Winter is one of the best times to see Italy without the crowds. Rome, Florence and the historic towns of Puglia are quieter, Sicily stays relatively mild, and the Alps and Apennines turn into ski country. A hire car makes it far easier to reach hill towns, vineyards and ski resorts that trains and buses serve only occasionally.
Locauto is an Italian rental company that says it has been in business for over 40 years, with car and van offices across Italy. This guide looks at what UK travellers should know before booking a winter rental with Locauto, based on information on its English-language website checked on 4 November 2026. Rates and terms can change, so always confirm the details for your booking.
Contents
Locauto at a Glance
| Feature | What Locauto says (4 Nov 2026) | Why it matters in winter |
|---|---|---|
| Winter safety devices | Already included in the rental rate | Snow tyres or chains may be required on many roads |
| Payment options | Web rate prepaid online, or standard rate paid at pickup | Prepaying can lock in your price |
| Security deposit | Credit card in the driver’s name; debit and prepaid cards not accepted | Plan your cards before you travel |
| Smart Check-In | Complete rental paperwork before arrival | Less time at the desk on short winter days |
| Tollpass device | Optional, with unlimited use and tolls included | Useful for long motorway drives |
| Young drivers | Young driver service mandatory for ages 19 to 24; Locauto Young for new drivers | Budget for the extra cost |
Winter Equipment: Included in the Rate
Italy has rules on winter equipment. Many regions and road operators require vehicles to carry snow chains or be fitted with winter tyres during the cold months, typically from mid-November to mid-April, on roads marked with the relevant signs. The details vary by road and region, so check before you drive into the mountains.
Locauto states on its extra services page that winter safety devices are already included in the rental rate. That is a useful point to compare, as some rental companies charge extra for chains or winter tyres. Ask at the desk which equipment your car has and how to use it, especially if you plan to drive to a ski resort.
ZTL Zones: The Biggest Trap for Visitors
Many Italian towns and cities have a Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL), a restricted traffic zone in the historic centre. Entry points are usually monitored by cameras, and driving in during restricted hours without a permit can trigger a fine. Signs show the zone and its hours, as in the photo above, but they are easy to miss when you are following a sat nav.
Fines are generally sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle, which for a hire car is the rental company. Rental companies typically pass on the driver’s details and may charge an admin fee, so a fine can arrive weeks after you get home. Locauto’s own blog publishes ZTL and parking information for several destinations, such as Ostuni, Monopoli and Chioggia, which is worth reading before you visit those towns. If your hotel is inside a ZTL, ask it whether it can register your number plate for access.
Choosing a Car
Small cars are the sensible choice for Italian winter trips. Narrow streets in old towns, tight parking spaces and winding mountain roads all favour a compact car. Locauto’s Young range, for example, lists the Fiat Panda and Opel Corsa or similar, both easy to park and economical on fuel.
If you are travelling as a family with ski gear, consider a larger car or an estate. Check the luggage capacity shown when you book, and remember that roof boxes and ski racks may need to be requested in advance.
Deposits, Payment and Check-In
Locauto’s website lists two ways to pay: a web rate that is prepaid online by credit or debit card, and a standard rate paid when you pick up the vehicle. However, a credit card in the main driver’s name is required at pickup for the security deposit, and the company says debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the deposit. Make sure your credit card has enough available limit, as the hold can be significant.
Smart Check-In lets you complete the rental paperwork before you arrive, which can save time at busy airport desks. Bring your UK driving licence and passport, and check whether you need any additional documents for your trip.
Young and Newly Licensed Drivers
Locauto lists a young driver service as mandatory for drivers aged 19 to 24, so expect to pay more if you are in that age group. For newly licensed drivers it offers Locauto Young, which it describes as all-inclusive rates with full damage and theft coverage, now also available for rentals of 1 to 12 months. The booking form asks for the driver’s age and when the licence was issued.
Extras Worth Considering
- Smart Cover: removes liability for damage to bodywork, glass, windows, tyres and wheels, and the theft deductible, according to Locauto.
- Don’t Worry: removes liability for theft and damage including mechanics and interior, and includes Accident Protection and Roadside Plus.
- Tollpass device: unlimited use of the Italian motorway network with tolls included.
- Child seats and booster seats: required by law for young children.
- Additional driver or carpooling: lets more people share the driving on long routes.
- Bau the way: a dog transport kit for travelling with a pet.
Compare the cost of these extras against any car hire excess insurance you already have, so you do not pay twice for the same cover.
Winter Driving Tips for Italy
- Daylight is short in December and January, so plan long drives for the morning.
- Mountain passes can close after heavy snow; check local road reports before setting out.
- Fuel stations in rural areas may close at lunchtime and on Sundays, though many have self-service pumps.
- Keep your headlights on outside built-up areas, as Italian rules require dipped headlights on motorways and main roads.
- Park in marked bays: blue lines usually mean paid parking, white lines are often free, and yellow lines are reserved.
Final Thoughts
Winter car hire in Italy can be good value and opens up places that are hard to reach by public transport. Locauto’s inclusion of winter devices in the rate is a practical plus, but read the terms on deposits, young drivers and insurance carefully, and learn the ZTL rules for any town you plan to visit. You can compare offices, cars and current rates on the Locauto website.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Information was checked on 4 November 2026 and may change; always check the terms of your rental and local driving rules.