What does car insurance cover?
Mandatory car insurance covers only the damage you cause to others — not your own vehicle. Basic packages typically add glass breakage and roadside assistance, while comprehensive (mikti) also covers own damage subject to a deductible. Critical exclusions: driving under the influence, without a licence, or by an undeclared driver.
What does mandatory third-party liability cover?
Every vehicle on Greek roads must carry third-party liability insurance. It compensates third parties for bodily injury and property damage your vehicle causes — it never pays for your own car or your own injuries as the at-fault driver.
Minimum coverage limits are set by law and adjusted periodically; they are in the range of millions of euros per accident for bodily injury and property damage. The exact current amounts are published by the Hellenic Association of Insurance Companies (HAIC/EAEE).
What do basic and comprehensive packages add?
Most "basic" packages on the market combine liability with covers such as glass breakage, roadside assistance or accident care, and legal protection. Mid-tier packages add fire, total theft, and natural phenomena.
Comprehensive (mikti) insurance additionally covers own damage: repairing your own vehicle even when you are at fault. It almost always carries a deductible — an amount, typically €300 to €1,000 per claim, that you bear before the insurer pays.
- Third-party liability: mandatory — third-party damage only.
- Basic package: + glass breakage, roadside assistance, legal protection (varies by insurer).
- Fire/theft: + fire, total/partial theft, often natural phenomena and hail.
- Comprehensive: + own damage with a deductible — mainly worthwhile for newer or financed vehicles.
What are the most common exclusions?
Exclusions are where most drivers get surprised at claim time. The most common: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a driver without a valid licence or outside the declared drivers, participation in racing, using the vehicle for a purpose other than declared (e.g. commercial delivery on a private-use policy), and normal wear or mechanical failure.
Under liability cover, the insurer may compensate the third party and then seek recovery from you if an exclusion applied — e.g. drunk driving. Read the general and special terms: that is where your own policy's exact exclusions are defined.
How do you choose between basic and comprehensive?
The practical rule compares the vehicle's market value with the premium difference. For a €3,000 car, comprehensive rarely pays off: with a €500 deductible, the real protection is small relative to the extra cost. For newer or financed/leased vehicles, comprehensive is often essential — and may be required by the lender.
Reassess at every renewal: market value drops each year, so the same comprehensive cover protects an ever-smaller sum for a similar premium.
Frequently asked questions
Is car insurance mandatory in Greece?
Yes — every registered vehicle must carry liability insurance, even if it is not being driven, unless its plates and registration have been deposited (declared immobility).
What is the deductible in comprehensive insurance?
The part of each claim you bear yourself. With a €500 deductible and €2,000 of damage, the insurer pays €1,500. A higher deductible means a lower premium.
Am I covered if someone else drives my car?
It depends on the terms: some policies cover any lawful driver, others only declared ones. Drivers under 23-25 or newly licensed often require an extra premium or explicit declaration.
Does my insurance apply abroad?
Liability cover applies across the European Economic Area. For countries outside the system you need a Green Card from your insurer — usually issued free or at small cost.