EdEdwards

Is anyone aware of less expensive options, picking up in Catania at the airport and dropping off in Palermo -- where payment in advance is not required? I've found EconomyCarRentals.com, but I'm uncomfortable that they take a credit card pre-payment, without telling you who the actual car rental company will be. Kemwel has a decent price, but also requires pre-payment. I realize that pre-payment is usually required for the cheapest rentals, so I'm not necessarily interested in the very lowest price.

I know there have been some previous email strings on this subject, but none fully addressed my questions. If anyone has actually used Economy in Sicily and has information on the companies they use, and their service track record, I'd very much appreciate hearing about it. Thank you.

ekscrunchy

I used Avis in Sicily--picking up in Palermo and returning in Taormina. But more important, why not ask Economy to name their vendors?

I usually use the Kemwell/AutoEurope-type agencies and do not recall if they actually charge your card when they take the reservation, or wait until you pick up the car. You might want to get clarification on that. I have used those two companies at least a dozen times in Europe and never had any problem.

adrienne

Kemwell and AutoEurope both tell you the name of the car rental agency. Without this information you could not possibly pick up your car as you would not know where it is. This is done during the reservation process.

With both of these companies you can specify the vendor, providing the vendor you choose has a car to meet your needs. For instance, if you want to rent from Hertz but Hertz does not have the type car you need then you won't be able to rent a Hertz car.

You can also cancel your reservation without penalty.

Since you don't care about the price of the rental car why don't you contact the vendor directly rather than going through consolidators.

BTW - you do not have to prepay with Autoeurope (I assume Kemwell is the same as they are affiliated companies). You can make a reservation without a voucher and pay when you pick up the car. The price will be determined at the time you pick up the car. Why don't you give either of these companies a call and talk to them.

johngerard

I have booked through CSMA with whom I am a member & they use autoeurope as an agency who I think have hired me a Hertz car. It was cheaper to book than through Hertz or Ryanair. I pick up at Trapani & drop off Naples. Since researching the various car hire places in Sicily the number & type of cars available has reduced substantially. You may need to book & pay to ensure you get the type of car that you need.
Paying up front has saved me having to bring extra cash to cover. I only intend to pay the full tank of petrol charge & I'm off.
I am getting an international driving licence to avoid any problems picking up the car. Some car rental agencies require one even though it is not needed for EU citizens.

adrienne

I've checked my credit card and Autoeurope does charge your credit card immediately if you request a voucher.

EdEdwards

Thanks, adrienne. I may wind up just renting through one of the American big names - Hertz or Avis - to avoid having to pay up front.