Good auto insurance is required when driving in Greece, as the country has one of the highest accident rates in the European Union. On the other hand, there are more than 100 insurance companies in Greece! This implies you should be especially cautious when choosing one of them because they may lack the necessary expertise or financial resources to assist their consumers.
As a result, when looking for insurance in Greece, you should not solely consider premiums. Some insurers charge lower rates, but they wind up costing you more in the long run by underestimating losses, pressuring repair shops to minimize prices, and making you to pay more for replacement parts. After an accident, they may even hike your premiums.
Instead, look for reliable companies that will provide you with good value for money, such as large organizations or international corporations that have a presence in Greece, such as those chosen to be insuranceline’s partners.
Is car insurance mandatory in Greece?
Third-party insurance is required in Greece and covers both the car owner’s and any other driver’s civil responsibility.
Is car insurance expensive in Greece?
Top-tier insurance companies in the United States provide discounts to drivers who pledge to not having an accident, speeding, or talking on their phones while driving. In Greece, automobile insurance for inexperienced drivers can be prohibitively expensive. Young individuals who wish to buy cars or join the rental market face a dearth of cheap coverage.
According to a new survey, a 15-year-old male driver’s average monthly premium in Greece was 2,816 ($3,130), compared to 732 ($828) in Italy and 1,292 ($1,457) in France. A 25-year-old Greek female driver pays an average of 2,926 ($3,249), compared to 4,000 ($4251) in France, according to the survey.
Although car insurance in Greece is less expensive than in many other nations, it can still be a significant outlay for novice or young drivers. To insure your automobile, you’ll need to pay a one-time membership cost of 500, followed by a daily price of 7. A year’s worth of coverage costs between $9,000 and $1,400.
This is an expense that young drivers, or those who are new to driving in general, may not be able to afford. The good news is that some auto insurance companies provide low rates for first-time drivers and inexperienced drivers under the age of 25.
The average yearly cost of insurance for a private car in Greece is $220, according to the European Commission. According to a survey by Eurostat, an organization that provides statistical information on Europe, this is over twice as costly as the global average of $110.
The amount of money you must pay for auto insurance is determined by your age, driving experience, and whether or not you live in Athens. Some organizations offer restricted coverage plans that are less expensive than other plans but still cover the necessary standards in order to keep costs down for young drivers and those who are inexperienced with driving in Greece.
So, how does a new buyer know whether the auto insurance policy he’s acquired is adequate? What the law says: When purchasing a product or service, certain legal safeguards are in place to ensure that you get what you pay for. Warranties and guarantees are the terms used to describe these conditions, and they apply to insurance plans as well.
People frequently protest that they should not be compelled by law to have insurance because they are a conscientious driver. This, however, is not the case. In fact, if you don’t have insurance, you’re more likely to be involved in an accident than if you do.
If You Agree With These Sentiments, Then Think About It This Way
Would you be willing to pay for the repair of your automobile if someone crashed into it and didn’t have insurance? Even if they were certain it was unneeded and they considered themselves to be a cautious driver?
The law is in place to ensure that every driver on the road is safe. While others may disagree, it seems sense that it should be this way.
When most people think of vehicle insurance, they think of the protection it provides for others. Consider a coverage that pays out for damage to other people’s property.
It Actually Provides Much More Than This
The victims of the harm could pursue the motorist if it weren’t for third-party coverage. They may also demand monetary recompense. This would have to be paid out of pocket by the driver.
Most people consider their car to be a valued asset. The legal minimum payment for a third-party does not give the protection they want.
As a result, insurance firms provide a variety of possibilities. They hope to meet the needs of a wide spectrum of individuals and automobiles.
Choosing the appropriate level of coverage is usually straightforward. It will be determined by the worth of your vehicle as well as your financial circumstances. Your attitude toward danger might play a significant impact at times.
Do you own an automobile that you consider to be purely functional and only worth a little sum of money? Then the comprehensive coverage would be excessive. The premium increase would be insufficient to fund a repair on an automobile that would be cheaper to replace.
It’s not as simple to choose between third-party and third-party fire and theft (TPFT) insurance:
- If you are a risk averse person, purchasing the additional coverage may help you feel safer.
- If you believe that saving money on insurance is worth the danger of driving for a few days without coverage.
The cost of car insurance is determined by a variety of factors. If you want low-cost vehicle insurance, you may need to search about.
Bear In Mind That ‘Cheap’ Is Relative
If a 17-year-old is looking for insurance for a hot hatch, anything under a grand may seem cheap. Such a sum might appear extravagant to a middle-aged person insuring the identical car. In general, insurance is not a wise choice for a collector car buyer. However, there may be times when you feel compelled to purchase insurance.
