chartley

The AutoEurope sites all include the question "In which country do you live?". I would think it very important to answer this question honestly, or it could affect the insurance.

I did a trial enquiry on the Italian site, and was quoted an amount on a mileage of 100km per day. The equivalent quote on the U.K. site had no mileage limitation, but the quoted price was higher. It seems important to be sure that you know what you will be getting for your money, and don't just look at the headline rate.

kybourbon

If you read some of the threads about this (not just for Italy), you will see that the Europeans say they often rent from a neighboring country's website as it's much cheaper. For example, renting a car from Hertz in France, they might find cheaper rates from Hertz in Spain, Switzerland or Italy.

If you walked into Hertz in any of those countries and rented, you would be renting from that country location, not USA. There is a big mark-up for the US websites.

ekscrunchy

The AE Italian site does ask where you reside, but they allow you to proceed with booking no matter what your answer.

There are plenty of cars on the Italian site with unlimited mileage.

I would never say that it is always cheaper to book on that site. I do know that I've saved hundreds of euros over the course of several rentals by doing so, but I agree you always have to check various sites and compare before booking.

LisaNittany

Thank you all. I will report back on my experience. Hopefully this time when I rent a car I won't receive a moving violation from Pisa a year later!!! (and yes, I've read about the limited traffic zones and will try to avoid the suing my upcoming trip)