Renting a car in Marrakech is one of the best ways to explore Morocco on your own schedule, Ourika Valley, Agafay, Ouzoud, Essaouira, and even multi-day loops into the Atlas. But the part that confuses most tourists isn’t the driving… it’s insurance.
At the counter (or on WhatsApp), you’ll see terms like CDW, SCDW, glass coverage, and questions about tires, and then you hear “full insurance” without a clear explanation of what’s actually covered. The goal of this guide is simple: help you understand what these terms usually mean in Marrakech, what’s typically excluded, and what to check so you don’t get surprised later.
Table of contents
- The baseline: what you’re usually covered for
- CDW explained (Collision Damage Waiver)
- SCDW explained (Super CDW / Reduced excess)
- Glass coverage (windscreen chips and cracks)
- Tires & wheels (why they’re often excluded)
- What “full insurance” still may not cover
- The 5-minute pickup routine (to protect yourself)
- If something happens: what to do first
- FAQs
The baseline: what you’re usually covered for
Most rentals include a basic insurance setup that covers the legal minimum (third-party liability) and then offers optional add-ons that protect the rental car itself. Your real “risk” as a renter comes down to two things:
- Is this type of damage covered at all?
- What is the excess/deductible you still pay?
Even with good coverage, many policies still have an excess (the amount you pay before the protection applies). In Marrakech, that excess is where most misunderstandings happen especially when the renter believes “full insurance” means “zero cost for everything.”
CDW explained (Collision Damage Waiver)
CDW stands for Collision Damage Waiver. It’s often called “insurance,” but it’s usually a waiver that limits what the rental company can charge you for certain damage to the car, as long as you respect the contract rules.
What CDW usually does
- Covers some collision-related damage to the rental car
- Limits your liability to an agreed excess/deductible
- Applies to covered incidents (not every type of damage)
What CDW usually does not mean
- It does not automatically include glass, tires, wheels, roof, or undercarriage
- It does not erase the deductible unless you have a stronger plan
- It does not cover misuse (prohibited roads, reckless driving, etc.)
Marrakech reality: many “tourist damages” are small but annoying, bumper scrapes in tight parking, mirror taps, wheel scuffs. CDW may help, but the deductible and exclusions decide how expensive it becomes.
SCDW explained (Super CDW / Reduced excess)
SCDW (sometimes called Super CDW or “premium protection”) usually means one thing: a lower excess than standard CDW. In some packages it also improves what’s included, but you must confirm.
When SCDW is often worth it in Marrakech
Choose SCDW if you:
- will drive a lot inside Marrakech (more traffic + parking situations)
- plan day trips and longer routes (more time on the road = more exposure)
- want less “financial surprise” if something minor happens
- rent an automatic, SUV, or higher-value category
When you might skip SCDW
You might stick with CDW if:
- you’ll drive mostly on open roads and park in easy places
- you’re experienced with city driving and tight parking
- your budget is tight and you’re comfortable with the excess risk
Ask this before paying for SCDW:
- “What is the deductible with CDW?”
- “What is the deductible with SCDW?”
- “Does SCDW include glass, tires, wheels, or undercarriage, or only reduce the deductible?”
Those three answers matter more than any label.
Glass coverage (windscreens, chips, and cracks)
In and around Marrakech, windshield chips happen more often than tourists expect, especially on highways behind trucks or on mixed road shoulders. A small chip can turn into a crack quickly if the weather changes or you hit another bump.
What glass coverage usually includes
- windscreen chips/cracks (sometimes repair only; sometimes replacement rules apply)
- sometimes side windows (varies by plan)
What may still be excluded
- damage linked to prohibited use or reckless driving
- ignoring a chip until it becomes a bigger crack
- damage to lights or mirrors (sometimes treated separately)
If you’re doing long drives (Marrakech ↔ Essaouira, Marrakech ↔ Ouzoud, Marrakech ↔ Ourika), glass coverage can be a practical add-on, because glass claims can become expensive fast.
Tires & wheels (why they’re often excluded)
Tires and wheels are one of the most common surprise exclusions worldwide. In Marrakech, they’re also common “small incident” items because of curbs, tight parking, potholes, and occasional rough edges.
Why many plans exclude tires/wheels
- Tire damage can be wear-related or misuse-related (hard to prove)
- Sidewall cuts and rim scuffs are frequent and expensive
- Many insurers treat it as “driver responsibility” unless a specific package includes it
If tire/wheel coverage exists, what it might include
- puncture repair
- replacement in limited cases
- rim damage coverage (sometimes capped)
Practical Marrakech tip: take close-up photos of all four wheels at pickup. Wheel scuffs are one of the easiest disputes to avoid with clear photos.
What “full insurance” still may not cover
Even when someone says “full insurance,” you should assume there are still exclusions unless confirmed in writing. The most common ones tourists get caught by:
1) Undercarriage damage
Scraping the underside on steep ramps, rough tracks, or unexpected dips can be excluded.
2) Roof damage
Low garages, poor loading decisions, or roof contact is often excluded.
3) Interior issues and cleaning
Sand, stains, smoke smell, spilled drinks, these usually aren’t covered under collision waivers.
4) Wrong driver / contract violations
If the driver isn’t listed, or you break a key rule (prohibited roads, speeding in restricted areas, etc.), coverage can be reduced or voided.
5) Lost keys or key damage
Key fobs can be surprisingly expensive. Many plans exclude them.
6) Theft scenarios with negligence
If keys are left inside or the car is left unlocked, “theft coverage” may not apply.
The 5-minute pickup routine that protects you
Do this at RAK airport, your hotel, or the delivery point in Gueliz/Hivernage:
- Walkaround video (15–20 seconds)
- Photos of: front, rear, both sides
- Close-ups of: windshield + all four wheels
- Photo of: fuel level + dashboard warnings
- Confirm in writing:
- the excess for CDW
- the excess for SCDW (if chosen)
- whether glass / tires / wheels are included
- whether any card hold is applied (and how much)
If there’s a card hold, understanding how authorization holds work can help you plan your available balance, this Stripe guide explains preauthorization holds clearly: https://stripe.com/resources/more/preauthorization-charges-on-credit-cards-what-they-are-and-how-long-they-last
If something happens: what to do first
- Move to safety and stay calm.
- Take clear photos of the car and the situation.
- Contact the rental provider immediately (WhatsApp is usually fastest).
- Follow their reporting steps (some incidents require a police report).
- Don’t authorize repairs yourself unless they approve.
FAQs (AEO-friendly)
What does CDW mean on a Marrakech car rental?
It’s a waiver that typically limits what you pay for certain damage, but you usually still have an excess/deductible and exclusions.
What is SCDW?
It usually reduces your excess and sometimes expands protection. Always confirm what changes (deductible only vs added coverage).
Are windshield chips covered?
Sometimes, if your plan includes glass. Basic CDW often doesn’t fully cover glass.
Are tires included in “full insurance”?
Often not. Tires and wheels are frequently excluded unless you add a specific tire/wheel protection.
What’s the biggest insurance surprise in Marrakech?
Exclusions like undercarriage, tires/wheels, interior cleaning, and rule violations (wrong driver, prohibited roads).
If you want a simple, reputable explanation of how rental car CDW coverage is commonly described (and why it can be confusing), this Allianz Partners overview is useful background reading: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/travel/rental-cars/what-does-rental-car-insurance-cover.htm