Why it is worth it to rent a car in Tuscany in 2024

If you are wondering if renting a car in Tuscany is worth it, my honest answer is YES!

I have rented a car in Tuscany a couple of times and the best way to explore Tuscany is by car. I have extensive experience navigating Italy through both public transportation and rental cars. Rest assured, I can provide you with firsthand recommendations, including my favorite car rental company in Tuscany that guarantees a worry-free exploration of the region.

Through my experience of renting a car in Tuscany, I have made several mistakes such as receiving tickets, renting a car at the very last minute to drive around Tuscany, and experiencing inadequate customer service when things did not go as planned. The list could go on and on. Therefore, I have taken the time to create a detailed article to assist you with not only why you should rent a car in Tuscany, but also providing guidance on selecting a reputable rental car company.

If you’ve looked for tips on renting a car in Tuscany, you may have encountered conflicting info. There are official rules for how to rent a car in Tuscany — and then there’s how things play out in the real world. Don’t worry: I am going to clear all that up in this article.

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Rent car in Tuscany
Rent car in Tuscany

6 Reasons why it is worth it to rent a car in Tuscany

Overall, renting a car in Tuscany enhances your travel experience by providing the freedom to explore the region’s diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and culinary delights at your own pace and on your own terms.

🛣️ Freedom and Flexibility: When you have your own car, you have the freedom to explore beautiful countryside and small towns at your own pace, without being tied to public transportation schedules. This allows you to go off the beaten path and discover hidden gems.

🚗 Scenic Drives: Tuscany is well-known for its stunning landscapes, ranging from rolling hills covered with vineyards to quaint medieval villages. With access to a car, you can take relaxing drives along breathtaking routes such as the Chianti wine route or the Val d’Orcia. You can stop wherever and whenever you want to take in the scenery and capture some photos of your trip.

🌄 Access to Remote Areas: Tuscany is home to some of the most magical places that are hidden away in remote areas, which may not be easily accessible through public transportation. If you have a rental car in Tuscany, you can visit these off-the-beaten-path destinations and indulge in the natural beauty and peacefulness that this region has to offer.

🚘 Convenience: Renting a car offers you the comfort of door-to-door transportation, especially when you are traveling with luggage or planning to visit several places in a single day. Additionally, you can conveniently transport any items you purchase, such as bottles of wine from local wine tours in Tuscany or artisanal goods from markets.

💒 Cultural and Historical Sites: Tuscany’s main cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa are easily reachable by public transportation. However, if you have a car, you’ll be able to explore many hidden cultural and historical sites such as medieval hilltop towns, Renaissance villas, and ancient ruins which are not as easily accessible by bus or train.

💲Cost vs benefits: Deciding between renting a car or using public transportation can be a tough call. The choice depends on multiple factors such as your travel itinerary, the number of people in your group, your preferred level of comfort and convenience, and the specific activities you plan to do. If you plan to just stay in big cities, it is not worth it to rent a car, as you can explore by foot and publica transportation. But if you are planning to explore the countryside in Tuscany, you will need to rent a car or pay for a private tour.

#1 Our Top Pick
car rental in Tuscany

My recommended rental a car in Tuscany

🏆 When choosing a Tuscany car rental online, my number one pick is always Discover Cars. I personally use them and love them since they meticulously search through local and international companies to get you the best deal every time.

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/ 5.0 (115,000+ Reviews) | Details: Read more on discovercars.com now!

Renting a car in Tuscany FAQ

Do you Need a Rental Car in Tuscany Italy? 🌟

The answer really depends on you and your planned itinerary. If you only want to visit major cities like Pisa, Florence, and Siena then renting a car doesn’t make sense. Not only do these places have great public transportation, but the cost of parking in the city can be quite high. 

However, if you want to figure out how to rent a car in Tuscany to get off the beaten path, see the Tuscan countryside, and experience tiny Italian villages then having a car is a must.

Is Driving Easy in Tuscany? 🚗

If you’re driving on the highway then driving in Tuscany is easy and just like driving on any other major road. However, once you start driving on more minor roads then they tend to get really narrow and very curvy.  So, take it slow, always maintain the speed limit, watch out at night, and brace yourself for a lot of roundabouts. 

How Much is a Rental Car in Tuscany? 💰

The price of a  rental car in Tuscany can vary based on the type of car you rent and on the time of year during which you visit. On average,  a mini will cost $25.00 per day. an economy car will cost $30.00 per day, an SUV will cost $47.00 per day, and a full-size SUV will cost $96.00 per day.

Where is the Cheapest Rental Car in Italy? 💰

Believe it or not, Florence is the city with the cheapest car rentals in Italy. Rentals can start at $6.00 per day and are 60% cheaper than they are in places like Palermo. 

What is the Most Popular Type of Car to Rent in Tuscany? 🚗

Economy cars are the preferred choice for most travelers renting a car in Tuscany. an Economy car provides the perfect balance of comfort and affordability. Its compact size allows for easy maneuvering through narrow streets and tight parking spaces, while still providing ample space for luggage and a comfortable ride.

