We want to rent a car in Italy, pick up and drop off in Venice to use for up to 9 days. I checked with AAA (711 Euros), Europe by car ($309), AutoEurope ($290). They all claim to include zero deductible CDW, theft, unlimited miles. The latter 2 seem too good to be true. Anyone have good or bad experiences with these 2 consolidators, or recommend another rental agency? Any car advice is welcome, I've read so much my head is spinning.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
AutoEurope is a very popular source for rental cars. The times I've rented through them, I got a Hertz car.
The CDW and theft coverage is required in Italy, however it's much less expensive than CDW at most U.S. rental companies.
Be careful in that some rental companies will also tack on a personal property theft coverage without your asking, and it can be waived. Many people's homeowners' insurance will apply on stolen clothes/suitcases--if that ever happened to you
If you drive the car into Venice, be aware that they have radar cameras on the causeway going out to Venice from the mainland--zero tolerance in mph.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3279 posts
I've used AutoEurope numerous times in France, Portugal, Germany, Spain and Italy. There prices and service are great and I recommend them highly.
Posted by
102 posts
I've used AutoEurope a number of times and have always had a good experience with them. I'm using them again next month. They are a consolidator, so you'll likely end up renting from one the recognized companies. the last time I rented in Venice I think it was Avis. The easiest pickup-and-drop off location is Piazalle Roma, if your coming from Venice. Of course, I'm sure you know you don't need, and can't use, a car while you are actually in Venice.
Posted by
693 posts
Autoeurope and their sister site, Kemwel, are both very reliable.
Just be careful that the car rental people don't try to put a deductible on the rental agreement.
Despite having zero deductible on a kemwel booking, Hertz in Italy recently tried to include a deductible of nearly €1000 on my contract. It took protracted arguing and a call to kemel to get it removed before I would sign the contract.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16056 posts
I've used both www.autoeurope.com and www.kemwel.com in Italy. Both are actually part of the same corporate groups after a merger years ago. I recommend you check prices with both, as they vary although they are affiliated. They work the same.
I recommend both.
Prices jump considerably if you rent after July 1 through Aug 31. So if you pick up the car outside of those two months you will save.
This is my experience of the last 3 years
In 2015 I've paid $457 for a compact (16 days) with AutoEurope (June pick up) [contract with Europcar]
In 2014 I've paid $283 for an economy (14 days) with Kemwel (June pick up) [contract with Europcar]
In 2013 I've paid $1183 for a large size (14 days) with AutoEurope (July pick up) [contract with Europcar]
In all instances the above include full insurance with zero deductible. It's slightly more expensive, but I like to have peace of mind.
I don't know which type of car or the period you are renting, but the quote you got from AutoEurope appears to be in the ball park.
As I said check also with their sister company Kemwel. They work the same, but each year I check who's got the best deal for my dates of travel and pick the cheaper of the two.
Make sure you compare apples to apples. So look at the exact same model and also the same level of insurance coverage (click on no deductible insurance box if you want full insurance).
Posted by
OP
georgia
31 posts
Thank you all so much for this great info!