I’m not an insurance professional, but I’ve heard that buying insurance for your vehicle is generally not a good idea if you’re an enthusiast car buyer. It’s understandable: enthusiasts are more likely to drive faster and take greater risks. Insurance companies determine how much money they will pay based on the vehicle’s risk, thus the average premium would be significantly more than what you are currently paying.
However, this does not rule out the possibility of devotees obtaining insurance; there are several exceptions. Getting a specialist coverage is usually a good idea if you’re going to be driving your car in contests or rallies.
If You’re Traveling In Europe, Avoid Tolls When Driving By Using These Tips!
Europe is a lovely location to visit, but navigating this large continent may be difficult. Of course, you’re aware that in Greece, Italy, and France, it’s better to avoid utilizing toll highways. But did you know that there are toll-free motorways on the other side of the Atlantic?
If you’re visiting Europe for the first time, or if your family’s budget won’t allow for some of the more luxurious amenities, like as a car or an apartment, then taking these bargain highways could be the way to go!
Always keep an eye out for signs put on the highway that will tell you where you can and can’t travel to avoid paying such costs. Also, keep in mind that Europeans are people, too! So, even if someone appears to be passing through, don’t be afraid to approach them.
When Driving A Car, Do You Care To Park It On A Field Or The Street?
The answer will inform you of the ideal parking location for your vehicle. Cars on the street are more handy, according to proponents, and people may get acclimated to them quickly. Those who choose to park their automobiles in a field claim that it is safer and easier because there is less traffic and vacant streets, and they don’t have to worry about damaging their vehicle.
Driving on the road is all about saving time and money. Because you want to save time and money, you park your automobile in the field. There are numerous advantages to parking in the fields, but there are also some drawbacks.
If you park your automobile on the street, you may be exposed to danger from other vehicles, people, or the weather. You may also receive a penalty for parking in an inconvenient place. If you park in the field, you’ll have to walk a long way to go to places like parks or libraries.
Consider considerations such as how close it is to locations you want to go and whether or not there are any limits on where you can park your car to determine what is ideal for you.
General Information
Because the cost of car rental insurance varies greatly, please read the information below before making your reservation. For the period of your rental, the laws of the nation where you rent the car will apply.
Required Insurance Coverage
All renters are required to have fire and third-party liability insurance. In the event of damage or harm to individuals or property outside of the rental automobile, third-party liability insurance provides up to $85,000 in coverage.
Optional Insurance Coverage
Our included pricing include a discount on collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection. CDW costs between $15 and $23 per day if purchased at the rental counter. If purchased at the rental counter, theft protection costs between $5 and $12 per day. The deductible (the client’s expense) is reduced to $385 – $1685 with CDW and theft coverage. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is available for $3 to $5 per day at the rental counter. Super CDW may be available in your area, lowering your deductible to nothing. Only chosen suppliers offer optional insurance coverage, and rates are subject to change without notice.
Can you drive in Greece with UK license?
In Greece, there were 696 traffic fatalities in 2019. (source: Department for Transport). This amounts to 6.5 road deaths per 100,000 people, compared to 2.7 road deaths per 100,000 people in the United Kingdom in 2019.
Road safety
Make sure the vehicle you’re renting is in good working order and that you’re covered by insurance. When hiring mopeds or quad bikes, the insurance provided by the rental firm is typically limited to third-party coverage, which only covers damage to another vehicle. In many situations, any damage to the rental car must be paid for, or you may be arrested if you do not pay and the rental company decides to file charges.
Quad biking
Quad biking is an extreme sport with the potential for catastrophic injury or death. Travel insurance that covers quad bike rentals is required to avoid having to pay for private health care and/or repatriation to the United Kingdom. Always check the fine print and exclusions on your insurance policy before going on vacation, paying special attention to the small print and exceptions.
If you do decide to hire a quad bike, make sure to select a category that corresponds to your driving license and age.
Helmets are required for both drivers and passengers.
Failure to do so could void your insurance, and if you’re stopped, you’ll be penalized and have your license revoked.
You’ll need a valid driver’s license with at least category A1 – ‘light motorbike’ if you want to rent a moped. In Greece, Category P, which is valid in the UK for mopeds up to 50cc, is not valid.
How does insurance work in Greece?
A universal healthcare system ensures that all Greek people have access to free or low-cost healthcare. Although roughly 15% of the Greek population has private health insurance, the public healthcare system is funded through mandatory social insurance contributions.
Vehicles from EU countries
- Fill out a DVA (Declaration of Vehicle Arrival) form and submit it to the Customs Authority. The owner or their legal representative can do this.
- To assess and pay the applicable taxes, submit a Special Declaration/Custom Clearance Statement to the Customs Authority. This must be completed by the 15th of the month after the vehicle’s arrival.
