A €320 rental suddenly turning into €1,100 at the pickup desk is not rare in Crete. Tourists talk about it in forums every summer. The booking looked cheap. The confirmation email felt normal. Then the extra charges appeared, fast and uncomfortable, usually when the trip had already begun.
This guide breaks down the most common cost surprises tourists face when renting a car in Crete, why they happen, and how to avoid them without stress or guesswork.
Security Deposits That Were Never Mentioned Clearly
One of the most frequent shocks comes before the engine even starts.
Many rental companies advertise low daily rates but do not clearly disclose security deposits upfront. At pickup, customers are asked for a credit card and informed about a deposit that can range from €800 to €2,000. That amount is blocked instantly.
Problems begin when:
• The traveller only uses debit cards.
• The credit limit is not high enough.
• The deposit blocks funds needed for hotels or flights.
The deposit is often buried deep in terms and conditions or mentioned vaguely as “may apply.” For travellers arriving after a long flight, this is the worst moment to discover it.
Practical advice
• Always ask in writing if a deposit is required.
• Before making a booking, ensure the amount and mode of payment are correct.
• Avoid companies that only explain deposits at the counter.
Insurance That Sounds “Full” But Is Not
“Full insurance included” is one of the most misunderstood phrases in car rentals.
In many cases, the basic insurance:
• Covers body damage only.
• Excludes wheels, glass, mirrors, and the underside.
• Comes with excess fees that still leave drivers exposed.
Crete’s roads make this risky. Gravel parking areas, narrow village streets, and uneven surfaces increase the chance of:
• Tire damage.
• Scratched alloy wheels.
• Cracked windshields from loose stones.
At pickup, renters are then offered “extra protection” for:
• Wheels.
• Glass.
• Undercarriage.
This add-on can cost €10 to €25 per day, quietly doubling the original price.
What to check before booking
• Does the insurance include wheels and glass?
• Is the underside of the car covered?
• Is there any excess left to pay?
If the answers are unclear, the price is not final.
Fuel Policies That Cost More Than Fuel
Fuel rules create another layer of confusion.
At MYTHOS Car Rentals, we follow a fair fuel policy, meaning the car is returned with the same fuel level it had at pickup.
Some companies use alternatives that sound harmless but cost more:
• Full-to-empty with no refund.
• Prepaid fuel at inflated rates.
• Mandatory “fuel service fees.”
Tourists often return cars with unused fuel they have already paid for, and the refund never comes.
A clear and fair fuel policy removes this uncertainty. Under a fair fuel policy, the customer simply returns the car with the same amount of fuel it had at pickup. If the vehicle was provided with a full tank, it should be returned full. If it had half a tank, it should be returned with the same level.
There are no inflated prepayments, no hidden fuel service charges, and no confusion at the counter. Customers pay only for the fuel they actually use, nothing more, nothing unexpected.
Quick rule
• Accept only fair fuel policy
• Ask if any fuel service fees apply.
• Walk away if fuel terms feel vague.
Hidden Fees for Time and Location
Additional expenses tend to be incurred either by time or place.
Common examples:
• Late-night airport pickup fees.
• Early morning drop-off charges.
• Delivery fees for hotels outside city centres.
• Charges for flight delays beyond a grace period.
These are rarely highlighted on booking pages. They appear in fine print or during final confirmation.
Smart move
• Confirm pickup and drop-off times in writing.
• Ask about fees linked to flight delays.
• Check delivery zones if staying outside major towns.
Damage Claims After Return
Another unpleasant surprise happens days later.
A charge appears on the credit card for “new damage.” The renter never noticed anything during the return. No inspection report was shared.
This happens more often when:
• Deposits are involved.
• Insurance exclusions exist.
• Return inspections are rushed.
How to protect yourself
• Take clear photos and videos at pickup and return.
• Ask for written confirmation that the car was returned without damage.
• Avoid rentals that discourage documentation.
How to Avoid All of This in One Go
The safest rentals share a few traits:
• No security deposit required.
• Clear, written insurance coverage with wheels, glass, and underside included.
• Transparent pricing with no upsells at pickup.
• Payment terms are explained before arrival.
When everything is included upfront, surprises disappear. The tour remains beach, village and food-oriented rather than paperwork and card restrictions.
Clarity Makes Car Rentals Stress-Free
Car rental in Crete does not need to feel like a gamble. Most cost surprises come from unclear communication, partial insurance and deposits revealed too late. Reading terms helps, but clarity from the start matters more.
Travel becomes lighter when pricing is honest, coverage is complete, and expectations match reality. That philosophy is exactly how MYTHOS Car Rentals operates, and why so many travellers choose calm over confusion when driving across Crete.