Plain-English definitions for the 20 terms first-time renters in Corfu actually need to know — CDW, excess, IDP, fuel policy, ΕΟΤ classification, ΑΑΔΕ receipts, season pricing and more.
Standard rental insurance that covers damage to the rental car, with a deductible (excess) you remain liable for. Always included in our Greek rental quotes; the deductible is held as a credit-card pre-authorisation at pickup and released at return if no damage occurred.
The maximum amount you remain liable for under a CDW policy if the car is damaged. Typical Greek rental excess is €600-1500 depending on category. Removed if you upgrade to Full Insurance.
Optional upgrade (~€10-15/day) that removes the deductible from your CDW. Most policies also extend cover to tyres, windscreen and undercarriage. Cleanest setup for first-timers — no claims process and no deposit dispute at return.
Mandatory insurance under Greek law (Law 489/76) that covers damage you cause to other people, vehicles or property. Always included in every quote — never an upsell.
A credit-card hold placed at pickup to cover the CDW excess. Not a charge — the funds are blocked but not debited. Released within 7-14 days of return if no damage. Debit cards or pre-paid cards are usually rejected.
Greek rental rates change in 4 tiers across the year: April/May/October (low), June/September (mid), July (high) and August (peak). A summer week in August can cost 2-3× the same week in May. Book 6-10 weeks ahead for July-August.
Free airport pickup service offered by most local Corfu fleets — a representative meets you in arrivals with a sign, hands over the car at the airport car park. Faster than the in-airport rental kiosks. Usually requires 24-hour advance notice for late-night flights.
A 1949 Geneva Convention paper translation of your home licence. Required in Greece for non-EU/EEA drivers (US, Canada, Australia, NZ etc). Issued by your home country motoring association. Valid for one year from issue.
Additional fee (€5-10/day) charged to drivers under 25. Some categories (premium, 9-seaters) require minimum age 23 or 25 with no exception. Always disclosed at booking.
Picking up at one location and returning at another. On Corfu the island is small enough that a flat €10-20 transfer fee usually applies. Airport-pickup / hotel-drop combinations are typically free with local fleets.
Local Corfu rentals typically deliver and collect the car at your hotel, villa or apartment at no extra charge. Saves you a taxi to a rental office and removes the airport-counter hassle for early flights.
Each rental car in Greece is classified by the Hellenic Tourism Organisation (Ελληνικός Οργανισμός Τουρισμού — ΕΟΤ) into a category (A through Premium). The category determines the legal minimum equipment, signage and the price band the car can be advertised at.
The Independent Authority for Public Revenue. Every legitimate Greek car rental issues an electronic receipt registered with ΑΑΔΕ via the myDATA platform. If a rental refuses to provide one, walk away — you have no consumer protection.
How fuel is handled at pickup/return. Most Corfu local fleets use Full-to-Full (you receive a full tank, return it full; refilling is at pump price). Avoid Full-to-Empty (you pre-pay a tank, no refund for unused fuel) — often hidden in low-price OTA offers.
The diagram on the rental agreement that records existing scratches, dents and bumper marks at pickup. Always take 2-3 minutes to walk around the car and confirm every mark is noted before signing — your evidence in any later dispute.
Standard Greek rental insurance is valid only inside Greece. The Corfu-Saranda (Albania) ferry is foot-passenger only for this reason. The Igoumenitsa ferry to mainland Greece is allowed and routine. Notify the rental company in advance for any ferry trip.
Most Greek local rentals allow free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before pickup. International chains and OTA pre-paid bookings are often non-refundable. Always check the wording — "free cancellation" sometimes means "minus the booking fee".
Failing to collect the car at the booked pickup time without notice. Triggers a charge of one full day with most local fleets, full booking value with OTA pre-paid bookings. Phone the rental company if your flight is delayed — most will hold the car for several hours.
A second person authorised to drive the rental. Free with most Corfu local fleets, €5/day with international chains. Both drivers must be present at pickup with licence and ID — no remote add-ons.
By Greek law (Law 4530/2018), children under 9 years or under 135 cm must be in an age-appropriate seat. Most fleets supply for €5/day or a small flat fee. Bring your own only if it complies with EU R44/04 or R129 (i-Size) standards.