Hiring a Car in Italy – the Do’s and Don’ts of Renting a Car in Italy

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the rugged coastlines of Calabria, hiring a car in Italy gives you the freedom to explore the lesser-known gems that most travelers miss.

I love that sense of adventure, the ability to stop whenever a picturesque village catches my eye, or take a spontaneous detour to a secluded beach in Sardinia, is liberating and makes for the best travel memories.

In this guide, I’ll share my personal insights and stories from my own road trips across Italy, along with essential tips to ensure your car rental experience is as smooth as the roads in Puglia.

.

While some might feel daunted by the thought of driving in a foreign country, I can assure you that with a little preparation and the right mindset, renting a car in Italy can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences. 

In this article, I will guide you through everything you need to know about renting a car in Italy.

🚘 MY GO-TO RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS

When booking a rental car online, I always use Discover Cars. They search both international and local agencies to find the best deals. There are no hidden costs, and they offer free cancellation, 24/7 support, as well full coverage for ease of mind.

Should you Rent a Car in Italy?

Renting a car in Italy offers flexibility and the freedom to explore more freely, venture off the beaten path and do as you please, when you please. With your own wheels, you’ll have the convenience to navigate between regions efficiently, avoiding the constraints of fixed transportation schedules and you’ll be able to optimize your time.

I’ve also found that having a rental car can be an adventure in itself! It allows for unique experiences, such as discovering secluded beaches, scenic countryside drives, and hidden gems that are not easily accessible by public transport.

Additionally, the convenience of storing luggage in the car adds ease to your journey, especially if you plan to make impromptu stops at local markets or vineyards.

However, it’s essential to be aware of the challenges. These are some considerations to keep in mind when renting a car in Italy:

1. ZTL Zones: Many Italian cities have Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) where only residents and authorized vehicles are allowed. Inadvertently entering these zones can result in hefty fines.
2. Parking: Parking in cities and popular tourist destinations can be challenging and expensive. Be prepared to navigate narrow streets and limited parking spaces.
3. Driving style: Italian drivers are known for their assertive driving style, and navigating Italy’s busy roads and messy intersections can be intimidating for some.

If your itinerary primarily involves visiting major cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice, and you have no plans to explore rural areas, relying on public transportation within cities may be more convenient.

Ultimately, the decision to rent a car in Italy depends on your individual travel preferences and itinerary. Consider the destinations you plan to visit, the level of independence and flexibility you desire, and your comfort with navigating Italian roads and traffic.

When and Where to Hire a Car in Italy

Gone are the days when we had to organize everything last minute at the airport. Now, you can easily reserve your rental car in Italy online with just a few clicks. It’s smarter for your budget to book ahead of time.

I suggest booking early, and I recommend checking out services like Discover Cars to compare choices and get the best price.

Renting at the airport upon arrival is convenient and you get immediate access to your vehicle, but keep in mind that airport locations may have higher fees and longer queues. Conversely, renting in town after settling in can be more relaxed, possibly with lower fees, but may involve additional transportation to reach the rental location.

Opting to have a car for the full duration of your trip provides uninterrupted flexibility, but it is essential to consider where parking will be available, especially in city centers. On the other hand, renting when needed for day trips or transit can be cost-effective and reduces stress around parking, but it requires planning and potentially multiple time-consuming rental processes, impacting convenience and spontaneity.

Most companies will allow you to return your rental car to a different location, which is ideal if you plan to travel from one part of the country to another or depart from a different airport. It’s important to keep in mind that there is usually an additional fee for this service.

Ultimately, the decision on when and where to rent a car in Italy depends on your travel preferences, itinerary, and the level of independence and convenience you want.

Considering your itinerary, parking availability, and driving distances is crucial when determining the most suitable car rental strategy. Exploring rural regions and smaller towns is best with a rental car, while city-centric visits may not require one. I do not recommend a car when your itinerary only includes major cities.

