The Best Way to Rent a Car in Italy — From Someone Who’s Done It

So you’ve decided to bite the bullet and rent a car in Italy. But you’re worried about insurance, traffic violations, types of cars, and of course cost.

Do you want to save money and go with a smaller rental car company? Or are you more interested in the biggest selection of automatic cars?

I just returned from a trip in Northern Italy where I rented and drove a car for two weeks through tight roads in the Alps and along busy routes around Lago di Garda. I made plenty of mistakes on the autostrada, parking, and in the roundabouts. But I survived.

As a nervous first-time driver in Italy who doesn’t want to throw away money, I know how stressful it can feel to pick the “right” rental car.

Let me tell you the best way to rent a car in Italy—without the stress or sticker shock. I’ll walk you through how to book smart, choose the right company, and avoid the traps that trip up most first-timers.

Do You Need a Rental Car in Italy?

That depends entirely on your itinerary.

It’s absolutely worth renting a car if you’re exploring rural areas—like the Dolomites, inland Tuscany, or the hill towns of Umbria—where public transit is limited or nonexistent.

But if you’re sticking to major cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, or (of course) Venice, a rental car will just slow you down. Trains between cities are fast and frequent, and within cities, walking, buses, and metro systems are far easier than navigating traffic and ZTL zones.

For me, renting a car wasn’t optional. After going on an ancestry tour with a guide when I didn’t have to drive, later I was tracing the Bergamo countryside of my ancestors on my own, and the only way to reach those off-the-beaten-path villages was by driving.

I didn’t want to do it—but I knew I had to. And guess what? Driving in Northern Italy proved that even a nervous first-timer can handle it—and live to tell the story.

Common Fears (and What You Actually Need to Worry About)

I had all the fears before renting a car in Italy. I even wrote a whole blog post trying to talk myself down.

Spoiler: It helped… kind of. 

Take toll booths. I knew Telepass lanes were marked in yellow. I knew not to use them. But of course, I ended up in one with no way to pay.

If you haven’t seen my viral reel on it—it’s hilarious now. Less so in the moment.

But it all worked out. I survived two toll booth dramas and lived to tell the tale. Sure, I might get a fine in the mail, but now it’s just a funny story. And I can officially say I might recommend renting the transponder at the rental agency (obviously I didn’t).

Roundabouts? Also terrifying. I had visions of circling endlessly. But they actually made driving easier once I got the rhythm in my nimble little rental car.

I also worried I’d end up with a manual transmission even though I booked an automatic. That didn’t happen—there are plenty of automatics now, especially if you book early. But there are some things I wrote about driving automatic cars in Italy that might surprise you.

And then there’s insurance. I didn’t want to overpay, but I also didn’t want to be charged for phantom scratches. I chose full coverage this time for peace of mind, but next time I’ll probably go with my credit card insurance. Booking with an international company made it all smoother.

Local vs. International Rental Companies

For my trip, I went with a big-name company—Hertz—and I have zero regrets. The car was new, automatic (as requested), and surprisingly roomy for four people. It was even easier to drive than my car at home. 

Customer service was smooth, everything was clear, and I didn’t have to stress about surprise charges or a sketchy pickup spot.

But I get why people consider smaller, local rental companies—especially if you’re trying to save money. Here’s what I’ve learned from experience and a bit of digging:

International Companies (Like Hertz, Avis, Europcar)

Pros:

• Newer vehicles, with more automatics in the fleet
• Clearer booking terms and insurance options
• English-speaking support and more predictable customer service
• Easier to find at major airports and train stations
  

Cons:

• Usually a bit more expensive up front
• Sometimes more rigid about pickup/drop-off times or locations

Local Companies

Pros:

• Often cheaper (at least at first glance)
• May operate in smaller towns that big brands skip
• Sometimes more flexible with pickup hours or requests

Cons:

• Older vehicles and fewer automatics
• Limited customer service (and maybe no English)
• Harder to verify policies and fees unless you dig into reviews

In my case, I valued the peace of mind of going with a bigger company. I was nervous enough about driving in a foreign country—I didn’t want to also worry about a questionable car or vague policies.

Why I Used AutoEurope—And Why I Recommend It

I didn’t want to spend hours bouncing between rental websites, comparing prices, policies, and whether they’d even have an automatic. That’s why I used AutoEurope—and honestly, I’m so glad I did.

AutoEurope isn’t a rental company itself—it’s a comparison site that shows you offers from international brands (like Hertz, Avis, Europcar) and smaller local companies, all in one place. It made comparing everything way easier.

