Masterphil

I will be renting and returning to FCO. (Driving to and from Tuscany)

I need an automatic with some "hidden storage" for 2 - 26" suitcases.

Are all rental companies pretty much the same?

Any company better or worse based on your experience?

Thanks in advance!

StCirq

I always use AutoEurope/Kemwel.

Be advised that no car rental company can absolutely guarantee you an automatic, though if you're picking up at an airport you most likely won't have a problem.

greg

I presume you are looking for "hidden storage" because of the theft concern?

First, a car that can "hide" luggage that big is not small. Since you are looking for an automatic car, you will likely to get a larger car. However, unlike countries with wide roads, large cars can be a curse depending on where you are heading in Tuscany.

Also, there are various opinions on how to reduce thefts. The worst is leaving the items in plain view. The next would be a appearance of having something hidden even if not directly visible. Some advise that the trunk, globe compartment, arm rest storage, etc, be left visible so would be thieves would be discouraged from trying to break-in. If you must leave items in your car, even if not visible, find a controled access lots. Manage your loss by not leaving essential items only in your luggage left in the car: all your medications, all your pictures, etc.

Masterphil

Thanks, StCirq and greg

greg...I should have said a trunk large enough for 2 midsize suitcases.

I have driven many times in Europe and make sure to try never to leave valuables in a car. (If you call our clothes "valuable")

Sometimes it is inevitable.

I used AutoEurope back in Vienna a couple of years back with great success.

Thanks again!

Masterphil

Went with Dollar

Michael

As long as the car is returned to the same location, I found http://www.economycarrentals.com/ to be cheaper than Autoeurope/Kemwel in Sicily, Turkey and Poland. It's also a broker and I had no problems with the rentals. On the other hand, I did not have to test their reimbursement policy for incurred repair costs.

Masterphil

Thanks, Michael! i will check them out.

carolll

Some suggest leaving an Italian language newspaper, crumpled and seemingly read, on one of the car seats in order to fake car ownership...I haven't tried it but it does make sense to me.

Michael

<i>I haven't tried it but it does make sense to me.</i>

Do it if it gives you a sense of security. But license plates in Italy used to (perhaps no more) be identifiable by region, so once the car is out of the region, it is presumably a target, whether driven by an Italian or a foreigner.