Rental Terms
Welcome to Carac Rent a Car. We aim to provide you with a seamless, safe, and informed rental experience. By renting a vehicle from us, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully to understand our policies on driver requirements, security deposits, insurance coverage, vehicle use, fees, and other important aspects of your rental.
Booking
Availability: We confirm bookings by car category, not by specific car model. You may request a specific model and we will note your preference, but it cannot be guaranteed. If the exact model you booked is unavailable, we will provide a similar or upgraded vehicle from the same category at no extra charge. We ensure that the substitute vehicle will have equal or greater seating capacity and luggage space, and similar transmission type as booked.
Minimum Rental Period: The minimum chargeable rental period is 24 hours. We generally do not provide rentals for shorter periods. If you need a vehicle for only a few hours, you will still be charged the 1-day rate. Additionally, very last-minute rentals may not be possible; we recommend booking at least a day in advance. For any special short-term needs, please call us to check availability.
Delayed Flights/Arrivals: If your flight is delayed or you are running late to the pick-up, please inform us as soon as possible. We will adjust our meet-and-greet times to accommodate delays when notified. Your reservation will be honored beyond the scheduled time, especially if we have your updated arrival details.
Emergency Contact: In case of any emergency, you can reach our 24/7 support at +30 6970866198. We include this number on your rental agreement and key fob. We are here to help you at any time.
Privacy: Your personal information is collected for the rental agreement and insurance requirements. We handle all personal data according to our Privacy Policy and Greek data protection laws. We will not use your information for unsolicited marketing unless you opt in.
Acceptance of Terms: By taking possession of the rental vehicle, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to all terms and conditions stated in this document and in the rental agreement. Any violations of these terms may result in additional charges and/or termination of the rental.
Should you have any questions or need clarification on these Terms and Conditions, feel free to contact us or refer to our FAQ page. We are committed to transparency and customer satisfaction. Thank you for choosing Carac Rent a Car – we wish you a safe and enjoyable journey with your rental vehicle!
Driver Eligibility and Requirements
Age Requirements: The main driver (and any additional drivers) must be at least 21 years old for most car categories. A higher minimum age of 23 years applies for Large, Crossover, SUV, People Carrier and Premium categories. The maximum rental age is 70 years. Drivers aged 19–20 or 71–75 may still be eligible to rent a vehicle by adding an Extended Age Coverage, subject to an additional fee of €10 per rental day. Important Note: Age is verified at pick-up. If you do not meet the age requirements, the rental will be refused and the full rental fee may be charged as a cancellation fee.
Driver’s License: A valid driving license held for at least 1 year is required from the main driver (and any additional drivers). We accept licenses from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Israel, Russia, and Ukraine. Note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if your license was issued in any country not listed. All licenses must be valid (not expired or suspended) at the time of rental.
Identification:The main driver and all additional drivers must present a valid passport or national ID card at pick-up, in addition to their driver’s license.
Additional Drivers: Additional drivers are permitted but must meet the same age and license requirements as the primary driver. All additional drivers must be present at pick-up to be added to the rental agreement. There is no charge for the first additional driver. A fee of €3 per day applies for a second additional driver. A maximum of 3 drivers including the main driver can be registered per rental contract. Unlisted/unapproved drivers are not allowed to drive the vehicle (any damage or incident caused by an undeclared driver is not covered by insurance).
Renter Responsibilities
Fuel Policy:We offer a fuel Same-to-Same policy (Return with Same Fuel Level). The car will be provided with a certain fuel level (always at least ¼ tank). You must return the vehicle with the same level of fuel as you received. For example, if you receive the car full, return it full. if you received ½ tank, return ½ tank. If the car is returned with less fuel than given, you will be charged for the missing fuel at the prevailing rate per liter, plus a €12 refueling service fee. Our team will document the fuel level at pick-up and note it in your contract. No refunds are given for extra fuel in the tank upon return, it will be consider a kind gesture to the next renter.
Mileage: For rentals lasting from 1 to 2 days, price includes 150 kilometers per day. In case of excess an additional charge of €0,10 per extra km will apply. For rentals lasting 3 to 28 days, price includes unlimited mileage. For rentals lasting 28 days or more a 4000 km limit will apply.
Traffic Violations and Fines:The renter is fully responsible for any traffic violations, tickets, or fines incurred during the rental period. This includes speeding tickets, parking fines, toll infractions, and any other fines for illegal or improper driving or parking. If you receive a ticket or fine while using the vehicle, you should pay it promptly. In the event that a traffic fine or penalty is issued to Carac during your rental period, we will notify you and forward your details to the relevant authorities providing a copy of the notice for your records. This allows for the official transfer of liability for the fine to you, as the designated driver during the rental period. Carac will fully cooperate with law enforcement and ensure the fine is redirected to the renter.