Here’s what I loved:

• I could filter by automatic cars, so I wasn’t wasting time looking at manuals I’d never drive.
• It clearly showed pickup and drop-off locations, which mattered because I was trying to avoid downtown chaos.
• I could see different insurance options side by side, including full coverage or using my credit card policy.
• The final price actually stayed the final price. No surprise extras at checkout.
  

One more thing I really appreciated: you pay in advance when you book through AutoEurope. That might sound like a downside, but it was actually a big win for me. It meant I locked in a better deal—and I could pay off my car, flights, and lodging before my trip even started. 

So once I was in Italy, everything felt like “already-paid-for” fun. When you book directly with some companies, they don’t charge your card until you’re at the rental counter. This way felt way less stressful.

I ended up booking with Hertz through AutoEurope because they had the best combo of price, location, and a car that didn’t stress me out. I’ll definitely use them again next time I rent in Europe.

If you like comparing all your options up front—and want to feel like you’ve got your trip locked down before you even pack your bags—AutoEurope is worth checking out. 

👉 Prepay, compare, and chill. Auto Europe makes it easy!

Booking Tips to Save Money and Get the Right Car

Booking a rental car in Italy isn’t just about picking the cheapest one that shows up—it’s about finding a car that actually works for your trip and your sanity.

Here’s what I learned from my own experience:

• Book early, especially if you want an automatic.
  Automatics cars are more common now, but they still sell out quickly—especially in peak travel months. I booked a couple months in advance and got exactly what I wanted. If I’d waited, I probably would’ve paid more or ended up stuck with a manual.
  
• Think small—but not too small.
  I had a compact car that fit four adults and luggage comfortably. It was easy to handle on Italy’s narrow roads, but still felt sturdy and spacious. If I’d gone any smaller, the luggage situation would’ve been tight.
  
• Avoid downtown pickups if you can.
  It’s often cheaper (and far less stressful) to pick up your car at an airport or major train station. Driving out of a busy city like Rome or Florence right after landing? No thanks.
  
• Pay attention to fuel policies.
  Go for full-to-full if you can—that means you pick up the car with a full tank and return it the same way. Some companies charge inflated refueling fees if you return it even a little low.
  
• Look closely at what’s included in the base price.
  Some “cheap” options don’t include unlimited mileage, or they charge extra for a second driver. What looks like a great deal can quietly stack up fees.

Booking through AutoEurope helped me see all of this upfront. I could filter for what I needed and compare side by side—no hidden surprises when I got to the counter. But even if you book elsewhere, double-check the fine print so you’re not caught off guard.

What Insurance You Actually Need

Figuring out car rental insurance in Italy made my head spin. I didn’t want to pay for unnecessary coverage, but I also didn’t want to get dinged for a scratch I didn’t cause. It felt like a no-win situation at first.

In the end, I went with full coverage through AutoEurope, and I’m glad I did—for this trip. It gave me peace of mind and meant I didn’t have to worry about small damage or surprise charges when I returned the car. I could just focus on driving (and avoiding toll booth drama).

That said, next time I might skip it and use my credit card’s rental car insurance instead. Now that I know what to expect and feel more confident driving in Italy, I’m a little less worried about mystery dents and rogue cobblestones.

Here’s the basic breakdown of what you’ll see when booking:

• CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) – Often included by default in Italy, but it doesn’t always cover everything. There’s usually a deductible.
• Theft Protection – Also often included, but same deal: limited.
• Supplemental Insurance / Zero Excess Coverage – This is what removes the deductible. I chose this to keep things simple at return time.
• Third-Party Liability – Required by law in Italy, and usually already baked into the price.

If you have a credit card that includes rental insurance, make sure:

1. You book the car using that card
2. The rental company accepts it (some don’t)
3. You decline the collision coverage during booking (if required by your card’s terms)

Everyone’s comfort level is different. I was fine paying a bit more to eliminate the stress. You might prefer to save money and rely on your card—but either way, it’s better to know your options before you get to the rental desk.

Hidden Fees to Watch For

Even when you book through a comparison site like AutoEurope, rental cars in Italy can come with some sneaky little extras. Most of them aren’t scams—they’re just details you don’t always think about until it’s too late.

Here are the ones I learned to look out for:

• Fuel charges:
  If you don’t return the car with a full tank, be prepared for inflated refueling fees. Like, way above normal gas station prices. I went with a full-to-full policy and made sure to stop near the drop-off point.
  
