Discover Cars Malta Review: Our Local Advice on Car Hire

Our Local Perspective on Discover Cars

Planning to hire a car in Malta? Discover Cars is a comparison platform that lets you explore rental cars, prices and suppliers in one place. But is it worth using for your holiday in Malta?

As Malta locals with years of driving experience, we believe comparison websites like Discover Cars can be a useful starting point, especially if you are unfamiliar with local rental companies. However, we would always recommend checking the total price, insurance conditions, deposit and actual rental supplier before booking.

In this Discover Cars Malta review, we share our personal views, practical car hire advice and what we believe visitors should check before booking. We haven't personally booked through Discover Cars, so our assessment is based on our local driving experience and an evaluation of the service, not a first-hand booking.

Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our opinions and recommendations remain our own.

Discover Cars Malta review and advice

Our Verdict: Is Discover Cars Worth Using in Malta?

In our opinion, Discover Cars is worth considering when comparing car hire in Malta. It brings together rental companies, vehicles and prices, making it easier to explore your options before booking.

What appeals to us most is the convenience. However, we would not automatically choose the cheapest car. We would consider the actual supplier, total cost, insurance conditions and collection arrangements, and compare the offer with the rental company's own website.

Our recommendation: Discover Cars is a useful starting point, particularly if you are unfamiliar with Malta's rental companies. We would use it to compare options and carefully review the conditions before making a reservation.

In This Discover Cars Malta Review

• What Is Discover Cars and How Does It Work?
• Advantages of Using Discover Cars
• Disadvantages and Things to Consider
• What Type of Car Should You Hire in Malta?
• What to Check Before Booking
• Car Hire Prices and What's Included
• Insurance, Full Coverage and Excess
• Fuel Policies and Payment Requirements
• Collecting Your Rental Car at Malta Airport
• Driving in Malta: Our Local Advice
• Is Hiring a Car in Malta Worthwhile?
• Our Final Recommendation
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Discover Cars and How Does It Work?

Discover Cars is an international car hire comparison and booking platform operating in more than 160 countries, including Malta. It allows visitors to compare vehicles, rental companies, prices and conditions in one place.

Discover Cars is not the company supplying your vehicle. Your car will be provided by the rental supplier identified in your booking details, whose conditions and collection procedures apply.

How the Booking Process Works

1. Search: Enter your collection location in Malta, travel dates and driver details.
2. Compare: Explore available cars, supplier ratings, prices and collection arrangements.
3. Check the conditions: Review the deposit, insurance excess, payment requirements, fuel policy and additional charges.
4. Book: Choose your preferred offer and complete your reservation. Payment arrangements depend on the offer.
5. Collect your car: Follow the instructions on your booking voucher to collect the vehicle from the rental supplier.

Our local advice: Check the actual rental supplier and its Malta collection location before booking, particularly if you are arriving at Malta International Airport. Remember that paying online does not necessarily remove the need for a security deposit at collection.

Advantages of Using Discover Cars

In our opinion, Discover Cars' biggest advantage is the convenience of comparing several rental companies in one place. Here are five benefits we consider useful when planning car hire in Malta.

1. Compare Several Car Hire Companies

Discover Cars brings together offers from international brands and smaller rental suppliers, saving you time by letting you avoid visiting multiple websites. We would still compare the chosen supplier's direct offer before booking.

2. Find a Car That Suits Your Malta Holiday

You can compare small cars, family vehicles and automatic options. In our experience driving in Malta, a compact car is often easier to manoeuvre and park, as long as it has enough room for passengers and luggage.

3. Compare Prices and Rental Conditions

You can compare rental prices alongside important conditions such as deposits, insurance and mileage allowances. The cheapest offer is not necessarily the best value.

4. Check Rental Supplier Reviews

Supplier ratings can help you assess unfamiliar rental companies. We recommend checking recent reviews of the supplier, especially for its Malta collection location.

5. Arrange Your Car Hire Before Travelling

Comparing rental options before your holiday gives you time to review the conditions, choose a suitable vehicle and understand the collection arrangements.

Disadvantages and Things to Consider

Although Discover Cars is useful for comparing car hire in Malta, there are some important things to consider before booking, particularly regarding the rental supplier and conditions.

1. Discover Cars Is Not the Actual Rental Supplier

Discover Cars is a comparison and booking platform, while a separate company provides the vehicle.

Some offers, such as DiscoverCars' Choice, may not identify the supplier until after booking. Personally, we would prefer to know who we are renting from beforehand.

