Legal
Terms & Conditions
Last updated 16 July 2026
These terms set out the basis on which MaltaBest Car Hire hires out vehicles in Malta and Gozo. Please read them alongside the rental agreement you sign at the desk, which prevails where the two differ.
1. Who we are
MaltaBest Car Hire ("MaltaBest", "we", "us") is a trading name of NovaDrive Service Centre Ltd (company registration C 116377, VAT No. MT32937930), a Malta-based vehicle rental business that owns and operates the fleet it hires out. Our registered office is 89, Triq il-Mastrudaxxa, Ħal Qormi, Malta.
2. Booking & no deposit
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 total shown when you book is the rental charge for the dates and options you selected; optional extras chosen at the desk are added to it.
3. Eligibility & driving licence
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.
4. Age & young-driver terms
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.
5. Insurance, cover & excess
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.
6. Fuel policy
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.
7. Using the vehicle
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.
8. Liability
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.
9. Complaints
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.
10. Governing law
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.
MaltaBest Car Hire · Registered office 89, Triq il-Mastrudaxxa, Ħal Qormi, Malta. The rental agreement signed at the desk prevails where it differs from this page.