Terms of Booking

Booking, driver requirements and payment

Reservations may be made through our website, by email or by telephone and apply to a vehicle category, not a specific make or model. Online and email reservations are confirmed by email within 24 hours. Reservations made less than 24 hours before collection must be arranged by telephone.

All authorised drivers must be at least 23 years old, hold a valid driving licence and be named in the rental agreement. Driving by anyone not named in the agreement is prohibited and may invalidate the insurance. EU, USA, Australian, Canadian and Russian licences are accepted; an International Driving Permit is required for licences issued in other countries. A valid passport or identity card is also required. If the required documents are not provided, CARIO may refuse delivery without refund.

The reservation deposit may be paid by credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. The remaining balance is payable upon collection in cash or by credit/debit card.

Insurance

Comprehensive insurance is included with no excess and no security deposit for an eligible damage incident, subject to all exclusions below. It includes tyres, the underside of the vehicle, windows and mirrors when the damage is not caused by misuse, negligence or a breach of these terms.

An eligible damage incident is one for which the renter is responsible and which is otherwise covered by these terms. A non-fault incident with an identified responsible third party does not count as the first incident. If the vehicle is damaged by a third party who cannot be identified, including damage to a parked vehicle or a hit-and-run incident, the renter is liable for the full cost of the damage and all related expenses. Such damage is not covered as an eligible damage incident. A €25 administration fee applies to every damage file, regardless of fault.

For a second or subsequent damage incident during the same rental, collision damage to the rented vehicle is not covered. The renter may be charged repair costs up to the security deposit/excess amount applicable to the vehicle category. A refundable security deposit may then be required for replacement of the vehicle or continuation of the rental.

Exclusions and renter liability

Insurance does not cover damage caused by intentional or improper use, negligence, off-road or unauthorised-road driving, traffic-law violations, excessive speed, overloading, an unauthorised driver, or driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or other substances.

If the driver causes damage through misuse, negligence, improper operation of the vehicle or failure to follow CARIO’s instructions or vehicle warning indications, the renter will be charged the full cost of the damage and all related expenses.

The renter is fully liable for loss of or damage to keys, documents, child seats and other equipment; incorrect or contaminated fuel; discharged battery caused by electrical equipment being left on; interior or seat damage; excessive dirt; and personal belongings lost, stolen or damaged inside the vehicle.

The vehicle may not be transported by ferry or taken outside Rhodes without CARIO’s prior written permission. Racing, towing, subletting, driving instruction, illegal use and driving on beaches, unsuitable tracks or flooded roads are prohibited.

The permitted number of passengers must never be exceeded. Otherwise, insurance cover may be invalidated.

Accidents, damage and theft

The driver must stop safely and contact CARIO immediately. In an accident, the driver must also call the Traffic Police on 100, wait for the Police and Accident Assistance, and provide the official report when returning the vehicle. The vehicle must not be moved unless required for safety or authorised by CARIO or the authorities.

Any damage, including damage to a parked vehicle, must be reported immediately from the location where it occurred. If the responsible third party cannot be identified, the renter will be charged the full amount of the damage. In the event of theft, CARIO and the Police must be notified immediately, and the vehicle key and Police report must be provided. Failure to follow this procedure may invalidate insurance and make the renter liable for the full loss.

No repair, recovery, towing or other work may be authorised without CARIO’s prior approval, except when immediately necessary to protect life or safety.

Tyres

In the event of a flat, punctured or damaged tyre, the driver must stop immediately in a safe location and call CARIO before taking any action. Driving with a flat or damaged tyre is strictly prohibited. If the renter continues driving, the full cost of any resulting damage to the tyre, wheel rim or vehicle will be charged.

A flat tyre, or damage to the radio or power socket, does not automatically entitle the renter to a replacement vehicle. CARIO will provide assistance through its 24-hour Roadside Assistance service.

Vehicle replacement

Replacement following a breakdown or accident will normally be arranged within 24 hours and may take up to 48 hours during the high season, approximately from early June to early September, subject to availability.

Replacement vehicles are collected free of charge from CARIO’s main office in Kalathos, Rhodes. Delivery elsewhere may be arranged for an additional transfer charge. When replacement is requested for a reason unrelated to a technical fault or vehicle malfunction, all transfer and related costs, including VAT, are payable by the renter.

Smoking, cleaning, fines and charges

Smoking is strictly prohibited. A minimum cleaning and restoration charge of €150 applies after any violation.

Traffic and parking fines, towing, storage and related costs are the renter’s responsibility. If CARIO has to process an unpaid fine, an administration fee equal to 20% of the fine will be added. If CARIO manages the recovery of removed licence plates or a towed vehicle, a €150 fee applies, excluding the fine, towing and storage costs.

Fuel

The vehicle must normally be returned with the same fuel level as at collection.

With the “FE” Full–Empty option, the vehicle is supplied with a full tank and may be returned empty. Prices are: A–B €69, C–D €79, E–STW €99 and L–M €119. No refund is provided for unused fuel.

Changes, cancellations and no-show

Changes, cancellations and early returns require prior agreement with CARIO and are subject to availability. No refund is provided for cancellation or early return. Any rental extension requires CARIO’s prior written approval before the agreed return time and payment of the additional rental charge. Without written approval, the vehicle must be returned at the location, date and time stated in the agreement.

A grace period of 60 minutes applies to late returns. After this period, one additional rental day will be charged at the daily rate stated in the agreement for each new 24-hour period started, together with any documented recovery or transfer costs caused by the delay.

If the customer does not arrive or contact CARIO, the reservation will be cancelled three hours after the agreed collection time or the recorded landing time of the flight. No refund or credit is provided for a no-show or failure to present the required documents.

Last-minute reservations and force majeure

Reservations made within approximately 48 hours are requests subject to confirmation. If the selected category is unavailable, CARIO may offer an alternative or decline the request and immediately refund any deposit or prepayment.

CARIO is not liable for delays, cancellation, loss or consequential damage caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including war, terrorism, epidemics, natural disasters and strikes. Any refund required by applicable law remains unaffected.

Contact

The version of these terms accepted by the customer when the reservation is confirmed applies to that rental. Any later amendment will apply only if agreed in writing by both parties or required by law.