When it comes to renting a car, you want a service that’s reliable, convenient, and offers great value for money. DRIVALIA, a company specializing in mobility services, promises just that with its innovative solutions and competitive rates.
But does it live up to the hype?
In this article, we’ll explore DRIVALIA car rental reviews, highlighting the pros and cons, maintenance tips, and comparing it with other brands. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether DRIVALIA is the right choice for your car rental needs.
My DRIVALIA Nightmare – A Firsthand Tale
Let me set the scene. I’d booked a car with DRIVALIA for a weekend getaway in Italy, picking it up at Milano Linate airport. The plan was simple: grab the keys, hit the road, and soak in some much-needed freedom.
I’d paid upfront online, opting for their basic package because, hey, I’m not made of money. The confirmation email clearly stated Linate as my pickup spot, so I figured everything was set. Boy, was I wrong.
When I arrived at the DRIVALIA desk, the two clerks behind the counter looked at me like I’d just asked for a spaceship. “Your reservation’s for Malpensa,” one of them said, shrugging. I pulled up the email on my phone—clear as day, it said Linate.
They didn’t even blink. “We can’t do anything,” they mumbled, offering me two genius solutions: take a bus 50 kilometers to Malpensa or book a new car and pay again while “maybe” getting a refund later.
I tried calling their customer service line—unreachable. One of the clerks actually laughed and said, “Yeah, they never pick up.” Great.
I was fuming, but then a guy named Adel showed up. He seemed to be the only one with a pulse, calling a manager to sort it out. An hour later, I finally had a car—but it wasn’t the one I’d booked.
It was some beat-up hatchback with a half-empty tank and a funky smoke smell that clung to my clothes. I drove it anyway, because at that point, I just wanted to get out of there. When I dropped it off, no one was around to check it.
I figured I was in the clear—until two days later, when my bank account got hit with a 350-euro charge for “damages” I didn’t cause. No proof, no explanation, just a silent swipe from DRIVALIA. I emailed, called, begged for a response. Nothing.
That was my DRIVALIA experience: a stressful, costly disaster that left me wishing I’d taken the train instead.
Pros of DRIVALIA – What They Get Right (When They Feel Like It)
Okay, I’ll give credit where it’s due—DRIVALIA isn’t a total trainwreck 100% of the time. When things go smoothly (a rare event), there are a few perks worth mentioning. Here’s what I found they occasionally pull off, based on my ordeal and some begrudgingly positive reviews I’ve seen.
- Affordable Pricing (If You Dodge the Hidden Fees)
On the surface, DRIVALIA’s rates are a steal.
I snagged my rental for what seemed like a bargain compared to the big-name brands. For budget travelers like me, that’s a huge draw.
Some folks online even rave about getting a decent car for peanuts—think 200 euros for nine days in Northern Italy.
If you’re lucky enough to avoid the extra charges (more on that later), it can feel like you’ve won the rental lottery.
- Electric Vehicle Options
I’ll admit, their focus on electric cars is pretty cool. DRIVALIA pushes this “Planet Mobility” vibe, offering EVs that appeal to anyone trying to cut their carbon footprint. I didn’t get one myself (thanks, mix-up), but the idea of zipping around in a quiet, eco-friendly ride is a big plus.
They’ve got charging stations across Europe too, which could make life easier if you’re renting in a place like Italy where gas stations aren’t always convenient.
- Decent Cars (When They’re Available)
When DRIVALIA actually delivers, the cars can be solid. Some renters report getting new or nearly new vehicles—like an MG SUV instead of a basic Fiat.
My hatchback was a letdown, but it ran fine despite the smell. If you hit the jackpot, you might end up with something clean and reliable that doesn’t scream “rental clunker.”
- Helpful Staff (If You Find the Right One)
Adel, the guy who saved my bacon at Linate, is proof that not every DRIVALIA employee is a robot. There are scattered stories of staff going above and beyond—like Grace at the Vaticano location or Scott at a UK branch.
When you get a good one, it’s a lifeline. Too bad it’s a roll of the dice.
These pros sound nice, don’t they? But here’s the catch: they’re inconsistent. You might get a cheap, electric dream car with a friendly agent—or you might get my nightmare. For me, the good stuff wasn’t enough to outweigh the chaos.
Cons of DRIVALIA – Where They Crash and Burn
Now, let’s talk about why DRIVALIA left me—and so many others—seeing red. The bad reviews aren’t exaggerating; they’re a neon sign screaming “steer clear.” Here’s the ugly truth from my experience and the online horror show.
