Your Complete Guide To Car Rental In Italy

Is it easy to rent a car in Italy? What do you need to rent a car in Italy?

Renting a car in Italy is a simple procedure. The best way to rent a car in Italy is online and the step-by-step rental process consists of the following:

1. Choose from Abbycar’s user friendly platform or in person in one of our rental locations the vehicle type that meets your criteria according to your needs and budget.
2. Provide a valid driving license, passport or ID and credit card.
3. A deposit amount will be blocked in your credit card, but not charged. This deposit will be charged only in case of damage.
4. You take the car after inspecting its situation and take photos to prove the existence of any prior damage. You should also check the mileage and gas mileage.
5. You return the car at the drop-off point and pay.

What do I need to rent a car in Italy?

The requirements for renting a car in Italy are:

• Driving license
• Passport or ID
• Credit card under your name (the main driver’s name). However, read further how to rent a car in Italy without credit card.

For a smooth car rental experience in Italy, consider the following tips:

• Book your car in advance to get the best rates and options.
• Check whether your driver's license is valid for Italy or you need an International Driving Permit (IDP). As you can read further, renting a car in Italy with US driver's license is something we recommend you avoiding.
• Understand the insurance coverage and consider additional protection. There are many options and coverages for car rental insurance in Italy, but a wide coverage with theft protection is always the safest option.
• Inspect the car for prior damage and take photos to prove any pre-existing damage.
• Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and ZTL (restricted traffic zones).
• Fill up the tank before returning the car to avoid extra charges.
• Read thoroughly the Terms & Conditions and keep the rental agreement.

The pros of renting a car in Italy are:

• Flexibility to travel at your own pace and see as many points of interest as possible
• Convenience and avoidance of overcrowded public transportation
• Opportunity to travel easily with kids, pets etc.
• Exploration of off-the-beaten-path places that are not accessible by public transportation.

The cons of renting a car in Italy are:

• Traffic Restrictions: Many cities have ZTL zones where driving is restricted. For example, driving and renting a car in Florence, one of the most popular destinations in Italy, may be challenging due to the wide ZTL zone in the historical center.
• Parking difficulties: Finding parking, especially in touristic cities, can be challenging and expensive.
• Stressful Italian driving style
• High travel cost.

However, keep in mind that Abby car is not only the best car rental company in Italy, but also one of the most affordable Italian car rentals and offers many deals and discounts to find the best car according to your budget.

If you wonder how to get around Italy without a car, other transportation options you have:

• Public transportation: It is cheaper than car rental, but it has limited schedules and routes and it is not very comfortable.
• Taxis: Taxis are easily available and convenient, but they are not the most cost-effective mode of transport in Italy, especially if you do many routes and long distances per day.
• Biking: In touristic destinations, you can rent a bike at low price. The Italian road conditions are generally fine, so you don’t have to worry about that. However, there are some challenges, as the historic city center in many destinations has cobblestone paths that are difficult to navigate. Plus, the traffic in Italy is chaotic.

Read: Should I rent a car in Italy or take the train? What you need to know about transportation in this beautiful country

For personal experiences and testimonials about car rental in Italy and how to travel in Italy without a car, you can check this link.

Abbycar is one of the car rental companies in Italy that accept debit card and cash as an alternative payment method.

However, keep in mind the following tips for car hire in Italy without credit card:

• Inform the rental office before your arrival about your desire to pay without a credit card. There may be extra requirements for hiring a car in Italy under these circumstances.
• Ensure you have sufficient fund for the security deposit.
• You can pay only with Visa and MasterCard.
• You may be required to buy extra car rental insurance in Italy with wide coverage, such as Super Collision Damage Waiver that eliminates the deposit amount.
• There may be limitations in age to rent a car in Italy with no credit card.

How to Rent a Car in Italy as an American

Can you rent a car in Italy with US license? Or do you need an international driver's license to rent a car in Italy?

Renting a Car in Italy with a US License is not very advisable. Although some rental companies give you the opportunity to rent a car in Italy with US license and without further documentation, the legal requirement for non-EU citizens is to have an International Driving Permit (IDP), as the Italian law requires foreign drivers, including those from the US, to have an international license in addition to their national driver's license. Thus, in case of inspection or accident, an international driving license is required. This is why car rental in Italy with US driver's license is the best option.

The most important tips for US travelers renting cars in Italy are:

• Book in advance especially during the high season.
• Choose the right car: The right car in Italy is not necessarily a big car, as the streets in most traditional cities and villages are narrow and there are only a few parking spots.
• Driving rules: Familiarize yourself with Italian traffic laws and road signs.
• Use navigation app: As the cost to use your mobile phone for internet data may be high, you can ask for GPS from the rental company.

What is the age to hire a car in Italy? Can I rent a car in Italy if I am 18 years old? What is the maximum age to rent a car in Italy and what is the minimum? Read further everything you need to know about the requirements for car rental in Italy regarding the age.

Regarding the car rental age in Italy, the minimum age is 25 years, but you can be as young as 21 years old if you pay an additional young driver fee. However, keep in mind that this is an option only for a few car groups and for most vehicles there are restrictions in age for car rental in Italy. The maximum age to rent a car in Italy is 79 years, but you can be as old as 85 years old if you pay an additional senior driver fee.

The most important tips for senior and young driver car rental in Italy are:

• Insurance Coverage: Additional insurance for young and senior drivers is sometimes required in some vehicle types. Please ask us about the car rental insurance in Italy for these cases.
• Choose the right car: Smaller cars are easier to drive and park in Italy's narrow streets.
• ZTL Zones: Be aware of restricted traffic zones (ZTL) in many cities. Entering these areas can result in fines.
• Check payment options and inform about your age before your arrival in case credit card is the only accepted payment method in your case, which is one of the most common requirements for renting a car in Italy.
• Emergency Numbers: Know the local emergency numbers, the rental company contact information and remember 112, the European Emergency Number.

Rent a car with the best car rental in Italy, Abbycar and take advantage of our special offers and discounts all year long to explore this wonderful country!