💡Okay, now that I have answered your question about why it is worth renting a car in Tuscany, I would like to provide you with some valuable information that will assist you in selecting the appropriate rental car in Tuscany. Additionally, I will share everything you need to know about renting a car safely in Tuscany and help you to save money!

rent a car in Tuscany

Helpful Tips When Renting a Car in Tuscany

🚗 RENT A CAR IN TUSCANY WITH A REPUTABLE COMPANY: My number 1 most important tip is to rent your car with a reputable rental car company such as the Discover Cars. I have booked with a local rental car before and I it was a horror story (read more below). The three times I rented my car in Tuscany with Discover Cars it went very smooth, and for this reason, they are the ones I recommend to my readers too.

🚗 WHEN TO RENT A CAR IN TUSCANY: If you are traveling from Rome to Tuscany I recommend joining a tour. If you are visiting the main cities in Tuscany, I recommend using public transportation. But if you want to explore the countryside, I really recommend renting a car in Tuscany, as it allows you the freedom to navigate Tuscany at your own pace and uncover its hidden gems. Plus, you have more flexibility to choose the right accommodation in Tuscany for you!

🚗 DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO RENT A CAR IN TUSCANY: 1) You must have a valid driver’s license from your home country, 2) International Driver’s Permit 3) a Passport or other identification 4) a Credit Card 5) Age requirements as most car rental companies typically request to be at least 21 years old

🚗 INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT: Non-European Union citizens will need, in addition to their driver’s license, an International Driver’s Permit along with their license to be able to drive in Italy. The IDP serves as a translation of your license and helps ensure smooth communication with the rental company and local authorities. So make sure you’ve got your documents in order before departing. Request your International Driving Permit at AAA.

🚗 NAVIGATION SYSTEMS: The majority of car rental agencies offer rentals with many extras including satellite GPS navigators and baby car seats at additional cost – the GPS navigator will surely prove to be useful during your vacation in Tuscany.

🚗 FUEL IN ITALY: In Italian, “carburante” and “benzina” are both generic words for gasoline/petrol. But diesel is diesel in Italian as well, so PAY ATTENTION and know what kind of car you’re renting so that you put the right type in the car.

🚗 BE AWARE OF TICKETS IN ITALY: I consider myself an excellent driver, as I have been driving for 25+ years and never had any infractions – well until I drive in Italy. The reality is: You will most likely get a ticket in Italy! Anytime when I have rented a car in Italy, I got a surprise charge on my credit card. The most common are parking, speed limit

rent a car in Tuscany

My Top Choice Rental Car in Tuscany

When figuring out how to rent a car in Tuscany in 2023, you need an online company to help you quickly and easily find the best rates possible. And Discover Cars is an amazing company. 

So, to rent a car in Tuscany just go to their website, enter your preferred pick-up location, and select your favorite rental car pick-up point. 

Now, since you are renting a car in Tuscany, you’ll probably want to pick up your rental car from ✈️ Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR). However, you could also pick up your rental from  ✈️ Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA). Personally, though, I find picking up a car from Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport to be a lot easier.

from Rome to Tuscany

Once you have all that data entered, you’ll want to sift through the results. Use the filter to filter the results by rating, not price. Remember, you get what you pay for. 

So, when it comes to a car rental in Tuscany, you want something reliable that won’t let you down. You also want excellent support from customer service representatives should anything go wrong. 

Therefore, I highly recommend that you only rent from places with a 🌟 rating of at least 7 out of 10 stars.  I have learned from my mistakes in the past, and since when I started to rent cars from a reliable company, I haven’t had a problem. 

DISCLAIMER: The information I am sharing about how to rent a car in Tuscany is based on my own experience. After all, I have rented cars many times in many different Italian cities. And while I have never had any issues with Discover Cars, I have no idea if that will be the case for you.

However, feel free to use my tips for how to rent a car in Tuscany and I hope you find them helpful. But, if you have any other questions, get in touch with Discover Cars directly before you rent a car in Tuscany. They are a pretty reputable company and have received 🌟4.6 out of 5.0 with 115,000+ reviews on the TrustPilot website.

Visiting florence cathedral

Always Choose Full Coverage with Discover Cars

If there is one thing that I never skimp on it’s insurance. It’s just way too risky since you can never predict when something bad is going to happen. And if you’re not prepared with proper coverage, you could ruin an otherwise amazing trip.

Therefore, I always select the Full Coverage option when renting with Discover Cars. In fact, their website mentions that around 85% of their customers go with a Full Coverage Policy. 

So, let go of some of the stress of renting a car in Tuscany and opt for a Full Coverage plan. This way, if anything should happen, you know that you will be taken care of and that Discover Cars has got your back. 

After all, for between just $10 and $13 USD per day, Discover Car will refund you for up to around $3291.00 worth of damage (or €3000). Talk about a total steal 😉

Plus, this policy includes everything from body damage to scratches to broken windows to lost keys. As a result, over 94% of customers are totally satisfied with the Full Coverage option. 

