Deposit amount, excess, full insurance: the three amounts that really matter when renting a car in Morocco, and how to avoid unpleasant surprises when you return.
Three notions come up in every rental contract in Morocco: the deposit, the excess and the insurance. Understanding them saves you a lot of discussion when you return the car, and helps you compare two offers with different prices.
To book your car for this trip, see our luxury car rental in Marrakech and car rental agencies in Marrakech pages.
The deposit
It is a guarantee the agency keeps during the rental and returns when you bring the car back. It is not charged. Depending on the agency, you leave it:
- as a card hold (pre-authorisation): the amount is reserved on your card, then released by your bank;
- in cash: you hand over the amount in dirhams against a signed receipt, and it is given back to you in person.
How much is the deposit for a rental car in Morocco?
It depends on the car category. Typical amounts in Marrakech:
| Category | Examples | Typical deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | Dacia Logan, Sandero, Citroën C3 | about 4,000 MAD |
| City car | Renault Clio 5, Peugeot 208 | about 5,000 MAD |
| SUV | Dacia Duster | about 8,000 MAD |
| 4x4 | Toyota Hilux, Land Cruiser | about 12,000 MAD |
| Premium | Mercedes, Range Rover | 15,000 MAD and more |
On Locavi the exact amount and the accepted deposit methods are shown on every car page before you book. To rent without a credit card, see our page on car rental in Marrakech with no credit card deposit.
The excess
It is the maximum amount you pay if the car is damaged, even if the repair costs more. It is often close to the deposit amount, which is precisely why the deposit exists.
Full insurance with zero excess
Basic insurance is included in the rental price: third-party liability, assistance and a standard excess. Extra cover reduces the excess, down to zero. On Locavi the three levels of cover are:
| Cover | Excess | What is covered |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Standard | Third-party liability, assistance |
| Comfort | Much reduced | Windows, tyres, wheels |
| Serenity | 0 MAD | Theft, fire, glass, tyres, keys |
For a road trip on mountain roads, Serenity cover gives real peace of mind.
How much is rental car insurance in Morocco?
Extra cover is paid per day on top of the rental. Its price depends on the category: a few tens of dirhams a day for an economy car, more for an SUV or a premium car. Do the maths over your trip: for a week on Atlas roads, peace of mind is often worth it. For a day in town, basic insurance is often enough.
Deposit and insurance: the right choice
- Small budget, town driving: basic insurance, lowest deposit (choose an economy car).
- Road trip in the Atlas or the south: Serenity cover, zero excess.
- You do not want anything held on your card: cash deposit, returned at the end.
What insurance does not always cover
Unpaved tracks, drink-driving and breaches of contract (an undeclared driver, for example) are usually excluded. Read the exclusions carefully. The “full insurance” sold by international comparison sites is a refund policy: the agency still asks for its deposit, and you claim the money back afterwards.
When you return the car
Inspect the car with the agent, with photos, and ask for a document confirming there is no damage. Use our checklist so you do not forget anything. A cash deposit is handed back on the spot; a card hold is released by your bank, usually within a few days.
Frequently asked questions
No. It is held on your card or left in cash during the rental, then returned when you bring the car back if no damage is found.
It is the maximum amount you pay if the car is damaged. Serenity cover can reduce it to 0 MAD.
About 4,000 MAD for an economy car, 5,000 MAD for a city car, 8,000 MAD for an SUV and 15,000 MAD or more for a premium car.
Basic insurance is included in the price. Cover that reduces the excess costs a few tens of dirhams a day extra, depending on the car.
Compare every offer on our Car rental Marrakech page, or collect your car on landing with our Marrakech airport car rental service.
