Car rental in Italy - Should I be worried?

[miln0039]

Hi All,

I'm new on PH (having lurked far too long!). Anyhow, I am looking for some advice from people who might have experience of car hire in Italy, specifically with a company called Locauto.

I booked the hire through Car Hire 3000 and when my confirmation came through I saw the supplier was Locauto, who I'd never heard of. Needless to say on the first page of the Google results was the typical "don't rent from these guys - I've been scammed for €800". Naturally, I found a few more of these types of posts on various internet sites with a few positive posts.

I guess what I was trying to gauge is if anybody has used Locauto before and whether they had good or bad experiences or maybe just some general tips for hiring the car with them? Should I take a digital camera with me and take pictures of any damage when I am picking the car up? Also - does anybody know if Car Hire 3000's damage excess refund is actually worth anything - I bought it, but whether I could use it to claim I have no idea!!

Any input would be most appreciated!

Cheers,
Alex

[johnnyreggae]

If you are not sure of the company it has to be worth taking the before & after photos - surely you're almost certain to have a real or phone camera with you whilst away so you might as well

[frosted]

It would also help if you try and be nice to the people at reception !

[miln0039]

frosted said:

It would also help if you try and be nice to the people at reception !

I'm always dead charming! I suppose it would help to make sure somebody comes out and agrees the condition - far too often in Europe I've been left in the position where they just tell me the car is "somewhere over there"