Deep Cleaning Fee : If the vehicle is returned with an excessively dirty interior, a cleaning fee of €90 will be applied to cover the cost of professional deep cleaning. Examples include heavy stains, spilled liquids, lots of sand or mud inside, smoke odor, or pet hair that requires special cleaning. To avoid this charge, please treat the car respectfully and return it in a reasonably clean state.
Smoking: Smoking in the rental vehicle is not permitted. Please refrain from smoking or vaping inside the car to avoid cleaning charges for smoke odor.
Pets: Pets are allowed with prior approval. If a pet is transported, ensure the car is protected and cleaned of any hair or dirt to avoid cleaning fees.
Accident Administration Fee : If you are involved in an accident or cause damage to the vehicle, a €40 administration fee will be charged. This fee covers the paperwork processing, insurance reports, and handling required by the rental company following an incident.
General Care: You must take care of the car as a diligent owner would. This means not only driving safely, but also regularly checking the car’s condition during your rental. For longer rentals, please ensure the vehicle’s oil level, coolant, and tire pressure remain within normal ranges (our cars are maintained, but if a warning light appears, inform us). If you experience any mechanical issues or warning lights during your rental, notify Carac Rent a Car immediately for assistance. We provide 24/7 roadside support and can replace the vehicle within 24 hours if needed due to breakdown.
Proper Use: Use the car only on regular, paved roads. Our vehicles are not allowed off-road or on unpaved trails, as this can cause damage not covered by insurance. Avoid driving through flooded areas or any terrain that could damage the car’s underside. The car is intended for personal transportation use only, commercial use, taxi service, or carrying passengers/goods for hire is forbidden. Towing any trailer or vehicle with the rental car is also not allowed. Our vehicles are equipped with fleet systems that assist with maintenance schedules, roadside support, and general coordination for operational purposes only.
Compliance with Laws: You must obey all Greek traffic laws. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that could impair your driving ability – this is strictly prohibited and voids all insurance coverage. Always wear seat belts and use appropriate child seats for young children (per law, children under 12 or under 135cm should use a proper child restraint – we can provide child seats on request). Do not use the vehicle for any illegal purpose or dangerous activities (such as racing, rallying, or speed testing).
Pick-Up / Drop-Off
Pick-Up: When you arrive to collect your car, you will need to present your driver’s license, ID/passport, and a valid credit or debit card in your name (for security verification and deposit). Before driving away, you will review and sign the rental agreement which outlines the condition of the vehicle and the fuel level. Our staff will give you instructions for the return process and answer any questions to ensure you’re comfortable with the vehicle.
Drop-Off: You must return the vehicle on the agreed date, time, and location specified in your rental contract. If you wish to extend the rental period, you must notify Carac Rent a Car at least 48 hours in advance for approval (extensions are subject to vehicle availability). Late returns without prior approval have a grace period of one hour, After this one hour grace period additional charges will apply. If you return the car to a different location than the pick-up location, a one-way drop-off fee will apply (the amount varies from €40 to €150 based on distance). Upon return, the car’s condition will be inspected. The security deposit will be refunded after confirming there are no new damages, outstanding fees, or fuel discrepancies.
Pick-Up / Drop-Off Hours: Our standard office hours are typically 09:00 to 21:00. We offer after-hours pick-up and drop-off for your convenience, but additional fees apply for this service:
- Pick-up or drop-off between 21:00 and 00:00 – €25 surcharge
- Pick-up or drop-off between 00:00 and 07:00 – €40 surcharge
- Pick-up or drop-off between 07:00 and 09:00 – €25 surcharge
These fees cover the cost of arranging staff to accommodate your schedule. After-hour services must be arranged in advance. In your booking confirmation email, we will provide detailed instructions for pick-up or return, especially if it’s outside normal hours or at a specific meeting point.
Vehicle Condition at Pick-Up: The rental vehicle will be provided clean and in roadworthy condition, with at least 1/4 tank of fuel (often more). Any existing damage will be noted on the rental agreement. Please inspect the car along with our representative and ensure all pre-existing damages are recorded before you depart. We provide any required accessories (like child seats or GPS units) as confirmed in your booking, and their condition will also be noted.
Vehicle Return Condition: The car should be returned in essentially the same condition as it was rented (aside from normal wear and usage). This includes the fuel level and cleanliness of the vehicle’s interior. Please remove all personal belongings and trash. Excessively dirty interiors (stains, sand, food spills, etc.) may incur a cleaning charge (see Administrative and Cleaning Fees). We ask that you do not smoke in the rental vehicles – a cleaning fee will apply for evidence of smoking.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellations: To cancel or modify a reservation, please contact us by email or phone with your booking details. Refunds (when applicable) will be processed to the original payment method. We strive to be fair and understanding, so if you have special circumstances, we encourage you to communicate with us. If you need to cancel your reservation, you may do so up to 48 hours before the scheduled pick-up date and time without any penalty or fee. We will refund any prepaid amount in full, or simply cancel the booking with no charge if you haven’t paid yet. If you cancel less than 48 hours before your pick-up time, a late cancellation fee may apply ranging from the cost of a 1-day rental up to the full amount of the rental.
