Confusing car rental in Italy

Old Jul 25th, 2012, 01:50 PM
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moo
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Confusing car rental in Italy

I am researching a rental car in Italy for a week and one day in October. I have used the advice of former Fodorites and have referred to AutoEurope.it and Hertz.it both of which have considerably lower rates than their US counterparts. I tried to book a car on AutoEurope.it and was declined. I called the US AutoEurope and they would not book the Italian rate for me.

Then I called Hertz and explained the rates on the Hertz.it site were lower and asked to book that rate. The Hertz agent told me the Hertz.it rates can only be booked if I have an Italian address. She indicated I would be turned away from the counter if I booked the rate on line.

So now what? Can anyone tell me if I book on these Italian sites would I be declined at the pick up desk?

I also checked out economycarrentals.com whose prices seem to be lower than AutoEurope.com. Does economycarrentals.com use the major car rental companies and should I book through them or see if AutoEurope can price match?

I need an automatic from/to the Pisa Airport so the rates are off the charts but I want to find the best possible price. Please offer an opinion.

Thanks!
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Old Jul 25th, 2012, 01:56 PM
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economycarrentals.com does not use major rental companies, in my experience. But I've had good service from them.
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Old Jul 25th, 2012, 02:21 PM
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Michael, I don't know if you consider Budget a major rental company but that is the company given our Florence based rental contract through economycarrentals. However, with the contract out of Venice, it is with a company that is not familiar to me.

moo- we have used autoeurope, kemwel and ecomonycarrentals while in Italy and have had no problems with any of our rentals. That said, we do rent only manual drives and as small as comfortable Deborah
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Old Jul 25th, 2012, 02:27 PM
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Do you speak Italian? If so, call AE.it or Hertz.it and book over the phone. Tell them you're living in the USA right now if they ask for an address.

Or check out AE.uk and Hertz.uk and other European sites.

I think the only way to book through a European site is online.
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Old Jul 25th, 2012, 02:30 PM
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Odd you couldn't rent on the Auto Europe Italy site. I booked a car on that (US Resident). I did try to get auto Europe US to match and they said they couldn't. They also said I wasn't supposed to book on the Italy site. I gave my residency as US, correct US address and a US VISA card. Haven't used the rental yet, so hoping there isn't a problem upon rental. I asked a question on this board about the rentals on foreign sites and got positive feedback about doing it. you can also try the auto Europe eu site.
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Old Jul 25th, 2012, 02:32 PM
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DeborahAnn,

As I said, in my 3 rental experiences with the company. I also have the impression that economycarrentals.com is more expensive on one-way rentals, but that depends on the country.
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Old Jul 25th, 2012, 04:29 PM
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We booked online with Hertz for a pickup outside Rome, return at FCO, no problem. I'd say just try again, it may depend who you talk to. We used to book with Auto Europe, lately have found better prices at Hertz. But we always book online.
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Old Jul 25th, 2012, 06:18 PM
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I would never lie on my contract to save a $100 when I stand the risk of voiding my insurance coverage that may cost me thousands. It is just the cost of doing business.
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Old Jul 25th, 2012, 06:31 PM
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I didn't see where anyone was suggesting lying.
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Old Jul 25th, 2012, 07:28 PM
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Using Autoeurope we always use the toll free number, not the website, and have never had a problem.
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Old Jul 26th, 2012, 04:22 AM
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ira
 
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Hi moo,

When you compare quotes make sure that they both include the CDW, which is required in Italy.

Most US CC's will not provide Italy coverage.

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Old Jul 26th, 2012, 04:24 AM
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ira
 
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PS,

Be aware that just because you booked an Auto Transmission doesn't mean that you will get one.

Make sure to call ahead so that they will prepare one for you.
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Old Jul 26th, 2012, 05:48 AM
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There are a number of choices plz read these tips for hiring a car in Tuscany

http://www.traveltuscany.net/tuscany-car-hire-tips/

Also read this conversation to help in making your decision

Enjoy your trip
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Old Jul 26th, 2012, 05:50 AM
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Ignore my previous post: forgot to add the link
There are a number of choices plz read these tips for hiring a car in Tuscany

http://www.traveltuscany.net/tuscany-car-hire-tips/

Also read this conversation to help in making your decision
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...readID=1746877

Enjoy your trip
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Old Jul 26th, 2012, 05:54 AM
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We hired a car from Avis last December, booking online from Avis Uk site. We picked up car from their rental office at Venice Treviso airport, and returned car at Pisa airport.

We never encounter any problems when hiring from Avis.
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Old Jul 26th, 2012, 04:30 PM
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Give Kemwel a try. I got quotes from AutoEurope and Kemwel for the exact same car including insurance with zero deductible and Kemwel was $200+ lower than AutoEurope. They are sister companies but they have different contracts as it was explained to me. I did book with Kemwel for November. Kemwel 1-800 820 0668. The car is actually from Hertz. I used them in the past and never had a problem. They will always quote the price and book it for you but will take 24 hours to confirm the automatic. That must be an Italian thing!
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