Full insurance for a rental car sounds simple, but every company uses the phrase a little differently. For some it means zero excess for body damage, for others it also covers glass or tyres. Here you will see what each level of cover includes, what is usually left out and how to decide whether it is worth it for your trip to Thessaloniki or Halkidiki.
The basic insurance every car has
Every rental car in Greece must have third-party liability insurance. It covers damage and injuries you may cause to others, meaning other vehicles, people or property.
Third-party liability, however, does not cover damage to the rental car itself. That is why additional covers exist, setting how much you pay if the car is damaged while you drive it.
CDW and excess: the most common cover
CDW cover limits your liability for body damage to a maximum amount, the excess. If the damage is larger than the excess, you only pay the excess and insurance covers the rest.
The deposit you leave at pickup is often equal or close to the excess. So when you read the terms, look at both amounts together: how much the excess is and how much the deposit is.
FDW or SCDW: zero or lower excess
FDW or SCDW covers reduce the excess, usually to zero or a very small amount. This is what most companies mean by full insurance. You pay a little more per day and do not worry about a scratch in the car park.
With full insurance many companies also reduce the deposit at pickup. Ask specifically, because for someone with only a debit card this can make a big difference.
What is usually not covered
Even full insurance has exclusions. Tyres, wheels, glass, mirrors, the underside of the car, lost keys and damage from the wrong fuel are often not covered. Some companies cover them with a separate package.
No insurance applies when the terms are breached: driving under the influence, a driver not named in the contract, dirt roads where forbidden, or leaving the country without permission. Read these lines before you sign.
When full insurance is worth it
It is worth it if you drive on unfamiliar roads, park often on the street or in narrow villages, or simply want to stop thinking about damage on holiday. In Halkidiki, with narrow roads to the beaches and full car parks in August, many drivers prefer it.
If the rental is for a few hours in the city and you drive comfortably, the basic cover with an excess may be enough. Compare the extra daily cost with the excess you would pay after damage.
Card or third-party insurance
Some credit cards and insurers offer excess cover for rental cars. It usually works by reimbursement: you pay the damage to the company first and then claim the money back from the insurer.
In that case the company will still take the deposit, because its own insurance does not change. If you want to leave no deposit, you need to choose the company’s cover or deposit insurance where available.
How you see it on Ridom
On each Ridom vehicle page you see what is included in the price, the company’s add-ons and the deposit. Where deposit insurance exists, you can turn it on with one switch and immediately see the new price.
The company’s detailed cover terms are shown before you complete the booking. If something is unclear, such as tyres or glass, ask before you pay so you know exactly what applies.
Frequently asked questions
What does excess mean on a rental car?
It is the maximum amount you pay for damage to the car. The rest of the cost of the damage is covered by insurance.
Does full insurance cover everything?
Not always. Tyres, glass, the underside, keys and wrong fuel are often excluded. Read the company’s terms.
Is a deposit needed with full insurance?
It depends on the company. Many reduce or remove the deposit, others keep a small one for fuel or fines.
Is a second driver covered?
Only if named in the contract. An undeclared driver usually voids the insurance in case of damage.
Is full insurance worth it for Halkidiki?
For many people yes, because of narrow roads and full car parks in summer. Compare the daily cost with the excess.
Useful destination resources
These routes are editorial suggestions. Check access, conditions and current opening hours before you travel.
