Car Rental Insurance in Morocco Explained: CDW, Excess and Full Cover
Car rental insurance in Morocco always includes compulsory third-party liability, and most rentals add a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) that limits what you pay for damage to a fixed amount called the excess. "Full cover" or super CDW reduces that excess further, sometimes close to zero. Understanding these three layers is the key to choosing well and avoiding a dispute at return.
The three layers of car rental insurance in Morocco
| Layer | What it covers | Your risk |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party liability | Damage or injury you cause to others. Legally required and included. | Covered by the policy |
| CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) | Damage to the rental car itself, beyond the excess | You pay up to the excess |
| Full cover / super CDW | Reduces the excess, sometimes to zero | Small or no excess, subject to exclusions |
Theft protection is sometimes bundled with CDW and sometimes separate. Ask how your agency handles it.
What the excess really means
The excess (called franchise in French) is the maximum you would pay if the car is damaged, whoever is at fault when the other party cannot be identified. If you scratch a bumper on a stone wall in a riad alley, the repair is charged up to that amount. If the repair costs more, the insurance covers the rest.
The excess is linked to the security deposit: the deposit is usually set at or near the excess amount, because it is what the agency holds in case of damage. Higher-value cars have higher excesses and deposits. We explain the deposit side, including card and cash options, in our guide to rental requirements in Morocco.
Is full cover worth it?
That depends on your trip and your peace of mind. We usually suggest it when:
- You plan long drives on mountain roads such as the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
- You will park near the medina, where tight spaces make small knocks more likely.
- You are renting a higher-category car, where the standard excess is large.
- You simply want to hand back the keys without worrying about each scratch.
For a short city rental in a small car, with careful parking, standard CDW is often enough. Compare the daily cost of full cover with the excess: if a single minor incident would cost more than the extra premium for your whole trip, full cover makes sense.
Common exclusions to read carefully
Even with full cover, some things are usually excluded. Typical examples include:
- Damage caused by driving under the influence of alcohol (tolerance is practically zero in Morocco anyway).
- Damage from off-road driving in a car not intended for it, or on tracks forbidden by the contract.
- Tyres, windscreen, underbody and roof, sometimes covered only with a specific option.
- Lost keys and wrong fuel.
- Damage while an unregistered driver was at the wheel.
If you are planning desert or mountain tracks, check the terms carefully and see our article on whether you need a 4x4 in Morocco.
Credit card and third-party insurance
Some premium credit cards and independent insurers offer rental excess cover. It can be good value, but it usually works by reimbursement: you pay the agency first, then claim the money back from your insurer with the paperwork. Morocco is sometimes excluded from certain card policies, so read the conditions for your specific card. In any case, the agency will still hold its deposit.
If something happens on the road
- Make sure everyone is safe and use the warning triangle.
- Call the agency immediately; our assistance number is on your contract.
- For an accident with another vehicle, fill in an accident report (constat) or wait for the police, as advised by the agency.
- Take photos of the scene, the damage and the other party's documents.
- Do not agree to repairs by a third party without the agency's approval.
A proper report is what allows the insurance to work in your favour, so do not skip it, even for something that looks minor.
Clear cover, no surprises
When you rent with us, we tell you the excess, deposit and full-cover option for your car before you book, in writing. Look through our fleet in Marrakech, then ask your insurance questions on WhatsApp at +212 606-957514. If budget matters most, also read how to keep a cheap rental truly cheap.
