Driving automatic shift
 

Why does Avis ban me from driving their cars to Italy?
I need an automatic shift. They say they only have Mercedes and those cars cannot leave France.
In Italy they have Volkswagons with auto. But they are not available in France.
Do other car rental groups do the same?
Any suggestions?

Hi Clanerous,

The Avis people, as are most rental agencies, independent operators, not international firms.

They are usually limited in their operating area.

I can take a car from Georgia to North Carolina, but not into Virginia.

Aside from that, I imagine it has something to do with auto insurance. I know I've heard Italy is a difficult and/or expensive place for that for rental cars, perhaps due to high accident rates. I just think I've read that some CCs won't cover you in Italy but will in other countries.

Try Sixt.com. They are a german rental car company. I'm not sure if they have the same requirements as Avis but I have found they are much cheaper and easier to deal with.

Quit complaining. I had a very hard time getting a car in Texas to go to Nebraska. Only found one company which would rent out a car for this.

I was refused permission to enter Italy from Germany with a Mercedes. I was told that they are the most commonly stolen cars in Italy.

Have you tried AutoEurope? They are a broker & deal with many different cos. Their prices are reputed to be better than going to the various cos. yourself & they can sort through who will & won't have what.