Yes — no-show fees and fuel charges are real, and they can range from a small fee of €50 up to the full rental cost if you’re not careful. The good news? You can avoid them entirely once you know how they work.
We’re Car Rentals Malta, a local broker, and we’ve helped thousands of people rent cars here without any surprises. Most rental companies in Malta are actually pretty straightforward, but like anywhere else in the world, there are a few common charges that catch people off guard.
The good news? With a bit of know-how, you’ll breeze through the whole process and spend your energy exploring the island instead of stressing about fees.
What Exactly is a No-Show Fee?
A no-show fee is what you get charged if you book a car but don’t show up to collect it and haven’t cancelled in time. Pretty simple concept, really.
In Malta, some companies will charge a fixed no-show fee of around €50 to €150, while others will bill you for the full rental amount if you don’t turn up. It might sound harsh, but the logic is simple — they held that car for you, likely turned away other customers, and if you don’t show, they lose income. The fee is essentially their way of covering that loss.
Now, most companies here are reasonable about this. If you communicate with them and let them know what’s happening, they’ll usually work with you. It’s the silent no-shows that trigger the fees automatically.
The thing is, sometimes people think they’ve cancelled properly but something gets lost in the shuffle. Maybe you cancelled through a booking site but the message didn’t reach the rental desk. Maybe you emailed instead of using their cancellation system. These little mix-ups happen, which is why knowing the proper process matters.
The Common Ways People Accidentally Trigger No-Show Fees
Let’s be real about how these charges actually happen, because it’s usually not people just forgetting they booked a car.
1. Flight delays are probably the biggest one
You’re flying into Malta, your flight from wherever gets delayed a few hours, and suddenly you’re arriving way past your scheduled pickup time.
If the rental desk has closed or moved on to other customers, you might get marked as a no-show even though it wasn’t your fault. Most companies are understanding about this if you call them, but they can’t help if they don’t know what’s going on.
2. Cancelling through the wrong channel
You booked through a comparison site or travel agency, so you contact them to cancel. On their end it’s done, but somehow the actual rental company in Malta never gets the message. Or you send an email when they actually need you to cancel through their online system. It’s just a communication gap, but it can cost you.
3. Running late without a heads up
Maybe you stopped for lunch, got turned around finding the rental office, or just hit traffic. If you’re going to be late — even by an hour — a quick call usually sorts it. Show up three hours late without any warning though, and they might have already released your car.
Missing the cancellation deadline by a few hours
Your booking says free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup. You cancel 47 hours before and think you’re fine. But you’re actually outside the window — you needed to cancel at least 48 hours before, not less.
Some systems are strict about this, so cancelling 47 or 46 hours before can still trigger a fee. It’s frustrating, but it’s in the terms.
How to Actually Avoid No-Show Fees
Alright, practical stuff. Here’s what actually keeps you clear of these charges.
1. Check the cancellation policy when you book
Takes two minutes. Look for how much notice you need to give (usually 24-48 hours), whether your booking is refundable, and what happens if you need to change your pickup time. Different companies have different rules, so it’s worth knowing upfront.
2. Set yourself a reminder if your plans might change
If there’s any chance you won’t need the car, make sure you cancel before that 48-hour window closes. You can always rebook if things change back, and it’s better than losing your deposit.
3. Cancel through the right channel
If you booked directly with a rental company, cancel through their website or give them a call. If you used a broker or booking site, go through them. Just make sure whoever needs to know actually gets the message.
4. Flight delayed? Just call the rental desk
Seriously, a quick phone call solves 90% of these situations. Most companies in Malta are pretty flexible about pickup times if you let them know what’s happening. Some even have after-hours pickup options or will hold your car a bit longer.
5. Look for flexible cancellation when booking
Some rentals offer free cancellation right up to 24 hours before pickup. Others lock you in earlier. If your travel plans aren’t set in stone, it’s worth going with a more flexible option even if it costs a euro or two extra.
6. Keep your cancellation confirmation.
If you cancel and get an email or reference number, save it or screenshot it. If there’s ever any confusion, you’ve got proof you did everything right.
7. Confirm your pickup location details
Some companies have desks right at the airport terminal. Others operate from nearby offices and send a shuttle or offer meet-and-greet. Know what you’re walking into so you’re not wandering around confused when you land.
Quick tip from us
Peak summer season in Malta (June to September) gets pretty busy, and rental companies are naturally more strict about no-shows because demand is high. If you’re coming in summer and there’s any chance your plans might shift, go for the flexible cancellation option. It’s worth it for peace of mind.
The reality is that rental companies in Malta aren’t out to trick you. They just have policies to protect their business, same as anywhere.
Fuel Policies in Malta and How They Actually Work
Most car rentals in Malta use one of three fuel policies. Here’s what they mean.
1. Full-to-Full (This is the One You Want)
Pick up the car with a full tank, return it with a full tank. You only pay for fuel at normal petrol station prices. This is the fairest option and what most companies in Malta offer.
2. Pre-Purchase Fuel (Usually Not Worth It)
You pay for a full tank upfront and return the car empty. Convenient in theory — but in reality, it’s difficult to time your journey so precisely that you finish the fuel just as you return the car.
Even if you drive a lot, there’s almost always fuel left over, and whatever remains goes back to the rental company, not you. Unless you’re planning to drive extensively every day, this option usually ends up costing more than it saves.
