Advice Needed for Renting Car in Italy
Mar 31st, 2009 | 10:01 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 344
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Advice Needed for Renting Car in Italy
Quick question on a last minute change of plans...I wasn't planning to rent a car on this trip, but now we're thinking of renting a car in Siena for 3 days to be able to see a bit more of some hill towns. Any tips I should know about renting a car in Italy versus in the States? I've checked rates for an automatic on AutoEurope...any specific advice on buying extra insurance for an Italy rental (I never pay for it in the US). I will not be going anywhere near a major city, and will try to rent a navigation system if it's available. If not, I have two human navigators that can hopefully keep me from getting completely lost, if not a bit turned around. I also know I will need to be careful about not driving into town centers that are restricted to residents only, or no traffic at all. Although I don't know what signs to look for that would indicate that...
Mar 31st, 2009 | 10:38 PM
#2
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 375
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I believe that when driving in Italy you are officially supposed to have an International Drivers License. They are easy to get through AAA and last for one year. They really are just a translation of your passport into different languages. We've never been asked for them when renting a car, but have been told that if you are stopped for any reason that the police will ask for it so we've made sure that we've had them just in case.
Otherwise, we didn't find many problems at all driving in Italy. We didn't drive into major cities, but did drive right up to the little towns. Most of the little towns have parking around the outskirts which we would stop at so that we didn't end up stuck in tiny streets or trying to navigate away from pedestrian only.
Otherwise, we didn't find many problems at all driving in Italy. We didn't drive into major cities, but did drive right up to the little towns. Most of the little towns have parking around the outskirts which we would stop at so that we didn't end up stuck in tiny streets or trying to navigate away from pedestrian only.
Apr 1st, 2009 | 01:28 AM
#3
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,268
Likes: 0
There's rarely a physical barrier to stop you driving into small towns, and often the "don't drive past this sign " sign includes times when non-residents are allowed past. This almost always takes you into mind-bogglingly tight streets, and until you're used to driving in medieval towns they're best avoided altogether.
The "don't drive past this sign" sign is a red ring surrounding a white circle (see http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/road_s..._signs_cr2.htm). It's always wisest for people new to Italy to turn round and go back to the edge of town car park when you get to this sign, even if the sign says it's OK right now.
The "don't drive past this sign" sign is a red ring surrounding a white circle (see http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/road_s..._signs_cr2.htm). It's always wisest for people new to Italy to turn round and go back to the edge of town car park when you get to this sign, even if the sign says it's OK right now.
Apr 1st, 2009 | 01:51 AM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
Likes: 0
Hi S,
>any specific advice on buying extra insurance for an Italy rental <
CDW is required in Italy. There will be a fairly large deductible.
Super CDW, at extra cost, covers most of the deductible.
There are also zero deductible plans. Call AE or Kemwel to determine rates.
Get the IDP. It is like buying insurance - you might not need it, but if you do need it - it's cheap.
What maps do you have?
>any specific advice on buying extra insurance for an Italy rental <
CDW is required in Italy. There will be a fairly large deductible.
Super CDW, at extra cost, covers most of the deductible.
There are also zero deductible plans. Call AE or Kemwel to determine rates.
Get the IDP. It is like buying insurance - you might not need it, but if you do need it - it's cheap.
What maps do you have?
Apr 1st, 2009 | 11:39 AM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,525
Likes: 0
DRIVING IN ITALY & SOUTHERN EUROPE
Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a GOOD NAVIGATOR.
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors
Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is www.autoeurope.com [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, mandatory insurance coverage with some deductibles, and VAT taxes. It is wise to compare prices and coverage with their sister company at www.kemwel.com. Autoeurope will match any comparable quote, and are famous for their customer satisfaction if problems do arise with the vendor. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.
Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—YOU SHOULD TOO !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.
OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.
NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit[IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $15. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a GOOD NAVIGATOR.
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors
Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is www.autoeurope.com [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, mandatory insurance coverage with some deductibles, and VAT taxes. It is wise to compare prices and coverage with their sister company at www.kemwel.com. Autoeurope will match any comparable quote, and are famous for their customer satisfaction if problems do arise with the vendor. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.
Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—YOU SHOULD TOO !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.
OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.
NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit[IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $15. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
