Super CDW Malta: What Super Collision Damage Waiver Really Covers

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.