No-Show Policy: If you do not cancel and fail to show up to collect the vehicle at the confirmed pick-up time/place, it will be treated as a cancellation without notice. In case of no-show, no refund will be issued for any amount paid. The vehicle will be released and made available to other customers after a grace period on the pick-up day typically 2-4 hours unless you contact us for a late pick-up.
Early Return:If you return the vehicle before the end of your reserved rental period, we do not issue refunds for unused days. The rental is charged for the period originally booked, as the car was held for you for that entire duration.
Payment Terms
Rental Payment: Payment for the rental is due upon arrival (pay at pick-up) or via online card payment through our website with a discount of 10% of the total amount. We do not require advance payment at the time of booking. You can pay in cash or by credit/debit card. We accept all major card brands (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, etc.). Please note: We do NOT accept American Express and Revolut cards for payment.
Currency: All prices and charges are in Euros (€). We will provide a document for the rental charges at pick-up. The rental rate is inclusive of all applicable taxes (including 24% VAT).
No Hidden Fees: Carac Rent a Car prides itself on transparency. The price we quote at booking is what you pay. The security deposit is fully refundable as explained. The only additional charges that could arise would be due to policy violations or optional services chosen by you (see Administrative Fees, Traffic Fines, etc). We do not charge credit card fees, contract fees, or other surprise surcharges at pick-up.
Location-Specific Policies
Thessaloniki ,Kavala & Larnaca Credit Card Requirement:
For rentals starting in Thessaloniki,Kavala and Larnaca a valid credit card Visa or Mastercard in the main driver’s name is mandatory for the security deposit.Debit cards and cash are not accepted for the deposit at this location.If you are unable to present a valid credit card at pick-up, the rental may be refused according to our cancellation policies.In other location such as Crete a security deposit may be provided either by credit card, debit card, or cash, according to your preference.
Security Deposit
All rentals with Carac Rent a Car require a refundable security deposit.
This deposit is held exclusively to cover any fuel level differences and any traffic fines that may be issued during the rental period. The full deposit will be refunded at the end of the rental, provided the fuel level is as agreed and no fines have been recorded.
Deposit Amount per category:
Small Cars: €250 deposit
Medium Cars: €350 deposit
Large Cars: €450 deposit
Crossover/SUV: €550 deposit
People Carrier: €650 deposit
Premium Vehicles : €900 deposit
Payment Method for Deposit: The deposit can be provided either as a credit/debit card authorization (money hold) or in cash, according to your preference. If using a card, no money is actually charged to your account; instead, the amount is blocked (pre-authorized) on your card for the duration of the rental. For cash deposits, our agent will issue a receipt and the cash will be returned to you when you return the car.
Refund of Deposit: Upon returning the vehicle, card authorizations will be released immediately and cash deposits will be handed back immediately.
Note: Failure to provide a security deposit at pick-up may result in denial of the rental. Even if you plan to pay the rental fees and the deposit in cash, you should still have a valid card matching the driver’s name on the rental agreement, for identity verification only.
Insurance Coverage
Basic
All Carac rentals include Basic insurance, which covers Third Party Liability (TPL) and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), provided rental terms are followed. Third Party LiabilityProvides coverage for damage or injury you may cause to other people’s property or vehicles, or injuries to other persons, in an accident up to € 1.300.000. Collision Damage Waiver Covers you for damage to the rental vehicle’s body in case of a collision or accident. The Excess amount equals the deductible amount in case of an accident.
CDW:
The renter is fully released for the liability for any car damage over:
- Over €700 excess as long as she/he adheres to the rental terms for small cars category
- Over €700 excess as long as she/he adheres to the rental terms for medium cars category
- Over €800 excess as long as she/he adheres to the rental terms for large cars category
- Over €800 excess as long as she/he adheres to the rental terms for Crossover/Suv cars category
- Over €1300 excess as long as she/he adheres to the rental terms for People Carrier cars category
- Over €2000 excess as long as she/he adheres to the rental terms for Premium cars category
Plus
The Plus Insurance Package includes Third Party Liability (TPL) protection Collision Damage Waiver Plus (CDWP), Personal Assistance Insurance (PAI), Legal Assistance (LA) and Road Assistance (RA). Third Party Liability Provides coverage for damage or injury you may cause to other people’s property or vehicles, or injuries to other persons, in an accident up to € 1.300.000. Super Collision Damage Waiver lowers or removes your Excess for vehicle body damage in case of a collision or accident depending on the vehicle category, Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) covers medical expenses and accident protection for the driver and passengers, up to €45,000.Legal Assistance Coverage Covers the costs of legal advice or representation in the unlikely event of a legal dispute or incident related to the rental vehicle, Road Assistance offers 24/7 support for breakdowns, battery issues, flat tires, or similar incidents during your rental.
