EN
Deposit, excess and credit-card hold are three different things
With ChaniaRental.com, no rental security deposit is blocked on a credit card. CDW is included and may carry an insurance excess. Optional FDW is +€12 per rental day and reduces the excess to zero for covered damage, subject to the stated exclusions.
The three terms in plain English
A rental deposit is money or a temporary security amount connected with the rental. A credit-card hold is a pre-authorisation that reduces the card's available balance even though it is not an immediate charge. The insurance excess is the amount of liability that may remain when a covered damage claim falls under the chosen insurance.
Because the three concepts solve different problems, a rental can have no blocked deposit but still have an insurance excess under CDW. Likewise, a company may advertise zero excess while still asking for a payment-card guarantee. Always compare the written conditions rather than one headline phrase.
How the ChaniaRental.com setup works
No rental security deposit is blocked on a credit card. Basic CDW is included in the rental price. The applicable CDW excess depends on the car type and is confirmed with the quote. Optional FDW is +€12 per rental day and reduces the excess to zero for covered damage.
FDW does not turn prohibited use into covered use. Tyres and wheels, underside damage, off-road use and damage linked to serious traffic-law violations remain subject to the stated exclusions. The quote and rental terms should be read together.
What to compare between two Chania rental offers
Compare the final total for your exact dates, not only the starting daily rate. Then check whether any security amount is blocked, which insurance is included, the excess under that insurance, what the optional zero-excess upgrade costs, mileage, additional-driver charges and location or one-way fees.
This is particularly important when an offer looks unusually cheap. A lower headline daily rate can become a more expensive total if insurance, airport service, second driver, mileage or deposit conditions are added later.
Questions to ask before you reserve
Ask for the deposit or card-hold policy in one sentence, the CDW excess for the exact requested vehicle type, the FDW price, the main insurance exclusions and the final price including any pickup or one-way charge. If these answers are clear in writing, comparison becomes much easier.
What changes the final quote
Starting rates are a comparison guide. The confirmed total depends on the exact dates, duration, requested vehicle type and transmission, availability, included insurance or optional full insurance, pickup and return points, and any delivery or one-way logistics that apply to the route.
For the most accurate quote, include:
- Pickup and return dates plus real handover times.
- Exact pickup and return locations.
- Car type and required transmission.
- Driver age and passenger/luggage details where relevant.
- CDW or optional FDW preference.
- Flight, ferry, accommodation or special timing information that affects handover.
Need the answer for your dates?
The public quote form does not require an account, card number or online checkout.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rental deposit the same as an insurance excess?
No. A deposit or card hold is a payment-security mechanism. An insurance excess is the liability that may remain after a covered claim under the chosen insurance.
Does ChaniaRental.com block a deposit?
No rental security deposit is blocked on a credit card.
Does the included insurance mean zero excess?
Not necessarily. CDW is included, but the applicable excess depends on the vehicle type and is confirmed with the quote.
What does the full-insurance option change?
Optional FDW is +€12 per rental day and reduces the excess to zero for covered damage, subject to exclusions.
Does full insurance cover tyres and wheels?
Tyres and wheels are among the stated exclusions and should not be assumed covered simply because FDW is selected.
Can I compare two quotes only by daily price?
It is better to compare the total for the exact dates together with deposit, excess, insurance, mileage, driver and location conditions.
What is a credit-card pre-authorisation?
It is a temporary hold that can reduce the card’s available balance without being an immediate purchase charge.
Is no deposit the same as no credit card?
They are different concepts, but both benefits apply here: no credit card is required, no rental security deposit is blocked, and payment can be made by cash, debit card or credit card.
Where can I see the insurance exclusions?
Read the rental terms and insurance guide before confirming the rental.
Do I need to enter card details to request a quote?
No. The public quote form asks for rental and contact details, but it does not require a card number or an account.