Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Auto Insurance Coverage for Italy - NFC

[Paul Bennett (pbennett]

Totally agree on buying insurance from the rental company.  Even if 
your stateside insurance covered you, resolution is 
months.  Depending upon the amount of loss and even if you aren't to 
fault, you can be held from leaving the country until such situations 
are settled.  The fact this is rare doesn't guarantee it won't be 
your case.   Paying a little more for insurance is good 
insurance.  Have that, Geico.

Also rent the smallest car you can with the trunk in mind.  And keep 
everything into the trunk for excursions and food stops, no luggage 
in the car except for the hotel to hotel legs, using smallish bags. 
Rental cars are marked with stickers, as such are red flags for 
camera etc theives who hang out around tourist areas.
Never leave the car with anything visible also pertains to anywhere 
in the US as well, a wise habit.

Italy has great intercity transportation, especially the train which 
becomes a great part of the experience.  Once in the new town, there 
is no lack of local transportation to tourist spots. Italy has a 
great tourist industry, but study the guides (including some history) 
before you go to maximize your time...there is just too much to take 
in.  I worked in Naples a year plus, toured every spare minute.  My 
advise is minimizing time at the 'must see' areas and hit many off 
beat areas as memories come from them, postcards cover the 'must see' 
stuff.  A fascinating place, but not one for relaxing.  Prepare 
ahead, like 220v charger for your camera battery etc, and travel 
light.  Incidentally, I had a car but in Rome we would often take a 
quicky bus tour for an overview and come back with the car to those 
spots we were interested in.


> Get it from the rental agency
> It might cost you a little  more  but if you have to use it it will 
> be a non event
> Also don't leave anything in your rental car in Italy they will 
> smash the window an take it
> If you are just doing Rome you don't need a car
> Its a very small city
> 4 days max an you are done with  Rome trust me on this
> You can go everywhere in rome in a cab or walk or take the metro
> Parking is a true bitch there