What 'package' do I really need when hiring a car abroad?

[growgrowinggrown]

I am visiting a Greek island for work next week - last minute thing as the original person due to go is dropping out.

There is very little in way of public transport, taxi's are costly and I will need to visit a few sites while there so have to bite the bullet and hire a car for the first time in my life.

I know it sounds daft but i've heard lots of horror stories about not having the right cover and getting stuck with massive bills when returning the car.

I am a really sensible and experienced driver in the UK but would like someone to talk me through what I will actually need, and what is just an upsell.

I was thinking of taking a manual as it has been YEARS since I last drove on the opposite side of the road (with a local, this time I am all alone). But other than that, I'm not sure if the 'basic' package is enough.

Christ - first post and already got it wrong!

*Not taking a manual

Hired cars abroad loads of times.
I've never taken the extras regarding insurance. The hire package is good to go and I have never had a problem.
The offers of extra cover plays on your "what if" insecurity. It's natural, just ignore it and enjoy the experience.

We always take out a policy with icar hire insurance before we go. Covers the extra bits at a much lower cost.

I'm just cautious as i've been to this island before and some of the streets are literally almost touching your wingmirrors as you go down them and I know the locals use bumpers to edge into spaces etc. so just want to be sure.

We haven't always taken the extra insurance but did on our last trip and we are glad we did. I had my first accident in 28 years of driving - scraped the car on a bollard that was below window height about half a mile away from the car hire return place. We took the car back, told the car hire place what happened, signed the form and never heard anything more about it. Didn't have to pay a penny.

You can get a policy before you go that will probably be cheaper.

The excess is usually about €1000 so fairly hefty if you do have to pay it.