CretanCars

Frequently Asked Questions about renting with CretanCars

 

Why are your prices sometimes higher than international car rental companies or booking brokers?

Our full insurance with zero excess and no deposit is included in the price. This means no hidden fees, no extra insurance add-ons on location and no credit card required. You start your journey right away – no vehicle inspection, no damage report, and no wasted time at pickup or return. As a local car rental company in Crete, we provide real personal service: personal meet & greet at the airport, free delivery to your hotel/apartment and direct support without call centres – no shuttles and no waiting in queues.

Is it necessary to pay by credit card or leave a cash deposit?

No. With CretanCars you need no deposit and no credit card required. We offer full insurance with zero excess. You can pay on arrival in cash or with any debit card; a credit card is also accepted, but not required. You can also book online and pay the full amount at pickupno prepayment and no blocked funds on your card.

How can I find you at the airport after landing?

Our representative will be waiting at the airport exit with a “CretanCars” sign, according to your flight schedule. Your benefit: no shuttles, no queues and no waiting times – you start your journey immediately and stress-free. Even in case of a flight delay, there are no additional charges and no cancellation: we track your flight and wait for you according to the actual arrival time.

What do I need for vehicle pickup?

You only need a valid driving licence and a passport or ID card. If you complete the online check-in in advance, you can collect the keys with no waiting time and start your holiday straight away. Since full insurance is included, there is no lengthy handover procedure – it’s quick and hassle-free.

How can I receive the car at my hotel or apartment?

We deliver the car to your hotel parking area, and our representative will meet you at the reception at the time you selected during booking. Your benefit: you don’t need to go anywhere – the handover happens where you stay. If there is no parking at your hotel/apartment, we will find a nearby parking spot and meet you at the hotel reception or the main entrance.

How does the car return work?

For hotel returns, you park the car at a nearby parking area and leave the key at the receptionno waiting and no in-person handover required. For airport returns, you park the car and drop the key in the key box. Your benefit: returns are available 24/7, even late at night or early in the morning. Please return the car with the same fuel level as at pickup. If you booked the option “Full tank at pickup – empty tank at return”, you may return the car with any remaining fuel, which is especially convenient on departure day.

What should I do in case of an accident or if I notice damage?

Please contact us immediately by phone using the number on your rental agreement and send us a few photos via WhatsApp. This helps us assist you quickly and guide you through the next steps. In case of major damage, please wait for the insurance agent; if needed, we will arrange a replacement vehicle as quickly as possible. For minor damage with no third party involved, it is enough to inform us via WhatsApp with several photoswithout waiting for the insurance agent.

What if I get a flat tyre or the car has a technical issue?

Please contact us immediately and we will send roadside assistance right away. In case of a technical issue, we will replace the car immediately with a vehicle of the same or a higher category so your trip can continue with minimal interruption. For a flat tyre, you may change it yourself using the spare wheel or wait for our assistance. If you change it yourself, please let us know.

Can I pick up the car in one place and drop it off in another?

Yes, one-way rentals are usually possible with no extra charge. A minimum rental period applies depending on the region so we can plan the logistics reliably. Heraklion (within 80 km): from 4 days. Chania (within 40 km): from 6 days. Myrtos, Sitia, Plakias, Palaiochora, Moires, Hora Sfakion, Agia Galini, Makry Gialos, Kolymvari (within 20 km): from 8 days.

What is the earliest and latest time for vehicle pickup?

The earliest pickup time is 07:30 and the latest is 23:30. Pickup outside these hours is possible for an extra fee: Heraklion Airport 25 EUR, Chania or Sitia Airports 45 EUR. Your benefit: you stay flexible even with very early or late flights. Car return is available 24/7, regardless of the time, without an in-person handover.

Can I take the car on a ferry or leave Crete with it?

Without written permission from our company, it is not allowed to take the vehicle on a ferry or leave Crete. This protects you, as insurance and assistance depend on clear rules. If the vehicle is used outside Crete without prior notice and written approval, a contractual penalty may apply and further use of the vehicle will be prohibited. If you plan to leave Crete, please contact us in advance – we will check whether permission can be granted.

I have rented with you before — can I get a discount?

Yes. We offer a loyalty discount for returning customers. To receive it, simply enter the same email address you used for your previous booking — the discount will be applied automatically during the booking process. Returning customers can also book with no prepayment and still benefit from the discounted price.

Do you still have questions?

We’ll be happy to help. Please email us at info@cretancars.gr or use the contact form on our website.