The questions we get most often
Documents, deposit, insurance, delivery and cancellation, explained plainly.
How do I book online?
Choose your vehicle from the fleet, select the dates and pick-up location, enter your details and pay the 30% deposit. You will receive immediate confirmation by email with your voucher and pick-up details.
How much do I save by booking on the website?
When you book on ortigiarentsiracusa.it you choose between two rates:
- Smart — 5% off, non-refundable.
- Flex — full price, free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up.
Can I amend my booking?
Yes, changes to dates, times and pick-up location are always free of charge, subject to availability. Write to us at info@ortigiarentsiracusa.it or call our staff at least 24 hours in advance.
Can I cancel my booking?
It depends on the rate you chose when booking.
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What happens if I arrive late for pick-up?
Pick-up at our Ortigia shop: the time stays the one you booked. If you arrive later, the rental still starts at the time on the booking and ends as scheduled.
Delivery to your address, hotel or a partner point: there is a 30-minute grace period. Beyond that, let the staff know on WhatsApp: without notice the vehicle may be reassigned and a €50 fee applies.
Can I be refunded if I return the vehicle earlier than planned?
No. Once the rental has started, the amount paid is not refunded for early return.
Which documents must I bring to the pick-up?
Bring the original, physical documents: valid ID (identity card or passport), valid driving licence and a credit card in the main driver's name.
A copy on your phone is not enough: in Italy a digital document has no legal value for non-Italian citizens. Without the originals we cannot hand over the vehicle.
Which driving licence do I need to rent a scooter?
- 50cc scooter: from age 18, AM licence. A1, A2, A or B are also valid.
- 125cc scooter: from age 18, A1 licence. An Italian category B licence is also valid; a foreign B licence is not enough.
- 150-350cc scooter: from age 18, A2 licence.
- e-Bike: no licence required, from age 18.
Which driving licence do I need for a car/van?
A valid category B licence held for at least 2 years. Car and van rental starts at age 19.
Can I add a second driver?
Yes, on cars and vans: the additional driver costs €10.98 and is added among the extras when booking or at pick-up. They must hold a valid licence and sign the contract.
On scooters a second driver is not allowed: only the person named on the contract may ride.
Which insurance is included?
Every vehicle carries unlimited third-party liability insurance as required by law, plus theft and fire cover. The Standard cover has an excess in case of damage or theft.
How much is the excess with the Standard cover?
It depends on the vehicle. On scooters:
- €500 — Askoll electric, 50cc and 125cc
- €750 — Vespa 50cc and Piaggio Medley 125cc
- €1,500 — Piaggio Beverly 300/350cc
- €1,800 — Piaggio Vespa GTS 300cc
The excess for the vehicle you are booking is always shown on its page and in the summary, before you pay.
Can I reduce the excess?
Yes, by choosing a higher cover when booking:
- Super — the excess drops to €150, €300 or €500 depending on the vehicle.
- Super Plus — zero excess.
The price of each cover and the remaining excess are shown next to the cover, before you pay.
What happens in the event of an accident?
Fill in the European Accident Statement (CID) straight away, take photographs of the incident and contact the Ortigia Rent staff on the emergency number shown on your contract. The excess is charged according to the cover you have taken out.
Where do I pick up the vehicle?
Our main office is the Ortigia Shop at Viale Mazzini 2, Siracusa. You can also pick up the vehicle at these points, with a delivery fee that varies from point to point:
- Siracusa: Fontane Bianche, Arenella Resort, Porto di Ognina, Grand Hotel Minareto, San Giovanni, Railway Station, Lido Varco 23 (Plemmirio). Scooters only: Castello Maniace, Greek Theatre, AST bus stop, Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel, Hotel Parco delle Fontane, Hotel Villa Politi, Hotel Sbarcadero, Whitebay Resort, FV Hotels Spiagge Bianche, B&B Villa Isola Resort, El Cubano Bar, Samoa Club, Lido Fly Beach.
- Cassibile (scooters only): Bar Nazionale.
- Avola: Railway Station square. Scooters only: Lido Eden, Glamping Paradiso del Mare, Campeggio Sabbiadoro.
- Noto: Piazza Stazione, Dimora delle Balze. Scooters only: Noto Marina (Piazza della Colonia), Largo Balata, Lido San Lorenzo.
- Brucoli: Sud Cafè, Brucoli Village.
- Catania: Catania-Fontanarossa Airport.
- Pozzallo and Santa Maria del Focallo: Pozzallo Marina, Santa Maria del Focallo shopping centre.
The search form only shows the points available for the vehicle you choose, each with its fee.
What are the pick-up times?
Every point has its own opening hours: you find them on the point's page and in the search form, where you pick the day and time — the form only offers the hours when that point is open.
For a pick-up outside those hours write to the staff: it can be arranged, with a surcharge.
Do I have to return the vehicle with a full tank?
Yes, the vehicle must be returned with the same fuel level as at pick-up (usually a full tank). Otherwise, the cost of refuelling plus a €15 service fee will be charged.
Can I return the vehicle to a different location from where I picked it up?
Yes, on request at the time of booking. A transfer surcharge may apply for drop-off in a different city.
Is a security deposit required?
Yes, at pick-up, on a credit card in the driver's name:
- €150 — 50cc scooters
- €300 — 125cc and 150cc scooters
- €500 — 300cc and 350cc scooters
- €300 — cars (Fiat Panda and Fiat Tipo)
- €500 — vans and minibuses
It is released after the vehicle comes back in the condition it left in.
Which payment methods do you accept?
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Klarna. Bank transfer for rentals of more than 7 days with 5 working days' notice.
When is the balance charged?
The 30% deposit is charged when you confirm online. The balance is due when you pick up the vehicle.
Do the prices include VAT?
Yes, all rates published on the website are already inclusive of VAT at 22%.
What does the rental include?
Helmet for the rider, unlimited third-party liability as required by law, theft and fire cover and roadside assistance.
Mileage is unlimited on cars, vans and scooters from 125cc up. 50cc scooters have riding restrictions (no main extra-urban roads, ring roads or motorways), while Piaggio Beverly 300/350 and Vespa 300 include 100 km for each rental day, then €0.20 per km.
Roadside assistance covers 35 km for every vehicle from the pick-up point.
Can two people travel on the scooter?
Yes, a passenger is allowed. The second helmet is not free: add it among the extras when booking, or ask for it at pick-up. The rental price includes the rider's helmet only.
Is the helmet included?
Yes: the rider's helmet is always included in the price, on every scooter and for the whole rental.
The second helmet, for the passenger, is paid for and is added among the extras.
Can I leave Siracusa with the vehicle?
Cars, vans and scooters of 125cc and above may be driven throughout Italy with unlimited mileage. 50cc scooters may not be used on main extra-urban roads, motorways or ring roads.
Am I covered by roadside assistance?
Yes, and it is included in the price. The radius is 35 km for every vehicle, measured from the pick-up point. Beyond that distance assistance is available at a charge.
Do you offer delivery to my accommodation or hotel?
Yes, we deliver to hotels, private addresses and partner points across south-eastern Sicily.
Delivery has a cost, which differs from one point to another: you see it when you choose the delivery point, before paying.