- Shady Charges Out of Nowhere
My 350-euro “damage” charge still haunts me. No proof, no discussion—just a hit to my bank account. Others report the same: 400 euros for imaginary dents, 31 euros for gas when they’d just filled up, even 930 euros for “returning the car dirty” when it was spotless.
It’s like DRIVALIA’s got a side hustle scamming renters, and their customer service? A ghost town. Good luck getting your money back.
- Nonexistent Customer Support
I called, emailed, and prayed for a response after that charge. Nada. Other renters echo this: “They vanish after you pay,” one said.
Another waited four months for a refund on a 1,000-euro tire replacement—with zero replies. If something goes wrong (and it will), you’re on your own. That’s not a rental company; that’s a brick wall.
- Booking Mix-Ups and Bait-and-Switch Tactics
My Linate-Malpensa fiasco wasn’t unique. People book at one location, show up, and get told, “Oops, wrong spot!” Or they reserve a car, arrive late due to a flight delay, and find it’s gone—then get upsold a pricier model.
One guy paid for a Mini Countryman and got a Mazda 2. It’s sloppy, deceptive, and maddening.
- Subpar Vehicles and No Accountability
That smoky, half-fueled car I got? Not an isolated case. Renters report cars with broken seatbelts, bald tires, or 50% charge on EVs—hardly safe or usable.
Worse, when you return it, there’s often no one to inspect it. Next thing you know, you’re billed for “damage” you didn’t cause. It’s a trap, and they know it.
- Rude and Useless Staff
The clerks at Linate who laughed about their unreachable helpline? That’s DRIVALIA’s vibe. Reviews are packed with tales of surly agents, slow service, and zero effort to fix problems.
One guy said staff “couldn’t care less” about a car breakdown, leaving him stranded. You’re not a customer to them—you’re a nuisance.
The cons pile up fast, don’t they? For every pro, there’s a dozen dealbreakers. I learned the hard way that DRIVALIA’s cheap rates come with a steep price—your sanity.
Tips – Keeping Your DRIVALIA Rental (Barely) Roadworthy
If you’re stubborn enough to rent from DRIVALIA despite my warnings, you’ll need to play defense. Their cars can be a gamble, so here’s how I’d keep one running—and avoid those sneaky charges—based on my mess and others’ tips.
- Check Everything Before You Drive Off: I didn’t inspect my car closely enough, and I paid for it. Take photos of every inch—tires, seats, dashboard, fuel gauge, even the odometer. One renter proved a “missing handle” was already gone with pickup pics. Video the handover too. It’s your shield against bogus damage claims.
- Top Off the Tank Yourself: DRIVALIA loves slapping gas fees on you—like that 31-euro charge for a tank filled 17 kilometers away. I’d refuel as close to the drop-off as possible, snap a receipt pic, and note the mileage. They’re picky about “like-for-like” fuel levels, so don’t give them an excuse.
- Test the Basics: Broken seatbelts or bald tires? Nope. I’d have rejected that smoky hatchback if I’d checked it properly. Start the engine, test the brakes, flip on the lights—make sure it’s safe. If it’s an EV, confirm the charge level. Demand a swap if anything’s off; don’t let them shrug it away.
- Document the Return: No rep at drop-off? That’s DRIVALIA’s trick. I got burned because no one checked my car. Take more photos—time-stamped if you can—and note the exact condition. One guy avoided a 400-euro fee by proving the car was fine when he left it. Cover your bases.
- Keep Records of Everything: Receipts, emails, photos—hoard them like treasure. I wish I’d been more obsessive; it might’ve helped my refund fight. If DRIVALIA pulls a fast one, you’ll need ammo. Email yourself a backup too, just in case.
These steps might save you some grief, but honestly, why bother? With DRIVALIA, you’re babysitting their mess instead of enjoying your trip. I’d rather spend my energy on gelato than tire tread.
DRIVALIA Vs. The Big Players – A Rental Showdown
Let’s throw DRIVALIA into the ring with some rental champs—Enterprise, Alamo, Thrifty, and SIXT—and see who comes out swinging. I’ve tangled with DRIVALIA’s mess firsthand, and I’ve rented from these other players too.
Spoiler: DRIVALIA’s low prices and eco-talk don’t hold a candle to the reliability you’ll crave on the road. Here’s the blow-by-blow, so you can pick a winner before your next trip.
- DRIVALIA Vs. Enterprise – Price Vs. Peace of Mind
DRIVALIA lured me in with rates that made my jaw drop—200 euros for a week versus Enterprise’s 300 or 350. I thought I’d scored a steal, perfect for a tight budget like mine. But then came the gut punch: a 350-euro “damage” charge I didn’t deserve, no explanation, no recourse.
