Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there anything I should be aware of when visiting Athens City Center during my rental period?

*Important Note for visiting Athens City Center

Yes, we highly recommend using paid parking facilities when visiting Athens city center, as leaving your vehicle parked outside in public spaces may expose it to theft or damage. One important reason for this is that rental cars display identifying stickers, which may attract unwanted attention and increase the risk of theft or vandalism. For your safety and peace of mind, please park only in secure, designated parking areas. If you need assistance with finding parking or directions, our team is more than happy to help.

2. Do I need an International Driving License?

According to Greek law, a valid driving license must have been held for at least 1.5 years and must be issued by one of the following:

  • EU member states
  • USA, Australia, or Canada
  • Countries that are signatories to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic

If your national driving license does not fall under these categories, you will be required to present a valid International Driving Permit (IDP), which can be issued even one day before your rental.

3. What is included in your offer?

Our rates include the following benefits:

✔ Civil liability and third-party liability insurance
✔ Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with a deductible ranging from €800 to €2,000
✔ Theft and fire insurance
✔ Ferry insurance (coverage remains valid even while the vehicle is on a ferry)
✔ Unlimited mileage for rentals exceeding 3 days
✔ Additional driver included
✔ 24/7 roadside assistance
✔ Free delivery & collection at Athens International Airport
✔ All rates include 24% VAT

4. What is C.D.W. Insurance and how does it work?

C.D.W. (Collision Damage Waiver) is an insurance coverage that protects the rented vehicle against all types of accidents caused by the renter. The insurance includes a deductible amount per incident, which is agreed upon at the time of the rental.

  • Deductible amounts typically range from €800 for small and mid-sized cars, and can reach up to €2,000 for luxury vehicles, minivans, and SUVs.

In the event of an accident where the customer is at fault, the maximum amount they will need to pay is limited to the deductible for that specific incident.

Examples for a car with an €800 deductible:

  • If the repair cost for an accident amounts to €100, the customer will be charged €100.
  • If the repair cost for an accident amounts to €2,000, the customer will be charged €800.

This coverage ensures that the customer is financially protected in case of an accident

5. Exceptions in CDW & FDW

While C.D.W. (Collision Damage Waiver) and F.D.W. (Theft and Fire Waiver) provide comprehensive coverage, certain damages and incidents are not covered and will be charged directly to the customer. Some of the most significant exceptions include:

  • Antenna, trays, and damage to car locks
  • Loss or damage to the keys, spare key, and car jack
  • Windshield wipers and lights
  • Damage to the interior or upholstery of the vehicle
  • Hubcaps, gas cap, and roof damage
  • Damage caused by a roof rack or any luggage on it
  • Extremely messy and/or filthy car interior
  • Personal belongings left in the vehicle
  • Fuel errors or wrong fuel type used
  • Damage to child seats or baby seats
  • Loss of car documents, registration plates, or damage to media devices
  • Damage caused by negligence, including leaving electrical devices on leading to battery failure

Additional exclusions and terms:

  • Flat tire replacement and damages to media devices (radio, CD/MP3 player, etc.) are not covered under any insurance policy.
  • Towing costs are not covered by insurance.
  • Telephone, taxi, or hotel costs incurred due to vehicle issues are not refundable.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causing intentional damage, off-road driving, driving without care, or violating traffic laws are considered negligence and are not covered. In these cases, the customer will be fully responsible for any related claims or damages.
  • Loss of vehicle due to theft or damage is the customer’s responsibility in cases of negligence.
  • Any unreported accidents or damage to the vehicle, including refueling with the wrong type of fuel, may be interpreted as negligence and may incur additional charges.

We strongly advise customers to be mindful of these exceptions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.

6. Is there an option to reduce or eliminate the C.D.W. to zero? (Full Damage Waiver, No Excess)

For rentals lasting less than 7 days, we are unable to offer Full Damage Waiver (F.D.W.) with a €0 deductible.

For rentals exceeding 7 days, F.D.W. can be provided for an additional daily fee, which varies depending on the vehicle category and rental duration.

Please note that even with F.D.W., the following are not covered under the insurance:

  • Tires
  • Undercarriage parts of the vehicle

This option significantly reduces your liability in case of an accident but does not cover all vehicle components. Let us know if you would like more details on this option!

7. What is Theft & Fire Insurance?

Theft & Fire Insurance reduces the driver's liability in the event of total theft or fire of the vehicle. The deductible for theft or fire ranges from €800 to €2,000, depending on the vehicle category.

In the case of total theft or fire, the following steps must be followed:

  1. Immediately contact our office and the police to report the incident.
  2. Submit a copy of the police report, the rental agreement, and the vehicle’s key to our office.

Please note that Theft Protection is not valid beyond the agreed rental period.

This coverage provides peace of mind in the unfortunate event of theft or fire but requires prompt action from the customer.

