Car rental in Italy
 

My wife and I will be visiting Italy in early September. The plan is to fly into Rome, rent a car and drive to the Tuscany region. I have read some bad reports of rental car companies experiences. Can anyone recommend a good car rental company for Italy? Would it be better to rent through triple A?

We always use www.autoeurope.com

If returning the car to the original location, I have used http://www.economycarrentals.com/ in Sicily. But its prices go significantly higher for a one-way rental and autoeurope or kemwel might offer better prices. These last two brokers are considered the most reliable.

Don't rent through AAA. autoerope.com or their sister company, kemwel.com both are brokers and offer excellent customer service and good pricing. They will both beat any comparable price. Lately, Kemwel has had better rates. Be sure to consider the deductible when comparing prices.

This link will lead you to lots of great information about driving in Italy-

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/driving/index.htm

I agree with Zoecat. This may also help--note last paragraph:


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.

Every time I see this i want to change the section about Italian drivers' I don;t think they are aggressive at all. To me aggressive drivers are dangerous ones who ride your tail even if you are in the right or center lanes, cut in and out without any notice and with insufficient room - and generally try to push other drivers around.

I think drivers in italy are, by and large, better than those in the US, since they take it more seriously. They are definitely assertive, competent and expect you to be the same. If you dither, sit in the left lane unless passing, pull from lane to lane with no reason - they will be merciless. But, frankly, I'm with them.

I wish it were harder to get a license in the US - since IMHO there are a lot of people behind the wheel who should not be. They have neither the coordination, the temperament, the physical judgement or the common sense to drive anything bigger than a bicycle.

Many, many Italian drivers do not stay in their lane. They tend to stradle the left and center lanes. What a pain! I wish they'd pick a lane and stay in it, unless passing!

Semantics!
I agree they are more skilled, but more assertive[aggresive].