Coming to Malta for a short holiday? Or your car is currently out of service? A car rental service can be your ally! Hiring a car in Malta is one of the most convenient and time-saving ways to explore every charming inch of the Maltese Islands if you're an eager enthusiast of culture, nature, history, architecture and food. You can access remote gems which are not accessible by public transport. If you're a local, you'll definitely get more things done and you need not put your daily work to an abrupt stop. You can relish in the independence a private car would offer you as you need not rely on public transport, taxis or cabs. Whether for business or leisure, you'll surely find the right car to satisfy your needs and expectations at one of the local rental agencies. Independent travelling is just a click away!

What should you take into consideration when renting a car? Here are some factors you should inquire about:

What Are the Vehicle Types Car Rental Services Offer?

Car hire companies offer a wide selection of cars or minivans, and you can choose your preferred vehicle depending on your objective. Standard economic cars are popular due to their fuel efficiency, compact size and cheaper rates. If you're into off-road adventures, it may be a good idea to hire a 4x4 vehicle. If you wish to treat yourself to a more luxurious travelling experience, you can opt for executive, sports car or convertible car hire. If having ample space is a necessity, choosing an SUV would be ideal, while large groups should consider van hire. Some agencies also provide commercial vans for rent. Automatic and manual transmissions, 5 or 3 doored vehicles, whatever you need, a hiring company will provide you with various brands to choose from. Some companies also offer vintage car hire and wedding cars for hire. Inquire about all possible options to choose the one which best suits your needs.

Which Are the Most Popular Services?

Car rental companies offer various services to accommodate the needs of their customers. They can be either provided free of charge or available at an additional fee so check all details accordingly.

One Way Car Hire:

One of the most popular options is one-way car hire, which allows you to pick up the car at one location and drop it off at another. You can, for instance, collect the car in Gozo and leave it at the airport or at the hotel you're staying at. Ask the company for all possible pick up and return locations to plan your trip accordingly and avoid any last minute hassle.

Delivery and Collection:

For even more flexibility, a vehicle can be delivered and collected at any given address. This option may save you valuable time and provide you with hassle-free car hire specifically tailored to your needs.

GPS Hire:

Having a navigation system connected to your car is ideal, especially if it's your first time driving around Malta. It will be easier to find your way around and it can provide you with detours in case you get stuck in an endless traffic jam. Hiring a car with a GPS will come in handy in our maze of small and narrow streets.

Breakdown Assistance:

Most companies provide 24/7 roadside assistance in basic packages. However, do check all terms and conditions. It's usually possible to purchase an extension, covering situations like flat tires and batteries.

Additional Driver Cover:

When more than one person is expected to be driving, it's important to purchase an additional driver cover. This will extend the insurance cover to the second driver.

Under 25 Car Hire:

Some rental agencies may not be willing to rent to people under the age of 21 or 25 or to people with not enough driving experience. If they do allow, the rate may be much higher so do your research and check out all the companies listed on Yellow. Nonetheless, you'll definitely find one which meets your demands and hires cars to drivers under the age of 25.

Extras:

If you need extras like a child car seat or a roof rack, ask your rental agency, as it may be able to provide you with the necessary extras.

Mileage:

Check how the fuel process will work. Is the car provided to you with a full tank and would you need to return it as such? Do you have unlimited mileage or are there some restrictions?

What Type of Insurance is Available?

Standard insurance is always included in the rental price and covers damages incurred, including injuries of passengers and property damage. Usually, it's possible to extend the rental car insurance cover for broader protection.

Vehicle Damage Cover:

Insurance which covers repair costs of the rental car is known as Collision Damage Insurance or Collision Damage Waiver. Usually, the costs of repair are covered only up to a certain amount and the driver has to cover any excess of it.

Vehicle Theft Cover:

Theft protection insurance covers the replacement of the vehicle or parts of it that got stolen. Same as vehicle damage cover, it usually covers damage up to a certain amount and the driver must pay the excess of it.

We encourage you to compare car rental services and prices before selecting a specific car rental agency. Prices differ according to the type of car needed, rental duration, driver's age and any other extras which are to be booked. Since there's high competition in the sector, you will definitely find cheap car hire services.

Most car rental companies also offer long-term car leasing at more flexible prices than short term car rental. Relevant leasing companies can be found on Yellow.

Practical tip: In contrast to many countries around the world, Malta drives on the left-hand side so most cars would be left-hand drives. Moreover, your driving skills must be top notch as you'll be constantly dodging wild drivers, competing for parking spaces and languishing in traffic jams. It may become a little stressful trying to get around Malta's thorough road network, especially if you're in touristic areas like Sliema, St Julian's and Bugibba. Having said that, hiring a car is still a viable option.

Filter your results on Yellow according to your preferences to get tailored relevant results matching your needs. Some rental agencies allow you to book your car online and online bookings may come at a cheaper rate so check accordingly. Airport car rental is possible as there are several booths at the arrivals hall and several rental outlets are located in various touristic areas around Malta and Gozo. Proceed with your car booking now!

Curious about sightseeing in Malta? Check out these 7 underrated villages in Malta and Gozo.