8. What is AACR's fuel policy?

Our fuel policy is based on the "Part to Part" principle, meaning the vehicle must be returned with the same fuel level it was delivered with.

Upon delivery, you will inspect the fuel level together with our representative, and this will be noted on the rental agreement. If the vehicle is returned with less fuel than initially provided, you will be charged for the difference.

Given the current high average fuel prices in Greece, the minimum refueling charge is set at €20.00. Please note that no refund will be provided for any unused fuel in the tank upon return.

This ensures a fair and transparent process for both parties.

9. Am I able to take the car on an island during my rental without paying any additional fees?

Yes, our offer includes free and pre-authorized permission to take the car to all Greek islands during your rental. No additional documentation or fees are required.

Additionally, ferry insurance is already included in your rental quote, ensuring full coverage while the vehicle is transported on a ferry.

This makes it easy for you to explore the beautiful Greek islands without any extra hassle.

10. Can I drive through the Greek borders?

Unfortunately, crossing the Greek borders is not allowed while driving an AACR vehicle.

We appreciate your understanding and are happy to assist with any other inquiries you may have regarding your rental.

11. Do I have to pay a fee for any additional drivers?

No, there is no additional fee for extra drivers! Our offer includes additional drivers as long as they meet the following conditions:

  • They have the required documentation
  • They are at least 23 years old

Please note that the maximum number of drivers allowed is 3. This ensures that you can share the driving without any extra charges.

12. Do you provide any extra options such as GPS systems or child seats?

Yes, we offer additional options such as GPS systems, baby seats, and booster seats for an additional fee, ranging from €20.00 to €40.00 each, depending on the duration of the rental.

For child seats, we kindly ask that you provide the age and weight of the child/children to ensure the appropriate seat is provided.

These extras are available to enhance your comfort and safety during your rental.

13. Are you able to deliver or collect the car at/from another location, far from the Airport?

Yes, we can arrange delivery or collection of the car at/from another location within Athens for an additional fee, which typically ranges from €25.00 to €60.00, depending on the location.

Please note:

  • For rentals of less than 7 days, we are unable to deliver or collect cars outside the Athens Airport area.
  • In this case, delivery and collection can be arranged free of charge at Athens International Airport or Koropi Metro Station.

We aim to offer flexibility and convenience, ensuring a smooth experience wherever you are.

14. How early or late can we schedule the pick-up/return of the car?

We offer 24/7 delivery and collection services, allowing you to schedule the pick-up or return of the car at any time.

However, please note that for pick-up or return between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM, there is an additional out-of-hours fee of €30.00.

This ensures flexibility for your rental while covering the additional costs for after-hours services.

15. I will pick up early in the morning and return the car in the evening. Will I be charged an extra day?

Unlike many agencies that have strict policies regarding extra days, you will not be charged an extra day if the time difference between the pick-up and return of the vehicle is 3 hours or less.

However, if the difference exceeds 3 hours, it will be considered an extra day of rental.

This policy allows for a flexible and fair approach to rental periods.

16. Is AACR able to guarantee that I will get the exact car I requested?

We can guarantee a car from the selected category (same size, transmission type, and fuel type) for the requested rental period. However, we cannot guarantee an exact model if there are multiple models available within the same category.

Rest assured, your model preference will be noted and treated as a priority to ensure we provide you with the best available option.

17. What is the approximate age of the vehicles you provide?

AACR does not adhere to the new directive by the Greek Tourism Organization (G.T.O.), which allows rental cars to be up to 14 years old. Despite the economic challenges in Greece, we are committed to maintaining a modern fleet.

Our vehicles are, on average, 18 months old, with a maximum age of 5 years, ensuring that you receive a high-quality experience without compromising on safety or comfort. We are dedicated to offering well-maintained, reliable vehicles for your rental needs.

18. Is there a deposit that AACR requires for booking a vehicle?

Yes, a small deposit is required to finalize the reservation. The deposit typically ranges from €50.00 or 20% of the total agreed rental amount, with the exact amount provided in your quote.

Please ensure you use internet browsers such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, and that cookies are enabled for a smooth transaction.

Alternatively, credit/debit card details can be sent via email if you encounter any issues with the online payment system.

This process ensures your booking is secure and confirmed.

19. My trip is cancelled. Do I have to pay any cancellation penalty fees?

In the unfortunate event that your trip needs to be cancelled, no additional penalty fees will be charged.

Due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, we are offering a full refund of the deposit if we are informed 7 to 15 days (depending on the vehicle category) before your scheduled arrival.

However, the deposit will not be refunded if, upon delivery of the vehicle, the renter is missing the mandatory documentation or does not meet the requirements as outlined in the rental conditions and FAQ.

