In Greece, the clauses that matter most are about ferries, unpaved roads and the parts of the car that standard cover leaves out.
- The Greek terms of large rental companies allow a car on a ferry only with written permission, and some state that without it the car is not covered at all.
- Damage to the underbody, wheels and tyres is often excluded from the basic waiver.
- If a claim follows, object in writing and contact the European Consumer Centre in your own country.
Greece is made for island hopping and coastal drives, and many visitors rent a car on one island, then take it on a ferry to the next. That is exactly where Greek rental contracts get strict. In Greece, the clauses on ferries, unpaved roads and the underside of the car decide whether your cover still applies. This guide explains what to look for before you drive, and how to handle a damage claim after you are home.
What makes renting a car in Greece different?
Three things come up again and again in Greek rental terms:
- Ferries. Taking the car on a ship is usually allowed only with written permission, sometimes for a fee.
- Unpaved roads. Some contracts limit use to asphalt roads, and many beaches and villages are reached by dirt tracks.
- Excluded parts. The basic damage waiver often leaves out the underbody, wheels, tyres and glass, which are exactly the parts that suffer on rough roads.
None of this is unique to Greece, but the mix of islands, ferries and gravel tracks makes it more likely that you drive into a situation your contract does not cover.
Can you take a Greek rental car on a ferry?
Usually only with written permission. Two examples from the Greek terms of large companies:
| Company (Greek terms) | Ferry rule | What happens without permission |
|---|---|---|
| Hertz Greece (Autohellas) | Allowed only with prior written approval | The renter is liable for all damage to the car during the transfer |
| Europcar Greece | Written authorisation at pick-up is mandatory; a fee of 25 euros each way plus VAT and airport fees | The car is not covered for any damage or loss |
Read the second column carefully. With Hertz Greece, even with permission, the renter is liable for damage caused during the transfer. With Europcar Greece, a crossing without written authorisation means the car loses its cover entirely, not only on the ship.
Other companies, especially local ones, have their own rules. Some forbid ferries altogether. Ask at the desk, and get the answer on the contract or in an email. Our blog on taking a rental car on a ferry explains what to check for any island trip.
Gravel roads and beach tracks
Many Greek beaches and mountain villages are reached by unpaved roads. Europcar's Greek terms say the car may not be used outside the asphalt road network, and that if you drive off the official road network and the car gets stuck, you pay for the towing. Other contracts use wording such as "off-road" or "unsuitable roads". Check which word your contract uses, and ask what it means for the track you have in mind.
What does the basic cover leave out?
The standard collision damage waiver (CDW) limits what you pay for damage, but it rarely covers everything. In Greece, typical exclusions include:
- Underbody. Hertz Greece states that damage to the underside of the car, the wheels and the tyres is not covered. Europcar Greece's waiver does not cover the underside either.
- Glass and tyres. Europcar Greece also excludes windscreens, mirrors, wheels and tyres. Hertz Greece sells separate tyre and glass cover, and without it you are liable for the full value of that damage.
- Keys, antenna and wrong fuel. Europcar Greece lists car key damage, the antenna and incorrect fuel as excluded.
ECC Netherlands makes the same point for rentals across Europe: even with zero excess, you are often still liable for damage to the windscreen, the chassis and the tyres. Our article on windscreen, tyres and underbody damage explains why these parts are treated differently, and the terms check helps you find the clauses in your own contract.
Other charges to expect
Greek terms also contain charges that show up after the trip:
- Traffic fines. Hertz Greece passes fines on to the renter and charges a non-refundable administration fee of 30 euros. Read admin fees for traffic fines.
- Cleaning. Hertz Greece charges for cleaning beyond the usual preparation for the next rental, with a specific charge of 100 euros for biological cleaning.
- Theft. Hertz Greece's theft protection excludes theft of personal belongings.
These amounts belong to one company's terms. Others may charge more, less or nothing, so check your own contract.
Document the car before you leave
Walk around the car with a staff member and make sure every mark is on the condition report. Photograph the underside edges, the bumpers, the wheels and the windscreen, because these are the parts most often excluded. Our pick-up checklist lists the angles, and evidence mode keeps your photos with time and place.
Settle the ferry question in writing
If you plan to take the car on a ferry, ask for written permission at pick-up and pay any fee the terms set. Keep the ferry ticket: it shows when and where the car crossed, which matters if damage is later linked to the trip.
Photograph the car again at return
Many Greek returns happen at small island offices or airports, sometimes outside opening hours. Take photos and a video of all sides, the underbody edges and the dashboard. Read which photos to take at return.
Object in writing if a claim arrives
If the company charges your card or sends a claim, ask for the evidence: dated photos from pick-up and return, the repair invoice, and the clause it relies on. If the claim is about a part excluded from your cover, ask how the amount was calculated. Our guide on how to dispute a damage claim and the letter templates help you word it.
Use the European Consumer Centre in your home country
If the company does not reply or refuses, contact the European Consumer Centre where you live. ECC Greece is hosted by the Greek Consumer Ombudsman, an independent authority, and handles complaints from residents of Greece. If you live elsewhere, your own ECC takes the case and works with ECC Greece. Read which European Consumer Centre to contact and how an ECC complaint works.
The Hellenic Consumer Ombudsman itself mediates between consumers and companies in Greece. It does not impose sanctions, and it handles cases from up to one year before the complaint, as long as no legal proceedings have started. Check on its website whether it can take your case.
A short example
You rent a car in Naxos and take it to Paros for two days. At return, the company charges you for a scraped underbody. Your contract shows the ferry permission, and your photos from pick-up show the same scrape. You object in writing, attach the photo and the contract, and ask for the repair invoice. If the company does not respond within a few weeks, you send the file to your home ECC.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a Greek rental car on a ferry to another island?
Often yes, but only with the company’s written permission. The Greek terms of Hertz and Europcar both require prior written approval, Europcar charges a fee per crossing, and Europcar states that a car taken on a ferry without permission is not covered for any damage or loss.
Am I covered on a dirt road to a beach?
Check your contract. Europcar’s Greek terms say the car may not be used outside the asphalt road network, and that you pay for towing if the car gets stuck off the official road network. Damage to the underbody is excluded from its basic waiver.
Which consumer centre helps me with a Greek rental company?
The European Consumer Centre in the country where you live. ECC Greece helps residents of Greece, and works with the other centres in the network on cases brought by visitors.
Sources
- hertz.grHertz Greece (Autohellas): Car rental general terms and conditions
- europcar.esEuropcar Greece: General rental conditions (PDF)
- eccgreece.grECC Greece: Organisation and operation
- synigoroskatanaloti.grHellenic Consumer Ombudsman
- eccnederland.nlECC Netherlands: What should I know when renting a car abroad?