Confused by car hire insurance in Athens? UK guide explaining CDW, excess, full cover, what’s included and what to check before booking.
Car hire insurance is one of the most confusing parts of renting a car in Athens, particularly for UK travellers who expect insurance to work the same way as it does at home. While insurance is included with most rentals, the level of cover — and your potential liability — can vary significantly.
What insurance is included with Athens car hire?
Most car hire bookings in Athens include a basic level of insurance as part of the rental price. This usually covers:
- Third-party liability (required by Greek law)
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
- Theft protection
However, “included insurance” does not mean zero liability.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and excess
CDW limits your financial responsibility if the car is damaged, but it almost always comes with an excess — the amount you may still have to pay if something goes wrong.
- Excess levels often range from £800 to £2,000
- The amount depends on vehicle type and supplier
- The excess is usually secured by the deposit
This is why deposits can be high even when insurance is included.
What is not usually covered?
Basic insurance in Athens often excludes certain types of damage.
- Tyres and wheels
- Glass and windscreens
- Undercarriage damage
- Interior damage
Damage in these areas may be charged separately unless additional cover is in place.
Excess reduction and full cover options
To reduce financial risk, many suppliers offer excess reduction or “full cover”. This can be purchased in advance or at the rental desk.
- Reduces or removes the excess
- May lower the required deposit
- Adds to the daily rental cost
Desk-sold insurance is convenient but often more expensive than pre-booked options.
How insurance affects the deposit
The level of insurance you choose directly affects the deposit amount.
- Basic insurance: higher excess and higher deposit
- Excess reduction: lower excess and reduced deposit
- Full cover: minimal or zero deposit with some suppliers
This is why insurance and deposit terms should always be reviewed together.
Common insurance pitfalls for UK drivers
- Assuming “fully insured” means zero excess
- Not realising tyres or glass are excluded
- Declining cover without understanding deposit risk
- Feeling pressured to buy insurance at the desk
Understanding the terms in advance helps you make a calm decision at collection.
Checking insurance before you book
- Review what insurance is included in the price
- Check excess amounts, not just coverage names
- Confirm exclusions such as tyres and glass
- Look at how insurance affects the deposit
Comparing insurance terms across suppliers makes it easier to choose suitable car hire in Athens without overpaying.
Official guidance and driving context
UK Foreign Office travel advice for Greece
Visit Greece official tourism information
Frequently asked questions
Is insurance included with car hire in Athens?
Yes. Basic insurance is usually included, but it comes with an excess.
What is the excess on Athens car hire?
Excess amounts typically range from £800 to £2,000 depending on vehicle type.
Does full cover mean zero risk?
Often yes, but terms vary by supplier and exclusions may still apply.
Is excess reduction worth it?
For many UK drivers, it reduces financial risk and deposit size.
Are tyres and glass covered?
Not usually under basic insurance.
Can I buy insurance at the desk?
Yes, but it is often more expensive than booking in advance.
Does insurance affect the deposit?
Yes. Better cover usually means a lower deposit.
Is insurance different at Athens Airport?
No. Insurance terms depend on the supplier, not the location.
Can I rely on UK car insurance abroad?
No. UK policies rarely cover rental cars in Greece.
Should I compare insurance before booking?
Yes. Insurance is one of the biggest cost and risk differences between suppliers.
{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Is insurance included with car hire in Athens?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes. Basic insurance is usually included, but it comes with an excess.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What is the excess on Athens car hire?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Excess amounts typically range from £800 to £2,000 depending on vehicle type and supplier.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Does full cover reduce the deposit?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes. Excess reduction or full cover often lowers or removes the deposit.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Are tyres and glass covered by default?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “They are often excluded from basic insurance unless additional cover is added.” } } ] }