- For new automobiles, VAT must be paid (vehicles that are less than six months old or with less than 6,000 Km)
Useful Contacts
- Department D of the Directorate of Excise DutiesTel: 210 32 45 486 / 210 33 12 459Fax: 210 32 45 460email
- Department BTel: 210 32 45 552 / 210 32 45 587Fax: 210 32 45 593email: Directorate of Customs Economic Systems (Temporary Importation – Use of Private Passenger Cars)
- 210 32 45 412Fax: 210 32 45 408email: Directorate of Tariffs – VAT – Department ETel: 210 32 45 412Fax: 210 32 45 408email:
- Department of Import Duties, Directorate of TariffsTel: 210 32 45 411Fax: 210 32 45 408email
Do I need an international driving licence to hire a car in Greece?
To operate a car in Greece, a foreign driver must obtain both an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a state-issued driver’s license. However, once you get the permit, it is valid for one year as long as your regular driver’s license is still current.
Can I drive a car in Greece?
The International Driver’s Permit became necessary for foreigners renting automobiles in Greece in 2018. (EU citizens can drive in Greece with their own driver’s license.) It’s not the same as an international driver’s license; it’s essentially a translation and photo ID of whichever driver’s license you usually use. I can’t say if you’ll be asked for it or not, but tourists and vehicle rental companies have been penalized. An international organization
The International Driving Permit (IDP) allows you to legally drive in Greece and 174 other countries, but it must be accompanied by a valid driver’s license. Only the Automobile Association of America (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) issue IDPs in the United States, and you can obtain one online if there isn’t one near you.
Before you leave, inspect your leased automobile for dents, scratches, and window cracks, and make sure the gas level is as stated on the contract.
Make sure the spare tire is inflated and that you have all of the necessary tools.
It’s also worth noting that any damage to the car’s underside, including tires, is not covered by insurance.
Do I need a car in Athens Greece?
Driving in Greece, particularly in Athens, may appear challenging or even daunting at first, but once you get into it, driving in Greece is a breeze.
Having your own rental car is almost essential if you truly want to see the nation, especially the mainland.
“The first thing a visitor should check is if they have an international driving permit (IDP) if one is required, according to Nicolas Haddad, owner of Athens Car Rental.
Haddad has a lot of expertise in the car rental industry, so his advice on what visitors should think about before hiring a car in Greece might save you a lot of time and money!
If non-EU visitors want to rent a car in Greece, they must have an IDP as well as a valid national driver’s license. If this regulation is broken, a new law established in May of 2018 mandates substantial fines for both customers and rental companies, as well as the confiscation of the car.
“Some car rental firms fail to advise visitors that an international driving permit is required. They include a language in the contract that states that if the driver receives a ticket from the police for driving without the proper authorization, the driver must pay the fine,” Haddad explained.
He continued, “It is really simple to obtain an IDP in any country. It takes less than half an hour, there are generally some online systems, and it costs between $20 and $25.”
A passport or ID card, as well as a credit card for the guarantee, are also required to rent a car in Greece.
Haddad also stressed the need of car insurance “First and foremost, a consumer should study the policy to see what it covers and what it does not. And once they arrive at the airport, they should take photos of the automobile with the delivery person to avoid being charged for any hidden or pre-existing problems.”
Haddad, on the other hand, told the Greek Reporter that “The majority of car rental companies in Athens have brand new vehicles. Because of the high mileage, they don’t keep a car for more than four years.”
Before selecting a suitable car for rent, Athens Car Rental considers the demands of the customer. As the proprietor puts it, “We ask customers to describe their gatherings, including how many people will be in the car and how much luggage space is required.”
Furthermore, while standard cars in Greece have a manual transmission, visitors who want an automatic must request this up advance, as automatic cars account for less than 25% of all rental cars.
To be honest, finding a parking spot in Athens can be challenging. Whether a visitor’s hotel has private parking, they should inquire; otherwise, Haddad recommends inquiring “if the hotel has an agreement with a local private parking lot for special discounted prices because the automobile needs to be parked in a secure private parking lot!” This will keep the car safe from theft or damage while also ensuring that it is properly parked so that you do not receive a ticket. He also highlights the importance of “In the car, never leave luggage or personal belongings visible.”
Furthermore, because traffic signs do not contain any writing and most resemble European signs, they are simple to interpret. A driver must be able to “Keep an eye out for hidden/removed road signs, and it’s always a good idea to stop at all small road intersections!”
Finally, Athens Vehicle Rental’s owner encourages “Check and review Touristic Forums for dependable car rental services before choosing with the cheapest alternative!”
Can I drive in Greece after Brexit?
If you are a UK national, a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Agreement, a resident of Greece, and the holder of a UK driving licence or a CPC driver qualification card, you can continue to use your driving licence or CPC card until December 31, 2021 (the deadline was extended by the Ministry of Transport and Communications on April 27, 2021 with Circular Note 30/A3/112688).