I have read that it is smart to rent a car outside of Italy (for example, in Nice, France) and drive it into Italy. This saves money on insurance, I have read.

Has anyone done this? Are there driving restrictions placed on rentals outside of Italy that negate this approach?

Any other tips on car rentals or insurance?

I think it only saves you $ if you return it in the same country in which you originally got it. Your Mastercard may cover the insurance. Call the bank that issues your card and see what they say. I was able to save that way when I rented in Ireland last year but if you rent in Italy they ALWAYS charge for insurance since by law you must be covered. I guess it depends on how much gas will cost to get it back to France. How long will you be renting?
I have always rented from Auto Europe. They have very good customer service. I can drive a stick so I always reserve that (cheaper too) but when it is time to pick up the car I tell them if they want to get it back in decent condition they should give me a free upgrade to automatic. This usually works. Diesel is a good thing if you can get it. And be sure to get you International DL from AAA.
Hope this helps

I could be misremembering - but I think the last few times I've rented in Germany, I was told I couldn't take the car into Eastern Europe or Italy (because of high theft issues). I've never wanted to do it, so I didn't pay too much attention. You'll definitely want to double check, though.

Hi han,

>...rent a car outside of Italy (for example, in Nice, France) and drive it into Italy. This saves money on insurance,...<

Unfortunately, you will find that you are probably NOT insured in Italy.

Check with your CC company if you decline the CDW and with the rental company if you buy the CDW.

Ban on driving a rental into Italy normally only applies to prestige cars such as Mercedes, Audi and high-end BMW. With ordinary cars, like Ford and Opel, there's usually no problem. Drop-off charge will be an issue, so plan on driving back to the original renting country.

Several years ago, I contacted my CC company and they said I would be covered in Italy if I rented it in France. However, that was several years ago. Take Ira's advice, and find out the current regulations.

Pay your entire rental in US dollars before you leave the US. If you pay 1/2 now & 1/2 when you return the car, you will be charged in Euros for the last 1/2 and you will probably incur a 3% currency conversion charge.

Stu Dudley

These responses are helpful....keep them coming.

To clarify: I am going to return the car back to Nice...start there and end there after about 9 days of touring.

Thanks.

JH