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Some Frequently Asked Questions
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In Italy Online Rents All Cars Through Auto Europe. Here's Some Helpful Information They'd Like To Share With You.
Auto Europe has been a leader in international car rentals for over 44 years. In Italy Online has selected Auto Europe as its preferred car rental supplier because they offer guaranteed lowest rates, over 4,000 locations throughout the world, quality service with a personal touch, and a wide variety of rental cars, from the most economical to the most luxurious or exotic.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Italy has an excellent network of roads and highways that is one of the most extensive in Europe, comprising
nearly 4000mi/6400km of express highways and 180,000mi/288,000km of secondary roads. The country's famous
super highways or 'autostrade' ('autostrada' is the singular form) run the length and breadth of the peninsula.
These toll roads are supported by an excellent network of secondary roads, classified into different categories
of national highways ('strade statali'), provincial roads ('strade provinciali') and municipal roads ('strade
communali'). Due to the success of companies like Fiat, Italians have a high level of car ownership. This
can create congestion in some of the northern areas and in cities. But in southern parts of the country the
roads are less crowded.
REQUIREMENTS
To rent a car, you must be at least 18 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license
for 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. Seatbelts are mandatory and children
under 12 must wear an age-appropriate restraint. The blood-alcohol limit for driving is .08.
SPEED LIMITS
Speed limits in Italy are as follows: City 30mph/50kph Open Roads 66mph/110kph Highways 81mph/130kph
RULES OF THE ROAD
Traffic travels on the right and the center lane of a three lane road is for passing. If you are stopped for
a traffic violation, police are empowered to collect fines on the spot.
GAS
Gas stations are open from 7am to 12:30pm and from 3:30pm to 7pm. Most stations are closed on Sundays. There
are 24 hour stations along the highway. Unleaded gas is approximately US$4.00 per gallon.
TOLLS
The 'autostrade' is Italy's toll super highway and toll cards can be purchased at banks or at Automoblie Club
d'Italia (ACI) offices.
PARKING
Following are some answers to the questions we hear most frequently:
Street parking is confined to the right side of the street. In blue zones, a parking disk, obtained at tourist
offices, ACI offices or gas stations must be displayed on the dashboard. Parking in this zone is limited to
one hour. There is also metered street parking. In these areas, you will see a large sign with the letter "P." Look
for a coin box where you will deposit enough coins to pay for the length of time you wish to stay. The machine
will dispense a ticket showing the time of day that you must vacate the parking space. Display this ticket
on the dashboard of the car.
Q: HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I HAVE TO RESERVE?
A: We recommend that you reserve at least one week in advance, but we can confirm almost all categories immediately. With our innovative Auto Fax and Email service, we are able to fax or email vouchers directly from our computer system minutes after a reservation is made. Due to limited availability, it is advisable to book certain vehicle categories (such as any automatic transmission, minibuses and luxury cars) well in advance.
Q: DO I HAVE TO PREPAY MY RESERVATION PRIOR TO LEAVING HOME?
A: Yes. Full prepayment of the estimated rental charges will be required at the time of reservation. This will guarantee the rate in U.S. dollars.
Q: WILL YOU SEND ME A VOUCHER CONFIRMING MY RENTAL?
A: Yes. A voucher will be emailed to you and to In Italy Online, which clearly states the type of vehicle reserved, what is and isn't included in the rental, the rate, the address and phone number of the pick-up and drop-off locations, and the toll-free number to use from Italy.
Q: MAY I CHANGE MY RESERVATION ONCE IT HAS BEEN BOOKED?
A: Yes, as many times as you wish. We have no change fees. It is best that you change your reservation with In Italy Online prior to your departure.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR CANCELLATION PENALTIES?
A: Auto Europe does not impose any cancellation penalties if you cancel before the beginning of your rental period.
Q: DO YOU HAVE AIRPORT LOCATIONS?
A: Yes, we do. We have over 1,000 in-airport counter locations in major cities.
Q: IS THERE A SURCHARGE FOR AIRPORT OR TRAIN STATION PICK-UP?
A: Yes, there is an airport pick-up surcharge in most countries. Germany (but not Italy) also has a surcharge for train station pick-ups. This may be avoided in most cases by arranging for pick-up in a city location.
Q: DO YOU ARRANGE HOTEL DELIVERIES?
A: No, we regret they are not possible.
Q: WHAT TYPE OF DRIVER'S LICENSE DO I NEED?
Q: WHAT ABOUT ADDITIONAL DRIVERS?
Q: ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR RENTING A CAR?
Q: ARE INTERNATIONAL ONE-WAY RENTALS POSSIBLE?
Q: DO YOUR RATES INCLUDE UNLIMITED FREE MILEAGE?
Q: DO YOUR CARS REQUIRE UNLEADED GAS?
A: If you are planning on driving in Europe, it is highly recommended that
you apply for an International Driving Permit. It will translate your
driving license into 8 languages so it is accepted in other countries.
You will not be asked for it at most rental agency counters, but if you
are ever stopped by or need the assistance of the police and you do not
have an International Drivers Permit, you will be fined.
Holders of a US drivers license can apply online. Click
here to download an application.
A: In some countries (including Italy), there may be an additional charge for drivers other than the renter.
A: Yes. The minimum age for most rentals is 21. Some countries have a lower minimum age. The minimum age for luxury cars is 25 years. In Britain and Ireland there is a maximum age which ranges from 69 to 75. Please contact In Italy Online for further
details.
A: Yes, from certain key cities in most of the countries we service. Drop charges may or may not apply, and are taxable.
A: Yes. In Germany, our camper van rentals also include free mileage, but with a specified limit.
A: Rental vehicles in Western Europe, North America, South
Pacific, and the Caribbean take either unleaded gas or diesel fuel.
Cars in some Eastern European countries still require leaded gasoline
(but many of these countries are in the process of converting). In
Italy, if you do not have a diesel-fueled car, you should look for benzina
senza piombo - almost all distributors carry it. We recommend that you ask
the agent who gives you the car whether it takes gas or diesel, which is also
available almost everywhere. If you put regular gas into a diesel-fueled car,
it will break down, you will have to have it towed and get a replacement car,
and you will be charged for cleaning and refueling the tank.
Q: DO YOUR RATES INCLUDE INSURANCE?
A: All Auto Europe's rates include primary liability and fire protection. Because the frequency of theft is higher in some countries, theft protection varies (but is mandatory in Italy). Collision damage waiver insurance (CDW) or loss damage waiver insurance (LDW) is required in Italy. In other countries it is optional.
Q: WHY SHOULD I PURCHASE CDW/LDW COVERAGE?
A: Without CDW/LDW coverage, the deductible you will pay in case of accident is high - usually in excess of US$5,000. In the event of an accident, clients who do not purchase the CDW/LDW will be responsible for the deductible. In most cases, you may reduce the collision deductible to US$400-700. by purchasing CDW/LDW. Remember, CDW/LDW is mandatory in Italy.
Q: DO I HAVE TO PURCHASE CDW/LDW INSURANCE?
A: CDW/LDW insurance is mandatory on Auto Europe rentals originating in Italy. In other countries if you decline CDW/LDW in order to use the coverage your credit card or personal auto insurance policy offers you, it is your responsibility to check with your card company or insurance carrier to determine coverage, if any (get it in writing!). If your credit card doesn't provide insurance, a significant block may be put on your credit card to cover any damage to the rental vehicle. Please consider the facts below:
Q: HOW CAN I REACH AUTO EUROPE WHILE TRAVELING?
A: "USA DIRECT" numbers connect you directly to Auto Europe free of charge. The toll-free number is included on your Auto Europe car rental voucher.
