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MaiTais To Rent Car In Italy: What Could Go Wrong? Question

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MaiTais To Rent Car In Italy: What Could Go Wrong? Question

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Old Dec 27th, 2017, 01:10 PM
  #21  
 
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<i>Do I need to put that on a VISA card or does it matter.? </i>

Any card that is accepted will do since with full coverage you will have no claims through the card; you could even use different card for any potential incidental local fees, which should be paid with a card; I was charged twice such a fee in Scotland because the first time I paid cash and did not ask for a receipt.
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Old Dec 27th, 2017, 01:12 PM
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You may do as you like BUT even if you DO rent through AutoEurope (which we often do) <B>before you leave the rental counter</B> ask them to clarify what, if any, damages you may <B>still be liable for</B>.

Yes, do it even with that "all inclusive" insurance AE offers.

"All inclusive" is often not as "all" as you might reasonably think it should be.
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Old Dec 27th, 2017, 01:20 PM
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Dukey is correct. I believe my last AE rental insurance did not cover the windshield.
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Old Dec 27th, 2017, 01:22 PM
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I've just gone on the Autoeurope website to research the upper-age limit on auto rentals in Italy. There is a minimum age requirement, but no maximum. Thank goodness, since I reached that magic age over a year ago. Same goes for France, where we'll also be renting a car.

You had me scared there Maitai - don't think my younger wife would have enjoyed driving in Piemonte next October.
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Old Dec 27th, 2017, 01:23 PM
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On the age for car rentals I've noticed recently a check off for if you are under 25 or over 65. I do know someone who has rented cars in Europe and is over 80. She says it depends upon the country and the company. Sometimes they have to search for a rental agency.

Have fun!
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Old Dec 27th, 2017, 01:30 PM
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One time we checked on age limits for car rentals in Europe, different countries, and it varied by rental car company.
Any time we are concerned about anything concerning the car rental, we call Autoeurope directly in Portland, ME. 800-223-5555
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Old Dec 27th, 2017, 01:35 PM
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My understanding is that most visa and MasterCard do not cover the deductible in Italy.
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Old Dec 27th, 2017, 03:44 PM
  #28  
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Michael: "Any card that is accepted will do since with full coverage you will have no claims through the card?"

Thanks, that makes sense. I think VISA was the card to ue if not accepting the higher rate.

Knoxvillecouple: "You had me scared there Maitai - don't think my younger wife would have enjoyed driving in Piemonte next October."

Since we will both be driving in Piemonte "next October" we might want to take out extra insurance in case we "meet" on the road. Have fun!

Thanks to all on their insight, and Dukey I will ask those extra questions.

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Old Dec 27th, 2017, 04:18 PM
  #29  
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There are some very helpful articles about renting cars in Europe, including in Italy, on gemut.com
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Old Dec 27th, 2017, 05:35 PM
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Someone here has mentioned signing up for the insurance coverage through American Express and using that... Debit, maybe? Might be worth checking out.
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Old Dec 27th, 2017, 06:38 PM
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We have has several “scrapes” to cars in narrow stone alleyways. The required Italian insurance made it all hassel free when dropping car off at airport location.
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Old Dec 28th, 2017, 12:45 AM
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AMEX has a super wonderful insurance package for something like $25 per rental, can be canceled or just signed up for a single rental. Sorry, I forget the details as I don't need rentals any longer, but it's the best deal around.
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Old Dec 28th, 2017, 01:06 AM
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Tom, whatever you do try and get a small car, you really will find a bigun a right pain.
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Old Dec 28th, 2017, 04:03 AM
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<<My understanding is that most visa and MasterCard do not cover the deductible in Italy.>>

Where are you getting all this misinformation?
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Old Dec 28th, 2017, 04:04 AM
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IF you have the right kind of credit card, you may be covered already. My particular World Mastercard (Barclay Arrival) would cover your deductable (and will cover me, presumably when I rent in Italy next year)

"C. Coordination of Benefits:
When MasterRental is provided on a secondary basis and a covered
loss has occurred the order in which benefits are determined is
as follows:
1. You or an authorized driver’s primary auto insurance;
2. Collision/damage waiver provided to You by the rental agency
3. Any other collectible insurance;
4. The coverage provided under this EOC.
If You or an authorized driver’s primary auto insurance or other
coverage has made payments for a covered loss, We will cover Your
deductible and any other eligible amounts, described in Section B,
not covered by the other insurance."

So, read the fine print on your card...
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Old Dec 28th, 2017, 05:49 AM
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I am sorry but the last thing I want is my primary insurance being involved with a car rental. That is obviously a personal decision.
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Old Dec 28th, 2017, 06:05 AM
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I think you need to check your specific credit card. I know in the past (most recently was 2 years ago) when I checked mine, Italy was not covered by my Visa. Most other countries are.
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Old Dec 28th, 2017, 07:07 AM
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Dukey

My US insurance does not cover me in Italy so they are not involved. Its just me, the rental co which includes all the liability needed under Italian law and whatever the cc or other supplemental insurance wants to pick up.


"If an accident to which this Part I applies occurs in any state, territory, or pos-
session of the United States of America or any province or territory of Canada,
other than the one in which a covered auto is principally garaged, and the state,....."
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Old Dec 28th, 2017, 08:28 AM
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American Express is one of the worst cards to use as they are one of the few companies that do NOT cover cars rented in Italy. Both Visa and MC do, although I'm sure there may be some very basic cards of theirs without that benefit. Amex doesn't cover Italy under its regular card coverage nor under the premium plan that makes it primary coverage (and you can't buy that with all Amex cards, only the expensive fee ones).
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Old Dec 28th, 2017, 10:53 AM
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>>> Do I need to put that on a VISA card or does it matter.? <<<

Credit cards are issued by many different banks/credit unions. Some have insurance coverage for Italy allowed and many others don't. You must check your specific card issuer as to whether they exclude Italy. They typically will list several countries (Ireland is often on the list) that they don't cover.
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