Car Insurance

In Malta, driving without valid motor insurance is a serious criminal offense. To legally drive on public roads, your vehicle must be covered by at least Third-Party Only insurance. This minimum requirement ensures that if you cause an accident, the damage to other people's property or injuries to other persons are covered.

It is impossible to renew your vehicle's annual road tax (road license) through Transport Malta without proving that you hold a valid, active car insurance policy for the upcoming year.

When approaching an insurer, you will typically be offered three main tiers of coverage:

The type of car you purchase in Malta will heavily influence the insurance coverage you should select:

• Buying a New (or Nearly New) Car

  If you are purchasing a brand-new vehicle off the showroom floor, or a high-value used car (less than 5 years old), Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended. Replacement parts for newer models are expensive, and Malta's narrow roads make minor scrapes common. Furthermore, if you are financing the vehicle through a Maltese bank (taking a car loan), the bank will legally mandate that you take out Comprehensive coverage until the loan is fully paid off.

• Buying an Older Used Car

  Malta has a massive market for used cars (frequently imported from Japan or the UK). If the car is older (typically 7+ years) and its overall market value has significantly depreciated, paying the higher premiums for Comprehensive cover may no longer make financial sense. In these cases, Third-Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT) is usually the smartest choice. It protects you against the most devastating losses (car theft or a vehicle fire) while keeping your annual premiums reasonable.

If you are an expat moving to Malta, your driving history from your home country is incredibly valuable. Insurance premiums in Malta can be quite high for new drivers or those starting with zero claims history.

The Maltese insurance market is very competitive. It is always wise to get quotes from at least three different companies. You can apply directly online or visit one of their many local branch offices.

• GasanMamo Insurance: One of Malta's leading general insurance companies. Known for a highly digitized platform, easy online claims, and solid customer service.
• Mapfre Middlesea: The largest insurance company in Malta. They offer comprehensive automotive packages and often bundle car insurance with home or health policies for a discount.
• Atlas Insurance: Highly popular and trusted. They offer a specific "Atlas Motor Insurance" package that includes 24/7 breakdown assistance as a standard feature on many policies.
• Elmo Insurance: Another well-established local insurer offering competitive rates, particularly for mature drivers with long claims-free histories.

What you need to get a quote:

• Your valid driving license (Maltese, EU, or approved international equivalent).
• Your passport or Maltese e-Residence Card.
• The vehicle's logbook (registration document).
• Your NCD certificate (if applicable).

What to do in an accident:

• If the accident is a minor, "bumper-to-bumper" collision with no injuries, you must not move the cars initially. Call LESA (Local Enforcement System Agency). A warden will arrive, take photos, and fill out a report which both drivers sign. This report is then submitted to your insurer.
• If there are injuries, significant damage to public property, or if the other driver seems intoxicated or aggressive, call the Police (112) immediately.
• Always carry a copy of your insurance certificate and the European Accident Statement form (usually provided by your insurer) in your glovebox.