AutoEurope Rental Car - damage to car

In Italy I have always opted for zero deductible insurance through AutoEurope. On my last trip I had a rental from Hertz in Turin. I customized the left rear quarter panel while backing out of a restaurant’s long drive. When I returned the car, there was a little extra paperwork to complete and then I was free to go. No payment, no hassles, very easy. It is an inexpensive price to pay for a stress free rental.

When making your reservation, you can always call them and ask if it’s third party insurance and, if so, what happens if you had damage to a vehicle. Their customer service folks are very knowledand helpful.

I always use a credit card in Europe with rental car coverage. But in Italy and Ireland, the CDW insurance purchase is mandatory per government regulations. The good news is that at least in Italy the CDW charges are reasonable.

It's always best to go around any rental today and take close up pictures of the car from every angle both before and after returning any rental. You want to document yourself for protection. It's just too easy for a rental agent to miss damages on the prior renters and on the next renters. By the time they figure out something's been done--they may not charge the right person for the damage.

What you have to be especially careful about is the radar-cameras that are in many cities. You'll get a charge on your credit card for maybe 40 euros from a rental company up to a year after you turned in the car. And then you'll get a bill from a city asking for their "fine" to be paid directly to their checking account--in Euros. I got hit by the City of Venice on the causeway going out to Venice--1.5 mph over the speed limit without any grace amount.

Remember that all your dealings are with the rental company--not AutoEurope which is a marketing firm.

Thanks for the replies. David - I sent you a PM if you have time to read and respond.

David, every rental place we have used, such as Sixt, they have taken pictures of the car. We do too. We inspect the car along side the person giving us the Keys.
And yes about driving near Venice. We were driving to Venice and were not even 2 kilometers over the limit. We got 2 tickets, just a few miles apart. If possible, use cruise control and Set it a little under the speed limit.

I have used auto Europe many times for car rentals, always buying the extra insurance coverage. I had an issue in Portugal where I scratched the driver’s side panel backing out from a very tight parking space near a column. When I returned it, I expected to at least have to file some extra paperwork but they just waved me off with a smile and a “have a nice trip.”

Besides speed cameras in Italy, you must be very, very careful not to drive in an area called a ZTL. These are zones with limited traffic, confined to folks who live in there and delivery people who must drive there. I would recommend always try to park your car outside the city center in order to avoid these. Like the traffic tickets, they are photo enforced and you will not know you have violated this restriction until several months later when you are charged by the rental company for giving access to your info to the Italian police , and also a hefty fine from the Italian parking police for the violation.

And, although you will read from various folks that they travel just fine without an international driver’s permit, they are technically required in Europe. Should you encounter a situation where you are stopped by the police, they need this because it will translate your information to their native language. You can get one easily at your local AAA office.

every rental place we have used, such as Sixt, they have taken pictures of the car. We do too. We inspect the car along side the person giving us the Keys.

A few years ago we rented a car in France. Everytime we've rented a car in the US the agent went out and walked around the car to note any previous damage. Heck, the dealer does that with loaner cars too for service. But this time they just gave us the keys and said words to the effect of "it's in the lot out there." Made me nervous, I took lots of pictures!

A few years ago we rented a car in France. Everytime we've rented a
car in the US the agent went out and walked around the car to note any
previous damage. Heck, the dealer does that with loaner cars too for
service. But this time they just gave us the keys and said words to
the effect of "it's in the lot out there." Made me nervous, I took
lots of pictures!

This is not at all uncommon in the US too. Many smaller rental sites (small airports) or some companies just assign you a car or space number and you pick it up and drive out. You are responsible for noting any previous damage.

We currently have a rental in Italy thru Kemwel (AutoEurope). When I checked in at EuropCar, they confirmed I had complete coverage with zero deductible so I’m not sure if it’s 3rd party insurance. One thing - disappointed in the car this time, ended up with a lower class as they were ‘low’ on cars - they just didn’t want to upgrade us when they did t have our car class. Then, within 20 km, the tire pressure indicator came on. As I was getting out of the car, I dropped my phone and it went all the way into the transmission- the boot on the gearshift was complete ripped… The service with AutoEurope was pretty good - they got us a new car but this one is now flashing the service light and oil change indicator as well as to add the diesel additive. Next time, I think I’ll reserve with Avis even though I’ve always gone with EuropCar in the past with no issues.