Car rental questions for Italy
Oct 24th, 2012, 08:59 AM
#1
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Car rental questions for Italy
1) I would like to rent automatic transmission (NO MANUAL) car for 4-5 days, perhaps from Florence to Venice traversing several hill towns in between, will I pay through the nose for one way drop off charges or should I do round trip rental?
2) Can my 22 yo DD legally drive the car if I am the primary renter? I need her help, can you recommend any car rental companies that might allow this?
Any tips/tricks on finding best discount rental car? We want to visit some hill towns between Florence and Venice. We are starting in Rome, visiting Florence, hill towns and flying home from Venice. Want to minimize driving time, maximize value. Any suggestions would be helpful.
2) Can my 22 yo DD legally drive the car if I am the primary renter? I need her help, can you recommend any car rental companies that might allow this?
Any tips/tricks on finding best discount rental car? We want to visit some hill towns between Florence and Venice. We are starting in Rome, visiting Florence, hill towns and flying home from Venice. Want to minimize driving time, maximize value. Any suggestions would be helpful.
Oct 24th, 2012, 09:24 AM
#2
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I use Auto Europe they are very good and one can make all arrangements from the USA before going to Europe. We have rented in Italy many times. The drop off rates are usually non-existent, if you drop off in same country you started in. As far as I know an automatic car is difficult to get and may be much more expensive(call Auto Europe and ask). I think your 22 yo can drive if he/she is listed as a driver on the contract, again call and ask. Hope this helps.
Oct 24th, 2012, 09:29 AM
#3
You both must get IDP's from AAA before you leave (they are only good for one year).
You might have more luck with an automatic at the airport in Florence.
Depending on where you are visiting in hill towns (Tuscany?), it might make more sense to pick up the car as you are leaving Rome, visit hill towns, drop the car in Florence, visit Florence and then train to Venice.
You might have more luck with an automatic at the airport in Florence.
Depending on where you are visiting in hill towns (Tuscany?), it might make more sense to pick up the car as you are leaving Rome, visit hill towns, drop the car in Florence, visit Florence and then train to Venice.
Oct 24th, 2012, 09:32 AM
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1-800-223-5555 for AE
Also, compare at kemwel.com---a sister company.
Most of the hill towns are south of Florence. Do you plan to stay in rural Tuscany?
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.
Also, compare at kemwel.com---a sister company.
Most of the hill towns are south of Florence. Do you plan to stay in rural Tuscany?
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.
Oct 24th, 2012, 09:55 AM
#5
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There shouldn't be any dropoff charges as long as the car gets picked up and dropped off in Italy, but do ask. You'll pay a surcharge for the under-25 driver. An automatic will cost lots more than a manual. Diesel fuel is cheaper than gas, and the car will get more mileage. Agree about using AutoEurope.
Oct 24th, 2012, 10:41 AM
#6
Agree with AutoEurope and you'll know in advance if you can get an automatic and how much it will cost. In addition to all the advice regarding actual driving I would definitely consider taking or renting a GPS for use. And one things those will often do is alert you to the presence of upcoming speed cameras.
Oct 24th, 2012, 10:51 AM
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There are sometimes one way charges added. With AutoEurope I think it depends on which company provides the rental and which offices, so there may be some choice/options in the matter.
Not sure if there is an age minimum but additional drivers should be listed on the rental and also incur a price per day charge.
Not sure if there is an age minimum but additional drivers should be listed on the rental and also incur a price per day charge.