Note: The Plus package is optional and available for a daily fee, as shown below.
CDWP which is available with an extra daily charge:
The renter is fully released of the liability for any car damage:
- As long as she/he adheres to the rental terms and pays an extra cost of €10 per day for small cars category
- As long as she/he adheres to the rental terms and pays an extra cost of €10 per day for medium cars category
- As long as she/he adheres to the rental terms and pays an extra cost of €13 per day for large cars category
- As long as she/he adheres to the rental terms and pays an extra cost of €13 per day for Crossover/Suv cars category
- Over €650 excess as long as she/he adheres to the rental terms and pays an extra cost of €20 per day for People Carrier cars category
- Over €650 excess as long as she/he adheres to the rental terms and pays an extra cost of €35 per day for Premium cars category
Insurance Limits
Collision Damage: The maximum amount that can be covered under any insurance package (Basic or Plus) for damage to the rental vehicle is limited to €4,750. Any repair costs exceeding this amount are the responsibility of the renter.
Third-Party Liability Insurance: Provides coverage for damage or injury you may cause to other people’s property or vehicles, or injuries to other persons, in an accident. This covers up to the amounts required by Greek law €1,300,000 for material damages and €1,300,000 for bodily injury to third parties.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI):
This coverage provides financial protection for the driver and passengers in the event of an accident. It includes compensation of up to €45,000 for driver-related injuries, hospital expenses, in cases of permanent or partial disability and in the event of death.
Legal Assistance Coverage:
Legal Assistance provides support in the event of a legal claim or dispute related to the use of the rental vehicle. It covers legal costs and representation up to €15,000. This protection offers peace of mind should legal advice or defense become necessary due to an accident or claim.
While our insurances are comprehensive, certain situations and types of damage included below are not covered by the insurance.
Theft Protection (TP): Covers the vehicle in the event of theft or attempted theft of the rental car.
Fire Protection (FP): Covers damage to the vehicle caused by fire or explosion. If the car experiences fire damage not due to renter negligence, you will not have to pay for those damages.
Wheels Undercarriage Glass (WUG) Damage to wheels, tires, hubcaps, undercarriage of the car or glass and mirrors (e.g. damage to the oil pan, suspension, or frame beneath the vehicle, windshield cracks, broken windows, side mirrors).
Interior damage or excessive staining of the car’s upholstery.
Loss of or damage to keys or accessories (GPS units, child seats, dashcams etc.).
Any damage or loss that occurs while driving on unpaved/gravel roads or off-road areas.
Any damage to convertible soft tops
Any damage that occurs while the vehicle is being transported by a ferry (or any marine vessel), or driven outside the approved geographic area (e.g., outside Greece, which is prohibited).
Incidents resulting from the driver’s negligence or illegal conduct – for example, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or violating traffic laws (speeding, reckless driving). All insurance coverage is voided if you breach the rental agreement or local laws.
Any accident or damage that is not reported properly (failure to obtain a police report, fire department report, port authority & notify us – see Accidents and Damage Reporting).
Accidents and Damage Reporting
In the unfortunate event of an accident or if the vehicle is damaged/stolen, please follow these guidelines:
1. Safety First: If anyone is injured, call the emergency number 112 immediately for medical assistance. Ensure you and your passengers are safe. Move to a safe location if possible and legal.
2. Notify Police: For any accident involving a third party, theft, or significant damage, you must call the police to the scene and obtain an official ‘Police Accident Report’. This report is essential for insurance and liability purposes.
3. Contact Carac Rent a Car: Notify us as soon as possible about the incident. We have a 24/7 emergency line (provided on your rental agreement and keychain) for you to report accidents or breakdowns. Our team will guide you on next steps. If the car is not roadworthy, we will arrange a replacement vehicle or recovery of the vehicle.
4. Document the Scene: If safe, take photos of the damage, the scene, and any other vehicles involved. Exchange information with any other drivers involved (names, license plate numbers, insurance details). Do not admit fault or liability at the scene – just state facts to the police.
5. Complete Required Forms: You will need to fill out an accident report form for our records (available here).
scene and obtain an official ‘Police Accident Report’. This report is essential for insurance and liability purposes.
Provide all relevant details and the police report number.
If the accident or damage occurred due to a violation of the rental terms or negligent behavior, you will be held responsible for all related costs and insurance may not cover you. In such cases, Carac Rent a Car reserves the right to retain the security deposit and to seek additional compensation if damages exceed the deposit amount.