Stolen Keys then Stolen Car in Italy = Insurance Invalid???

Question

I just returned from 9 days in Sicily. We rented a car from Dollar / Thrifty Rental Cars in Palermo. On our 7th day our car was stolen, after our keys were stolen. We had taken the FULL Super CDR and Super TLR Insurance in addition to the basic Collision and Theft protection and the agents stated when we were at the rental counter that the Super Insurance would give us the best no deductible insurance and if anything happened we wouldn't be responsible. After our car was gone we were told by the Thrifty agent to pay 13,000 Euros (about $20,000 US) We thought our "Premium Rental Car Coverage" from American Express was our back-up coverage but American Express claims they have Italy on the "excluded countries list". There was a extremely hard to read fine print section on the back of the agreement they used to explain our liability. We understand nearly 1/3 of all stolen cars in Europe are from Italy.

I need advise on how to fight this issue pleas

Answer 1

Your story is simply incredible.

I’ve never used Thrifty, I have a competitor’s Golden Card n.1 (US company – can’t give you the name but you can guess) with no limitations at all on stolen cars. I also have an Amexco Gold (gave my Platinum back, didn’t need it), with full coverage in Italy, where I live, and most of Europe, plus an ACE Europe for extra coverage. There are some black listed countries (Eastern Europe), but it’s the first I hear of Italy being one. As far as stolen cars are concerned, the record is Germany, followed by Italy, from which organised crime “exports” stolen vehicles to Eastern Europe ( the current joke is “Come to Rumania, your car is already here” (used to be Poland). I don’t know where you live, but I’d insist with Thrifty that “stolen is stolen” and legally, “stolen keys” are part of the car, the ret is a follow up. Their only justification would be if they could prove your negligence. Insist, it’s ridiculous.

Your first step is an official protest to the Consumer Association, with a request for legal support.

Answer 2

If you took out the policy and it quite clearly stated theft was included then at most you should only pay the excess which should also be clearly shown on the document .

Answer 3

I am driving your car now. LOL.