My comments were sort of lightly intended (thus the , clever fellow that I am) towards HAPPY and it was not with the substance of his response to USAFAN that I was referring, but rather the tone. I am sure the info passed on is informative but I believe we tend often to consider things said with at least some regard to HOW they are said.

USAFAN, are you sure that even the premium AMEX coverage would be in effect in Italy? My understanding is that ANY AMEX card auto rental protection does not apply in Italy and the aforementioned other countries. You might want to check that again if in your secret decisions (Again, this is said with a very large just so no one misunderstands ) you are considering going with AMEX coverage. Otherwise, I personally would be very interested in your choice and you should feel free to PM me if you would be so kind and with the assurance that I shall not in any way criticize, belittle, disparage, or otherwise doubt your thoughts. I can use any help I can find in making a better decision. With my luck, on my first rental day I am likely to run into a tractor trailer filled with toxic materials that would pollute the entire country and for which I would be sued for all my limited resources and those of my children, grandchildren, etc.