Larger car to rent (from Venice) and also, insurance requirements in Italy

We rented a Ford C Max in Italy from Hertz, since we had 4 adults. You might want to go see on to see if it will work for you. You can also rent vans, but they are much more expensive.

Do you need a car? Most people here will recommend using the train over a car for most trips. Are you aware of the really high drop off fee if you rent the car in one country and leave it in another? They have to bring back the car to the country you originally rented it from and most people find that fee restrictive.

I generally use a consolidator like www.autoeurope.com or www.kemwel.com. They are part of the same corporate group both check both prices.
They work with the major companies like Europcar, Hertz, Avis etc. but have better pricing than directly.
Italy does not allow you to decline insurance, but the rental with the above consolidators will come with that insurance. You do have the option to choose the zero deductible option, which I always select since deductible is over €1000. It doesn't add much to the daily rental. Most credit cards do not cover your insurance in Italy.
For 4 people you need an intermediate or large size, like a Passat wagon, which the above consolidators may call family size.
You won't need a car in Venice of course, so you should rent on your way out of Venice at Piazzale Roma (all companies at the city parking garage there). Depending on your itinerary you might not need a car at all. Also be aware that picking up a car in one country and dropping in another will cost you a fortune in drop off fees (a few hundreds of dollars in fact). You might want to consider multiple rentals for different countries, unless you return to Venice for you flight.

Thank you Roberto for the tip about Auto Europe. I had booked through Expedia a 7 day economy rental for $143 exclusive of the required insurance for Italy.
Using Auto Europe I received the same rate with the required insurance (CDW and TP) for $143 and for the same car and agency in Chiusi.

Much appreciated,

Cheers!

I agree with taking the train. Where are you going where you will need a car?

The "required" insurance is probably a 5000 Euro deductible. Make sure how many countries it covers. You've got a lot more research to do.

Thanks, everyone.

We did use the train when in Italy two years ago, but this time we are going to the Dolomites, over the Grossglockner Road and into the German Alps. We'll definitely want a car for all of this, especially since I'm a landscape photographer and plan to stop along the way. We are renting and returning the car to Venice, so no extra drop off fee.

From what I understand, I'll need to purchase CDW insurance. Is that right? Was is TP insurance?

Thanks again!
Theresa

Theresa,

When driving in Austria, you'll need to buy the Austrian Highway Tax Vignette, as being caught without it can result in huge fines (often payable on the spot). According to Wikpedia, "A €240 fine with an additional obligatory payment of a substitute toll are charged to travelers without a valid vignette, and unpaid fines lead to penalties between €300 and €3,000. Furthermore, the vehicle may be confiscated from foreigners to guarantee payment of the penalty."

For driving in Italy, each driver listed on the rental form must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any CAA/AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which may be provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot!

You'll also need to avoid the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many Italian towns & cities especially Florence, which is almost saturated with automated ZTL cameras. EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket, which you won't know about until several months after you return home! This website provides more information - http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/driving/traffic_cameras_speeding.htm

Regarding your insurance question, you might check the Car Rental guide at www.gemut.com as there's a section there on Italy. You could also phone Gemut on their toll free number or send an E-mail. As I recall, it's compulsory in Italy to buy at least part of the CDW from the rental firm, but I can't remember the details.

I'm concerned about the phrase "economy rental". Is that an economy-size car? I think such a car is unlikely to have trunk space for four people's luggage. Unless you plan never to park the car while you're in transit to a new base city, it's essential that you be able to store all your luggage in an enclosed trunk. Theft from autos parked at tourist spots is common, and I don't just mean in Italy.

Thanks again! My husband said he found a rental for a small van through Budget (which is located at the Venice airport). He said it looked like the CDW insurance was included in the rental...... Hoping this is right.

Can you get the Austrian vignette when you get to the car rental, or do you have to get it in Austria?

Thanks!
Theresa

TP: Theft Protection. Check the deductible on the CDW you purchased because you could be in a for a HUGE surprise. Get the vignette at the Austrian border. You DON'T want a car with a hatchback because you can't safely store your personal items in the locked trunk...especially camera equipment.

vignettes are normally available at the filling stations a few miles before the border.