Is Full Damage Waiver Worth It in Malta? Traveler’s Guide

When renting a car in Malta, one of the most confusing choices you’ll face is whether to pay extra for Full Damage Waiver (FDW). Rental companies often promote it as the “worry-free” option, but it comes at a daily cost that can quickly add up over the course of your trip.

So, is FDW worth it? The short answer is: for many travelers, yes — but it depends on your budget, driving confidence, and comfort with financial risk. To help you make the right choice, here’s what you need to know about FDW, how it works in Malta, and the details most rental desks won’t emphasize.

What Is Full Damage Waiver (FDW) in Malta Car Rentals?

FDW is an optional insurance upgrade that removes or significantly reduces the excess (deductible) you’d otherwise be responsible for if your rental car is damaged, stolen, or vandalized.

With standard CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), you’re still on the hook for a high excess amount — often €500 to €1,800+ depending on the car type. FDW takes that liability away, meaning you walk away with little to no out-of-pocket cost if something goes wrong.

In short:

• CDW = included, but leaves you with a big excess.
• Super CDW = lowers excess to around €100–€275.
• FDW = removes excess completely (zero liability in most cases).

This is why many renters who want complete peace of mind consider FDW a worthwhile upgrade, especially if they’re new to driving abroad or don’t want to worry about every scratch.

How FDW Works in Malta

When you choose FDW, your excess liability is eliminated or reduced to a token amount. For example:

• Without FDW: your rental has a €1,200 excess. If the car is stolen or suffers €1,000 damage, you pay the full €1,000.
• With FDW: that same damage could cost you nothing, since the waiver removes the excess.

It typically applies to accidents, theft, attempted theft, and vandalism. However, some companies still require a deposit hold on your credit card, which can range from about €150 for economy cars to several thousand euros for luxury models. The deposit is usually returned if no terms are broken.

FDW coverage is valid across both Malta and Gozo, so you’re protected whether you’re navigating Valletta’s traffic or taking the Gozo Channel ferry to explore quieter island roads.

What FDW Typically Excludes

It’s important to note that FDW does not make you invincible. Certain damages are almost always excluded, meaning you’d still be liable if they occur. These usually include:

• Tires and wheels
• Windscreens, windows, and mirrors
• The undercarriage and roof
• Soft tops on convertibles
• Lost or stolen keys
• Interior damage or personal belongings left in the car
• Damages caused by negligence (e.g., drunk driving, ignoring rental rules)

These exclusions are why even with FDW, some renters choose to add specific cover for tires and glass, or rely on third-party excess insurance that covers these gaps.

FDW Costs in Malta – What to Expect

The cost of FDW varies by rental company, car group, and even the season. On average, you can expect to pay:

• €15–€20 per day for smaller cars
• €20–€30 per day or more for SUVs, vans, and premium models

Other factors include the driver’s age (younger drivers may face higher fees) and the length of your rental (longer bookings sometimes bring discounted daily rates). While the extra daily cost adds up, it can save you thousands if damage or theft occurs.

For example, two weeks in Malta with an SUV might cost €280 extra for FDW — but that’s a lot less stressful than having €1,800 blocked on your credit card or worse, paying it if something happens.

FDW vs CDW vs Super CDW – Key Differences

To put FDW in context, here’s how it compares to other coverage types:

• CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): Included in most Malta rentals. Protects you from full liability but leaves you with a high excess (€500–€1,800+).
• Super CDW (SCDW): Optional upgrade. Reduces excess to about €100–€275. Affordable but doesn’t eliminate liability.
• FDW (Full Damage Waiver): Optional upgrade. Removes excess completely, giving you the highest level of cover available.

In short: CDW is the minimum, Super CDW is a middle ground, and FDW is the maximum coverage most rental companies in Malta offer.

Is Full Damage Waiver Worth It in Malta?

For many travelers, the answer is yes. FDW buys peace of mind, which is especially valuable if:

• You’re driving in Malta for the first time and adjusting to left-hand traffic.
• You’re planning a longer stay where the risk of an incident increases.
• You’re renting a higher-value vehicle with a very high excess.

However, if you’re only in Malta for a short trip, or you already have third-party excess insurance that covers you, FDW may not be essential. It ultimately depends on how much risk you’re comfortable carrying.

Alternatives to FDW in Malta

Not sure FDW is right for you? Here are alternatives:

• Super CDW: Lower daily cost, but you’ll still have a small excess if damage occurs.
• Third-party excess insurance: Often cheaper and may cover things FDW excludes (like tires or windscreens). You pay upfront and claim later.
• Credit card insurance: Some premium cards offer rental coverage, but not all Maltese providers accept this as a replacement.

These options can save money, but they also require more legwork and sometimes slower claim processes.

Tips Before Buying FDW in Malta

• Always read the rental terms carefully to confirm what’s included.
• Ask if a deposit hold is still required with FDW.
• Confirm coverage applies in both Malta and Gozo if you plan to travel between islands.
• Take photos of the car at pickup and drop-off to avoid disputes.
• Ask specifically about “loss of use” fees — some companies charge for time the car is off the road, and FDW may not cover this.

Final Verdict – Is FDW Worth It for Your Malta Trip?

Full Damage Waiver is the highest level of protection you can buy for a rental car in Malta. It eliminates the excess, takes away financial risk, and makes driving less stressful — especially in busy towns like Valletta or on the winding roads of Gozo. While it costs more per day, many travelers find the peace of mind well worth it.

If you’re on a tight budget or confident in your driving, you might stick with CDW or Super CDW, or rely on third-party cover. But if you’d rather not think twice about liability, FDW is the worry-free option.

If you’re planning to rent a car in Malta and aren’t sure which insurance is right for you, feel free to contact us. We’ll help you compare options so you can explore Malta and Gozo with confidence.