driving in italy
Apr 26th, 2013, 04:37 AM
#1
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driving in italy
spending 3 weeks wandering the italian countryside. have 3 bases (calitri in south, barga in tuscany and castelli 90 miles west of rome. plan day trips to small towns/villages, no major cities. questions: what insurances to take from rental agency (have home insurance and VISA card insurance), what maps do you recommend?, tolls - how are they paid? cash/card?
thanks
thanks
Apr 26th, 2013, 05:01 AM
#2
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Check the limits of your visa coverage against your auto insurance and against what the rental agency will try to push on you. You shouldn't need additional insurance from the rental agency unless you're accident prone and want a lower deductible.
I don't know where you are from but if you're American do make sure to verify that your auto insurance and Visa card insurance are valid for rentals in Europe. My German AMEX rental insurance won't cover me in the Americas.
As far as maps go, get a GPS and a Michelin map. I really like the Michelin maps and guides for the conciseness.
I don't know where you are from but if you're American do make sure to verify that your auto insurance and Visa card insurance are valid for rentals in Europe. My German AMEX rental insurance won't cover me in the Americas.
As far as maps go, get a GPS and a Michelin map. I really like the Michelin maps and guides for the conciseness.
Apr 26th, 2013, 05:14 AM
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Last time we went to Italy (Sicily) we were required to take the CDW, and I'm glad we did, as we had a couple of minor collisions. If we'd relied on our insurance and credit card, coverage, etc., it would have probably been a hassle, but with the CDW, we just walked away at the return. However, I usually decline the CDW.
We have always used Michelin maps and like them a lot. The only places we wish we ever had had GPSs in Italy were Syracuse and Rome (for finding the hotels). As you are not going to any major cities, and provided you can read a map, I'd stick with the map.
You can pay tolls with Visa.
We have always used Michelin maps and like them a lot. The only places we wish we ever had had GPSs in Italy were Syracuse and Rome (for finding the hotels). As you are not going to any major cities, and provided you can read a map, I'd stick with the map.
You can pay tolls with Visa.
Apr 26th, 2013, 05:36 AM
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I agree--use the Michelin maps---# 563 & #564 are the ones you need for those areas.
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.
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.
Apr 26th, 2013, 06:51 AM
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Look at your VISA insurance fine prints.
Italy is one of the "I" countries Italy, Ireland, and Israel where usual Visa, MC, and Amex don't cover rental cars. I think some subset of MC world card does "include" Italy with caveat "You may be unable to receive benefits in Australia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, and New Zealand."
Italy is one of the "I" countries Italy, Ireland, and Israel where usual Visa, MC, and Amex don't cover rental cars. I think some subset of MC world card does "include" Italy with caveat "You may be unable to receive benefits in Australia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, and New Zealand."
Apr 26th, 2013, 09:03 AM
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Not sure where you are from.
US car insurance will NOT cover you in Italy.
Typically car insurance from US credit cards also excludes Italy - but do check with your specific card.
IMHO you are better overinsured than underinsured.
Also I find drivers in Italy to be asertie rther than aggressive - but then I'm used to traffic in New York. We enjoy driving there - esp since quality of drivers is muchhigher than in the US (IMHO). But don;t drive if you want to dawdle and lollygag - a hgher standard is expected.
Also Michelin maps are vital - make sure you get the most detailed possible for the places you wil be exploring.
US car insurance will NOT cover you in Italy.
Typically car insurance from US credit cards also excludes Italy - but do check with your specific card.
IMHO you are better overinsured than underinsured.
Also I find drivers in Italy to be asertie rther than aggressive - but then I'm used to traffic in New York. We enjoy driving there - esp since quality of drivers is muchhigher than in the US (IMHO). But don;t drive if you want to dawdle and lollygag - a hgher standard is expected.
Also Michelin maps are vital - make sure you get the most detailed possible for the places you wil be exploring.
Apr 27th, 2013, 10:11 AM
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CDW and Theft coverage is mandatory in Italy, and is already included in your bill. As other posters have already said, credit-card insurance coverage is usually not valid in Italy.
But read the fine print on the mandatory CDW! The deductible (aka "excess") that you pay in the event you need the coverage is going to be steep: for a collision, it can easily be €1000 to €3000 depending on the type of car and the car-rental company. That charge will go on your credit card instantly.
You can buy the Super CDW coverage for about €20 to €40 per day, which would give you a zero deductible, but if you're renting a car for 3 weeks straight that would probably be cost-prohibitive. I will be renting a car for 3 days in Italy in the fall, and am choosing to get the Super CDW just so I don't have to deal with the issues and stress in the event I get into a crash -- and the cost of the Super CDW + 21% VAT adds about another 40% to 50% to the total cost of the rental.
But read the fine print on the mandatory CDW! The deductible (aka "excess") that you pay in the event you need the coverage is going to be steep: for a collision, it can easily be €1000 to €3000 depending on the type of car and the car-rental company. That charge will go on your credit card instantly.
You can buy the Super CDW coverage for about €20 to €40 per day, which would give you a zero deductible, but if you're renting a car for 3 weeks straight that would probably be cost-prohibitive. I will be renting a car for 3 days in Italy in the fall, and am choosing to get the Super CDW just so I don't have to deal with the issues and stress in the event I get into a crash -- and the cost of the Super CDW + 21% VAT adds about another 40% to 50% to the total cost of the rental.
Apr 28th, 2013, 02:14 AM
#9
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checked with chase about my visa signature card and they do cover italy the same as in the states. just take the mandatory insurance, reject the super cdw. also read this in the "fine print" of my card info. only israel, ireland and jamaica are not insured. still keeping my fingers crossed for no accidents. have driven for 45 years all over the world on extended trips with no problems.
