Renting a Car in Italy

Two pertinent recent discussions on this:

http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/36940/do-not-drive-underinsured-in-italy.html

http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/36729/car-rental-cdw-insurance-in-italy.html

Doug, CYA "Cover Your Ass" is my Mantra. I always buy all the insurance available to me when driving in Italy. Even still, there will be high deductibles.

Hi Doug - Smart move is to get it - I've rented over 20 cars in Livorno area and , whether going out to the Hilltowns of Tuscany or driving up the coast to La Spezia it's the thing to do. Of course, from La Spezia I guess the better question is why do you need a car. The train station right there - easy 15 minutes to La Cinque Terre or south to wherever.
Either way be sure to spend some time in La Cinque terre and try to walk a few miles of the most scenic trail in the north of Italia along the cliffs from village to village

Same question as Greg for Doug, the OP: "from La Spezia I guess the better question is why do you need a car?"

(this is a test of whether we ever hear from the OP after the original question?)

Hi Everyone

I appreciate the replys.

I actually managed to track down a phone number for the Italian arm of the Avis car rental company who informed me that all of the necessary insurance requirements were covered in the rate that they quoted me. I found out later that Italian law requires that the CDW must be included in the quoted rental rate.

Just an aside. We are renting the car for Tuscany. We are spending a week on the Cinque Terre then traveling to La Spezia to rent a car to spend the following week in Tuscay.

We are going to be in Italy a month and this will be the only time we will be renting a car.

Only 15 more sleeps until we get to go!! Can't wait.

Doug

Doug,

One point to mention is that an International Driver's Permit is compulsory for driving in Italy. Those failing to produce one when requested can be fined on the spot (if they choose to do so). The I.D.P. must be used in conjunction with your home D.L. and ALL driver's must have their own I.D.P.

You can obtain an I.D.P. for very reasonable cost at any B.C.A.A. office (Passport photos is required but they can normally provide these.

Also, have you been following the discussion about Z.T.L. zones in Florence. It would be a good idea NOT to drive into the city.

With only 15 days to wait, I know how difficult the waiting is.

Good luck and happy travels!

Doug,

double check with your credit card. Many cc insurances cover CDW everywhere - except for Italy. But a few do include Italy as well. We rented our car using the CIBC Aerogold Visa. We did not have to pay CDW (signed a waiver) when we picked up the car because we had it covered through the cc. We ended up scraping the car and Visa picked up the entire cost with 0 deductible.

Doug, you will have great time. We took the opposite route and rented from Avis. Picked up at Rome, Termini and returned at La Spezia. Had trouble find the return location and actually walked to it first to check it out. Then we ended up just parking it in the middle of the street, taking the keys in and dropping them. I have no idea where they keep the cars, as streets, traffic, and parking are very tight. Also, we had reserved a GPS and had to wait for them to bring one from another location, so you may want to confirm that if you want one.
Enjoy the hills...it is beautiful. We had a stick shift which was great fun, but quite exciting for my parking in tight spots on the hills!!! So much fun I asked my daughter to get out of the car and spot traffic for me. Also asked her if the bumper on my car and the car downhill from me matched in case I drifted before I got the clutch engaged. Glad it wasn't my clutch!! Enjoy!

Vicki