Car rental at Palermo (PMO): deposit, damage and fuel charges
Renting a car at Palermo airport in Italy? Here is what the rental firm must prove if it charges you after the rental, and where to complain. Facts only; we do not rate firms.
The rules in Italy
The party claiming payment has to prove the facts (Article 2697 of the Italian Civil Code). Pre-written clauses shifting this onto you may be unfair.
Local complaint route
Italy has no statutory complaint book. Complain to the firm in writing and keep proof of sending. Consumer authority: AGCM – Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato.
Cross-border help
If you live in another EU country (or Iceland or Norway), the European Consumer Centre in your country helps for free and works with the ECC in Italy. Centro Europeo Consumatori Italia (ECC-Net Italia)
At the desk and in the car park
- Read the fuel policy, excess and deposit before you sign; refuse extras you do not want.
- Make sure every existing mark is on the pickup report.
- Film a slow walk-around of the car and photograph the fuel gauge and mileage.
- At return, ask for an inspection with you present and a signed report.
- Check that the deposit hold is released.
Upload your agreement, invoice or card statement and see what the firm must prove, your red flags and which routes apply.
Run the free checkFirm pages
Published facts about rental firms common at Southern European airports: legal entity, official complaint channel, ECRCS membership and public regulator decisions. No ratings.
Checked 2026-11-14. Facts with sources; corrections welcome at [email protected].