Car Rental Insurance and Excess in Greece Explained

Every hire car in Greece comes with basic collision and theft cover, but with an excess you must pay before it applies. The excess on a standard rental often runs into several hundred euros, and tyres, glass and the underbody are usually excluded. This guide explains the cover, the excess and how to reduce what you are liable for.

A car on an open road through the Greek mountains — Greece rewards a car with mountain villages, empty beaches and roads few tourists drive.

Included: CDW + theft
You pay first: The excess
Often excluded: Tyres, glass, underbody
Reduce it: Excess policy

What car rental insurance covers in Greece

A Greek rental includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection as standard, which cap your liability for accident damage and theft. These are waivers rather than full insurance, so they reduce what you owe rather than removing it entirely. Third-party liability, which covers damage to other people and vehicles, is included by law.

What is the excess on a Greek hire car?

The excess is the amount you pay yourself before the CDW takes over, and it is held against your credit card at pickup. On a standard car the excess often runs from a few hundred to over a thousand euros, depending on the vehicle and agency. If you return the car undamaged, the hold is released, usually within a couple of weeks.

What car rental insurance does not cover

Basic cover leaves several common types of damage on you, which is where unexpected charges come from. Tyres, wheels, glass, the underbody, the interior and lost keys are typically excluded, as is any damage from driving off-road or on unsurfaced tracks. Read the exclusions before you sign, and photograph the car all round at pickup.

How to reduce your excess

Buy a standalone excess reimbursement policy before you travel, which is far cheaper than the desk's version.
Or take the agency's excess reduction (Super CDW) at pickup, which lowers or removes the excess for a daily fee.
Keep the pickup photos and the signed damage sheet, so any pre-existing marks are not charged to you.
Return the car with a full tank and on time, to avoid separate refuelling and late fees.

Frequently asked questions

What is the excess on a hire car in Greece?

The excess is the amount you pay before the collision waiver applies, often a few hundred to over a thousand euros, held against your credit card at pickup.

Does Greek car hire insurance cover everything?

No. Tyres, glass, the underbody, the interior, lost keys and off-road damage are usually excluded from the basic cover.

Should I buy excess insurance for Greece?

A standalone excess reimbursement policy bought before you travel is usually much cheaper than the excess reduction sold at the rental desk.

Is third-party insurance included in Greece?

Yes. Third-party liability, which covers damage to other people and vehicles, is included by law on every rental.