Legal

Terms and Conditions

Please read these rental terms carefully before submitting a booking request or collecting a vehicle.

1. Driver Requirements & Mandatory Documents

Upon vehicle collection, the primary driver and any additional drivers must meet all the following requirements concurrently:

Age Limits: Drivers must be between 26 and 75 years old for standard rentals. Young drivers aged 18 to 25 are accepted subject to an additional "Young Driver Fee" of €20 per day.
Driver's License: A valid national driving license issued by Greece or an EU member state is required. Non-EU residents must present a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national driving license.
Identification: A valid government-issued ID card or passport in force at the time of pickup.
Rental Guarantee: A valid credit or debit card issued in the primary driver's full name is mandatory for holding the security deposit.
Note: Failure to produce the required original documents will result in immediate cancellation of the vehicle delivery, and any deposit or prepayment already paid shall be strictly non-refundable.

2. Authorized & Additional Drivers

The rented vehicle may only be driven by the primary driver and any additional drivers explicitly declared and registered in the written rental agreement. Driving by any unauthorized individual results in the immediate and automatic forfeiture of all insurance coverages. In such an event, the renter assumes full and unlimited civil and criminal liability, and the company reserves the right to terminate the agreement instantly and repossess the vehicle. Up to two (2) additional drivers may be registered per contract, subject to verification of their documents.

3. Geographical Restrictions & Mileage Policy

Cross-Border Rental: The vehicle must be driven exclusively within the national borders of the Greek Territory. Taking the vehicle outside of Greece is strictly prohibited unless prior express written authorization has been granted by the company.
Out-of-Region Use: The vehicle may be driven freely outside the Athens/Attica region, provided it is returned to the agreed location at the specified time. Abandoning, returning, or parking the vehicle in a different city or location than agreed without written consent will incur severe penalties, including vehicle recovery and administrative fees.
Ferry Transportation: Boarding the vehicle on a ferry or boat is permitted solely upon prior written authorization from the company and is subject to an additional fee of €25 per way. Without this written permit, the renter remains fully liable for any damages, losses, or issues caused during maritime transport, as no insurance covers ferry transit without prior approval.
Mileage Policy: For rentals lasting three (3) days or longer, unlimited mileage is provided. For short-term rentals of 1 to 2 days, a daily allowance of 150 free kilometers is included (extra kilometers are billed at €0.15 per km). For long-term or monthly rentals (exceeding 30 days), the limit is set at 3,000 free kilometers per month.

4. Alcohol, Substance Policy, Prohibited Uses & Personal Liability

Driving the vehicle under the influence of alcohol (above the legal limits of 0.5‰, or 0.2‰ for young drivers), narcotics, psychotropic substances, or medications that impair driving ability is strictly prohibited. In the event of an accident occurring while under the influence, all insurance coverages become completely null and void, and the renter assumes full, unilateral financial responsibility for all damages to the vehicle, third parties, or themselves.

Adherence to the legal speed limits, as defined by the Greek Traffic Code (K.O.K.) and road signs, is mandatory throughout the rental. Systematic or extreme speeding is deemed misuse of the vehicle.

Driver's Personal Liability & Company Indemnity Clause: The renter/driver explicitly states that they unconditionally accept all terms of this agreement and assume full and exclusive liability for the safe operation of the vehicle in strict compliance with the Greek Traffic Code (K.O.K.). In the event of any traffic accident, the renter/driver bears exclusive civil and criminal liability for any bodily injury, disability, trauma, or loss of life (death) suffered by them. The lessor company AthensGoCars does not provide, is not obligated to provide, and shall not effect any life insurance or personal accident insurance coverage for the driver of the vehicle. Any such coverage remains the sole responsibility, choice, and financial expense of the driver through their own personal private insurance provider.

Furthermore, the vehicle must not be used for:

Illegal transportation, smuggling, or trafficking of undocumented migrants (irregular aliens), in accordance with applicable criminal law.
Transporting, possessing, storing, or trafficking illegal drugs, unauthorized weapons, or any other contraband. In case of violation, the renter bears exclusive criminal and civil liability and is legally bound to fully indemnify the company for any direct or consequential damages, including the total value of the vehicle if it is confiscated by state authorities.
Participating in racing, speed trials, rallies, or towing other vehicles or trailers.
Driving on unpaved, non-asphalt, or dirt roads (off-road driving).
Commercial purposes, sub-renting, passenger transport for hire/remuneration, or driving lessons.
Transporting cargo or passengers exceeding the vehicle's maximum registered capacity.
Transporting animals without the company's prior written approval.
Smoking inside the vehicle: Violation of this rule will result in a special deep-cleaning fine of €80 + VAT.

5. Delivery, Return & Cancellation Policy

Check-In Procedure (Pickup): Upon collection, the renter and the company representative will inspect the vehicle jointly and perform a digital inspection (photographs and/or video) to record its exact condition and any pre-existing wear or damage prior to the rental commencement.

Check-Out Procedure (Return): The vehicle must be returned clean, in the same condition as received, at the exact time and location specified in the contract. Early return of the vehicle does not entitle the renter to any refund or credit for unused days. The minimum rental period is 24 hours.

Grace Period (Delays):

Low / Mid Season: A delay of up to 2 hours is permitted without penalty. Beyond this grace period, an extra full day of rental will be charged.
High Season: A delay of up to 20 minutes is permitted without penalty. Beyond this grace period, an extra full day of rental will be charged.

