Author: Sean C.

If you’ve ever rented a car in Malta, you’ll know that the paperwork can feel just as intimidating as the driving itself. One of the add-ons you’ll almost certainly be offered is Super Collision Damage Waiver (Super CDW). For many visitors, it’s not clear whether this is a clever upsell or a smart investment.

The truth is: Super CDW in Malta can make a big difference to your peace of mind. It reduces the financial risk you face if your rental car is damaged or stolen.

While standard CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) is usually included in Malta rentals, the excess you’d have to pay if something goes wrong can range anywhere from €750 to €1,800 or more depending on the vehicle. Super CDW dramatically lowers this amount, often bringing it down to €100–€275.

What Is Super CDW in Malta Car Rentals?

Super CDW is an optional insurance upgrade that lowers the excess liability you’d pay in case of an accident, theft, or damage. It’s not a replacement for CDW — think of it as an add-on that makes the included coverage stronger.

Here’s how it fits in:

• CDW (included in most rentals) limits your liability but leaves you with a high excess.
• Super CDW reduces that excess to a much smaller amount.
• Full Damage Waiver (FDW), which we’ll explain below, goes one step further by eliminating the excess entirely.

Super CDW applies per claim, so whether it’s a fender bender in Valletta or a parking scrape near Victoria in Gozo, the most you’ll pay is the reduced excess.

However, keep in mind that some things are still excluded: tires, wheels, windscreens, the undercarriage, and soft tops.

How Super CDW Works in Malta

Let’s break it down with an example. Say you rent a compact economy car in Malta with a standard CDW excess of €1,200. Without Super CDW, if the car suffers €900 in damage, you pay the full €900. If the damage is €2,500, you still pay €1,200, and the insurer covers the rest.

With Super CDW, that same €1,200 excess might drop to €150. So in the €900 damage scenario, you’d only pay €150 instead of €900. For a €2,500 claim, you’d still only pay €150.

This reduction is why many travelers find Super CDW worthwhile, especially if they’re driving in busy urban areas like Sliema or navigating Gozo’s narrower village roads.

Super CDW vs. Full Damage Waiver (FDW)

When you’re standing at the rental counter, you’ll likely be offered more than one upgrade. Here’s the difference:

• Super CDW (SCDW): Reduces your liability to a small excess, usually €100–€275. Affordable daily fee (often €12–€20).
• Full Damage Waiver (FDW): Eliminates the excess completely, leaving you with zero liability. Costs more per day but offers maximum coverage.

Both give you stronger protection than CDW alone, but the choice comes down to risk vs. budget.

• If you want peace of mind at a reasonable price, Super CDW is usually enough.
• If you’d rather not think about liability at all, FDW is the safest bet.

Typical Costs of Super CDW in Malta

The price of Super CDW varies depending on the car type, rental company, and length of your booking. On average, expect to pay around €12 per day for smaller cars, and up to €20–€25 per day for SUVs, mini-Vans or premium vehicles.

Other factors that affect cost include:

• Driver’s age: Younger drivers may pay a higher rate.
• Rental duration: Longer rentals sometimes bring a lower per-day fee.
• Season: Summer and holiday periods can mean higher insurance add-on prices.

Although the daily charge might not seem like much, over a two-week holiday it can add up. That’s why it’s important to weigh the cost against the potential financial risk of driving without it.

Tip: Think your rental price is final? Check our Hidden Fee Calculator and see what you might be missing.

Is Super CDW Worth It? Pros and Cons

Pros

• Peace of mind – knowing your liability is capped at a small amount.
• Affordable compared to FDW – cheaper daily rate while still lowering risk.
• Quick process if damage occurs – less hassle at the rental desk.

Cons

• Still leaves some liability – you’ll pay €100–€275 if there’s a claim.
• Exclusions remain – tires, windscreens, roof, and undercarriage are usually not covered.
• Not always best value on long rentals – the daily fee adds up.

For many travelers, Super CDW strikes the right balance between cost and coverage. It’s especially helpful if you’re driving in busy towns like Valletta or in Gozo’s narrow village streets where minor scrapes are more likely.

Alternatives to Super CDW in Malta

Super CDW isn’t the only way to protect yourself. You also have alternatives:

• Full Damage Waiver (FDW): Costs more per day but reduces liability to zero.
• Third-party excess insurance: Independent insurers offer policies that reimburse you if you pay an excess. Often cheaper overall but requires filing a claim later.
• Credit card or travel insurance: Some cards or travel policies include car hire protection, though coverage can be limited and exclusions common.

Comparing these options before you arrive can save you money and help you avoid high-pressure sales at the rental desk.

