Terms & Conditions

MaltaBest Car Hire ("MaltaBest", "we", "us") is a car-hire marketplace based in Malta that arranges vehicle rentals supplied by locally licensed rental partners. Our registered details are: MaltaBest Car Hire, Malta, company registration number [Company registration number], VAT number [VAT number], registered office [registered office address].

When you book, you reserve a vehicle category rather than a specific car. We do not take a deposit or prepayment to hold your booking — you pay the rental charges at the desk when you collect the vehicle, and a pre-authorisation may be held on your card for the insurance excess (see section 5).

You may cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before your pick-up time. The representative price shown at booking is for illustration during this review and is not a binding quote.

The main driver and any additional drivers must hold a full, valid driving licence held for at least 12 months. EU/EEA licences are accepted as issued; licences from outside the EU/EEA should be accompanied by an International Driving Permit where they are not in the Latin alphabet.

You must present the physical licence, a valid passport or national ID card, and the payment card in the main driver's name at the desk.

The minimum age to hire is 21. Drivers aged 21–24 may be subject to a young-driver surcharge and to restrictions on certain vehicle categories. Some premium and high-value vehicles carry a higher minimum age. Any surcharge is shown before you confirm.

Every rental includes comprehensive motor insurance and collision-damage cover with a standard excess, which represents the maximum you would normally pay towards damage or theft. You may reduce the excess — up to zero — by choosing an upgraded cover option at booking or at the desk.

The excess amount may be pre-authorised on your payment card at collection and released after the vehicle is returned undamaged. Damage to tyres, glass, the underbody and the interior, losses caused by driver negligence, and refuelling or traffic penalties may fall outside the standard cover — the rental agreement sets out the exact terms for your vehicle.

Vehicles are supplied on a full-to-full basis: you receive a full tank and return the vehicle with a full tank. If the vehicle is returned with less fuel, a refuelling charge at the published rate may apply. We do not operate prepaid-fuel or "full-to-empty" schemes.

The vehicle may be driven only by the named drivers on the agreement, on public roads in Malta and Gozo. Taking the vehicle on the Ċirkewwa–Mġarr ferry to Gozo is permitted; taking it off the Maltese islands is not, unless we agree in writing. Off-road use, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, use for hire or reward, and towing are not permitted.

You are responsible for the vehicle during the rental, including damage, loss, fines, tolls and charges arising during your hire. Nothing in these terms limits liability that cannot be limited under Maltese law, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence. Subject to that, our liability to you is limited to the total rental charges you have paid.

If something isn't right, tell the desk first so we can put it right quickly. You can also reach us using the details on our contact page. We aim to acknowledge written complaints promptly.

These terms and any rental agreement are governed by the laws of Malta, and the Maltese courts have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in force. Consumers keep the mandatory protections given to them by Maltese and EU consumer law, which these terms do not affect.