IntroductionRenting a car in Italy offers several benefits beyond the convenience of having a vehicle. Car rental companies may offer discount packages on attractions and sites as part of a special offer, which can make traveling around Italy much more enjoyable--and in some cases, more affordable.
The FactsIn addition to car rentals, automobile companies in Italy offer buy-back programs that can help travelers rent a vehicle with premium options for longer periods of time. Popular rental programs include automobile leasing programs, buy-back agreements and standard car rental services. Rental companies such as Alamo, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar and Sixt all offer services in Italy.
FunctionCar rental programs allow travelers to take temporary ownership of a vehicle over the course of a trip. Car rental service agreements require customers to return the car in the same condition that it was initially rented, and in some cases, return it with a full tank of gas. Italy is home to several car rental companies that offer compact, mid-sized, luxury and sports utility vehicles. Italy also participates in several European buy-back automobile programs.
TypesCar classifications in Europe can vary significantly than those in the United States. Car rental companies in Italy typically offer compact models, mid-sized vehicles, luxury cars and ‘green’ cars. Smart Cars fall under the green category, and are becoming a popular option for economical trips and visits around Italy; these are some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market, and can be a fun ride around the narrow streets of Italy. Another valuable option for travelers is the Buy-Back program offered by companies such as Renault and Peugeot. Renault offers brand-new vehicles with full insurance coverage, along with convenient pick-up and drop-off locations.
ConsiderationsRenting a car in Europe is not always necessary, as there are several modes of public transportation readily available. However, renting a small, compact car in Italy offers the convenience and freedom of traveling to different venues at your leisure, and can save time if you are traveling from one region to another. Making sure you have car insurance with your rental is important, and many credit card companies offer discounted insurance coverage for customers, and can help you avoid large costs from the rental company. Renting a small, economical car also allows you to save on gas and navigate the narrow streets of Italy with ease.
WarningsMaking sure the rental is completed in U.S. Dollars and not Euros can help you save money on currency conversion costs. Most credit card companies will charge a fee of 3 to 5 percent to convert the sale from Euros to U.S. Dollars; so booking the rental through an American company can save on the overall costs. If you are booking a car for a special occasion or to tour the city for an event, a luxury car rental may be most appropriate; however, luxury cars can be much more expensive and run up fuel charges. When you just need simple transportation to go from the airport to the hotel, or travel between cities, an economical car will be a much better option.
Resources: Get the Best Quote on Car Rentals from NovaCarHire.com
By: Sabah Karimi
Sabah Karimi has been writing for the Web for over 3 years, and some of her work can be found in "Dining Out," "Papierdoll" magazine and on Zappos.com, Associated Content and several blogs. She enjoys traveling, shopping, reading and running (not all at once), and currently works as a freelance writer and online marketing strategist in Orlando, Florida.Read Next 5 Articles
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