. Last time, I returned the car without the tank being full (was a little shy.) They didn’t make a big deal out of it, and there was no extra charge. Maybe that’s just luck, but I’ve rented several times from them and never had an issue.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you David, nancyscherer8 and awrzesinski. Your responses are SO HELPFUL to guide us through this minefield. Amore!
Posted by
Paris
7325 posts
A little note on Autoeurope: it sometimes shows quotes from Goldcar, which is best avoided entirely anywhere in Europe.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34187 posts
Other ways to save money with the car are to get your IDP - International Drivers Permit - from the AAA/CAA with your own photos instead of them taking the picture, and becoming very familiar with Italian driving laws. Get to know and understand TUTOR, ZTL, hidden cameras, and how to recognise a bus lane. Understand the differences in speed limit signs and National Speed Limits.
There are folks here with plenty of knowledge on these, so ask away.
Posted by
8437 posts
We had a bad experience with Europcar while in Britain. Never again.