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Crete car rental insurance: CDW, FDW and exclusions

A plain-language explanation of the insurance choices shown in the quote form. Always use the final written offer and rental agreement as the binding source of terms.

Last reviewed: 15 July 2026Independent practical guideNo fixed-price claims

Read the Chania no-credit-card and no-deposit guide →

For Chania rentals, drivers aged 25–70 can request the car without a credit card. Drivers aged 21–25 also have no money blocked, but their young-driver eligibility, accepted payment method and any additional charge are confirmed before pickup.

No money is blocked in advance. The security deposit or CDW excess amount is not pre-authorised or frozen on the card. This does not automatically remove contractual excess liability: basic CDW may still carry an excess, while optional FDW can reduce covered-damage liability according to the written terms.

No blocked deposit versus insurance excess

CDW: basic collision damage waiver

CDW is the basic insurance option included in the quote request wording. It generally limits liability for covered body damage but normally includes an excess. The excess can vary by vehicle category, so it should be shown clearly in the written offer.

Example of the practical meaning: an excess is the maximum amount the renter may remain responsible for when a covered incident falls within the CDW conditions. It is not the same as saying every type of damage is covered.

FDW: optional full damage waiver

FDW is an optional upgrade intended to reduce the liability for covered damage, potentially to zero. The name “full” does not remove every exclusion. The exact daily price and eligibility depend on the offered category and rental terms.

  • Request FDW in the form when you want it included in the initial offer.
  • You may also ask whether it can be chosen at pickup.
  • Ask for the exclusions in writing before deciding.

Common exclusions to check

Tyres, wheels, glass, mirrors, keys, interior damage, the underbody and damage caused on prohibited roads may be excluded even when an upgraded waiver is selected. Damage connected with reckless use, traffic-law violations, drink-driving, an unauthorised driver or off-road driving is also normally outside the waiver conditions.

Do not rely on the word “full” alone. Read the listed exclusions and make sure the final agreement matches the insurance option you accepted.

Excess and card blocking are separate questions

An insurance excess and a card pre-authorisation are not the same thing. Ask separately: “What is the excess?” and “Will any deposit or amount be blocked on my card?” The reply should answer both clearly for the selected category.

What to photograph at pickup

Take clear photos or video of every side of the vehicle, the wheels, windscreen, roof, fuel level and dashboard. Make sure existing marks are recorded on the rental document before departure. Repeat the process on return when possible.

Questions to include in the quote

  • What CDW excess applies to the offered category?
  • What is the daily FDW cost?
  • Does FDW reduce covered damage liability to zero?
  • Are tyres, wheels, glass and underbody excluded?
  • Is a card deposit or pre-authorisation required?
  • Which roads or destinations are prohibited?
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