I have been meaning to write about our last experience (Oct/Nov, 2019). We always use Auto Europe, and pick up our car at FCO. We did choose Hertz for price. We were staying in Montepulciano, which is a regular trip for us. Three days before our last day, we found the battery dead. We did have a standard transmission, so my husband was able to push it down an incline, and jump start it. I'm not sure everyone can do that, however. I would not be able to do that. We thought we might have left a dome light on or something, and Nico had his helper charge the battery, and start the car for us. We didn't have any problems the rest of the day. Our departure flight out of Rome was around noon on Monday, so we were packed and ready to leave Nico's around 5:00 a.m. Bags in the car, and it wouldn't start. Dark outside, and we now start to panic, as it was a Monday, and we knew there would be a lot of rush hour traffic in Rome. Fortunately, my husband was able to push the car down the incline again, and got it started.
When we got to Rome, we tried to explain what had happened, and they were not interested at all. Also, a language issue. When we got home, my husband, who is President's Circle with Hertz, wrote to them, and explained what happened. NEVER heard back. Since no one was interested in Rome, I hate to think they might have rented that car to someone after our return. This could have been a true nightmare, if we hadn't made it to Rome for our return flight. Won't be using Hertz in Italy anymore.