Morocco Car Rental Insurance Explained: Complete Guide

Understanding Car Rental Insurance in Morocco

Car rental insurance can be confusing, especially when you're dealing with unfamiliar terms in a foreign country. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about insurance when renting a car in Morocco.

What's Included by Default

All legitimate car rentals in Morocco include basic mandatory insurance:

Third Party Liability (TPL)

What it covers:

• Damage you cause to other vehicles
• Damage to public or private property
• Injury to other people

What it doesn't cover:

• Damage to your rental car
• Your personal injuries
• Your belongings

Coverage limit: Typically 30-50 million MAD (varies by company)

This is the legal minimum required to drive in Morocco. You cannot decline this coverage.

Standard Optional Coverage

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

Also known as: LDW (Loss Damage Waiver)

What it covers:

• Damage to the rental vehicle
• Reduces your financial liability

What it doesn't cover:

• Usually excludes: tires, wheels, undercarriage, roof, interior
• Damage due to prohibited use (off-road, drunk driving, etc.)

How it works: CDW doesn't mean zero liability. Instead, it caps your maximum payment at a set "excess" or "deductible" amount.

Typical excess amounts:

Vehicle Category	Excess Amount
Economy	5,000-10,000 MAD
Compact/Sedan	10,000-15,000 MAD
SUV	15,000-25,000 MAD
Premium/4x4	20,000-35,000 MAD

Example: If your CDW excess is 10,000 MAD and you cause 25,000 MAD in damage, you pay only 10,000 MAD (the excess). If damage is 5,000 MAD, you pay only 5,000 MAD.

Theft Protection (TP)

What it covers:

• Loss of the vehicle due to theft
• Damage from attempted theft

What it doesn't cover:

• Personal belongings stolen from the car
• Negligence (keys left in car)

Excess: Similar to CDW, usually has its own deductible

Super CDW / Full Coverage

Also known as: Zero Excess, Excess Waiver, SCDW

What it covers:

• Everything CDW covers
• Reduces or eliminates your excess/deductible

Types:

• Reduced Excess: Lowers your deductible (e.g., from 10,000 to 2,500 MAD)
• Zero Excess: Eliminates deductible entirely

Cost: 80-150 MAD per day (varies by vehicle and company)

When to consider:

• Peace of mind is important to you
• First time driving in Morocco
• Traveling with valuable time constraints
• Budget allows for extra protection

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)

What it covers:

• Medical expenses for driver and passengers
• Death or disability benefits

What it doesn't cover:

• Usually pre-existing conditions
• Injuries outside the vehicle

Cost: 30-60 MAD per day

Note: Check if your travel insurance already provides this coverage.

Understanding the Fine Print

What's Typically NOT Covered (Even with Full Insurance)

1. Tires and Wheels

   • Punctures, blowouts, wheel damage
   • Some companies offer tire protection add-on

2. Undercarriage and Roof

   • Damage from scraping, low clearance impacts
   • Roof damage (falling objects, low structures)

3. Interior Damage

   • Upholstery tears, burns, stains
   • Dashboard damage

4. Glass (Sometimes)

   • Windshield chips or cracks
   • Window breakage
   • Glass coverage may be separate

5. Lost Keys

   • Replacement costs can be 1,000-5,000 MAD
   • Some companies offer key coverage

6. Single Vehicle Accidents

   • Check if policy covers accidents with no other party involved

Prohibited Activities (Coverage Void)

• Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs
• Unauthorized drivers
• Driving outside Morocco (unless pre-approved)
• Off-road driving (unless specifically covered)
• Racing or reckless driving
• Transporting goods for profit

Alternative Insurance Options

Credit Card Coverage

Many credit cards offer car rental insurance:

Advantages:

• Free if included with your card
• May cover excess/deductible
• Convenient (no additional purchase)

Disadvantages:

• Often secondary coverage (pays after other insurance)
• May not be valid in Morocco (check your card terms)
• Claims process can be lengthy
• May require you to decline rental company's CDW

What to check:

• Is Morocco covered?
• Is the coverage primary or secondary?
• What's the maximum coverage period?
• What vehicles are excluded?

