It is worth paying extra for an unlimited mileage contract.
Car rental becomes very expensive if you have to pay per mile or per kilometre and it's difficult to calculate how much you're going to be spending.
If its only 3 days Gareth I expect you know what you are going to do in those 3 days
The other thing to think about is insurance. You need to be covered for loss or damage to your hire vehicle and its contents, as well as to any other vehicle and its occupants if you are involved in a collision.
Check your own holiday insurance, car insurance and household insurance, and see what cover you already have in relation to car rental.
You may, for example, be covered for stolen contents. You certainly don't want to be paying for the same thing twice.
Car hire contracts will talk about LDW or CDW - loss or collision damage waiver.
This is often expensive - almost as much as the car hire itself - but without it you are responsible for the cost of repairing even the slightest damage to the hire vehicle.
If you pay for the rental with American Express or a gold Visa or MasterCard, you may well already have LDW or CDW, so check before your trip.
Personal liability insurance - also called personal accident insurance - is optional but recommended. Again, check whether your home or holiday insurance already includes it.
Always read the small print. You never know what additional expenses or unusual clauses you might find. You know what those Italians are like
For instance, are you allowed to drive the car wherever you want? You might want to drive off-road so check that the rental company allows it.
What happens if you cross a country border? Are you still covered?
Make sure any existing bumps or scratches you spot are also noted by the hire firm before you take the car away.
The agreement will usually state that the car is given to you with a full tank of petrol, and returned with one.
So check that the tank really is full when you collect the car. And fill it up yourself when you return it or you may get charged a filling fee as well as for the fuel. As I know to my cost
Most companies insist you prove you are over 25, and that you have a credit card.
They will want to take an imprint as a deposit. If you do not have a credit card, cash or travellers cheques may suffice.
I am not sure how it works pre booking in advance I expect they take the money a few days before you pick the car up.
You will also need a valid driver's licence. This must be presented at time of rental.
If your licence is not in English,
an International Driver's Permit (IDP) may be required.
Some countries also insist on an IDP if your driving licence does not have a photograph on it.
IDPs are available from the major motoring associations, the AA, Green Flag and the RAC.
It usually takes 10 days to process an IDP application, although you can speed up the process for an additional fee.
Applications for IDPs can also be made at selected post offices - apply in person with original documents (forms available at post office counters).
An IDP lasts one year, but it is important to note that it is only valid when accompanied by an original licence.
Also make sure you have photocopies of all your relevant insurance documents and a copy of the hire agreement if it was sent to you at home.