Renting a car in Morocco: conditions, documents and tips

Documents and minimum age

All Moroccan agencies ask for three documents: the driving licence of each driver, an identity document (passport for foreign visitors, national ID card for Moroccans) and a bank card in the main driver’s name. The minimum age is most often 21, with a licence held for more than a year; some brands raise it to 23 or 25 for premium cars or apply a “young driver” surcharge.

At COSTA CAR, the rules are the same for the whole fleet: minimum age 21, licence held for more than a year, passport or ID card, credit or debit card. The additional driver is free and presents the same documents. Full details are on our rental conditions page.

Driving licence: national or international?

For a tourist stay, Morocco recognises UK, Irish, EU and Swiss driving licences, as well as Canadian and US licences, for the first three months after you enter the country. So you do not need an international driving permit to rent and drive a car during your holiday. Two precautions: keep the original with you (the police do not accept copies) and check the expiry date before you leave.

Insurance: what is covered (and what is not)

This is the point that causes the most misunderstandings. On the Moroccan market, a rental price may include:

• Third-party liability (damage caused to others), always compulsory and included.
• Cover for damage to the vehicle, often called CDW, with an excess that remains payable by you in the event of a claim. The amount varies a great deal from one agency to another.
• “Fully comprehensive” insurance or an excess waiver, sometimes offered as an option at the desk, sometimes included.

Before booking, ask three questions: is damage cover included in the displayed price? How much would I have to pay in the event of an accident? What is excluded (tyres, windows, underbody, off-road driving)? At COSTA CAR, fully comprehensive insurance is included as standard in the displayed rate, additional insurance is included free of charge during the current promotion, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included. The precise conditions are explained on the rental conditions page and confirmed when you book.

Credit card or debit card

Most international rental companies require a credit card in the driver’s name, because they place a pre-authorisation hold on it. Yet many travellers only have a debit card (the word “Debit” is usually printed on the front), and discover the refusal at the desk after a booking that was accepted online. Local agencies, including COSTA CAR, accept debit cards as well as credit cards; check this point before booking, especially for a late arrival at the airport. We cover the subject in detail on the page car rental with a debit card.

Comparison site or local agency: how to read the price

What to check	Online comparison site	Local agency (e.g. COSTA CAR)
Who hands over the keys?	A partner rental company you do not always get to choose	The agency itself, at the airport or at your hotel
Displayed price	Headline price; full insurance, second driver and child seat often cost extra	Final all-inclusive price announced before you book
Airport fees	Common	Free airport delivery
Card accepted	Credit card required in most cases	Credit and debit
Who to contact if there is a problem	The platform’s customer service, then the rental company	A direct WhatsApp number, 24/7
Changes, cancellation	Depends on each partner’s conditions	Free cancellation, changes subject to availability

A comparison site is still useful for getting an idea of market prices. But when it comes to deciding, compare the total you will actually pay, insurance and extras included, and find out about the agency that will be welcoming you: recent Google reviews, a physical address, quick answers to your questions.

Vehicle inspection and photos: five minutes that count

When the vehicle is handed over, walk around the car with the agent and check that every scratch, dent or damaged wheel rim is noted on the inspection report. Photograph all four sides, the roof, the interior, the odometer and the fuel gauge. Check the documents in the glovebox, the spare wheel or puncture repair kit, the warning triangle and the hi-vis vest. On return, the same check is carried out again with you: at COSTA CAR, the inspection is done jointly in both directions, at hand-over and on return.

The most common pitfalls

• The “from €9” price that turns into €40 once insurance and fees are added.
• Debit card refused at the desk, after an online booking was accepted.
• Airport or “delivery” fees charged even though the agency is on site.
• A vehicle “of equivalent category” that differs from the one booked: ask for confirmation of the model or the gearbox (manual/automatic).
• Limited mileage on some contracts, a real penalty on a road trip; insist on unlimited mileage.
• No roadside assistance: if you break down far from the agency, who comes to help you?

Checklist before you book

1. Licence held for more than a year and passport valid for the whole stay.
2. Bank card in the driver’s name; if it is a debit card, choose an agency that accepts it.
3. Final all-inclusive price known in advance, with the insurance spelled out.
4. Hand-over place and time agreed (airport, station, hotel), flight number sent.
5. Gearbox confirmed (manual or automatic) and the right number of seats.
6. Unlimited mileage and 24/7 assistance checked for a road trip.
7. The agency’s direct number saved in your phone.

Arriving in Fes? Our cars are available from 220 MAD (≈ 22 €) per day, all inclusive, with free delivery at Fes-Saïss airport or in town. See our prices by category and our FAQ.