Popular cards with coverage:

• Visa Signature/Infinite
• Mastercard World Elite
• American Express Platinum
• Some Chase, Citi, and Capital One cards

Travel Insurance Policies

Types of coverage:

• Some comprehensive travel policies include rental car coverage
• Can add rental car protection to existing travel insurance
• Stand-alone rental car insurance policies

Advantages:

• May be cheaper than rental company's insurance
• Cover multiple rentals during your trip
• Additional benefits (trip cancellation, medical, etc.)

What to verify:

• Does it cover Morocco specifically?
• Is the vehicle type covered?
• What's the maximum value covered?
• How do claims work?

Third-Party Excess Insurance

Providers:

• Insurance4carhire
• iCarhireinsurance
• Questor Insurance
• RentalCover

How it works:

• Purchase annual or single-trip policy
• Decline rental company's excess insurance
• If damage occurs, pay the rental company's excess
• Claim reimbursement from third-party insurer

Advantages:

• Significantly cheaper than daily excess waiver
• Annual policies cover multiple rentals

Disadvantages:

• Must pay excess upfront and claim back
• Claims processing takes time
• Check policy for Morocco coverage

Making the Right Choice

Decision Framework

Get Full Coverage (Super CDW) If:

• First time driving in Morocco
• Short rental period (cost difference minimal)
• Planning challenging routes (mountains, desert roads)
• Peace of mind is priority
• No other coverage sources

Decline Extra Coverage If:

• Credit card provides adequate coverage (verified for Morocco)
• Have comprehensive travel insurance with rental coverage
• Purchased third-party excess insurance
• Experienced with Moroccan driving
• Comfortable with potential excess liability

Cost Comparison Example

7-day rental, compact car:

Option	Daily Cost	Total	Your Liability
Basic CDW only	Included	Included	10,000 MAD
Super CDW	+100 MAD	+700 MAD	0 MAD
Third-party annual policy	~200 MAD	200 MAD	0 MAD (after claim)
Credit card coverage	0 MAD	0 MAD	0 MAD (if valid)

Tips for Insurance Success

Before Booking

1. Check your existing coverage

   • Contact credit card company
   • Review travel insurance policy
   • Verify Morocco is covered

2. Read rental terms carefully

   • Understand what's included
   • Know the excess amounts
   • Identify exclusions

3. Compare total costs

   • Some "cheap" rentals have expensive mandatory insurance
   • Include all fees when comparing

At Pickup

1. Verify your coverage

   • Confirm what you've booked
   • Understand what you're signing
   • Keep copies of all documents

2. Document vehicle condition

   • Take photos/video of entire car
   • Note all existing damage on the form
   • Don't let staff rush you

3. Keep records

   • Rental agreement
   • Insurance documents
   • Vehicle condition report
   • Payment receipts

If Damage Occurs

1. Report immediately

   • Contact rental company
   • Get police report for accidents
   • Document damage with photos

2. Keep all receipts

   • Repair costs
   • Towing charges
   • Police report fees

3. Follow claim procedures

   • Contact your insurance provider promptly
   • Submit required documentation
   • Keep copies of everything

Common Questions

"Should I get insurance from Carman's partners?"

Rental company insurance is convenient and guaranteed to work:

• Valid immediately
• No claim process for excess waiver
• Direct relationship with renter

Third-party alternatives can save money but require more effort.

"What if I'm in an accident?"

1. Ensure everyone is safe
2. Don't admit fault
3. Call police (required in Morocco)
4. Contact rental company
5. Document everything
6. Get police report

"Is my regular car insurance valid in Morocco?"

Typically no. Personal auto insurance rarely covers rental cars abroad. Always verify with your insurer.

"What about deposits/holds?"

Rental companies place a hold on your credit card:

• Amount: Usually equals the excess
• Released after return (may take days to weeks)
• Ensure sufficient credit limit

Book with Clarity

At Carman, we believe in transparent insurance:

• Clear coverage details before you book
• All-inclusive options available
• No surprise charges at pickup
• Insurance comparison between partners

Browse vehicles and see insurance options upfront for each rental.

Questions about coverage? Our team is here to help you make the right choice.