Renting a car on Sifnos: licence, IDP, age, insurance

Most rental questions we get before the season are not about cars at all. They are about paperwork: am I old enough, is my licence valid in Greece, do I need that international permit, what does the insurance cover. Here are the straight answers, from a desk that has been handing over keys in Apollonia since 1988.

The checklist

If anything on that list does not fit your situation, message us before you book. It is much easier to sort out by WhatsApp in March than at the desk in July.

Age: 23 to 75

Every driver needs to be between 23 and 75 years old. If two of you will share the driving, tell us when you enquire, so both licences can be checked at pickup.

Licence held for more than a year

New drivers are welcome once their licence is more than a year old. The date your licence was first issued is printed on it; that is the date that counts.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your licence in a standard format. It is not a licence on its own, so you always carry it alongside your real one.

• Licence issued in an EU or EEA country: you do not need an IDP.
• Licence issued anywhere else: bring an IDP. Greek rules on which countries need one have changed over the years and differ for some nationalities, and an English-language licence does not automatically exempt you. For drivers from the United States, for example, Greek law requires an IDP alongside the home licence.

An IDP is inexpensive and usually quick to get from a motoring organisation in the country that issued your licence. It has to be issued at home before you travel; you cannot get one in Greece. If you are not sure whether you need one, getting it is the safe choice, and it avoids an awkward conversation at a roadside check.

What to bring to the desk

• Your physical driving licence. A photo on your phone is not enough to sign a rental contract.
• Your IDP, if your licence was issued outside the EU or EEA.
• Your passport or ID card.
• A payment method for the rental. Nothing is charged to reserve; payment is agreed when your dates are confirmed.

What the insurance covers

Every Artemis rental includes third-party liability insurance, the cover Greek law requires. It pays for damage or injury you cause to other people and their property.

The excess, any optional extra cover, and what happens if the rental car itself is damaged are explained at pickup. If you would like those details in writing before you travel, ask when you enquire and we will send them. Our rental terms summarise the rest.

A few habits that keep things simple on Sifnos roads:

• Walk round the car with us at pickup and point out anything you notice.
• Park off the asphalt edge on narrow roads, but not on soft verges where a wheel can sink.
• If anything happens, call us straight away. We are on the island and can tell you what to do next.

Scooters are different

A car licence (category B) does not let you ride our 125cc to 200cc scooters in Greece. You need a motorcycle category, A1 or higher. The details are in our scooter licence rules. Scooters are collected and returned at our Apollonia office.

Child seats

Child seats may be available on request. Tell us the children's ages when you enquire and we will check what we have for your dates. The family travel guide has more on travelling with children.

Reserving

There is no prepayment and no card details to hold your dates. Send your dates, the number of passengers and, if you want the car at the port, your ferry and approximate docking time. Pickup and return are free at Kamares port, the heliport, Apollonia, Artemonas and Kastro.

Ready? Browse the cars, check the seasonal rates, or send your dates. Still choosing a model? Read which rental car suits Sifnos.