Car rental for seniors in Italy
 

I have heard that most car rental companies in Italy have an upper age limit of 60-65. Does anyone know if this is really the case?

We are renting a car with a company called Auto Europe. Call them at 800-223-5555, they will be happy answer any questions you have. Be sure to ask them to send you a brochure or you can visit thier web site at keyword: "autoeurope".

Derek, My best advise is to not rent your car in <BR>Italy---if you can avoid it. You will save from 30 <BR>to 50% by starting your trip in Munich, Nice or <BR>Lugano[fly into Zurich] I believe 70 is the age barrier---certainly not 60. Many of the best trips to Italy start and end in Bavaria, the Alps, or on <BR>the French Riviera. I have done it several times.

Derek, <BR>I echo Bob the Navigator's advice. If you're going to be in northern Italy, definitely do not rent your car in Italy. Costs are prohibitively high due to mandatory theft and collision insurance requirements. You'll also get nailed with an excessive charge if you're picking the car up in one place, dropping it off in another. You'll also you'll get hit with an additional charge if you rent at an airport location. Finally, the VAT in Italy is about 20%, exhorbitant in comparison with neighboring countries. One other point, American Express cardholders are not covered by collision insurance in Italy. Renting in any of the neighboring countries, France, Germany or Switzerland will afford you some spectacular scenery on your drive into Italy.

Thank you, Nikki, Bob the Navigator and Wes for your replies. <BR> <BR>Derek Gellman

Bob is so right! I checked (with Auto Europe and <BR>Kemwel) and found out a HUGE diference! Italy was <BR>more than double, in my case, than Switzerland... <BR>and Germany (if you are willing to go even farther) <BR>should be even cheaper. Picking the car up in Lugano <BR>might be a great solution. Also, if you charge the <BR>rental to a GOLD Visa, they will cover the CDW / <BR>theft part of the insurance – check with your Visa <BR>company. As much as I heard the Italians don't care <BR>about this feature and demand to sell you the extra <BR>insurance. Good Luc

Several weeks ago we rented a Mercedes in Frankfurt and Avis definitely wouldn't allow us to drive it into Italy, so don't rent a Mercedes expecting to take it into Italy...

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