Car hire in Italy - will I get ripped off?

[brightongull]

Me, my DP and my DS (2) will be heading to Italy in a couple of months for 2 weeks and doing a trip that involves visiting family and friends in 3 different parts of the country.

I am trying to work out whether we should get trains but I think a hire car would be more handy as we will have so much toddler stuff to carry.

I have read so many horror stories about being charged for scratches that you didn't make, the 2000 + euro excess that I would be liable for, should something happen etc.

I guess my questions are:

1. Are there better and less scammy car hire companies in Italy?

2. What is the best way to insure yourself and avoid paying thousands should there be damage? (I definitely cannot afford this!)

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks ☺️

Get separate insurance. Even from the major companies, you can be unlucky and they will rip you off.

They know you will agree to anything as you have a flight to catch.

DH is still bitter about the barely visible 'medium dent'. However being an obsessive sort of person he was eventually able to claim it back through the separate insurance.

I've hired without issues but the trains are cheap and easy (you can book on the Trainline app). Toddlers do t need that much stuff (took mine backpacking at 2&4)

Car hire in Italy - https://economybookings.tp.st/2GqyM4IB It was super easy to book and the prices are lower than all other competitors.

photo graph every inch of the car with the hire car person there and inspect the document they give you. and get your own insurance too. Expect to be ripped off for the fuel. use herz or the like not locals.... or just get taxis.

Get separate excess insurance - expect to be scammed/ charged £100s for minor almost invisible scratches on return. Smile nicely collect paperwork - submit - get refund.

Yes take photos of everything before leaving - and or video round car pointing out every scratch. They absolutely don't do walk round any more or even agree to note obvious issues when collecting. So it is on you.

But scam is really just making money out of insurance - it's infuriating but just make sure you have cover from them or separate - we get excess cover with our annual travel insurance v cheap. And have had to use it two years running - all works fine .

Listen very carefully what extras and insurances they offer. DH was ripped off by Hertz recently, they asked if he wants insurance, he thought he was saying yes to collision damage. They actually sold him the super cover insurance - which was more expensive than the car hire itself! And when he saw the receipt and said no, I do not want it, they said it's too late and nothing they can do. One minute later, he had not left the counter. Scammers.
(Our credit card has very good rental car insurance and we definitely did not need the super cover).

And yes, most car hires require a credit card in the name of the driver, so either your DH needs to get a card or you should be the main driver and him the additional one, that of course comes with an extra fee, but also insurance won't pay if non-listed driver was driving.

As others have said, inspect car carefully. And if in any way possible, don't just drop it back, ask them to come inspect, confirm and sign there are no damages.