Originally Posted by
rcspeirs
Check the car very carefully for existing damage BEFORE you leave the rental depot. Damage control (across Europe) is much stricter than many north American customers are used to - and given the way they did in Italy I wouldn't be surprised if the vehicle already has scrapes. In the UK, the damage control process now includes photos of the car and any existing damage, but not sure if that's been launched in Italy yet.
I second this - give the car the same going over you'd give to a new car you're purchasing. Any defect or damage that you would note on a brand new car should be noted on the damage form.