Stayig by the Hotel Negresco and renting a car. The apartment we have rented does not have secure or any parking. Are there secure lots, if so what cost can I expect for each 24 hour period? Please specify if we are are talking dollars or Euros.

Thanks all!!

There's a large multi-level above ground parking garage near the central bus station. Who knows how secure it is, but are you driving a solid gold Cadillac? I also do not know if it close enough to the Negresco for your purposes.

There's also a huge underground lot just to the west of the public gardens which is only a couple blocks from the Negresco. I can't say how much it cost, but we thought it was pretty cheap compared to most major city parking. We bought an "in and out" pass that allowed us to come and go, but we paid by a 24 hour rate. I'm guessing something like 20 to 25 euros per day.

We've always used the underground lot at the Cours Saléya, which has security cameras. There's almost constant foot traffic in that garage, too. If you can, back your car in. Last year the price was 24 Euros for 24 hours; it's probably gone up again.

There are several large undeground parking garages throughout Nice. You won't have any problem finding a place to park.

Thank you for the info. Just to know that we don't have to spend time looking for parking is a gift. As well as to feel a little more secure about the car sitting since I have heard some not so happy stories about cars being damaged while parked overnight; then the cost of the repair was not covered by insurance.

PHL2LAX,

If you decline all optional insurance coverage the credit card you use to pay for the rental will usually cover all damages on the car. Check with your credit card. The trick is to decline the CDW when signing the rental agreement.

Thanks for the tip.....did not think I would be covered in France however just called and you are right, I am covered. Thank you!!

Do you know if I decline insurance in France and will I be able to take the car into Italy. I heard Italy has very stringent insurance laws.

If you are renting in France, the insurance you have in France (either through them or through your CC) will extend to Italy. The Italian insurance issue is only a problem if you are renting IN Italy.

Just make sure that you are using the basic rate, not the inclusive rate. If you book the latter (look at AutoEurope for an explanation of the differential), the rental agency will not allow you to decline the CDW and will hold back a hefty security deposit for the deductible.

Thank you again for the info. I called citibank and it was interesting as to the lack of information form the operator regarding this issue. I asked to speak to a "claim specialist" who gave me great information including how process a claim. Which was basically get as much documentation as possable including the open and closed rental agreement, police report and incident reports. Include all phone numbers and addresses and I was given a phone number to the claims department. She also stressed that all insurance must be declined so read the terms cafefully and look for anything that reads as "you have coverage in excess of $ X,XXX" becuase that must be declined as well. I am sure those of you who answered my earlier questions know this but thought I post for any first time Europe drivers. I personally have always used the train systems.

I've mentioned this before, but for many trips we always did the full coverage (usually with AutoEurope) as it just seemed easier and "safer". When renting a car in England and Wales a few years ago, the AutoEurope guy on the phone nearly insisted we decline all the insurance on the advice we check with our credit card. When we did, Citibank confirmed we'd have full coverage, so we declined all the other. As luck would have it we totalled the car in Wales. Citibank paid for everything. Not only did we save several hundred dollars for the insurance costs, but we also saved what would have been nearly a $1000 (500 pounds) deductible if we had taken their insurance.

Now I even feel better about the info I rec'd.