Driving - Documentation Requirements?
 

One last minute question before we get there. If we were to entertain the possibility of renting a car and driving in Italy, what type of insurance, documents etc. should we be prepared to have with us? So many postings, but I haven't stumbled on this specific. Thanks "fordorites" you have no idea how much help your postings have been to me so far!

BTW - I meant Fodorites - need help with fingers too!

Search on international driver's permit or license.

Available from AAA for about $10-20 I think, plus a photo. Basically just a transltion of your license, and only valid when accompanied by a valid license.

There are debates as to the value of getting them here. The car rental cmpany will not care if you have them. A policeman might (mndatory in some countries, not sure that Italy is one of them) if you are stopped for an infraction (what? they have traffic laws in Italy?) or invloved in an accident.

No insurance documents encessary, as you will be required to purchase all the various insurances with your car rental, by law.

Best wishes,

Rex

Thanks Rex; just the specific I needed! As in Ukraine, drivers change the "soft" traffic laws as necessary, quite hilarious after you can breathe again!

YOur car rentala company will tell you what insurance you'll need. If you don't have a credit car that covers the collision damage, you'll need that. And theft insurance is required in Italy.

Italy DOES require the international driving permit, or a translation of your driver's license. The car rental company won't even mention this to you, but as Rex points out, if you have any encounters with the police they will likely want to see it, and may fine you if you don't have it.

When renting a car in Italy the price includes the insurance. You can't rent otherwise. You can't decline and use your credit cards' insurance.

As to the Int' Drivers License, I don't know anyone who has ever obtained one for driving in Italy, and these are people who have over many years traveling in Italy, had a parking problem or fender bender with police involvement. They were never asked for other than their home license.