Car Rental Insurance in Paphos: What Is Covered and What Is Not
Insurance is the part of a car rental that people read least and worry about most. It decides what happens if the car is scratched in a car park, hit at a roundabout or stolen from outside your villa. This guide sets out, in plain language, what insurance our rental cars carry, what you are responsible for, what can void the cover, and what to ask before you sign. Everything here comes from our terms of service. CHMI Rentals has served Paphos for over 23 years from Tombs of the Kings Avenue.
The Short Version
| Question | Answer under our terms |
|---|---|
| What insurance does the car have? | Third-party insurance. |
| Who pays for damage to the rental car? | The renter, subject to the insurance excess limits in the agreement. |
| Who pays if the car is stolen? | The renter, subject to the insurance excess limits in the agreement. |
| Is the driver or passengers' injury covered by the owner? | No. In an accident, the owner is not responsible for the driver or the passengers. |
| What voids the cover? | Damage in Northern Cyprus, in the Akamas region or off-road. The renter is then fully liable. |
| Who may drive? | Only the renter who signed the contract. |
What Third-Party Insurance Means
Third-party insurance covers other people and their property: the other car, the wall you clipped, the person you injured. It does not cover the rental car itself, and it does not cover the renter's own injury. That is why the excess in your agreement matters so much. If the rental car is damaged or stolen, the renter is responsible, up to the excess limits set out in the agreement.
Rental Insurance Terms Explained
Rental companies use a handful of terms. Knowing them makes it easier to compare offers.
- Third-party insurance. Covers damage and injury you cause to other people and their property. Our rental cars carry it.
- Excess. The most you pay towards damage to, or theft of, the rental car. It is set out in your agreement, and it depends on the car.
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A common product that limits what you pay for damage to the rental car to the excess. Ask us what applies to your booking rather than assuming it.
- Zero excess. A product that brings the excess down to nothing. Ask us whether it is available for your car and dates before you book.
- Deposit. A refundable amount held for the rental. The amount depends on the vehicle category.
Ask before you sign
The excess and the deposit depend on the car and the dates, so they are confirmed in your booking rather than printed on this page. Ask us what your excess is, and what options there are to lower it, before you confirm.
What Voids the Cover
Some things leave you fully liable for the car, whatever the excess. Our terms are clear about them.
- Driving in Northern Cyprus. The rented vehicle is strictly forbidden for use in the Turkish-occupied area.
- Driving in the Akamas region. If the Akamas is on your list, a licensed jeep safari or a boat trip from Latchi is the safe alternative.
- Off-road driving and dirt tracks. Use paved roads only, even with an SUV.
- Racing, speed testing, pacemaking or driving instruction. The car may not be used for any of these.
- A driver under the influence of alcohol, drugs, narcotics or barbiturates.
- Anyone other than the renter driving. Only the person who signed the contract may drive.
Other Things the Renter Is Responsible For
- Traffic fines, including speed cameras and parking.
- Keys. The car must be locked when parked, and lost or broken keys are the renter's responsibility.
- Passengers on a provisional licence. The holder of a provisional licence may not carry any passengers.
- Seat belts. It is the law to wear them, and that includes rear passengers.
- Driving at your own risk. Under our terms, the driver drives at their own risk.
Your Passport as Security
At handover, the renter leaves their passport with us. It is security for the rental. If there is damage or another expense, the owner may keep the passport until it has been paid. If there is nothing to settle, it is returned with the car. This is also why we do not need a credit card: you can pay in cash. See renting without a credit card.
If Something Happens
- Make everyone safe first. In an emergency in Cyprus, call 112.
- Call us on +357 99 655104 as soon as you can, and tell us what happened and where the car is.
- Take photos of the scene, the damage and the other vehicle, and note the other driver's details.
- Do not arrange repairs yourself. Ask us first.
Check the Car at Handover
Two minutes at the start of the rental avoids arguments at the end.
- Photograph any existing scratches or dents before you drive away.
- Check that the insurance excess and your documents are as agreed.
- Confirm the fuel level matches your rental agreement.
- Make sure you know how to lock the car, and keep the keys safe.
Travel Insurance and Your Own Cover
Because third-party insurance does not cover your own injury, check what your travel insurance covers before you drive. Some travel policies and some credit card or bank accounts also offer cover for a rental excess. If you have that kind of policy, read its conditions carefully, since it usually pays you back after you have paid the rental company.
Longer Rentals and Leases
For a month or more, the insurance arrangements are written into your agreement. Monthly rental plans include vehicle maintenance, road tax and a replacement car when one is available, with insurance options described in the agreement. For leases, insurance arrangements are also in your agreement. See long-term rental and car leasing.
Ways to Keep the Risk Down
- Stay on paved roads and inside the Republic of Cyprus.
- Park in marked bays or car parks, and lock the car.
- Keep valuables out of sight when you park.
- Choose a smaller car if you are staying in the narrow streets of Kato Paphos. See city car rental.
- Drive on the left, take roundabouts steadily and watch for speed cameras.
Questions? Ask Us
Every charge and obligation in our terms is listed on our no hidden fees page. The deposit is €500 to €1,200, depending on the car. For your excess, ask us when you book. Call or WhatsApp +357 99 655104 (office +357 26 819880), or visit us at Shop 3, Royal Complex, Tombs of the Kings Avenue, Paphos. The shop is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 7pm.