Cancellation & No-Show Policy:

Low Season (November 1st – April 30th): Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the scheduled pickup: Full refund of the deposit. Cancellations made between 24 and 48 hours before pickup: 50% retention of the deposit. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before pickup or No-Show: The deposit is entirely non-refundable.
High Season (May 1st – October 31st): Cancellations made up to 15 days before the scheduled pickup: Full refund of the deposit. Cancellations made between 7 and 14 days before pickup: 50% retention of the deposit. Cancellations made less than 7 days before pickup or No-Show: The deposit is entirely non-refundable.

In the event of a No-Show, the booking is automatically canceled 3 hours after the agreed pickup time, and the vehicle is released back to availability.

6. Fuel Policy

The vehicle is delivered with a specific fuel level and must be returned with the exact same amount. If the vehicle is returned with less fuel, the renter will be charged for the missing fuel plus a refueling service charge of €15 + VAT. The use of an incorrect fuel type during the rental is due entirely to renter negligence, and the renter shall bear all costs associated with flushing the engine and repairing any resulting mechanical damages.

7. Security Deposit & Irrevocable Card Charge Authorization

Payment Methods: Payments are accepted via credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro), cash (up to €500), and bank wire transfer (for rentals exceeding 3 days).

Security Deposit Amount: Upon rental commencement, a security deposit will be pre-authorized/held on the primary driver's card based on the vehicle class: Economy, Compact, SUV: €300 for all these categories, with the sole exception of the Premium category where the security deposit is set at €1,500.

Release: The deposit will be released within 7 to 14 business days following the vehicle's safe return, provided no outstanding charges, damages, or violations exist.

Irrevocable Charge Authorization Clause: By signing the rental agreement, the Renter grants explicit, absolute, and irrevocable instruction and authorization to the company to charge their credit or debit card for any costs, fees, or penalties that may arise retroactively. This includes, but is not limited to: hidden or unnoted damages discovered upon thorough technical inspection, administrative fees, traffic fines/tickets, or fuel discrepancies, even if such liabilities are identified after the vehicle has been returned, the security deposit released, and the rental finalized.

8. Insurance Coverage, Damage & Roadside Assistance

Third-Party Liability (Included): Covers civil liability against third parties for bodily injuries and property damage in accordance with Greek Legislation.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Upon agreement and for an additional daily fee, the renter can limit their financial liability for damages to the vehicle to an excess/deductible amount of €500 + VAT (Basic CDW) or a reduced amount of €300 + VAT (Premium CDW).

Theft Protection & Exclusions: Theft insurance covers the loss of the vehicle itself but strictly excludes: (1) Theft or loss of personal belongings inside the car, (2) Theft resulting from driver negligence (e.g., if the vehicle was left unlocked or if the keys were left inside or in the ignition).

General Insurance Exclusions: Insurance coverage is entirely voided in cases of gross negligence, breach of contract terms, illegal use, off-road driving, driving under the influence of substances/alcohol, or for damages caused to the undercarriage (chassis), tires, rims, glass/windshield, and mirrors (unless a specific extra protection waiver has been purchased).

Accident Obligations: In the event of an accident, the renter is legally obligated to immediately notify the Police (100) and the company, complete an Accident Report/Friendly Declaration, take photographs, and collect contact details of any eyewitnesses. The renter will also be billed for the loss of use (days the vehicle remains immobilized for repairs).

Key Loss & Roadside Assistance: The renter is fully liable for the costs of replacing lost or broken keys. 24-hour roadside assistance is provided for mechanical breakdowns (does not cover issues caused by driver negligence or misuse).

9. Fixed Schedule of Damage & Recovery Charges

10. Traffic Fines, Violations & GPS Tracking System

Traffic Violations: The renter bears sole and exclusive financial and legal responsibility for all traffic fines, parking tickets, and violations incurred during the rental. If a fine is communicated retroactively, the company will charge the renter's card for the fine amount plus an administrative fee of €25 + VAT per violation. If the vehicle's license plates are removed by authorities, the renter must pay the full daily rental rate for all the days the vehicle remains immobilized.

GPS Telematics Tracking: All vehicles are equipped with a satellite tracking and telematics system (GPS Tracker) for security, anti-theft tracking, and fleet management. In the event that the system records repetitive or extreme speeding, or breaches of geographical boundaries, the company will issue warnings. In case of non-compliance, the company reserves the right to revoke all insurance coverages, terminate the rental immediately without any refund, and exercise its right to repossess and physically remove the vehicle from the renter's possession without any prior notice.

11. Force Majeure & Limitation of Liability

AthensGoCars makes every reasonable effort to deliver the reserved vehicle on time. However, the company shall not be held liable or responsible for any failure to deliver, delay, or forced cancellation of the booking due to events of Force Majeure. Force Majeure is defined as any circumstance beyond the reasonable control of the company, including but not limited to: extreme weather conditions, natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, fires), strikes, labor disputes or transit strikes (e.g., ferry or airline strikes), government restrictions, acts of war or terrorism, as well as sudden severe mechanical failures or involvement of the vehicle in an accident caused by a previous renter without the company's fault. In such events, the company’s liability is strictly limited to the full refund of any deposit or prepayment made by the customer, and the customer shall have no further claim for damages, costs, or compensation of any kind.

Personal data is processed exclusively for the execution of the rental contract and compliance with legal obligations. This agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of Greece. Any dispute or claim arising out of this contract shall be subject exclusively to the jurisdiction of the Courts of Athens.