I've only traveled by train in Europe, but we're thinking of renting a car for our trip to Italy this summer. I'd like to hear from those of you who have done this. We only need the car for 5 or 6 days, as we'll be going from Verona to Santa Margherita Ligure and then on to Florence. We'll leave the car in Florence, then take a train back to Verona. What about the insurance (loss damage waiver/personal property insurance - I know theft is mandatory). My insurance guy says buy everything. What about fuel costs? Thanks for any help.

Paula, <BR> <BR>We always travel by car in Italy and enjoy doing so. The road system is excellent. Arrange for the car from home, as it is much more expensive if you wait until you are there. If you rent on your Visa or American Express, you are insured. You need only your US driver's license. Learn the rules of the road. Italians do not dawdle in the left lane as Americans do. On the autostrada, use the left lane for passing only. Leave your signal blinking until you are ready to get back in the right lane. Pass and get back over, lest you be run down by a Ferrari. Do not be surprised if Italian drivers move to the far side of each lane to let someone go up the middle. Their courtesies are a little different than ours. In some places, a red light is merely a "suggestion". If you stop when nothing is actually coming the other way, you might hear horns blaring behind you. Heads up driving to be sure, and take your sense of humor along. Most maps explain roadsign symbols. Good luck and Buon Viaggio!

Paula----before you do anything about the car rental, search this forum under Italy (topic) for car insurance (text). There has been a number of threads regarding this same topic. Please read ALL the postings. There is very good advice that you need to be aware off. <BR> <BR>We rented while in Italy and they did not accepted the coverage by AmEx or VISA. Rent from the States and ASK questions that may arise after you go through the postings.

We are about to rent a car for the third time in Italy and I agree with much of the info of the two earlier posts. We also have not been able to use the insurance coverage through our credit card or our home car insurance policy----we have had to take the full insurance package and I believe this is standard practice when renting in Italy. I agree with booking before you leave--much cheaper. We have had very good luck with AutoEurope. <BR> <BR>Having said all of that, DO IT!!! Traveling by car gives you so many options and you get to see things you would not otherwise. We have never had any problems and are looking forward to taking to the road again in May. Good luck.

Paula, <BR>The respondents who advise that credit cards will not provide secondary insurance coverage and absolutely correct. At present, Italy and Ireland are the only countries in Europe where American Express and Visa will not provide secondary coverage on auto rentals. Another budget factor: in addition to prohibitively expensive gasoline, Italian road tolls are high as well. In renting, and do it from here, consider renting a diesel powered car; diesel fuels are dramatically cheaper than gasoline and provide better mileage.