How to Rent a Car in Italy with Discover Cars

When I book a rental car, I always choose Discover Cars. They are an online aggregator and search through both international companies and small local ones to find and compare the best deals.

There are no hidden fees, and they even offer free cancellation. I love their transparent pricing, which includes all fees, taxes, and extras in their quotes, ensuring no hidden costs. This means there are no unpleasant surprises when arriving at the rental desk.

I also always select full coverage since their rates are very competitive. And after a friend drove the car into a fence when we were renting in Sardinia full coverage is a no-brainer for me.

Choose your rental car wisely

When choosing a rental car in Italy, there are several factors to consider to ensure that it meets your travel needs and preferences. Here are some key considerations:

Size and Comfort:

Consider the size of the vehicle based on the number of passengers and amount of luggage you’ll have. If you plan to primarily explore urban areas and historic city centers with narrow streets and limited parking, I highly recommend a smaller car.

Smaller cars will offer better maneuverability in narrow streets and tight parking spaces common in Italian cities. However, if you anticipate traveling long distances or require more space for passengers and luggage, opting for a larger vehicle may provide added comfort

Transmission Type:

In Italy, manual transmission cars are more common and typically less expensive to rent than automatic transmission cars. However, if you are not comfortable driving a manual vehicle or prefer the convenience of an automatic, you may need to specify this preference when making your reservation and be prepared for potentially higher rental costs.

Fuel Efficiency:

Given the high cost of fuel in Italy, consider choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle, especially if you plan to cover long distances or explore rural areas where refueling stations may be less frequent.

Engine power:

Consider the destinations you’d like to visit and opt for a stronger car if visiting mountainous areas or planning longer trips on the highway. Cheaper cars often come with weaker engines, which can make driving uphill or overtaking quite challenging. Choosing a car class just one level higher may significantly enhance your comfort during the journey.

Make sure you get full coverage

From my own experiences, I believe it’s essential to always pay that little extra to get full coverage. This advice stands no matter where you’re renting the car, but I find it even more important in Italy where roads can get crazy and road manners are sometimes questionable.

Especially when navigating the busy cities in Italy, incidents may occur that are beyond your control. Countless times, I returned to the car park only to discover that my car had been scratched by someone else!

While Italian law mandates the CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) this coverage is fundamental, and the deductible amount can be substantial, possibly exceeding €1000.

This summer, a friend visited Sardinia and had an accident with his rental car. Ignoring my advice about full coverage, he had to pay a much higher excess fee than the weekly rental cost and insurance combined! Not to mention the time and hassle it took to get this sorted and the car replaced in a remote location.

Full Coverage from DiscoverCars.com covers the deductible for damage and theft, as well as costs related to repairs, towing, taxi expenses after an accident, key loss or lockout, and certain administrative fees associated with damage or loss of use.

Throughout my travels, I’ve had a few minor accidents, and no matter how small they were, the costs added up significantly! In the end, the price of the coverage was still much less than the expenses related to repairing the car’s damages and logistics.

In Italy, it’s compulsory to have Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) which is included in the rental rate. You cannot opt out.

IF counting on the car insurance coverage provided by your Credit Card Company, it’s advisable to clarify with them whether their insurance coverage applies when CDW is already included.

Documents and Requirements for Renting a Car in Italy

To rent a car in Italy, you need to have several essential documents and fulfill certain requirements. 

