No surprise hold amounts, no mandatory prepaid fuel packages, and zero confusion. Here is our official operational matrix for damage excess liability, security deposit holds, and our Premium Damage Waiver (PDW) across Malta and Gozo.
Side-By-Side Breakdown
Every quote itemizes both options before you request. What is displayed is what is honoured at the counter.
Included with all base rental rates
Reduced Excess & Low Security Deposit
Accurate, transparent figures by ACRISS code. No hidden counter charges.
Debit Card Package Schedule (Credit Card AND Debit Card Accepted)
Pre-authorization deposit is reduced to just €350 – €499 on most models (€900 on luxury / cabriolets). Both physical Visa/Mastercard Debit Cards and Credit Cards with Chip & PIN are accepted at counter handover.
We never force expensive mandatory fuel packages. You receive your car with a full tank (or recorded level) and simply return it with the same level. No refuelling surcharge if returned full!
For security, please ensure you know your physical card PIN code. The card must be in the main driver's name and presented physically at key handover.
Card Mechanics
Understanding card holds ensures stress-free vehicle collection at the counter:
You present your physical Chip & PIN card in the driver’s name at the desk. The terminal places a temporary pre-authorisation hold. No money is debited.
The funds remain reserved by your bank. With basic cover, €1,800–€4,500 is blocked on a credit card. With PDW / Debit Card Package, only €350–€499 is held on debit or credit card.
Our staff checks the vehicle condition and fuel tank (same-to-same). Once verified, the hold is instructed to be unblocked immediately by your issuing bank.
Common Inquiries
The Excess is your maximum contractual liability in the event of covered collision damage or theft. The Security Deposit is the temporary pre-authorization hold placed on your card at the counter to guarantee that liability during the rental. Under standard cover, the deposit matches the full excess (€1,800 to €4,500 depending on vehicle group) and requires a credit card in the lead driver’s name. Under our Premium Damage Waiver (PDW) / Debit Card Package, the damage excess and deposit hold both reduce to just €350 to €499 on standard cars (€900 on luxury/convertibles), and both physical Credit and Debit cards are accepted.
Under the Standard Basic rate, the deposit hold can ONLY be placed on a major Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard) in the lead driver’s name. When you choose our Debit Card Package / PDW insurance, the deposit can be placed on either a Credit Card OR a physical Debit Card (Visa / Mastercard) with Chip & PIN. Cash and American Express cards are not accepted for deposit guarantee.
We operate a fair "Same-to-Same" fuel policy. We never force mandatory prepaid fuel packages or administrative fuel markups. You receive your vehicle with a recorded fuel level and simply return it with the exact same level. If returned with missing fuel, fuel is charged at €2.50 per litre + VAT with no excessive service penalty.
No. The security deposit is a temporary pre-authorization hold (a block on funds), NOT a settled charge. The funds remain with your bank. When you return the vehicle in the agreed condition with the correct fuel level, the hold is instructed to be unblocked immediately. Most banks release the hold automatically within 14 to 30 days.
PDW daily rates range from €15.00/day to €35.00/day depending on the vehicle category: €15–€19/day for Mini and Economy (Toyota Aygo, Fiat Panda, Kia Picanto), €20–€24/day for Compacts and SUVs (Citroen C3, Peugeot 208, Renault Captur), €25–€30/day for 7-Seaters and Vans (Dacia Jogger, Ford Tourneo, Nissan NV200), and €30–€35/day for Executive / Convertibles (Mercedes C-Class, BMW 3/5 Series, Mini Cabrio).
Standard CDW and PDW cover bodywork collision damage. As standard across the car hire industry in Malta, excluded items that are the hirer’s responsibility include: lost or damaged car keys, tyre punctures and wheel rims, glass and windscreen damage, underside/chassis damage from rough tracks or curbs, contaminated/wrong fuel, extreme interior dirtiness requiring special valet cleaning (€50 minimum), and personal belongings left in the vehicle.
Transparent pricing, 10% confirmation fee, fair same-to-same fuel, and optional PDW with debit card acceptance.
