How to Rent a Car in Crete

Photo by: Bigstockphoto
Photo by: Bigstockphoto

Hiring a rental car is a convenient way to go from point A to point B in any country. Renting a car is also relatively easy because most service providers offer online booking and registration. Renting a car in Crete is similar to renting a car in the US. In addition, do know that you are required to have a valid, international driver’s permit before you can rent a car in Crete. Assuming that you have the right permit, here’s how to hire a rental car in Crete:

Step 1: Verify Your Driver’s Permit

You simply cannot drive around Crete if you do not have the right permit. To start securing a booking, you need to verify your International Driver’s Permit or IDP. Note that English-speaking countries do not require an IDP. But to be sure, you want to check the online site of the rental service for the IDP verification process. IDP can only be issued before leaving the US.

Step 2: Choosing a Rental Service

Once your IDP is secured, you can start searching for the best car rental service for you. A simple online search is enough to get dozens of options from Crete-based rental service. You want to check at least 5 service providers to determine which company can provide the best deals for you. It also pays to go for rental services available straight from the airport. This way, the car will be ready for you during your arrival.

Choosing the right rental service will depend on your needs, specific services you want, and the type of car you prefer. Most rental services in Crete offer a range of vehicles at different rates. You can simply choose from the menu or get in touch with a representative to inquire about the vehicles.

Step 3: Book Your Rental Car

Once you have chosen the right plan/vehicle for you, it is time to book the rental car. If you got a phone number, you can finalize your booking over the phone. For overseas car rental services, only credit cards are accepted for rentals so make sure you have a credit card. Do note that renting online is less expensive when you book in advance. You can also save a few dollars if you book online rather than in person. Most car rental services offer incentives for customers who booked online.

Step 4: Checking for Travel Coverage and Insurance

If you have auto insurance, call your service provider and inquire about overseas coverage for rental cars. The same thing goes if your credit card offers travel coverage. Always read the fine print to see if your destination is excluded from the coverage. If say, the insurance company and credit card company do not provide travel or car insurance coverage, you’ll have to take the insurance coverage from the rental company.

Step 5: Inquire About Border Crossing

If you plan to take a long drive across borders, you need to learn about your destination’s border crossing laws as well as the policy of the rental agency. Usually, driving through different borders is allowed but some rental companies have a set of restrictions.