I'd like to know if anyonw has had any experience with declining CDW while renting a car in Italy. My credit card covers that for my rental but only if I decline the coverage offered. All the rental companies/agenices I called quoted me an inclusive rate with cdw included. But my credit card has a better coverage since it has a zero deductible. Some companies told me I can decline the coverage (while paying the same charge) at the counter while some told me it is mandatory. Want to know your experience. Thank you.

Hi wky,

CDW is MANDATORY in Italy.

The MCassist people say that they will cover you in Italy if you have a platinum card and decline the CDW if the rental agent allows you to decline the CDW.

Be aware that CDW leaves you with some liability. You might want to purchase the super CDW.

The last time we hired a car in Italy (last year) we were able to decline CDW.

If you rent from AutoEurope you don't have to worry because they cover every type of insurance you need in Italy only. The last time we checked, American Express doesn't cover a car in Italy because of the mandatory CDW. It's in the cost of the rental so it isn't necessary to decline it. I would check with your cc and tell them its for Italy

Caroline, do you mind telling me which rental company was it?
I did check with my credit card (Visa) and it does cover Italy if you can decline the coverage declined. I know Autoeurope has a better insurance coverage but I need an automatic stationwagon and the only thing AutoEurope has is a Mercedes which is too expensive. Will appreciate additional sharing of experience.
Also, has anyone used Car Rental Italy (Los Angeles-based) before? They have unbelievable prepaid rates for automatic and wonder if it is a legtimage company.

Last year at Fiumcino it was Tirreno. I also remember DH turning down CDW at Catania airport a year or two earlier, but I'm afraid I can't remember which company that was. Mabye the law has changed since ?

I think that it was about 6 mos ago that someone posted about CDW becoming mandatory.

I have checked with AutoEurope, NovaRentacar, AMEX, Visa and MC.

Except for MC, they all said that CDW was mandatory in Italy.

MC says that they will cover Italy if you use the Platinum card.

I would be very careful renting from a firm that says you don't have to purchase the CDW.

Also read the fine print about CDW. You might still be responsible for 1000E deductible.