I suggest using the search function - there are already many (and perhaps too many) threads on this topic.

I found economycarrentsal.com to be cheaper than AutoEurope in Switzerland. There is no deductible, and those who have experienced damage to the car have reported good service.

I do not know why I wrote Switzerland because I meant Italy, having never rented a car in Switzerland.

You are required to have insurance and Autoeurope or its affiliate are all inclusive and almost always the less expensive.

If you are a long term rental (3 weeks or more) then you can do a Peaugot or Remault buy back which saves money.

We are 3 months and are saving $1500.00 by simply doing a lease buy back out of france.

Amen to that, Franco!

There are certainly (too) many threads on this subject. I am afraid that I must hang my head and take responsibility for several of them, including this one:

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/car-rental-in-italy-incredibly-basic-question.cfm

The problem is that each rental company or broker is unique in and of itself.
Inclusive rates, exclusive rates, extra driver included or not, different deductibles mileage limitations, airport surcharges.
The list is endless and confusing. And Italy is very confusing.

But what I have to add in your favour, ek, is that the thread quoted above is certainly THE know-all-end-all thread on Italian car rentals.

We've rented twice in Italy and had no problems. Before you panic about buying additional coverage through the rental agency, give your own insurere a call. We found that our policy provided all the coverage we needed for a rental, even in Europe (including Greece, Spain & Italy).