2. The Cheapest Price May Not Be the Best Deal

A low daily rate does not necessarily mean the best overall value. Additional charges or different rental conditions can make a more expensive offer worth considering.

3. Security Deposits and Credit Card Requirements

Many suppliers require a physical credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit, even if you have already paid online.

Check the deposit amount and accepted payment cards before booking.

4. Full Coverage May Not Remove the Deposit or Excess

Discover Cars' standard Full Coverage generally works on a reimbursement basis. You may need to pay the supplier for eligible damage costs before claiming reimbursement.

The rental company's security deposit may still apply.

5. Collection Arrangements Can Differ

Not every supplier operates from a desk inside Malta International Airport. Some use alternative collection points or shuttle services.

Check the collection instructions, opening hours and arrangements for delayed flights.

Our View on These Drawbacks

None of these points would automatically discourage us from considering Discover Cars. Many are common to car hire in general, but understanding the rental conditions is essential before booking.

What Type of Car Should You Hire in Malta?

Based on our experience driving around Malta, we generally recommend a small hatchback for a couple or small family, as long as it has enough room for passengers and luggage.

Malta has many narrow streets, busy roads and areas where parking can be challenging. A compact car is often easier to manoeuvre, particularly when exploring towns and villages.

White rental cars parked at Malta Airport

Manual or Automatic Car?

We would generally recommend an automatic car for visitors who are comfortable driving one, especially if driving on the left is unfamiliar.

With Malta's traffic, roundabouts and frequent junctions, an automatic gives you one less thing to concentrate on. However, if you are a confident manual driver, there is no reason you cannot choose one.

British visitors will already be familiar with driving on the left, although Malta's road conditions and driving habits may still take some getting used to.

Choosing the Right Size

• Couples: A small hatchback is usually sufficient, especially when travelling with limited luggage.
• Families: Consider a slightly larger hatchback or family car if you need extra luggage space or child seats.
• Larger groups: A people carrier or larger vehicle may be more practical, depending on the number of passengers and suitcases.

We would avoid hiring a larger vehicle than necessary, especially if you plan to visit older towns with narrow streets.

Other Features We Would Look For

Air conditioning is something we strongly recommend, particularly during Malta's hot summer months.

We would also check luggage capacity, fuel efficiency and whether the vehicle suits the people travelling with us.

Our local tip: Choose a car you feel confident driving and parking. In Malta, ease of handling and comfort are often more useful than having a particularly powerful vehicle.

What to Check Before Booking

Before booking a rental car through Discover Cars, we recommend looking beyond the advertised price and checking the rental supplier's conditions.

From our point of view, these are the most important things to check before making a reservation:

• Rental supplier reviews: Read recent feedback about the actual company supplying your car, particularly its Malta collection location.
• Total rental cost: Check what is included, what you must pay online and whether anything remains payable when collecting the car.
• Security deposit: Find out how much they will hold on your card and whether you have enough available funds.
• Payment card requirements: Check whether the supplier requires a physical credit card in the main driver's name. Paying online with a debit card does not necessarily mean it will be accepted at collection.
• Insurance and excess: Understand what protection is included, what is excluded and whether optional coverage reimburses eligible costs after a claim.
• Fuel policy and mileage: Check how much fuel you must return the car with and whether any mileage restrictions apply.
• Collection and return: Confirm the exact location, opening hours and arrangements if your flight is delayed.
• Passengers and luggage: Make sure the vehicle has enough space for everyone, including suitcases and any child seats.
• Additional drivers and extras: Check the cost and availability of anything you need, including child seats or satellite navigation.
• Cancellation conditions: Understand the cancellation and amendment rules before paying.

Our most important advice: If anything is unclear, contact the rental supplier or Discover Cars before booking and keep the written confirmation. We would rather spend a few extra minutes checking the details than face unexpected problems when collecting the car.

For a broader overview of the rental process, our guide to renting a car in Malta explains what to consider before booking.

Once you understand the rental conditions, you can compare Malta car hire options on Discover Cars and check the offers available for your travel dates.

Car Hire Prices and What's Included

When comparing car hire in Malta through Discover Cars, we recommend looking at the total rental cost rather than just the advertised daily price.

Different rental companies may include different services and conditions. Before booking, check the Rental Conditions and Rate Includes information for your chosen vehicle.

What Could Be Included in Your Rental?

What Might Cost Extra?

Depending on the rental supplier and your booking, additional costs may apply for optional insurance, child seats, additional drivers, upgrades or other services.

Remember that a security deposit is not normally an additional rental charge. It is generally an amount temporarily held on your card, although deductions may be made if charges arise under your rental agreement.