• Valid Driver’s License: Ensure you have a valid driver’s license. If it’s not in Roman characters, consider obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) for translation purposes.
• Proof of Identity: Bring a valid passport or national ID card.
• Credit Card: Use a credit card in your name for the security deposit. Debit cards may be accepted with conditions, but having a travel rewards credit card is beneficial.
• Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit is often taken as a temporary hold on the credit card. Make sure your credit card limit allows it. The amount for the deposit varies based on the vehicle, country, and supplier.
• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 to rent a car in Italy. Drivers under 21 may face a young driver surcharge with some companies.
• Rental Voucher/Booking Confirmation: Keep your rental voucher or booking confirmation that includes all reservation details.
• Insurance Documents: Verify the level of insurance coverage provided. Consider additional coverage and check if your travel credit card offers insurance benefits.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): Recommended if your driver’s license is not in Roman characters to help with translation.
• Traffic Violation Payment: Ensure you have a method to pay for any potential traffic fines. Rental companies may charge handling fees for these.
• Proof of Accommodation: Some rental companies might ask for proof of your stay in Italy.
• Insurance Coverage: Ensure you have adequate insurance to cover you during your travels.

Always check the specific requirements of the rental company you choose, as there can be variations. DiscoverCars offers multilingual customer support, available 24/7 for any inquiries.

Picking up your car

Before leaving the rental lot, take the time to inspect the car and document any dents and scratches on the contract with the rental agent.

Rental cars in Italy often have more wear and tear, so it’s crucial to ensure that any existing marks are acknowledged. I also recommend taking photos of the car and its damages before driving away.

Additionally, ensure that all essential items are present in the car. Check for a warning triangle, fluorescent jacket, and spare tire in the trunk, as they are mandatory for legal compliance.

Returning your rental car in Italy

When returning your rental car in Italy, ensure that the fuel tank is full to avoid extra charges.

Although you may be tempted to simply drop off the car and leave, I advise you get an agent to inspect the car and provide confirmation that there is no damage. But you will need to return the car when the rental office is open.

If you anticipate being late for the return, contact the rental car office and inform them. Many Italian car rental agencies allow a grace period, often up to 30 minutes.

🚘 MY GO-TO RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS

When booking a rental car online, I always use Discover Cars. They search both international and local agencies to find the best deals. There are no hidden costs, and they offer free cancellation, 24/7 support, as well full coverage for ease of mind.

Driving in Italy

Driving in Italy can be quite an adventure, with assertive drivers and busy traffic, especially in cities. Italian drivers are known for their confident and sometimes expressive driving style. It’s no wonder that driving in Italy may feel intense for some.

Navigating through city centers can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking. Outside urban areas, the roads offer scenic drives through diverse landscapes but be prepared for varying road conditions.

Understanding local traffic norms and following road rules is important for a smooth driving experience. It’s also essential to be mindful of parking regulations.

Italian road rules

• Drive on the right side of the road.
• You are required to have basic Collision Damage Waiver car insurance.
• It’s illegal to make a right turn when a traffic light is red.
• All passengers must wear seatbelts.
• The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
• You must have your ID, car rental, and insurance documents in the car.
• A warning triangle, reflective jackets, and headlamp beam deflectors are mandatory and should be provided by the car rental company.
• Children under 36 kilograms must use car seats.
• Anti-abandonment devices for car seats are also required by law and you can rent them from car rental agencies.
• It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving in Italy. Hands-free devices are allowed.
• In certain regions of Italy, snow tires or snow chains are required between November 15 and April 15.
• The speed limit varies according to the type of road:
  • 50 km/h: within the built-up area
  • 90 km/h: smaller roads outside the built-up area
  • 110 km/h: larger roads outside the built-up area
  • 130 km/h: motorways

In case of an emergency on the road, the emergency number in Italy is 112 for police, ambulance, and fire services.

Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL)

As touched on earlier, there are Limited Traffic Zones (ZTLs) in major Italian cities. Anyone illegally entering these historic areas may face a heavy fine.

Cameras are used to enforce this and the charge would be passed to your car rental company. This may result in them charging an additional admin fee. Penalty notices may be served for up to 2 years after your trip.

These zones usually do not have physical barriers, so it’s easy to unintentionally drive into them. Always be cautious and don’t solely rely on your GPS. Pay close attention to traffic signs to avoid getting fined.

