Your booking and your rental
These terms set out how you book self-drive car hire in Malta and Gozo through Nova Drive, an intermediary booking platform operated by NovaDrive Service Centre Ltd. The rental itself is governed by the rental agreement you sign at the desk on collection, which prevails where it differs from these terms.
Cancellation & refunds
Bookings on Nova Drive are paid in full online, by card, when you book, and are non-refundable. If you cancel, whatever the notice, shorten the rental or do not collect the car, the amount paid is not refunded. Amendments to the dates, vehicle class or driver details are subject to availability and may change the quoted price; to request one, let us know by email or phone, quoting your booking reference. If a vehicle of the class you booked is ever unavailable, you will be offered the nearest available alternative or a full refund.
Fuel policy
The fuel policy is like-for-like. The fuel level is recorded with you at pick-up and the car must be returned with the same level. Any shortfall is charged at the local pump price for the missing fuel plus a EUR 10 refuelling service fee, so please keep your receipts in case of a query. Electric and hybrid vehicles follow the same principle and must be returned with at least the charge level recorded at pick-up; charging guidance is provided with the vehicle.
Security deposit
A refundable security deposit is pre-authorised (held, not charged) on a credit card in the main driver's name at pick-up. The amount depends on the vehicle class and is shown on your quote and voucher before you book; adding Zero Risk Protection reduces it to a flat EUR 300, also shown there. The card must be a physical credit card in the main driver's name, not a debit, electronic or prepaid card. The hold is released in full after the car is returned in its agreed condition, normally within 7 working days, less any agreed charges for damage, missing fuel, late return, cleaning beyond normal use, or traffic fines and related administration incurred during the rental.
Driver requirements & young drivers
The minimum age to rent is 21, and the main driver must have held a full, valid driving licence for at least 2 years. Drivers aged 21-24 pay a young-driver fee per rental day and may be subject to a higher insurance excess or to limits on the vehicle classes available; the fee is shown before you confirm. A licence written in a non-Latin alphabet should be accompanied by an International Driving Permit. Everyone who will drive the car must be named on the rental agreement and present a valid licence and photo ID (ID card or passport) at the desk - only named drivers are covered.
After-hours pick-up
A pick-up after midnight, between 00:00 and 08:00 Malta time, carries a flat after-hours fee. It is charged once per rental, is shown in your price before you confirm and is included in your total. The fee follows the pick-up time you book; returns are not affected.
Insurance & cover
Every rental includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection, plus third-party liability cover as required by Maltese law. Without an added protection package, you are responsible for damage to, or theft of, the vehicle up to an excess equal to the security deposit for the class booked, which is pre-authorised on your credit card at pick-up. Adding Zero Risk Protection, the single all-in protection package, eliminates the damage excess (CDW) and the theft and fire excess (TLW) in full, so you pay nothing towards damage to the vehicle, reduces the security deposit to a refundable EUR 300, and extends cover to tyres, glass, the underbody and the interior. No cover applies to loss or damage caused in breach of the rental agreement, for example driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, use by an unnamed driver, off-road or track use, putting the wrong fuel in the tank, or wilful or reckless damage, which remains the renter's responsibility in full. Roadside assistance for breakdowns is included.
The company
NovaDrive Service Centre Ltd · Reg. C 116377, 60, Triq Ħal Qormi, Marsa · MT32937930 · info@novadrivemalta.com · +356 9905 6366
Last updated 28 September 2026 · See also our Privacy Policy.