Questions to Ask Before Renting a Car in Italy 

All opinions are mine and mine alone.

Questions to Ask Before Renting a Car in Italy 

When travelling to Italy, it’s common to consider a car hire rather than other modes of transport like a train ride or booking a flight. A car hire in Italy is increasingly popular mostly because Italy is so scenic; you’d be missing out on quaint coastal towns and beautiful roadways otherwise. 

With this being said, there are things to keep in mind when planning to utilise a car hire in Italy.  

Is There an Age Requirement?  

Much like other countries, there is an age requirement when renting a car in Italy. The age requirement for renting a car in Italy is 21. However, there are a few rental companies that allow drivers as young as 18 to rent a vehicle, with the stipulation that they’ve had a driver’s license for at least one year.  

It is important to note that if the driver renting the car is under the age of 25, they will most likely have to pay something called a young driver surcharge. The price of this will slightly vary between rental companies.  

What Kind of Insurance Do You Need?  

When renting a car in Italy, most companies will offer insurance that includes: 

Collision damage 

Theft protection 

Fire insurance 

Third-party liability  

There is also the option of purchasing additional insurance personally for yourself or for the driver, which would include personal accident insurance and personal effects insurance.  

Like with any insurance, it’s better to play it safe. Keep in mind that you’re in a foreign country, and that these insurance plans are designed to help you in case anything goes wrong.  

What Kind of Car Should You Rent? 

 The type of car you rent will depend on what you’re planning on doing, how long you’ll be using it, and how many people will be travelling with you. You’ll obviously need to make sure your rental can fit the amount of people (and their luggage) that you’re travelling with. In some cases with large groups, it might be easier to rent two cars.  

If you’re travelling between cities, a small compact car might be the best fit, since Italian cities tend to be very crowded. For longer trips to more remote places, a mid-size or a full-size would fit your needs better.  

Do You Need to Return your Car to the Same Location?  

The short answer is no – as long as the rental company you are using has a location in the same place as your destination. However, be aware that most rental companies might charge a one-way domestic fee for doing so. 

 It’s also possible to drop off you rental in another country (again, provided your rental company has an office there). Like with the domestic one-way fee, an international one-way fee will most likely apply.  

Do I Need a GPS?  

While a GPS is not required, it’s certainly recommended. This might not be something you’d think about right away, since most everyone these says has a smartphone with GPS capabilities.  

However, by relying on the GPS in your smartphone, you’re also depending on the availability of data and how well your wireless carrier works internationally. Most people also need to pay high fees for using their phones internationally, so using a regular GPS inside the vehicle could also be cheaper. 

Using an Italian GPS will also most likely mean that it will be updated with new routes or ongoing construction, which is vital when trying to reach your destination.  

Bottom Line  

Renting a car in Italy is certainly worth it. If you keep these questions in mind, you’ll be able to fully enjoy your vacation without worrying about using an Italian car hire.