Driving from the South in a Hire Car

[Bowman]

A neighbour is arriving at Larnaca next Saturday and has planned a rental car from there. Can anyone tell me, what are the requirements to cross the border with a southern hire car? Also what are the opening times of the TRNC insurance office?

Thanks

[tomsteel]

Tell them to contact Petsas (on line). That company will arrange for insurance in the north at a 10€ surcharge. Your neighbour does not then to worry about opening times. Their cars are excellent too.

[jllvehdist]

I've come through at various times, including late at night and there is always someone there.

[carrierbag]

General opening hours are 8-8 but you might be lucky. If they have already booked a car, get the hire car company to sort the insurance, especially if travelling through late at night.

[jllvehdist]

General opening hours are 8-8 but you might be lucky. If they have already booked a car, get the hire car company to sort the insurance, especially if travelling through late at night.

Does it not depend who your hiring from ? Most of them will not allow you to bring them North ?

[tomsteel]

Petsas (Larnaca) allow north travel and will arrange insurance. Always advise our visitors not using Ecan to use this company and never been let down in our 8 years here.

[Becker]

Hertz Larnaca allow driving North.

[MoonageDaydream]

I've always used Fontana and collected a car at Larnaca or Paphos Airport: http://www.cyprus-car.com. They've never let me down and deal with the paperwork quickly and efficiently, they will accapt payment by credit or debit card too. They will let you bring cars north as long as you buy 3rd Party Insurance at the crossing, which costs €35 for a month.
I've usually used Pyla/Beyardumu crossing which is open 24 hrs, the latest I've bought insurance is about 11:00 PM (the Police helpfully I rang the duty agent at home and he came out specially!).

If your friend is worried about the insurance booths being closed, then there are a number of cheap reasonable quality Hotels in the centre of Larnaca (like the Frangiorgio or the Tuck Inn). A couple of times when I've been on flights arriving late, I've stayed overnight, had a good nights sleep, and driven north after a leisurely breakfast - much more relaxing than spending a long grueling day just travelling!

[tomsteel]

Bowman, were any of these posts of use to your neighbour? If so, other posters might be able to use the information or, if not, find alternatives.

[jacob]

I have hired many cars in the South and driven, it doesn't matter which hire company you use.

[Bowman]

Tom,

I have e-mailed the information and waiting for a reply.

Thanks for all the information.

[tomsteel]

OK, let's hope it helps.

[Marc111]

This is also useful for other observers contemplating the same idea in the future. Many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to give the benefit of there experiences for the sake of others here.

[oneillbox]

I am arriving at Paphos 1 sept 2016 and wont get to nicosia border in my hire car (prob hertz or sixt from larnaca airport) until about 0130. how can i get insurance?

help

[Panchocat]

Oneillbox, best to ask your car hire company to arrange it all beforehand for you.