Our local advice: Compare two or three suitable offers and check what each includes before deciding. A slightly higher rental price may offer better value if the conditions are clearer or better suited to your holiday.

Insurance, Full Coverage and Excess

Before hiring a car in Malta, we strongly recommend understanding what insurance is included and how much you could be responsible for if something goes wrong.

Discover Cars offers rentals from different suppliers, so insurance conditions and excess amounts vary. Check the Rental Conditions for your chosen vehicle before booking.

What Does Basic Car Hire Insurance Cover?

Depending on the rental offer, basic protection may include:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Limits your financial responsibility for damage to the rental car, usually subject to an excess.
• Theft Protection: Limits your liability if the vehicle is stolen, subject to the conditions and any applicable excess.
• Third-Party Liability: Covers certain liabilities for injury or damage caused to other people or their property, subject to the policy terms.

Always check what is included and excluded. Basic protection does not necessarily cover every type of damage or expense.

What Is the Insurance Excess?

The excess is the amount you may have to pay towards damage or theft under the rental agreement, depending on what happens and the applicable conditions.

It differs from the security deposit, which is generally an amount temporarily held on your payment card when you collect the vehicle.

For example, if your rental has a €1,000 damage excess, you could be responsible for up to that amount for covered damage, subject to the agreement. This is an illustration, not a standard Discover Cars charge.

How Does Discover Cars Full Coverage Work?

Discover Cars offers optional Full Coverage, which can reimburse eligible damage-related costs, including the rental excess, up to the coverage limit stated in your booking.

However, Full Coverage does not normally remove the rental supplier's security deposit or excess.

If you are charged for covered damage, you may have to pay the supplier first and then submit a reimbursement claim to Discover Cars with the required documentation.

Coverage has limits and exclusions, so check the terms carefully. Full Coverage also does not replace third-party liability protection.

Is Additional Coverage Worth Considering?

In our opinion, it's worth comparing additional protection, especially if you are concerned about potential damage costs during your holiday.

However, we would compare Discover Cars Full Coverage with any cover available directly from the rental supplier. They may work differently, particularly regarding deposits and claims.

Our local advice: Before collecting your car, check it carefully for existing damage, take photos or a video, and ensure the rental company records any marks. We also recommend keeping the rental agreement, receipts, and return confirmation until everything is settled.

Fuel Policies and Payment Requirements

Before booking through Discover Cars, check the fuel policy and payment requirements of your chosen rental supplier, as these can affect your overall costs and collection arrangements.

Fuel Policies Explained

The most common fuel arrangements include:

• Full to Full: Collect the car with a full tank and return it full.
• Same to Same: Return the car with the same fuel level as when collected.
• Full to Empty: Pay for a full tank upfront and return the vehicle empty. Unused fuel is generally not refunded.

We prefer Full to Full because it lets you pay for the fuel you use, as long as you return the car with a full tank.

Check the fuel gauge at collection and keep your final refuelling receipt to avoid potential disputes or additional charges.

If you need to refuel before returning your rental car, our guide to petrol stations in Malta can help you find a convenient location.

Paying Online vs Paying at Collection

Paying online does not necessarily mean the same payment method will be accepted at collection.

Many suppliers require a physical credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. Debit, prepaid and virtual cards may not be accepted.

If you plan to use Revolut, check whether your specific card meets the rental supplier's requirements before booking.

Understanding the Security Deposit

A security deposit is separate from the rental price. It is generally a temporary hold on your card to cover potential charges under the rental agreement.

Even if you pay for your rental in full online, a deposit may still be required at collection.

Some offers may have lower deposit requirements or be advertised as having no deposit. Always check the conditions of your chosen offer.

Our advice: Make sure you have sufficient available funds on the required payment card and understand when the deposit will be released. The time it takes for funds to become available again depends on the supplier and your bank.

Collecting Your Rental Car at Malta Airport

If you are flying into Malta and hiring a car through Discover Cars, confirm exactly where and how you will collect your vehicle before you travel.

Malta International Airport has rental company offices at Park East, its multi-storey car park. However, collection arrangements depend on your chosen supplier, and some companies may use alternative meeting points or shuttle services.

If you are still organising your journey, our guide on how to get to Malta covers the main ways of reaching the Maltese Islands.

Car Pickup At Malta Airport

Where Do You Collect Your Car?

Your Discover Cars booking voucher provides the rental supplier's name, contact details and collection instructions.

Look for the actual rental company's name rather than a Discover Cars desk. Follow the instructions on your voucher, especially if you need to meet a representative or take a shuttle.

