Rental car insurance is the most-asked-about topic at our handover desk. The terminology is intentionally confusing across companies, and Greece has its own conventions. This is the plain-English guide to what is on offer in Corfu, what we include, and the questions that protect you.
The two products you need to understand
1. Basic insurance (CDW + theft) — included
Every rental in Greece must legally include a base level of coverage:
- Third-party liability: covers damage you cause to other vehicles, people or property.
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): reduces your liability if the rental car is damaged in a collision.
- Theft protection: reduces your liability if the car is stolen.
The catch: "reduces" is not "eliminates". You are still on the hook for an excess (also called deductible) — a fixed amount, typically €600–€1,200 for compact cars and up to €2,500 for premium SUVs. If a wheel rim is scratched on a kerb, the cost (often €150–250) comes out of your card up to the excess.
2. Full Insurance (also called "Super CDW", "Zero Excess", "Premium Coverage") — optional add-on
For a flat €10/day with us, the excess drops to zero. If you scratch a bumper, dent a door, or kerb a rim, you pay nothing. The catch: even Full Insurance does not cover everything (see below).
What Full Insurance does NOT cover (in any company, anywhere in Greece)
- Tyres and rims: excluded from most "full" insurance worldwide. Punctures and rim damage from potholes are owner-paid. Drive carefully.
- Underbody / chassis damage: driving on dirt tracks, beaches, river beds — not covered. Stick to paved roads.
- Interior damage: spilled coffee, sand from beach gear, smoking inside — owner-paid (€100–300).
- Lost keys: €150–400 to replace.
- Fuelling errors: putting petrol in a diesel (BMW X3 is diesel!) — €1,500–2,500 engine flush, never covered.
- Driving under influence: all coverage void if blood alcohol > legal limit (0.05% in Greece, 0.02% for new drivers).
- Driving outside Greece: some companies exclude (we allow Greek territory only — no Albania crossings).
- Unauthorised drivers: only the named driver(s) on the contract are covered.
The questions to ask before signing (any company)
- "What is the excess on basic insurance?" Answer should be a specific number, not "it depends."
- "What does Full Insurance specifically exclude?" Tyres and rims should be in the answer. Glass usually too — though some companies include glass.
- "Are airport delivery and drop-off included?" With us yes; some big-name companies charge €30–50 for airport pickup.
- "What's the credit card hold?" The amount blocked on your card during rental — usually equal to the excess. Released within 5–10 business days after return.
- "Is unlimited mileage included?" With us yes. Some budget chains charge per kilometre over a daily limit.
- "Who pays if a tow truck is needed?" Roadside assistance should be included. Confirm.
Common scenarios — what happens in practice
Scenario 1: You scrape a wing mirror in a narrow village street
Cost: €120–250 to replace. With basic insurance: you pay it (under excess). With Full Insurance: covered, you pay nothing.
Scenario 2: A tyre punctures on a bad road
Cost: €80–150 for a new tyre. With basic OR Full Insurance: you pay (tyres excluded everywhere). Drive cautiously over potholes.
Scenario 3: Someone hits your parked car
Cost: €0 to you, regardless of insurance level — provided you have a police report (call 100). The other party's insurance pays. Caveat: if you can't get the other party's details (hit-and-run), you're back to your own insurance.
Scenario 4: You spill coffee on the passenger seat
Cleaning fee €100–200. Not covered by any insurance level. Carry coffee in lidded cups.
Scenario 5: A goat hits the car (genuinely happens here)
If you can't identify the goat owner — your basic insurance excess applies. Full Insurance: covered.
Should you take Full Insurance?
Honest local view: yes, for most visitors.
- Corfu has narrow streets, blind corners, and many cars per square kilometre in summer. Minor scrapes are common.
- €10/day for 7 days = €70. Replacing a single bumper costs €400+.
- Mental peace: you stop worrying about the car and enjoy your holiday.
The exception: experienced drivers staying mostly outside town with full secure parking, may reasonably skip Full and accept the small risk.
What we include in every rental (no extra charge)
- CDW + theft protection (legal minimum)
- Unlimited mileage
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Free airport / port / hotel delivery
- Greek and English support
- Replacement vehicle if needed (within 4 hours)
Full Insurance is the only paid add-on (€10/day). Child seats are free. There are no fuel-service fees, no admin fees, no airport surcharges. The price you see online is the price you pay.
For more practical guides, see our complete driving guide and the Corfu Airport service page.