Most Crete trips are trouble-free, but knowing the right steps before something goes wrong — not scrambling to figure them out in the moment — is what actually protects your insurance coverage and gets you back on the road fastest. Here's what to do.
Quick Answer
Call 112 for any emergency (English-speaking operators generally available). For an accident involving damage or injury, a police report is required by law and usually required by your rental company for any insurance claim. Take photos, get witness details if possible, and call your rental company's emergency line as soon as it's safe. For a breakdown, most companies replace an immobilised car within 24 hours of being notified.
If You Have an Accident
- Check for injuries and call 112 if needed. This covers ambulance, police, and fire across Greece with generally available English-speaking operators.
- Don't leave the scene. Greek law requires you to stay and report any accident involving damage or injury — leaving before reporting can void your insurance and create legal problems.
- Call your rental company's emergency line — found on your rental agreement — as soon as it's safe. They'll give you specific instructions for their insurance process.
- Get a police report. Your rental company will very likely require a copy of it to process any insurance claim on the vehicle.
- Take photos of all vehicles involved, the surrounding scene, and any relevant road signage or markings.
- Get witness contact details if anyone saw what happened — this can matter for both insurance and any legal follow-up.
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Why the Police Report Matters
This is the step most likely to be skipped by mistake, and it's the one with the biggest financial consequence. Most rental insurance — including collision damage waivers — requires a police report to process a claim when there's genuine damage or injury involved. Without one, you can end up personally liable for the full repair cost, not just your excess amount. If in doubt, get the report; it costs you time at the scene, not money, and protects you either way.
If Your Car Breaks Down
Move the car to a safe location off the road if you're able to do so safely. Call your rental company's emergency helpline — this number is on your rental agreement, and most companies operate this line 24/7. Follow their instructions; most Crete rental companies replace an immobilised vehicle within 24 hours of the breakdown being reported, often faster for straightforward mechanical issues.
Key Numbers to Save Before You Drive
- 112 — general emergency (EU-wide, English-speaking operators generally available)
- 100 — police (Greece direct line)
- 166 — ambulance (Greece direct line)
- 199 — fire department (Greece direct line)
- Your rental company's emergency line — save this from your rental agreement before you set off
Frequently Asked Questions
What number do you call for a car accident in Crete?
112 works for any emergency with English-speaking operators generally available. Greece-specific direct lines are 100 (police), 166 (ambulance), and 199 (fire). Also call your rental company's emergency line.
Do you need a police report for a rental car accident?
Yes, for any accident with damage or injury — required by Greek law and by your rental company to process an insurance claim. Skipping it risks losing coverage.
What if my rental car breaks down?
Move somewhere safe if possible, call your rental company's emergency helpline, and follow their instructions. Most companies replace an immobilised car within 24 hours.
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