When renting a car in Italy you must purchase collision (CDW) and theft insurance. Declining this insurance is not an option and the price you are quoted will always include it. Sounds good except there's a catch: the insurance comes with a substantial deductible or excess, usually in the €1000 to €3000 range.
What do I need to drive in Italy?
Driving in Italy checklist:
- Full and valid driver's licence.
- V5C.
- Proof of Insurance.
- Green card.
- Passport/national ID.
- Reflective jackets.
- Warning triangles.
- Headlamp beam deflectors.
Does Italy require an international driving permit?
All visitors from non-EU countries and non-EEA countries who plan to drive in Italy must make sure they obtain an IDP in their home country or country of residence before they travel.
What is the difference between CDW and LDW?
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) provides cover if there is damage to a rental car through an accident. LDW on the other hand, is a combination of CDW and Theft Protection, which means that you will be covered for car replacement if your rental car is stolen during the period of your rental.
Does visa cover CDW in Italy?
Visa. Visa offers CDW for rental cars in Italy. Currently, their only exceptions for countries are Israel, Jamaica, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Island. Additionally, their coverage is limited based on vehicle.
Can you turn right on red in Italy?
In Italy, you cannot make a right turn on a red light, even if you stop first. Headlights: You must always drive with your headlights on, even on sunny days.
What are the laws on renting a car in Italy?
What Americans should know about driving in Italy?
Dangerous roads in Italy
- Some country roads are narrow and often without guardrails.
- Speeds vary in rural areas, and fog can cloud visibility in northern Italy.
- Avoid stopping in emergency lanes, as they are dangerous and not very wide.
- Slow down at toll booths to avoid accidents and pileups.
Can I rent a car in Italy without an international drivers license?
If you're a non-EU citizen that would like to rent a car in Italy, it's essential to hold an International Driver's Permit. The Italian car rental might not ask for it, but it is required by law that you have one, and it may be requested during a police check.
What car insurance coverage do I need in Italy?
Legally in Italy, you are required to be covered by car insurance that is at least to a level of third-party liability. You don't need an Italian driver's license to be insured in Italy. As long as you are covered by a valid driving license, we can offer you Italian car insurance.
Is it worth it to get CDW?
A CDW covers rental car repair bills if there's an accident or the car is stolen. It's a good option if you don't have: Your own car insurance. A credit card with rental car coverage that you use to pay for the rental.
Is CDW worth it car rental?
If you don't have a credit card offering rental car coverage, a collision damage waiver could save you from having to pay the deductible on your personal car insurance policy. If your deductible is significant, the few bucks extra per day might be worth the daily CDW expense.
What credit card covers car rental insurance in Italy?
Best coverage from Chase and American Express. Chase credit cards offer the best car rental insurance when compared to other issuers. Chase will insure rentals globally, including in countries like Italy and Ireland that other cards may prohibit.
Is it better to drive around Italy or train?
For many travelers, the pleasure of journeying along Europe's rails really is as good as the destination. Train travel, though not as flexible as driving, can be less stressful. On a train, you can forget about parking hassles, confusing road signs, speed limits, bathroom stops, and Italian drivers.