Practical Tips for Renters Considering Super CDW in Malta

• Always check the standard excess on your rental before deciding.
• Confirm the exact exclusions so you’re not surprised later.
• Compare the daily cost of SCDW vs FDW with third-party insurance.
• Remember that some companies will still block a deposit on your card, even with Super CDW.
• Take photos of the car before driving away to protect yourself from disputes.

Final Verdict – Should You Choose Super CDW in Malta?

Super CDW is one of the most common upgrades offered by Malta car rental companies, and for good reason: it lowers your liability from potentially thousands of euros down to just a couple hundred at most. For many travelers, that peace of mind is worth the modest daily fee.

If you want to minimize costs, you could rely on standard CDW plus a third-party excess policy. But if you’d prefer a stress-free trip without worrying about big bills, Super CDW is a solid middle ground between basic CDW and full FDW.

If you’re planning to rent a car in Malta and aren’t sure whether Super CDW is right for you, feel free to contact us. We’ll help you compare your options and find the coverage that best fits your trip.

If you’re planning to rent a car in Malta, you’ll almost certainly come across the term Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). For many travelers, it can be confusing — is it insurance, is it optional, and what exactly does it cover?

The short answer is: CDW is usually included in Malta car rentals, but it doesn’t cover everything. It reduces your liability for damage to the rental car, but you’ll still be responsible for paying up to a certain amount, known as the excess.

Understanding how CDW works — and how to manage that excess — is one of the smartest ways to avoid stress and unexpected costs during your trip.

What Is Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) in Malta Car Rentals?

CDW is an insurance-like protection that limits your financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen. Instead of being liable for the full cost of repairs or replacement, the rental company agrees to waive most of the damage costs, leaving you responsible only for the excess amount.

In Malta, CDW is either:

• Included automatically in the daily rental rate, or
• Mandatory add-on that you’ll need to accept at the counter.

This means you’ll always have some level of protection — but not total.

How Does CDW Work in Malta?

Here’s the key: CDW doesn’t eliminate liability, it limits it.

• Typical excess amounts in Malta range from €500 to €1,800 or more, depending on the car category. For most standard cars, expect between €750 and €1,500.
• If you damage the car, you’ll pay for repairs up to the excess amount, and the insurance takes care of the rest.
• Example: If your rental has a €1,200 excess and you cause €600 worth of damage, you’ll pay €600. If the damage is €5,000, you’ll only pay €1,200 and the insurer covers the balance.

CDW usually covers accidents, fire, theft, and vandalism. But it almost always excludes certain parts like tires, windshields, the undercarriage, and roof. To protect against those, you’ll need extra coverage.

CDW vs. Super CDW (SCDW) and Full Damage Waiver (FDW)

Most rental companies in Malta will offer upgrades when you pick up the car. These can significantly reduce or even remove your liability:

• Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW): Reduces the excess to a much smaller amount — sometimes down to zero. This comes at a daily fee, often €10–€25 depending on the car and company.
• Full Damage Waiver (FDW): Usually the highest level of coverage. With FDW, you often have no excess at all and broader protection, sometimes including glass and tire damage.

The trade-off is simple:

• CDW alone leaves you with higher potential out-of-pocket costs if something goes wrong.
• SCDW/FDW give you peace of mind, but at an extra daily cost that adds up on longer rentals.

For many travelers, especially those driving in busy areas or exploring rural roads in Gozo, the small added cost of SCDW or FDW is worth the peace of mind.

Third-Party Liability Insurance in Malta

While CDW protects the rental car, it does not cover damages you cause to other people or property. That’s where third-party liability insurance comes in.

In Malta, this is usually included automatically in your rental contract. It ensures that if you accidentally damage another vehicle or injure someone while driving, you won’t be personally responsible for the full financial cost.

Together, CDW and third-party liability form the core protection most renters rely on. But for complete peace of mind, many travelers still look at extra options.

Do You Need Extra Insurance Beyond CDW in Malta?

CDW is a good start, but it comes with gaps. Damage to tires, windscreens, the undercarriage, or lost keys are usually excluded. That’s why many drivers choose extra protection:

• Super CDW or FDW upgrades at the rental desk
• Independent excess insurance from a third-party provider
• Credit card or travel insurance policies that reimburse excess

Independent excess insurance is often cheaper and more comprehensive, but it requires you to pay upfront and claim later. On the other hand, taking SCDW directly with the rental company costs more but gives you immediate coverage with no paperwork.

CDW Coverage in Malta and Gozo

Your CDW coverage applies on both islands. That means you can take your rental car from Malta to Gozo via the Cirkewwa–Mgarr ferry and still be protected. Insurance, towing, and roadside assistance remain valid on both islands.

