So as you know, you're going to need a car... You can pick up a rental car at any of a number of places over there.... Italy has all the big (rental) names you know and a bunch you may not be aware of... What you want to do is make arrangements to get your car soon. There have been shortages of rental cars worldwide as rental car companies sold off their entire fleets during the pandemic and once travel started up again they had a hard time getting new inventory as the whole world was trying to order cars at the same time! And of course, also because of the pandemic, tourism had paused and is now at record breaking highs! So don't wait too long to do this! We usually always use AutoEurope.com... they're an American company that works with all the rental companies, and their prices, convenience and selection are hard to beat... We've also used Sixt in the past, and were very happy with them as well. You'll find both companies online, as well as many others.
Tips for car rental ;
You can make arrangements to pick up your car from offices at the airport, or arrange to pick up at one of their intercity offices... Usually, just like here in the states, it costs about 7-10% more to pick it up at the airport (airport tax), but you have to measure that against convenience... Make sure you get a car with enough room for you and your luggage! That may sound obvious, but believe me, both cars and their trunks are smaller in Europe! If you're sharing a car with others, 4 people, 4 suitcases and 4 daypacks WILL NOT usually fit in a mini or economy car... you'll need at least a compact, mid-size or full size vehicle... If it's just two of you, and you're only coming from Florence or Pisa, the little Fiat 500's are a really fun, economical and classic choice! If you're driving up from Rome or Milan on the AutoStrada, you may want to consider at least a compact or mid-size. Also be aware, that unless the car you're renting says "guaranteed model" in it's online description (usually only on higher-end luxury models) then it likely says "or similar" meaning you'll get whatever's available when you pick-up. Insurance
You'll need insurance coverage in Italy... Your credit card, no matter what status it has, usually will not cover you in Italy... And you can check with your Insurance company, but we feel strongly your auto policy here in the US will not offer coverage either... If either your insurance company or your credit card company tells you that you're covered in Italy, we suggest you get it in writing! It won't help at all, if you have a claim to say "the lady on the phone told me I was covered". We strongly suggest getting a car with "full insurance coverage" (zero dollar deductible... i think AutoEurope calls it no-deductible coverage). It's a few dollars more, but it pays off easily when you're returning the car and they try to tell you "that scratch/dent wasn't there when you picked it up..." When it comes to the insurance coverage, do what Nike says... "Just do it"! Make sure you list on the rental contract anyone who will be a driver... and any damage already on the car... (even small scratches) and take pictures with your phone of any damage you see on the car before you leave the rental lot... If you don't list and pay the extra fees for an additional driver, then if you'd have a fender bender while they were driving, the insurance will not cover the accident!
Car Rentals typically cost approx 10% more if you choose to pick-up/return at the airport as opposed to a city office... But it's certainly a lot more convenient... the choice is up to you... We suggest you check car rental prices often as they move them up & down almost daily... After a while you'll get a feel for what's a decent price.
Car Rentals typically cost approx 10% more if you choose to pick-up/return at the airport as opposed to a city office... But it's certainly a lot more convenient... the choice is up to you... We suggest you check car rental prices often as they move them up & down almost daily... After a while you'll get a feel for what's a decent price.
Stick or Automatic
As you're searching for cars, be aware that most cars in Europe are standard transmission (stick shift), and you'll need to choose "automatic transmission" in the search criteria if that's what you want.
Make sure when you pick up the car, you find out if it's "gasoline or diesel" and where the latch for the gas lid is... they can be hard to find... (more info on fueling in future posts)
Maps
Make sure when you pick up the car, you find out if it's "gasoline or diesel" and where the latch for the gas lid is... they can be hard to find... (more info on fueling in future posts)
Maps
If you have a portable GPS unit you plan on taking, you'll need to check to see if it has "Europe Maps"... (it probably doesn't) You can either choose to rent a car with a GPS in it, rent a GPS from your car rental office, or choose to use the maps program on your cell phone.) Often times the mid-size or above cars have GPS units in them. It will say on the website if it does. Many of our guests just use the Maps program on their phones... (while you're with us during the Tuscany Tour, you will be following us and we'll be talking to you on a two-way radio, so you won't have a need for a map)
They'll also offer to rent you a "mobile wi-fi hotspot..." Our experience with these was so-so at best... not that great... The good news is there is free wi-fi available at the Villa... but just be aware, wi-fi internet access is rarely as fast in Italy as what you're probably used to here in the US... but it does work fairly well at the Villa, and it is free!
On the day you return your rental car, fill it up immediately before you return it, and "keep the receipt" for the gas... in fact, we suggest you take a picture of it with your phone... show the receipt to the attendant and get him to note on the contract, that the gas tank is full... (keep the receipt, you may need it later.)
They'll also offer to rent you a "mobile wi-fi hotspot..." Our experience with these was so-so at best... not that great... The good news is there is free wi-fi available at the Villa... but just be aware, wi-fi internet access is rarely as fast in Italy as what you're probably used to here in the US... but it does work fairly well at the Villa, and it is free!
On the day you return your rental car, fill it up immediately before you return it, and "keep the receipt" for the gas... in fact, we suggest you take a picture of it with your phone... show the receipt to the attendant and get him to note on the contract, that the gas tank is full... (keep the receipt, you may need it later.)
Lots more to come... As always, we're happy to help with your car rentals if you need advice... feel free to contact us with any questions...
Lastly, if you need a car for 15 days or longer, you may be able to get a "short-term lease". This is what we do personally as we typically need cars for a month at a time, several times a year. It's like buying the car with a buy back guarantee. They're available from only a few areas, typically Rome or Milan... but the leases do have several benefits, chief among these are: they're less expensive, you get a guaranteed model, they are brand new cars (showroom floor new), you don't pay for additional drivers, zero deductible insurance included, etc... If you're interested in this, feel free to reach out to us with questions...
