I did some research on Italian car rental companies via Xiaohongshu and noticed various strategies they employ. It's recommended to purchase full insurance through the platform, as it's more cost-effective compared to buying it directly from the rental company. When returning the car, make sure the interior is kept clean to avoid risks. The shuttle driver from the rental company was nice and helped with luggage. The service was relatively fast, although the car provided was not the model I originally booked, but it was sufficient for use.

It's okay.

Good.

The car rental company's service was just okay. They charged 75 euros for cross-border and additional driver fees when picking up the car. What I was unhappy about was the 1800 euros deposit which still hasn't been released. Last time, I rented a BMW 3 Series and they only held 600 euros for a Jeep Compass.

The desk staff on pick up were really, really bad, and ripped us off. I had all of my documents, and my bank card said ‘MR J LENTON’, this is exactly how the bank issued it and I have no control over that. The staff refused to take my deposit based on that, and wouldn’t explain why, just said company policy. However, they then said they would accept it if I bought their extra insurance for €177 euros. Even though I already had the additional AXA insurance. I asked why having their insurance only made a difference many times and they wouldn’t give an answer, until finally they said ‘the car will then fully be covered, otherwise you’re liable for €1600. I said fine, take a €1600 deposit so then the car is fully covered. They refused. Again no reason, just ‘company policy’. So I solved their problem and they refused it. They continued to say they’d only accept my card if I got their extra insurance. So they have said it’s company policy to absolutely not accept that card. But then they were willing to bend the rules as soon as I gave them €177 for the extra insurance. It’s pure greed, and they held the car at ransom from me to get an upsell. I had to pay it, because I was not getting a car otherwise. So once I paid they let me use the card and put a hold on it, which is the very thing they said their company policy didn’t allow. I believe their practice is highly unethical, immoral, and illegal. I will never use them, nor Qeeq again.