Please note that availability is guaranteed only for the confirmed dates and times. If there are last-minute changes (such as flight or ferry cancellations, different arrival dates, etc.), we cannot guarantee the amendment or extension of your reservation, and rental charges will be calculated from the confirmed delivery date.

20. What if I decide to extend/reduce my reservation duration while I have the car or a few days before delivery?

You can extend or reduce the length of your car rental. However, please note that the daily rate may vary depending on the total rental duration. We would greatly appreciate it if you could inform us of any changes ahead of your arrival.

During the high summer season, we cannot guarantee that your request will be fulfilled due to higher demand. Early communication will help us accommodate your request as best as possible.

21. Can I pay with my credit/debit card for the car rental?

Yes, you can pay with a credit or debit card for your car rental without incurring any additional fees. We accept these payment methods for your convenience.

22. Is there any amount that will be blocked/frozen on my credit/debit card?

Upon your arrival, we will proceed with a pre-authorization on your credit/debit card. The pre-authorized amount will correspond to the agreed deductible amount.

Please note:

  • A reversal request will be submitted to the bank the day after the vehicle is returned. If no damages occurred during your rental, the amount will be unblocked in full.

As per the bank's procedures, please be aware of the following timelines for the release of the pre-authorized amount:

  • Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners): The amount will be released within 15 to 25 working days from the day the vehicle is returned.
  • Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro): The amount will be released within 60 to 90 working days from the day the vehicle is returned.

Please note that our agency cannot influence this process. The timeline depends on the issuing bank of your credit/debit card. Even if F.D.W. insurance is purchased, this procedure remains the same for security reasons.

It is important to note that no money is actually charged from your account during the pre-authorization process. The deductible amount is temporarily frozen, not deducted. In most cases, no transaction will be recorded on your card statement.

To speed up the release of the deductible amount, we offer an alternative option:

  1. The agreed deductible amount can be debited from your credit/debit card upon delivery (instead of pre-authorization). After checking for any damages or remaining balances upon vehicle collection, the full amount will be refunded immediately.

Please note:

  • Any exchange fees or rate variations incurred will be the customer's responsibility.
  • Debit/credit card transactions may take up to five working days to appear on your statement (excluding weekends and holidays).
  • 21. Once I arrive at Athens International Airport, how do I pick up the vehicle?
  • Upon your arrival, we will track your flight using the provided flight number, and a member of our team will be waiting for you at the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name on it.
  • Once you collect your luggage and go through Immigration (Immigration is not required for Intra-Schengen Countries), you will exit from either Terminal A (Extra-Schengen) or Terminal B (Intra-Schengen) into the Arrivals Hall, where you will meet our representative.
  • The vehicle will be parked just outside the terminal, and the process of completing the necessary documentation will take no more than 10 minutes. We recommend having your driving license and passport/ID for all drivers readily available to speed up the process.
  • Once the paperwork is completed, you will be ready to begin your journey in Greece!

23. What is the policy on off-road driving?

All AACR vehicles, including 4x4 models, are strictly prohibited from being driven off-road. Driving on unpaved roads, dirt tracks, beaches, or any non-asphalted surfaces is not allowed and will result in full liability for any damages incurred.

24. What should I do in case of an accident or mechanical failure?

If you experience an accident or mechanical failure, you are required to immediately contact us. In the glove compartment, you will find a plastic envelope containing emergency contact numbers and important vehicle documentation. Once you reach out to us, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to proceed.

If the vehicle cannot be repaired on-site or in a nearby area, we will arrange for a replacement vehicle within 36 hours.

In the case of an accident, please note that for any insurance claims, you will be required to:

  • Obtain a police report and event log
  • Take clear photos of the accident scene and damages
  • Submit all necessary documentation as instructed by our team.

25. What is the process for returning the vehicle at the end of my rental?

A member of our team will be waiting for you at Short-Term Parking P1 or P2 at Athens International Airport. The exact return details (date, time, and designated parking area) will be confirmed with our representative upon vehicle delivery.

If you plan to return the vehicle earlier than scheduled, kindly inform us in advance, as short-term parking is free for the first 20 minutes. This will allow us to coordinate the return smoothly and help you avoid any unnecessary parking fees. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to assisting you.

26. Must I bring the car back washed?

No! You are not obligated to wash the car. The fee for washing the car is already included in our rates. Only in extreme cases where the interior of car is not treated correctly (eg. coffee, mud, sand, etc.) will you have to wash the car, to avoid any occuring fees from a possibly necessary biological cleaning.

27. What should I do if the license plates of my rental vehicle are removed by the police?

In the unfortunate event that the license plates are confiscated due to a traffic violation (e.g., illegal parking), the renter will be responsible for any fines issued. Additionally, since the vehicle cannot be used during this period, the renter will need to cover the rental cost for the days the plates remain in police custody. We kindly advise all renters to follow local parking and traffic regulations to avoid such inconveniences.