They’ve never pulled that on me. Sure, you’ll shell out more upfront—I rented a midsize from them once for a road trip and paid closer to 400—but what you get is a car that works, staff who give a damn, and no post-trip surprises on your credit card.
Enterprise holds your booking even if your flight’s delayed; DRIVALIA ditched mine because I was “late.” You’re trading a few bucks for sanity here—Enterprise wins unless you love playing refund roulette.
- DRIVALIA Vs. Alamo – Availability Vs. Chaos
Alamo’s not as dirt-cheap as DRIVALIA—think 250 euros for what DRIVALIA might offer at 200—but they’ve got their ducks in a row.
My DRIVALIA nightmare at Linate?
Alamo would’ve fixed that mess faster than you can say “where’s my car?”
I booked with Alamo once in the States, and even when my pickup time shifted, they had a ride waiting—no “take a bus to Malpensa” nonsense like DRIVALIA’s clerks suggested.
Alamo’s got more locations, so you’re not stuck if plans change, and their cars are there when you need them. DRIVALIA brags about electric options, but what’s the point if they can’t deliver?
Alamo sticks to gas mostly, but I’d rather roll in a reliable sedan than chase a phantom EV. You want a rental you can count on? Alamo’s your MVP.
- DRIVALIA Vs. Thrifty – Budget Battle Royale
Thrifty and DRIVALIA slug it out in the budget bracket—both can dip below 200 euros for a quick rental.
I grabbed a Thrifty car once for a weekend jaunt, and yeah, it was basic—a little scratched-up compact—but it ran fine, no weird smells, no drama.
DRIVALIA?
I got a smoky hatchback and a bonus 350-euro bill for “damages” I didn’t cause.
Thrifty’s not fancy, and their customer service won’t win Oscars (I waited 20 minutes on hold once), but they pick up the phone—DRIVALIA’s line might as well be a dead end.
Online, Thrifty gets flak for slow check-ins, but I’ve never seen them slap on 400-euro fees like DRIVALIA’s known for. Both are cheap, but Thrifty doesn’t feel like a scam waiting to happen. You’re watching pennies? Thrifty’s the safer bet.
- DRIVALIA Vs. SIXT – Style Vs. Substance
SIXT is the flashy one—350 euros might get you a BMW while DRIVALIA’s pushing a Fiat for 200.
I rented from SIXT in Germany once, and man, that car turned heads; DRIVALIA’s beat-up ride just turned my stomach with its smoke stench.
DRIVALIA’s big flex is their electric fleet, and I’ll give them props for that—SIXT’s got some EVs now, but they’re still gas-heavy.
Thing is, SIXT delivers quality every time: spotless interiors, full tanks, and staff who hustle to fix hiccups.
DRIVALIA’s crew laughed when I couldn’t reach their helpline; SIXT’s team once swapped my car in 10 minutes flat when the AC died. SIXT costs more, no doubt, but you’re not begging for a refund or praying the battery holds. You want a rental that feels like a treat, not a trick? SIXT’s your splurge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
DRIVALIA is part of CA Auto Bank, an Italian-based financial group tied to Stellantis, the mega-corp behind brands like Fiat and Peugeot. It’s a big family, but that doesn’t mean DRIVALIA inherits good customer service genes—trust me, it doesn’t.
DRIVALIA’s a mobility company offering rentals, subscriptions, and car-sharing across 13 European countries, including Italy. They push electric vehicles and “innovative solutions,” but my experience—and tons of reviews—shows they’re more about headaches than breakthroughs.
Tough to crown a champ, but I’d pick Hertz or Avis over DRIVALIA any day. They’re pricier, sure, but you get reliability, real support, and no shady charges. For Italy, locals on forums like Rick Steves’ swear by Europcar too. Your call—just don’t say I didn’t warn you about DRIVALIA.
Yes, if you’re hitting rural spots like Tuscany or the coast—public transport can’t touch those vibes. But it’s a hassle in cities like Rome or Florence; parking’s a nightmare, and trains are easier. If you do rent, pick a company that won’t screw you over. (Hint: not DRIVALIA.)
Conclusion – Save Yourself The Headache
After my DRIVALIA debacle—and seeing the avalanche of bad reviews—I can’t recommend this company to anyone. Sure, the low prices and electric cars sound great, but the reality is a gamble not worth taking.
Hidden fees, rude staff, and customer service that’s MIA turned my trip into a stress fest, and I’m not alone. You deserve better than a rental that might leave you stranded or broke. Stick to the tried-and-true brands or, frankly, just take the train—Italy’s got a killer rail system anyway.
DRIVALIA’s promises are a shiny trap; don’t fall for it like I did. Your wallet and sanity will thank you.