What Should You Bring?

Before leaving for Malta, check that you have:

• Your driving licence, valid and accepted by the supplier.
• Your passport or other accepted identification.
• Your booking confirmation and rental voucher.
• The required payment card, usually a physical credit card in the main driver's name, with sufficient available funds for the deposit.
• Any additional documents specified in your rental conditions.

What If Your Flight Is Delayed?

If your flight is delayed, contact the rental supplier as soon as possible using the details on your voucher. A delayed arrival could affect your booking if you miss the supplier's permitted collection window.

We also recommend checking the collection opening hours when booking, particularly for late-evening arrivals.

Before Driving Away

We recommend inspecting the rental car carefully before leaving the collection area.

Check for existing scratches, dents and damage to the wheels, glass and interior. Take photos or a short video, and record any damage on the rental agreement.

Also check the fuel level, familiarise yourself with the vehicle's controls and confirm where and how to return the car.

Our local tip: Before setting off, enter your accommodation into Google Maps and familiarise yourself with the route. After a flight, knowing where you are going can make your first drive in Malta much easier.

Driving in Malta: Our Local Advice

Driving in Malta offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, but traffic, narrow streets, and parking can be challenging, especially in busy towns and tourist areas.

Coastal Malta street with parked cars

Driving On The Left

In Malta, we drive on the left, just like in the UK. British visitors will already be familiar with this, although local driving conditions may take some getting used to.

Visitors from Italy, France, Germany, Spain and other right-hand-driving countries should take extra care at junctions and roundabouts.

Traffic, Narrow Streets and Parking

Despite Malta's small size, journeys can take longer than expected because of traffic. Older towns often have narrow streets, while parking can be difficult in areas such as Valletta, Sliema and St Julian's.

Our advice: Allow extra time for journeys, particularly when visiting popular attractions or travelling to the airport.

Navigation and Google Maps

From our experience, Google Maps is useful for navigating Malta and checking traffic conditions. We have also tried a separate satellite navigation device in a rental car but found Google Maps easier to use.

Before setting off, check your route and parking options.

For more detailed advice on roads, traffic rules and parking, read our guide to driving in Malta.

Our local tip: Choose a manageable car, take your time and avoid rushing, especially when driving through unfamiliar villages.

Is Hiring a Car in Malta Worthwhile?

In our opinion, hiring a car in Malta can be worthwhile, but it depends on where you are staying and how you plan to spend your holiday.

A rental car gives you greater flexibility to explore the island at your own pace, particularly if you want to visit several beaches, villages or attractions in different areas.

Aerial view of roads in Malta

When We Would Recommend Hiring a Car

We would particularly consider a rental car if you:

• Want to explore different parts of Malta on your own.
• Plan to visit several beaches or places away from the main bus routes.
• Are staying somewhere with limited public transport connections.
• Prefer travelling on your own schedule rather than relying on bus timetables or organised tours.

For visitors who enjoy exploring, a car can make daily planning much more flexible.

When You Might Not Need a Car

If you are staying in Valletta or Sliema and mainly visiting nearby attractions, buses, ferries, walking and organised excursions may meet your needs. Our guide to getting around Malta explains the different transport options available.

Parking can also be challenging in busy areas, so hiring a vehicle isn't always the most convenient option. If you are staying in the Buġibba or Qawra area, you can also explore our guide to car hire in Buġibba for more location-specific information.

Consider Hiring a Car for Part of Your Holiday

You do not necessarily need a rental car for your entire stay. Renting one for a few days can be a practical compromise, letting you explore further afield while using public transport for the rest of your holiday.

Our local advice: We would decide whether to hire a car based on the places we wanted to visit, rather than automatically booking one for the entire holiday.

Our Final Recommendation

Would we recommend Discover Cars? Yes, as a useful option for comparing car hire in Malta. We like the convenience of comparing different rental companies, vehicles, and prices in one place, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local suppliers.

However, we would not choose a rental based on price alone. We would check the actual supplier, deposit, insurance excess and collection arrangements, and compare the offer with booking directly.

Although we haven't personally booked through Discover Cars, we believe it is worth considering when planning a Malta holiday. If car hire suits your plans, compare the available offers and carefully check the conditions before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Discover Cars Malta

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We are Albert and Benjamin Magro, two Malta locals who enjoy exploring the island and sharing practical advice with visitors. Our guides combine local knowledge with first-hand visits to Malta's towns, beaches, attractions and accommodation areas. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook for more Malta tips, photos and videos.

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