It's true, undoubtedly the result of poor insurance infrastructure left over from socialist days. I also know the Peugeot rental program balks at renting BMWs or MBs for travel into/through E. Europe due to "high incidence of theft."

The Renault leasing program, see www.renaultusa.com, doesn't forbid travel to these countries, but Italian pickups/dropoffs are pricey. When you count taxes and insurance, though (all included in the Renault lease) and if you're renting for 14 days or more, the savings might offset the pickup charges, and you can toodle off to Slovenia to your heart's content.

There may be other agencies that allow penalty-free travel to E. Europe but I'm not familiar with them.

Gardyloo,

Thanks for the tip on the Renaul Eurodrive Program, it was very helpful (for a future trip). I had heard about it before but did not know there was a website with so much information.

I'll spend 5 nights / 6 days in Venice in December, so Renault won't work for me - I'll continue my search for a car company that allows me to drive into Slovenia.

Thanks.

IWTN

We rented thru Autoeurope, and just checked the box saying that we would be taking the car into Eastern Europe. Turns out there was no surcharge to do it. Autoeurope is a "broker"...and you end up picking up the car from any one of a number of name brand auto rental companies. One time it was Hertz, once Avis. Have used them numerous times and have been pleased.