• Additional driver fees:
  If someone else is planning to drive—even just once—they usually have to be listed (and paid for). Some companies include one extra driver, others charge per day. I wanted this, but I declined and risked it one day.
  
• Airport or train station surcharges:
  Picking up a car at an airport or station is super convenient, but it often comes with an extra fee. Sometimes it’s worth it for the ease—just don’t be surprised by the added cost.
  
• Late pickup or return:
  Most companies have a grace period, but if you’re really late returning your car, they may charge for an extra day. Same goes if you arrive late and the desk is closed—especially with smaller providers.
  
• Telepass transponder fees:
  Some rental companies offer a Telepass device, which lets you breeze through toll booths without stopping to pay. Sounds great—until you see the price. Mine wanted €15 per day, on top of the actual toll.
  
  I declined it because I didn’t plan to take the autostrada… and then accidentally ended up on it anyway (oops). I paid my tolls manually, and it was fine—just slower.

Most of these are avoidable—or at least manageable—if you know to look for them. Booking through AutoEurope helped me see most of these in advance, but I still read the fine print before hitting confirm. (And yes, I triple-checked the return time.)

Driving Tips for Italy (From Someone Who Screwed Up First)

I survived driving in Italy—and you will too. But I definitely learned a few things the hard way. If you want to avoid the same rookie mistakes (or at least know they’re coming), here are my best tips:

• Navigation apps can steer you wrong—literally.
  I don’t even remember if I used Google Maps or Apple Maps, but whichever it was… it definitely sent me down a road so narrow I had to reverse out like I was playing a high-stakes game of chicken.
  
  👉 After posting about it, an Italian commented on my reel and said: use the car’s built-in GPS instead of your phone – It’s better at avoiding ZTL zones and tiny medieval streets that aren’t car-friendly. Not sure that is true, but I do know it was hit or miss to get our phone to pair with the car’s console using Apple carplay. 
  
  Also, if you miss your turn, maps will reroute you and it might send you over a steep mountain range with excruciating turns instead of just telling you to make a u-turn.  Apparently that’s for safety reasons.
  
• Toll booths are confusing even when you think you’re ready.
  I studied up on the Telepass lanes… and still ended up in one with no way to pay. Twice. Just aim for the lanes marked with coins or credit card symbols and go slow.
  
• Speed limits change constantly.
  Keep an eye on signs—and know that speed cameras are everywhere, especially on the autostrada. The fines can be automatic and mailed to you months later. I’m still waiting to find out if I got caught.
  
  The car itself and maps display the speed limit, but they are not always the same.

• Roundabouts are actually your friend.
  I was terrified I’d end up circling forever, but once you get the rhythm, they make driving easier than intersections. Just yield to the left and don’t overthink it.
  
• Park like a local… but also read the signs.
  White lines = free, blue = paid, yellow = restricted. If you’re not sure, assume it’s not allowed. I once parked legally in a tiny village and still had to do a 16-point turn to escape.
  
• Gas stations may close at weird times.
  Don’t wait until you’re on empty—many rural stations close for lunch or Sunday afternoons. I filled up when I saw a good opportunity, not when the tank hit low.
  
• Italian drivers are fast, not rude.
  Yes, they’ll tailgate. Yes, they’ll pass you on winding roads. Just stay in the right lane on the highway, use your signals, and hold your ground without panicking.

Italy’s roads take some getting used to, but once you’ve handled your first toll booth or parked on a hillside, you start to feel like a pro. Or at least… a well-informed amateur.

Final Thoughts: Renting a Car in Italy the Best Way

Cut to the chase and rent a car from a big name rental car company like Hertz, Avis, or Sixt. You’ll get a new zippy car that’s perfect for the small windy roads in Italy.

Pay for the full coverage insurance for peace of mind (at least the first time). There’s nothing better than handing over the keys and being told everything is fine.

And if you want a shortcut to finding the right rental car without clicking through ten tabs, I definitely recommend AutoEurope—it made the whole process way less stressful for me.

✈️ Planning your full Italian itinerary? Read More Of My Italy Travel Tips and Stories:

• Is It Hard To Drive In Italy? What Americans Need To Know
• Renting Automatic Cars in Italy: What to Know
• AutoEurope Review For Italy-Why It’s Best For Car Rentals
• Overcoming Fear of Driving a Rental Car in Italy
• What I’m Packing For A Month In Italy On My Ancestry Trip
• Ancestry Tours In Italy: What To Expect