Car hire in Sicily

Driving in Sicily: Essential Rules

• Side of the road: Traffic drives on the right across Sicily, as throughout mainland Italy.
• Mandatory equipment: A warning triangle and a reflective hi-vis vest (one per occupant, kept within reach of the driver's seat rather than in the boot) must be carried at all times.
• Toll roads: Sicily's toll network is smaller and cheaper than the mainland's. The A19 Palermo–Catania motorway is free. The A18 Messina–Catania and A20 Messina–Palermo carry tolls, charged at a lower rate than typical Italian autostrada tolls. Most hire cars do not come fitted with an automatic toll tag as standard, so confirm the payment method with the supplier at collection.
• Speed cameras: Fixed and mobile cameras operate across the island, and stretches of the A18 and A20 use average-speed ("Tutor") systems that calculate speed between two points rather than at a single camera.
• Alcohol limit: The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. It drops to zero for drivers who have held a licence for under three years.
• Mobile phones: Handheld phone use while driving is prohibited. A hands-free system is required for calls.
• Restricted traffic zones (ZTL): Nearly every historic centre in Sicily — including Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Cefalù, Trapani, and Siracusa's Ortigia district — operates a camera-enforced ZTL. Entering without authorisation typically results in a fine issued by post, sometimes weeks after the trip. Watch for the circular white sign with a red border and divert around the old town rather than through it.

Sicily Car Hire Insurance

Every car hire listed on eCarBookers in Sicily includes the supplier's standard collision damage waiver (CDW) in the basic rate. Standard CDW carries an excess — the amount you would be responsible for in the event of damage. Excess amounts vary by supplier and vehicle class, and the exact figure is displayed clearly before you confirm your booking, so there are no surprises at the desk.

If you prefer to drive with no excess at all, fully comprehensive zero-excess cover is available directly from your supplier when you collect the car. The cover comes from the hire company itself, not from a third-party insurer — so once added, there is no separate policy, no paying the excess upfront, and no reimbursement claim to file. Because your booking confirmation shows the standard excess that applies, you arrive knowing exactly what the cover replaces.

It is worth noting that certain situations fall outside standard CDW cover across the car hire industry. Tyres, glass, underbody damage, lost or damaged keys, and a flat battery caused by driver error — such as leaving the lights on while the vehicle is unattended — are typically not covered and may result in a separate charge if they occur. These situations are uncommon in everyday driving, but it is good practice to check your booking confirmation for the specific cover terms applicable to your hire, as scope can vary by supplier.

Sicily is an island, and taking a hire car onto a ferry to mainland Italy or to other Italian islands is not automatically covered by every supplier. Confirm any cross-water travel with your supplier before you rely on it.

Popular Car Hire Locations

Sicily's main pick-up points sit at its two international airports and in its principal cities and resort towns, including:

• Palermo
• Catania
• Taormina
• Cefalù
• Trapani
• Siracusa
• Agrigento