Having a car at your disposal gives you the freedom to explore Italy and go wherever you please. If you want to check out a glamorous Italian beach, find the local vineyard or explore an Italian hill top village a car is the perfect way to do so. For some of our secluded villas we consider car hire to be essential: please ask about cars and transfer options when booking.
How to book
When can I book my Italian car hire?
We would suggest that you don't leave it to the last minute to book your car, as in some locations availability is limited during peak season. You can book your car when you book your holiday. We will confirm the rental arrangements and price on your holiday invoice, and you will receive a car hire voucher, along with your other holiday documents, about three weeks before your holiday.
What size and type of car can I book?
Hire cars are categorised into groups depending on size and model, when you book we will give examples of the types of car that are available within each group. Please be aware that this information is for example only and cannot be guaranteed. If you do not see the type of vehicle you require please ask us, some types of vehicle are available on special request only.
Please remember to make sure you book a vehicle that has plenty of room for your luggage and your passengers, particularly if you have children in the party who require child seats in the car and you have a push chair with you to fit in the boot!
Can I book Additional Drivers?
We include one driver in your basic rental charge, but you can add on more. Charges may apply for these additional drivers and the charges are payable locally.
What do I need with me to collect my car?
You will receive a car hire voucher, along with your other holiday documents, about three weeks before your holiday. Simply hand the voucher to the car hire company as proof of your reservation. The car hire company will also need to see a driving licence for each driver, a passport for the lead driver and you will need to show them a major credit card in the lead driver's name. This card number will be used as the deposit for the vehicle, the funds to cover a deposit will be held in limbo until the car is returned safely. A cash deposit may be acceptable but only if pre-arranged with Citalia and agreed with the car hire supplier prior to your arrival, so please do check with us before making your booking if this is a requirement for you. We are not able to provide refunds if your rental is rejected because you don't have a credit card with the appropriate credit available, or you haven't pre-agreed a cash deposit.
What are the age restrictions for Italian Car Hire?
In most destinations, the minimum no surcharge hiring age is between 23 and 65, but exceptions apply in some locations and there will be an additional charge. Minimum age requirements on larger cars may be higher in some locations. The maximum driver age may also vary. Please ask for further details prior to booking so that we can clarify any restrictions for your chosen location with our supplier.
Car hire pick up/ drop off
Where can I pick up or drop off my car?
You can pick up or drop off your car in multiple locations, depending on your personal itinerary. Pick up and drop off from the same airport is included in the basic price we quote. If your itinerary means you would like to use a different location, such as near a city train station, or book a one-way hire, please ask us and we will be happy to look in to this option. We will let you know if it is possible and if any supplements are payable, either to us or locally to the car hire supplier.
What time can I pick up or drop off my car?
Normally we can accommodate any time, but additional charges may apply for collection or delivery outside office hours. Each location is different so please ask us when you make your booking.
What's included?
What is included with my car hire?
In the basic price we quote you, we include:
- Unlimited mileage
- Collision Damage Waiver
- Airport surcharges
- Theft protection (not waiver, see below)
- Local taxes and VAT (at 21%)
- 24-hour breakdown service
- Additional driver charge
What is not included with my car hire?
In the basic price we quote you, we do not include:
- Deposit (you will be required to leave an imprint of a credit card on pick-up, please note that the person in whose name the vehicle is booked must be the person whose credit card is used)
- Garaging, parking, petrol and traffic fines
- Baby/child seat
- Delivery/collection charges if car is delivered to or collected from your hotel
- One-way drop off charges
- Non waivable excess on Theft protection and Collision Damage Waiver minimum of 1,100 Euros. Additional insurance to eliminate these excesses can be purchased locally
- Supplement for drivers aged 25 years and under (payable locally)
- Personal Accident Insurance
- All of these costs are payable locally. In some locations an optional insurance may be offered to reduce or waive the renter's liability. Items paid locally are subject to tax.
Driving licence requirements
All drivers must produce a full British Driving Licence held for at least 1 year (2 years in some locations, please check with our Travel Consultants). If you have a photocard licence, you must also produce the paper documents that accompany the photocard. All drivers must be in possession of their driving licence, and often passport, at all times for inspection by the local authorities.
We must be advised of any endorsements at the time of booking, or later if these are added to your licence prior to your holiday. Citalia reserve the right to refuse the booking on this basis as the car hire company may not allow you to collect the vehicle.
Please remember your licence, as we are not able to provide refunds if your rental is rejected because you don’t have it with you or you haven’t disclosed endorsements.
If you have a non-British licence, please let us know prior to booking so that we can confirm what the requirements may be.
Hire car insurance
What is Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)?
These sections of the insurance policy cover your car for damage sustained in an accident unless you deliberately cause the damage, are under the influence of drink or drugs, use the vehicle in a prohibited way (e.g. for hire, use on un-made roads) or the damage is sustained in an excluded part of the vehicle (for example, often windscreens, tyres and undercarriages are excluded and any damage is payable in full).
If you commit a driving offence or drive negligently, or the local suppliers of the car decide that you are at fault, you may not receive a replacement vehicle.
Prices quoted are fully inclusive, but an excess does apply. This excess is dependent on the car group you book. The higher the group, the higher the excess. This excess can often be waived by paying the Collision Damage Excess Waiver (often called Super CDW or Super Cover), although this option is not available everywhere. Please consult the car hire company upon collection/delivery or ask our Italy Experts.
What is Theft Waiver (TW)?
Reduces your liability in the event of theft, damages caused due to theft or attempted theft of the vehicle. An excess amount is payable and cannot always be waived. Negligence connected with the theft of the vehicle may lead to the car hire company requiring the full amount for the cost of the vehicle.
Personal Accident Insurance
(PAI) This optional insurance may be covered by your holiday insurance (check before you travel) but is not included within your basic Citalia car hire. If you require PAI, it may also be available to purchase locally on collection of the hire car.
What if I the car breaks down or has problems during our holiday?
In the case of breakdown or mechanical difficulties, you must call the car hire company immediately, using the telephone number, which appears on the rental agreement. The local car hire company must give authority for repairs or replacement cars. If you are involved in an accident, the local police and car hire company MUST be contacted. Keep copies of all relevant documentation you are asked to complete. This may be needed if you wish to make an insurance claim.
Child seats
Can I pre-book a child seat or make a special request for additional items?
Child seats, roof racks (not available on some vehicles), sat navs and other additional items may be available on request in most locations, but they cannot be guaranteed. Please ask us at time of booking about availability and prices. Normally, these items are payable locally. Please request these items at the time of booking as there will be limited availability in many areas.
In many countries child seats are required by law. The seat provided by the car hire company may not be the perfect fit for your child’s size and weight, so you may wish to take your own child seat/booster seat. If you are travelling with infants or small children you may need to upgrade your car group or hire an additional car to accommodate the child seat or booster seat, along with your luggage.
