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Frequently Asked Questions

Practical answers for renting a car in Greece through Rentaki.

12 topics 57 questions

Rentaki is a marketplace that connects you with verified rental partners across Greece. General guidance below applies to most bookings; specific age limits, deposits, insurance excess, and pickup arrangements are set by each company and shown on the car listing and checkout before you confirm.

Topic 01

Renting in Greece

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Do I need a car in Greece?

For city breaks with good public transport, you may not. For islands, villages, and flexible coastal routes, a rental car is usually the most practical way to explore at your own pace.

Is it worth renting a car on a Greek island?

Yes, for most travelers. Buses and taxis cover main towns, but a car makes it easy to reach quieter beaches, mountain villages, and viewpoints that are hard to reach otherwise.

Is driving in Greece difficult?

Most visitors adapt quickly. Main roads are generally good; on islands and in villages roads can be narrow, winding, or steep. Drive with caution, especially at night or in busy resort areas.

Topic 02

Booking on Rentaki

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How do I book a car on Rentaki?

Search by location and dates, compare cars from verified partners, choose insurance and extras, then complete checkout. You receive a booking reference by email once your request is submitted.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking as early as possible for summer and popular islands to secure availability and better rates. Some partners accept same-day bookings, but choice may be limited.

Can I modify or cancel my booking?

Policies depend on the rental partner and the stage of your booking. Check the terms shown at checkout and in your confirmation email. Contact the partner or Rentaki support if you need to change dates or cancel.

What if the car I booked is not available?

Partners typically offer a similar vehicle in the same category or an upgrade when possible. If no suitable alternative exists, the company may reject the booking and you will be notified by email.

Does the booking need to be in the main driver's name?

The main driver must match the person who will sign the rental agreement and present a valid licence at pickup. If details differ from your booking, contact the rental company in advance.

Can I extend my rental after booking?

Extensions are often possible subject to availability. Contact your rental partner as soon as you know you need extra days — do not assume the car is available without confirmation.

Topic 03

Age & licence requirements

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What is the minimum age to rent a car?

Minimum age varies by partner and vehicle category — commonly 21 or 23, sometimes 18 for certain cars. Young-driver fees may apply. The requirement for each car is shown on its listing before you book.

Do I need a valid driving licence from my home country?

Yes. You must present a valid driving licence issued by your country of residence. It should be in Latin script or accompanied by an official translation or International Driving Permit where required.

Is an International Driving Permit (IDP) required?

An IDP is generally required if your licence is not in Latin script (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic). EU/EEA licences are usually accepted in Greece. When in doubt, carry an IDP.

Can newly licensed drivers rent a car?

Some partners accept new drivers; others require a minimum period of holding a licence (e.g. one or two years). Smaller cars are often a better choice if you are less experienced. Check the listing for restrictions.

Do additional drivers need to meet the same requirements?

Yes. Every additional driver must meet the partner's age and licence rules and be registered on the rental contract to be covered by insurance.

Topic 04

Insurance & protection

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Is insurance included in the rental price?

Most rentals include basic collision damage cover (CDW) with an excess (deductible). Rentaki shows insurance tiers and excess amounts during booking so you can compare before paying.

What is a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)?

CDW limits your financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged, but you still pay an excess unless you upgrade to a higher insurance package. The excess amount depends on the car and package selected.

Can I upgrade insurance on Rentaki?

Yes. After selecting a car, you can choose from the insurance packages offered by that partner — from basic cover to reduced-excess or premium options. Prices and coverage are shown before checkout.

Does basic insurance cover tyres, glass, or theft?

Basic packages often exclude tyres, glass, underbody damage, and theft. Higher tiers may include these. Always read the package details shown at booking and in your confirmation.

Are additional drivers covered by insurance?

Yes, provided they are named on the rental agreement. Undeclared drivers are not covered and may void the insurance.

Are there hidden insurance fees?

Rentaki displays insurance options and prices transparently during booking. Any mandatory charges from the rental partner should appear on the listing or in your confirmation — ask before pickup if anything is unclear.

Topic 05

Payment & deposits

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What payment methods does Rentaki support?

At checkout you can choose options such as pay now (with any online discount shown), pay on arrival by card, cash, or invoice where offered by the partner. Available methods are shown for each booking.

Is a credit card required for the deposit?

This depends on the rental partner. Many accept credit or debit cards; some accept cash deposits. The deposit amount and accepted methods are listed on the car page and in your booking summary.

How much is the deposit or excess?

Deposit and insurance excess vary by vehicle category, driver age, and insurance package. Exact figures are shown on Rentaki before you confirm and again in your confirmation email.

When is my deposit refunded?

After the car is returned and inspected, card deposits are typically released within a few days to a few weeks depending on your bank. Cash deposits are usually returned at the office when the vehicle is handed back.

Can I get an invoice for my rental?

Many partners can issue a tax invoice for business travellers. Select the invoice option at checkout where available, or request one from the rental company before or at pickup.

Are prices on Rentaki all-inclusive?

We aim for transparent pricing: car rate, insurance, extras, discounts, and platform fees are broken down at checkout. Local taxes or optional partner charges (e.g. late return, fuel difference) follow each company's policy.

Topic 06

Pickup & drop-off

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Can I pick up at the airport?

