Fake agencies, imaginary damage, unreturned deposits, hidden fees: the most common traps and the simple checks to rent with confidence.
The vast majority of rentals go well, but a few traps come up regularly in travellers' stories. The good news: a few checks are enough to avoid them.
To book your car for this trip, see our car rental in Marrakech with no credit card deposit and cheap car rental in Marrakech pages.
1. Fake agencies and offers that are too good
A price well below the market, an agency that only exists on a social network, no address, no contract: be wary. A real agency has premises, a trade register number, a contract and insurance. Before booking, look at customer reviews and the agency's track record.
2. Damage that is not really damage
This is the most frequent dispute: scratches that were already there billed on return. The remedy is simple: do the check-in inspection of the car with the agent, take photos of every side and a video, including the dashboard and the fuel gauge. Keep them until the deposit is refunded.
3. The deposit and the excess
Understand what you are signing: deposit amount, how it is held, excess in case of damage, insurance included. It is all explained in our guide to deposit, excess and insurance. Ask for a receipt for any deposit paid in cash and note the refund deadline.
4. Fees that appear at the counter
Before signing, check the total price for your dates: mileage, delivery, child seat, extra driver, return in another city. A clear offer shows these conditions in advance.
5. Fuel
Note the fuel level at pick-up ("full to full" policy) and keep the receipt for the last fill-up. See our guide to petrol stations and fuel.
6. The car's documents
Ask to see the registration document, the insurance certificate and the road tax disc. Keep them in the car and memorise the assistance number in case of a breakdown or accident.
Checklist before you leave
- A written, readable contract in your name.
- Total price confirmed, with no added fees.
- Signed inspection, with photos and video.
- Fuel level and mileage noted.
- Receipt for the deposit and refund deadline.
- 24/7 assistance number.
How Locavi vets its agencies
Every agency on Locavi is checked before going online. You see the price, the conditions and the reviews before booking, booking is free and you pay the agency. See our page car rental agencies in Marrakech or the complete guide to renting in Marrakech.
Frequently asked questions
It provides a written contract, a physical address, a trade register number, proof of insurance and a receipt for the deposit. Be wary of offers that exist only on social media, without a contract.
Take photos and a video at pick-up and at return, and have every defect noted on the inspection sheet. They are your evidence.
It must be refunded when the vehicle is returned, or within the period written in the contract. Ask for a receipt at pick-up.
Compare every offer on our Car rental Marrakech page, or collect your car on landing with our Marrakech airport car rental service.
