Auto rental Bari

[Randy]

We've rented a car in Italy previously but terrible reviews have scared me. Hertz reviews from Bari over a long period indicate a serious scam possibility. We want to rent for a nearly two week period with a one way rental ending in Palermo.

Does anyone have any suggestions based on experience?

 

[Pauline]

We rented a car from Bari a few years back. I booked through Auto Europe but don’t remember which company was used. I find it hard to believe there are scams going on with any of the major companies.

When book through Auto Europe you have a layer of protection. They will step in if the local company is giving you problems.

https://www.autoeurope.com/?aff=SLOWEUROPE

Make sure you know what you have booked. The local companies do a hard sell on getting you to buy extra insurance. Even if you booked full insurance they try to sell you extra for under the car, the roof and windscreen. Check the details of the insurance you purchased.

And don’t let them give you a bigger car if you don’t want one. They can be hard to drive in the small towns.

 

[Randy]

Thanks Pauline. Reviews for the Bari airport corporate Hertz talk about returning a car with a full tank of petrol and finding a charge for nearly 2x the cost of a full tank added. Or examining a rental before driving and being charged for damage that wasn't caused by the customer. I will look into Auto Europe on your suggestion.

 

[Pauline]

AutoEurope is good on price. They will meet any lower price you find, but usually they are cheaper than going directly with the car rental company. I always use them in Europe.

 

[Pauline]

I forgot to add, keep your receipt for the last tank of gas to prove you returned it full. Take photos of the car when you pick it up and make sure they have noted any damage, and photos when you return it.

 

[Kathy]

I rented a car in Puglia last October... booked through Kemwel (an Auto Europe affiliate) and ended up with a car from Hertz. I picked up the car at the Bari airport and returned it at the Brindisi airport.. did fill it up before the return. No problems at all...

If you rent through Auto Europe or Kemwel, they also provide support for you if there is any sort of an issue during or after your stay.

 

[Randy]

Thanks Kathy. I read some horrendous reviews for Hertz at Bari. We'll try using Auto Europe or Kemwel. Can you request Kemwel when you call them or simply call Kemwel directly? When I spoke with AE yesterday they said you could choose whichever rental company you wanted using them for support. Is it the same for Kemwel?

 

[Kathy]

Randy, Kemwel is a broker like Auto Europe... it is not a car rental company. They are owned by Auto Europe or the same company owns both AE and Kemwel... not sure. I would think you could also ask Kemwel not to book you with Hertz... maybe the price with another company isn't that different.

 

[Karen Frerichs]

AutoEurope has always been good for me... but don't forget to get your IDP (international drivers permit) before you go, Italy requires them, many car rental companies will not rent to you unless you have one!

 

[Randy]

Thank you Karen. In 2011 we did 3 weeks in northern Italy including Dolomites, lakes, Cinque Terre and Chianti region. My first European travel experience. Had an IDP then and will visit AAA soon.

 

[Valerie]

The only issue may be dropping it off in Sicily, so be sure to get a clear quote on that including any drop fees they may charge. Some rentals we've picked up specifically ask if we are leaving the mainland (and forbid it or charge extra). With AutoEurope you have phone numbers to call to clarify and can get it all in a written quote.

 

[Randy]

Thanks Valerie. I'll be calling soon and will make sure of that.