Yes. Rentaki supports major Greek airports including Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Rhodes, Corfu, and more. Each listing shows available pickup locations and any delivery fees.

Can the car be delivered to my hotel?

Many partners offer delivery to hotels, villas, or apartments in their service area. Check the pickup options on the car page or mention your address in special requests when booking.

Can I drop off at a different location?

One-way rentals may be available within a partner's service area, sometimes for an extra fee. Select your drop-off location when searching or confirm with the company after booking.

What if my flight is delayed?

Contact the rental partner as soon as possible using the details in your confirmation. Most partners can adjust pickup times when notified, especially for flight delays.

What happens if I am late returning the car?

A short grace period is common, but late returns may incur extra charges if the car is needed for the next customer. Contact the partner in advance if you expect to be late.

Can I return the car outside office hours?

Some partners offer out-of-hours drop-off at airports or agreed locations. Confirm arrangements when you collect the vehicle.

Topic 07

Fuel policy

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What is the usual fuel policy?

Many Greek rentals use a fair fuel policy: return the car with the same fuel level as at pickup (often full-to-full). The policy for your booking is stated by the partner in your confirmation.

Can I prepay for fuel?

Some partners offer prepaid fuel or fuel-service extras at booking. If not prepaid, refuel before return or pay the difference at drop-off according to the partner's rates.

What fuel type should I use?

Use only the fuel type specified for the vehicle (petrol, diesel, hybrid, etc.), usually indicated on the fuel cap, key tag, or rental documents. Using the wrong fuel can cause serious damage.

What if I put the wrong fuel in the car?

Do not start the engine. Contact the rental company immediately. Wrong-fuel damage is typically not covered by insurance and can be very expensive to repair.

Topic 08

Driving in Greece

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Are there toll roads in Greece?

Toll motorways exist on the mainland. Most islands, including Corfu, Crete, and Rhodes, have no toll roads. Plan fuel and route accordingly if driving between regions.

Is off-road driving allowed?

No. Off-road and unsealed mountain tracks are usually prohibited. Damage from off-road use is not covered by standard insurance.

What should I do in case of an accident?

Ensure everyone is safe, call the police if required, do not admit fault, and contact your rental partner immediately. Take photos and note details of other parties and witnesses.

Are Greek traffic rules different from other EU countries?

Greece follows EU standards. Note that at unsigned intersections, vehicles from the right often have priority. Roundabouts may differ from other countries — follow local signs and drive defensively.

Is parking easy in popular areas?

Parking is often free outside city centres, but spaces can be limited in old towns, ports, and busy beaches in high season. Arrive early or use designated car parks where available.

Topic 09

Vehicles & extras

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What types of cars can I find on Rentaki?

Partners list economy, compact, SUV, minivan, hybrid, and premium vehicles across Greece. Use filters for transmission, category, seats, and features to narrow your search.

Can I choose manual or automatic?

Yes. Use the transmission filter when searching. Automatic cars are popular in cities; manual may be more common in some fleets and categories.

Am I guaranteed a specific make and model?

You book a vehicle category. Partners usually supply a similar car; a specific model is subject to availability. Mention preferences in special requests — partners will try to accommodate.

Are child seats available?

Many partners offer baby seats, child seats, and boosters as rental extras during booking on Rentaki. Quantities and prices vary by company.

How many additional drivers can I add?

Policies vary. Some partners include one additional driver free; others charge a daily fee per extra driver. All must be registered on the contract with valid licences.

Topic 10

Travel restrictions

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Can I take the car to another island or the mainland?

Taking a vehicle off its home island or region usually requires prior approval and may involve a ferry fee or extra insurance. Check the car listing and confirm with the partner before travelling.

Are ferry crossings allowed?

Some partners allow ferry transport with advance notice and appropriate coverage; others restrict use to a single island. Standard insurance may not cover damage during ferry loading — ask before you travel.

Can I drive the rental car outside Greece?

Generally no. Cross-border travel is restricted by most Greek rental companies unless explicitly agreed in writing. Border crossing may be noted on specific listings where permitted.

Topic 11

Breakdowns, damage & emergencies

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What should I do if the car breaks down?

Contact the rental partner's emergency number from your agreement. Do not attempt major repairs yourself. Roadside assistance is included with many partners for mechanical faults.

How should I document pre-existing damage?

Inspect the car at pickup, check the condition report, and take photos or video of any scratches or dents before driving away. Report anything missing from the report immediately.

Should I report minor damage during the rental?

Yes. Report all new damage to the partner as soon as possible, no matter how small. This protects you and speeds up insurance handling.

What if I lose the car key?

Contact the rental company immediately. Replacement keys are usually provided at the renter's expense.

Topic 12

Rental rules & policies

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Is smoking allowed in rental cars?

Smoking is prohibited in virtually all rental vehicles. A cleaning fee may be charged if smoking is detected.

Are pets allowed?

Pet policies vary by partner. Some allow pets only in carriers; others do not allow pets at all. You are responsible for any cleaning or damage caused.

Is mileage unlimited?

Many partners offer unlimited mileage within their service area. Restrictions may apply for cross-region travel — confirm on the listing or with the company.

What happens if I break the rental agreement?

Violations such as reckless driving, off-road use, unauthorised drivers, or driving under the influence can void insurance, incur fines, and lead to termination of the rental without refund.