3. Full-to-Empty or Pay-on-Return (The Expensive Option)
Return the car with whatever fuel is left, and they charge you for what you used. The catch? They’ll charge you roughly double the pump price, plus a €15-30 refueling fee. Only makes sense if you’re in a desperate rush.
Bottom line: Stick with full-to-full.
How People Get Caught with Fuel Charges
Even with a fair full-to-full policy, here’s what trips people up.
1. Forgetting to refuel before drop-off
You’re rushing for your flight, bags everywhere, and it slips your mind. The rental company charges you at their rates plus a refueling fee. What would’ve been €10 at a pump becomes €40-50 on your bill.
2. Not knowing where to refuel
The closest petrol stations to Malta Airport are only few minutes away. If you leave it too late, you either overshoot or end up panicking on the way back. Better to plan your stop slightly earlier in the outskirts before heading into the terminal area.
3. Returning it “nearly full”
They check properly. Even slightly below full means they might charge you.
4. No fuel receipt
If there’s a dispute about whether you filled up, the receipt is your proof. Without it, you’ll lose that argument.
5. The gauge isn’t exactly where it was at pickup
Take a photo when you collect the car so you know exactly where to return it to.
Local tip: There are 24-hour stations near the airport in Luqa and Gudja. Even if you’re dropping off early morning or late night, you’re sorted.
What to Do If You Get Hit With Unfair Charges
Sometimes charges appear on your bill that don’t seem right. Here’s how to handle it.
1. Check your rental agreement first
Before you challenge anything, pull out the contract you signed and see what you actually agreed to. Sometimes charges that feel unfair are technically in the terms.
2. Contact the rental company directly with proof.
If you’re certain the charge is wrong — you’ve got fuel receipts, cancellation confirmations, photos of the car — reach out to them. Most companies in Malta will sort it out if you can show clear evidence. Be polite but firm.
3. If you booked through a broker like us, get us involved
That’s part of why brokers exist. We can contact the rental company on your behalf and help mediate. We’ve got relationships with these companies and can often resolve things faster than you can on your own.
4. Dispute with your credit card company if it’s clearly wrong
If you’ve tried everything else and you’re being charged for something you can prove didn’t happen, your credit card company can help. This is a last resort, but it’s an option.
5. Leave an honest review
Companies care about their reputation, especially in a small market like Malta. A fair review explaining what happened can sometimes prompt them to make things right. Just stick to facts, not emotions.
We’ve seen plenty of cases where people got charges reversed just by asking calmly and showing evidence. Don’t just accept a charge that doesn’t add up.
Our Honest Take
Look, renting a car in Malta is genuinely straightforward when you know what to watch for. No-show fees and fuel charges aren’t traps designed to catch you out — they’re standard policies that exist for practical reasons. The rental companies here aren’t villains, and most operate honestly.
The key is just knowing the rules and playing by them. Communicate if your plans change. Choose the right fuel policy. Fill up before you return. That’s really all there is to it.
And here’s the thing about Malta: you genuinely do need a car to see the best parts of the island. The buses exist, but they’re slow and don’t reach a lot of the stunning spots. The beaches, the hidden villages, the viewpoints, the quieter coastline — a car gives you the freedom to explore Malta properly without being stuck to tourist routes and timetables.
Ready to Book Your Malta Car Rental?
Book your car with Car Rentals Malta and explore the island without the worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if I miss my car rental pickup time in Malta?
Call the rental company immediately. Most will hold your car for a few hours if you let them know what’s happening. If you’re a no-show without contact, you’ll likely be charged a fee. Communication is key.
2. Can I cancel my car rental in Malta for free?
Depends on your booking terms. Most rentals offer free cancellation 24-48 hours before pickup. Cancel later than that and you might pay a penalty or lose your deposit. Always check the policy when you book.
3. What is the best fuel policy for car rentals in Malta?
Full-to-full, no question. You pick up with a full tank and return it full. You only pay for the fuel you actually use at normal pump prices. Avoid pre-purchase fuel options unless you’re absolutely certain you’ll use every drop.
4. Do I really need to refill the tank completely before returning?
Yes. Even if the gauge is just slightly below full, the rental company can charge you for a full refill plus a service fee. Fill it until the pump clicks off — those last few liters are way cheaper than what they’ll charge.
5. Where can I refuel near Malta Airport?
There are petrol stations in Luqa and Gudja, about 5-10 minutes from the airport. Automatic dispensers are open 24 hours. Plan to fuel up before your final approach to the rental return.
6. What if I get charged a no-show fee but I cancelled on time?
Contact the rental company with your cancellation proof — email confirmation, reference number, screenshot. If you booked through a broker, get them involved to help mediate. Most issues get sorted when you have clear evidence.
7. Are fuel charges in Malta negotiable?
Not usually. The fuel policy is in your rental contract. Your best move is choosing the right policy upfront and following it. That’s cheaper and easier than trying to negotiate charges later.
8. Can I return the car with less fuel if I pay extra?
Some companies allow it, but they’ll charge you well above pump prices per liter plus a refueling fee. It’s almost never worth it. Just fill up yourself — it takes five minutes and saves you money.
9. What should I do if I notice damage on the rental car after I’ve driven off?
Contact the rental company immediately and document it with photos. The sooner you report it, the better. If you didn’t do a proper inspection at pickup, it becomes harder to prove the damage was pre-existing.
