Argassi & Zakynthos Car Rental FAQ: Booking, Insurance & Driving Rules The 16 questions below cover Argassi rental pricing, insurance excess traps, ZTH airport pickup protocol, and seasonal availability. For deeper context see our Zante Airport Car Rental guide and the Driving in Zakynthos tips. Island-hopping in one line: over 99% of Zakynthos rental agreements forbid taking the car off the island, and doing so voids every insurance layer. If your Ionian trip continues elsewhere, rent separately on each island — even tiny Paxos has its own hire scene, covered in this guide to car hire on Paxos. Booking and Payment Do I need a credit card to book a car in Argassi? Most local Argassi operators, including Levantino, Euro Alfa, Olympic, and Michael, do not require a credit card to secure your booking. You can pay on delivery with cash or a debit/credit card. However, some international aggregators or companies like Rentity may place a hold of up to €1,000 on a credit card to cover the insurance excess, which can be €500 for small cars or €950 for larger ones. Can I cancel a Zakynthos car rental free of charge? Yes, many local Zante firms offer highly flexible terms. Companies like Levantino, Euro Alfa, and Olympic provide free cancellation at any time, even up to the day of rental. Always check the specific operator's policy, as some may require at least 48 hours' notice to process a full refund. Should I pre-book or just walk up to a rental office in Argassi? Pre-booking is essential for the peak summer season (July–August), when walk-up availability is almost zero. According to Fraport Greece data, fleet utilisation at Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) often exceeds 95% during these months. For shoulder season visits (May, June, September, October), walk-up rates at local offices in Argassi can sometimes match or even beat online prices, but availability is never guaranteed. Insurance and Excess What does zero excess (Full Damage Waiver) actually mean? Zero excess, or Full Damage Waiver (FDW), means you have zero financial liability if the car is damaged. Local companies like Levantino and Euro Alfa include this comprehensive coverage in their standard rates at no extra cost. Most other operators provide a standard Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with an excess, meaning you are liable for the first €500 to €1,000 of any damage claim. Is a separate excess insurance policy worth buying? If your rental agreement includes an excess higher than €500, a standalone policy is a smart choice. Third-party providers like iCarInsurance or RentalCover offer comprehensive excess reimbursement policies for €4–€6 per day. This is almost always cheaper and more extensive than the "Super CDW" upsell offered directly by the rental desk. What should I do if the rental car is damaged in an accident? Document the scene: Take clear photos of any damage, the car's position, and the surrounding area. Call the rental company: Contact the 24/7 emergency number provided by your operator immediately. Contact the police: If another vehicle is involved, you must call the Greek police (dial 100) and wait for them to file an official report. Pay the excess: The rental operator will assess the damage and charge your card for the agreed excess amount. Claim reimbursement: Submit the damage report, police report, and payment receipt to your third-party insurer for a full refund. Licences and Requirements Do UK licence holders need an International Driving Permit in Greece? No, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required for UK licence holders. Since a rule change on November 5, 2021, a standard UK photocard driving licence is fully valid for renting and driving a car in Greece. You do not need any additional documentation. Which drivers do need an IDP to rent a car in Zakynthos? Only drivers with licences issued in a standard format by specific countries can drive without an IDP. All others must carry an IDP alongside their original national licence to be insured and legally compliant. Fines for non-compliance are severe: €1,000 for the driver and €1,000 for the rental company. What is the minimum age to rent a car in Zakynthos? The standard minimum age is 21 for most operators in Zakynthos. Some companies, like Levantino, make an exception, allowing rentals from age 20. Other firms, such as Olympic, have stricter rules, requiring drivers to be 23+ for standard cars and 27+ for SUVs or larger vehicles. A maximum age limit of 75 also frequently applies. Delivery and Pickup Will the rental company deliver the car to my Argassi hotel? Yes, absolutely. All major local rental companies, including Olympic, Faros, Levantino, Euro Alfa, Rentity, and Michael, offer free delivery and collection to any hotel, resort, or villa in the Argassi area. This complimentary service is a key benefit of using a local Zante provider, saving you a stressful trip to an office. Many also offer free delivery across the entire island for rentals of 3 days or more. How does car pickup work at Zakynthos Airport (ZTH)? A representative from your rental company will meet you in the ZTH arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. Since there are no in-terminal rental desks at Zakynthos Airport, you will then walk 2–5 minutes to their nearby office or a designated parking area to complete your paperwork and collect the car. You can see exactly what to expect in our full airport pickup guide . Driving and Roads Can I take the rental car off Zakynthos on a ferry? Almost certainly not. Over 99% of Zakynthos car rental agreements explicitly prohibit taking the vehicle off the island. Doing so instantly voids all insurance (CDW, FDW, third-party liability), making you 100% financially responsible for any damage, theft, or accident. If your Ionian itinerary continues to other islands, the practical approach is to rent separately on each one — even tiny Paxos has its own hire scene, covered in this guide to car hire on Paxos . Is it safe to drive in Zakynthos at night? Main arterial roads, like the routes from Argassi to Zakynthos Town or down the Vasilikos peninsula, are generally lit and safe for night driving. However, the mountain roads on the west coast leading to Porto Limnionas or Volimes are narrow, unlit, and feature numerous hairpin turns. We strongly advise avoiding these specific mountain routes after dark. What fuel policy do Argassi rental companies use? The most common and fair policy used by local operators is "return with the same amount." Note the fuel gauge level when you collect the car (e.g., 1/4 full) and return it at that exact same level. Avoid large international chains that may use a "full-to-empty" policy, which forces you to prepay for a full tank of fuel at a highly inflated price. Seasonal and Events When is car rental in Argassi cheapest? The shoulder seasons of April–May and October offer the lowest prices by a significant margin. During this period, a small car like a Toyota Aygo can be rented for as little as €17.19 per day from operators like Levantino. In contrast, peak August rates for the exact same car are over 200% higher, frequently costing €38–€40 per day. Do local events in Zakynthos disrupt driving and traffic? Yes, certain local events cause major traffic disruption. The Feast of St. Dionysios on August 24th involves a large procession that effectively shuts down roads between Argassi and Zakynthos Town for several hours. During the Shapes Festival (July 26–August 2, 2026), expect increased traffic on southern roads near Laganas and Kalamaki. Additionally, on most Saturday evenings, the main strip in Argassi becomes heavily congested and is best avoided. Still Have Questions? We hope this FAQ has answered your key questions about renting a car in Argassi and Zakynthos. For more detailed information, check out our guides on driving rules and fines, island parking tips, and our recommended day trip routes. If you still have a question, feel free to contact us directly.