The best way to avoid these ZTLs – and the associated fines – is to park on the city fringes rather than centrally. You can then use public transport to access the historical zone. 

To obtain a ZTL pass, visit the website of the city you plan to visit or purchase one from local law enforcement. If you’re staying in a hotel within this zone, you can contact them beforehand so they can submit an application for you.

Toll Roads

The highways (“autostrade”) in Italy are toll roads where you need to pay to use the road. The Autostrada is identifiable by signs beginning with an ‘A,’ such as A1, and all signs for the Autostrada are green.

When you enter the Autostrada, you have the option to stop at the barrier and take a ticket (biglietto) or drive through the telepass (yellow) lane without stopping.

Upon exiting the Autostrada, you must pay the toll. You can do this by following the directions to the white lanes (cash payment), blue lanes (credit card payment), or yellow lanes (telepass).

When paying with cash or a credit card, you will stop at the barrier to make the payment. Many toll booths now accept Apple Pay and contactless payment methods.

It’s important to note that using the telepass lane requires a telepass device. However, these devices are rarely available as an add-on to your car rental. If you don’t have a telepass device you must take the ticket and opt for the white or blue lane to pay the toll.

In case of any issues at the entrance or exits of the Autostrada, you can seek assistance by pushing the ‘help’ button.

If you lose your ticket you will be asked to pay the full length of the toll road. You have the option to refuse that and fill out an online form if you have other proof of where you entered the highway.

Fuelling up in Italy

Gas prices in Italy can vary between regions and even from one gas station to another.

In Italy, some gas stations offer self-serve (fai da te) and attended (servito) pumps. It’s more costly to have an attendant fill your tank, so check for signs indicating prices and service type before filling up.

Attended pumps may not be available 24/7 and often close for lunch breaks, at night and on Sundays. However, many stations have self-service payment machines.

When using a self-service machine, insert cash or card first, select your pump, and begin fueling. Remember to choose the receipt option before starting to pump (ricevuta). If you pay with cash and have unused balance, the machine may provide a receipt with the remaining amount for later use. When paying by card, any unused funds will typically be returned to your account within a few days.

Parking in Italy

Parking in Italy can be a bit challenging, especially in major cities and popular tourist destinations.

Here are some key points to keep in mind about parking in Italy:

1. Parking Zones: Italian cities often have designated parking zones marked by colored lines. Blue lines usually indicate paid parking areas, while white lines are for free parking (with restrictions). Yellow lines are typically reserved for residents or loading/unloading.
2. Parking Discs: In some areas, you may need to display a parking disc (disco orario) showing the time you parked to indicate the duration of your stay.
3. Parking Garages: Opting for parking garages (garage or parcheggio) can be a convenient solution in city centers where street parking is limited. These garages may charge hourly or daily rates and are often very narrow and hard to navigate.
4. Payment Methods: Parking fees are often payable at parking meters or through mobile apps, and it’s important to have change available for meters or to set up a digital payment method if using an app.
5. Parking tickets: Italian authorities are strict about enforcing parking regulations, so it’s important to follow the rules to avoid fines or having your vehicle towed.
6. Park on the outskirts: In urban areas, parking spaces can be limited and be cautious of the ZTL zones. There are usually large parking areas on the outskirts of major towns and you can take public transport from there.

Navigating Italian Roads – Maps and GPS

I personally find navigation apps like Google Maps, Maps.me, and Apple Maps very helpful for getting around Italy, but my top choice is Waze because it alerts me about road conditions, police checkpoints, and speed cameras.

Instead of spending extra money on a costly GPS device, I recommend using your smartphone for navigation. Just remember to bring along your car charger or power bank. Roaming charges are waived within the European Union, or you can opt for an Italian SIM card or eSIM for your phone.

When using Google Maps or GPS, it’s important not to blindly follow their directions. Sometimes, they may lead you into a one-way street or a ZTL (limited traffic zone).