It’s always wise to double-check with your rental company before boarding the ferry, but most providers have no restrictions. This makes driving to Gozo with your rental car the easiest and most flexible way to explore both islands.

Tips for Using CDW Car Rental in Malta

• Inspect the car carefully before driving away and record any existing scratches or dents with photos.
• Ask about the exact excess amount at pickup so you know your potential liability.
• Decide on upgrades early — Super CDW or FDW can be worth it for longer trips or busy areas.
• Know the exclusions so you’re not caught off guard by things like tire or glass damage.
• Check your credit card limit since deposits for excess are often blocked during your rental.

Final Verdict – Is CDW Enough for Car Rentals in Malta?

CDW is a standard feature in Malta and offers valuable protection by limiting your liability. However, you’ll still be exposed to an excess amount that can range from €500 to €1,800 or more. For some travelers, that risk is acceptable. For others, adding Super CDW, FDW, or third-party excess insurance is worth the extra daily cost.

The bottom line: CDW alone gives you basic peace of mind, but if you want a truly stress-free holiday, consider reducing your excess further.

If you’re planning to rent a car in Malta and aren’t sure which coverage is best for your trip, feel free to contact us. We’ll help you find the right rental and protection so you can explore Malta and Gozo with confidence.

Exploring Malta is exciting, but the island’s winding village roads, one-way systems, and historic city centers can be tricky to navigate.

That’s why many travelers look for GPS Navigation for Car Rentals Malta when booking their vehicles. Whether you’re driving from the airport, heading to Valletta, or discovering hidden beaches, reliable navigation helps make your journey smooth and stress-free.

This guide explains how car rental companies in Malta handle GPS, what it costs, and whether you really need to add it as an extra.

Do Car Rentals in Malta Include GPS?

Not all rental cars in Malta automatically come with GPS. The availability often depends on the vehicle category and the company:

• Standard and premium cars: Many come equipped with built-in GPS systems.
• Economy models: These usually require you to add GPS as an optional extra when booking.
• Smartphone alternatives: Most visitors now use apps like Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps with their own devices.

Rental agencies at Malta International Airport and in Valletta frequently provide GPS units, either built into the car or available as add-ons. It’s common to choose GPS during online booking or request it directly at the rental desk.

GPS Rental Costs in Malta

The cost of adding GPS to your rental depends on the provider and rental length. As of 2025/2026, typical charges are:

• Daily rates: €5.95 – €15.95 per day.
• Weekly rates: €29.75 – €89.00 per week.
• Capped pricing: Companies like Avis Malta cap GPS charges after 10 days, so longer rentals don’t add extra costs.

While smartphone apps are free, dedicated GPS units can be worthwhile if you want reliable navigation without relying on mobile data.

Booking GPS with Your Car Rental

Adding GPS is simple:

• You can select it during the online booking process.
• If you decide later, most providers allow you to request it at the rental desk on arrival.
• Availability is limited during peak tourist seasons, so pre-booking is recommended.
• Some providers may also request a small deposit for GPS units.

Alternatives to GPS Units in Malta

Dedicated GPS units aren’t your only option:

• Smartphone apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps are widely used in Malta.
• Offline maps: Download Google Maps offline before arrival to ensure coverage in rural or coastal areas with weaker signals.
• CarPlay and Android Auto: Many rental vehicles support smartphone integration, allowing you to use navigation on the car’s display.

This flexibility makes it easy to choose the solution that best fits your needs and budget.

Driving in Malta with GPS Navigation

A navigation system is especially helpful in Malta because:

• Roads can be narrow and winding, especially in villages.
• Valletta and other historic areas have many one-way streets.
• GPS helps avoid driving into CVA (Controlled Vehicular Access) zones by mistake.
• It’s essential for locating hotels, beaches, or the ferry terminal to Gozo.

With GPS, you can relax and enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about wrong turns.

Tips for Tourists Using GPS in Malta

• Confirm whether GPS is included in your booking before arrival.
• Download offline maps as a backup.
• Check your phone plan for EU roaming data to avoid extra charges.
• Use GPS warnings to avoid restricted zones or traffic fines.

Car Rentals Malta – Helping You Navigate Malta

At Car Rentals Malta, we make it easy to find car rentals with GPS navigation included or available as an add-on. Whether you choose a built-in system, a rented unit, or your own smartphone, we help ensure you’re ready to explore Malta confidently.

Book your car rental today with carrentalsmalta.mt and enjoy stress-free navigation wherever your journey takes you.