But, the best part? Claims are covered quickly and are settled, on average, within 48 hours. Therefore, excellent customer service specialists are always on hand to help you resolve your problems. This way you can stop stressing and start getting back to having fun with your car rental in Tuscany.

What’s Covered When Renting a Car in Tuscany with Discover Cars?

While Discover Cars is a company that I know, use, and love, you need to realize that not everything is covered with their Full Coverage plan. 

So, here is what is and is not covered when you choose full coverage with Discover Cars. 

WHAT IS COVERED: All exterior parts of the car (no exclusions), bodywork/roof, mirrors, refundable theft deductible, windshield/windows, undercarriage, tires/wheels, lockout fees/lost keys, towing fees, taxi fees, administrative fees, and fees for suppliers loss of use during repair. 

WHAT IS NOT COVERED: Third-party damages, damages incurred while not adhering to the terms of your rental agreement, damages from unforeseeable/uncontrollable events, cleaning costs, and damage to the interior of the car.

Will Car Rental Companies in Tuscany Honor This Policy?

Legally they are required to. Otherwise, this wouldn’t be a very good policy, now would it?

Thankfully it is an epic policy. And I have had no issues trying to honor it with any company that I have come in contact with. Therefore, it pays to rent and purchase policies from an exceptionally well-rated company with top-notch customer service like Discover Cars

Just be aware that when you pick up your car rental, most companies will try to convince you to use their coverage plan. But, don’t do it. It is usually more expensive and covers a lot less than the Discover Cars plan. Plus, the Discover Cars plan legally satisfies all Italian car rental insurance requirements.

In fact, I’ve found that the Discover Cars Full Coverage Policy is usually a lot cheaper than the policies offered by the car rental companies that give you your car.  Because while the Discover Cars policy is between $10 and $13 per day, direct policies can sometimes exceed $25 a day. 

That being said, you can always rent your car from Discover Cars and then purchase insurance from a local Italian company instead. This way you won’t miss out on Discover Car’s amazing no-fee cancellation policy and excellent prices. 

Now, if you decline to use their local insurance they will put a temporary monetary hold on your credit card. This amount is returned to you when you bring your car back with no damage. Typically, this amount is equal to the rental rate plus a security deposit. So, anywhere between $1097 USD (1000) and $2194 USD (2000).

But, if your car is returned with damage then they will deduct the value of the damage from your deposit. In this instance, just file a claim with Discover Cars for the amount of the damage and they will be able to settle things within 48 hours or less. 

Just remember that the value of this damage cannot exceed $3291.00 (or 3000). Otherwise, Discover Cars cannot reimburse you in full with their Full Coverage Policy.

rent a car in Tuscany

How do I File a Clam with Discover Cars?

Thankfully, filing a claim with Discover Cars is an incredibly easy thing to do. Just go back to your booking confirmation email, find your login credentials, and use them to log into the Discover Cars website or app. 

You’ll then go to the “My Booking” page and click “File a Claim.” All claims must be filed within 28 days of dropping off your rental car. Also, before you submit any claims, carefully read through the Terms and Conditions to make sure your claim will be covered.

And if you have any complaints, they will be examined and a decision will be made within 28 days (depending on how detailed the case is).

If you need to file a claim with Discover Cars, the process is easy. You’ll find your login credentials in your booking confirmation email, which you can use to login via your laptop or the Discover Cars app (📲 Android; 🍎 Apple).

rent a car in Tuscany

Horror Story Of Renting a Car in Tuscany at a Last Minute

Having traveled to Italy multiple times and rented cars on several occasions, I feel compelled to share an honest review with my readers.

During one of my trips to Tuscany, I decided to rent a car from a local rental agency in Florence (I won’t disclose the name, as many of them seem to operate similarly). My plan was to explore various towns in Tuscany for a day trip.

I had made a reservation the day before to pick up the car at 8 AM, eager to make the most of my well-planned itinerary. However, when I arrived at the agency, I was disheartened to find a remarkably long line. It took me around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete all the necessary paperwork and finally get the car.

To add to my woes, upon my return, the agency had already closed. I had to drop off the car at a different location and walk all the way back to my hotel. But the worst part of my ordeal unfolded when I returned to the US and started receiving additional charges on my credit card. The total sum amounted to around US$300, leaving me perplexed.

Upon contacting the company to inquire about the unexpected charges, I was met with poor customer service and little assistance from their end.

For this reason, my friend, I highly recommend booking your rental car in Tuscany with a reputable company like Discover Cars . In my experience with them, I encountered no surprises whatsoever. You can trust them for a smooth and hassle-free car rental experience in Tuscany, Rome, or wherever you travel.

Rent car in tuscany

Rental Car in Tuscany Conclusion

I hope you have gathered all the necessary information about renting a car in Tuscany. May you make a wise decision and enjoy exploring the captivating towns of Tuscany at your own pace, without any worries or stress. Stay safe and have a great trip!

If you have any more inquiries or tips to share, feel free to leave a comment below. I would be happy to connect with you.

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