Dubai car rental is one of the easiest ways to get around the city and see everything it has for you, from malls and skyscrapers to deserts and oceanfront highways.
Yet, while the process seems easy enough, there are a couple of mistakes that can turn your exciting holiday into a costly nightmare.
It really depends on you. If you are a new driver or frequent traveler, it’s best to know the traps so that you don’t fall for them and have easy hangouts.
So, without further delay, let’s just start with the most frequent mistakes to avoid while renting a car in Dubai.
Not Checking the Insurance Coverage
One of the greatest mistakes people make when renting a car is assuming that insurance covers all inbuilt. So, for this, let me tell you, the basic rental fee only includes third-party insurance, so you’re paying out-of-pocket for damage to the rental car itself.
If you don’t double-check this, you could be paying for scratches, dents, or a collision, which will cost your wallet thousands of dirhams.
It’s always better to check with the rental company what’s covered and what’s not and pay extra for full coverage if you want that added security. It’s a little more costly to get, but it’s worth it for security.
Ignoring Salik (Toll) Charges
Dubai has an electronic toll system called Salik, and it covers the majority of the major roads and highways of the city. Each time you pass through a toll gate, a bit is charged automatically.
The issue is that these fees are not always clearly explained by car rental agencies, and you will be caught off guard when they are added to your final bill added on top with a service charge.
You can prevent this by asking how Salik is billed when you rent a vehicle. They bill per toll at some car rental agencies and offer unlimited Salik packages at others. If you request in advance, it can save you money and no-happy-hours surprises.
Overlooking Hidden Fees
Hidden fees are the subtle but lethal murderers of your rent cost. You may be convinced that you are going to snag an incredible offer because of the daily price tag, but the next thing you know, those added things start amassing on your account.
These, such as GPS hire, hotspot Wi-Fi, infant seats, additional drivers, or airport pick-up fees, can quietly find their way into the line. There are also fines in some companies for late return, early drop-off, or exceeding mileage boundaries.
Tip: Always request a full breakdown of costs prior to signing any contract, and peruse the fine print well. Well, because what appears to be a low-cost rental can turn out to be overpriced if you don’t keep an eye on things.
Not Checking the Car For Damage Before Driving Off
Before you drive away, spend a few minutes really checking out the car from tip to toe. What you really should do is look for dings, dents, chipped paint, or other evidence of damage no matter how minor they are.
You must have some evidence for a safer hand, so it is best to document with good photos or even a video on your phone as proof of the state of the car when you collected it. Then, show these to the rental company before you leave. This quick check at the start may save you from a costly misunderstanding later on.
Driving Without Understanding Local Traffic Rules
In UAE, driving is tightly controlled and monitored, and breaking the rules can result in penalties or even legal action. If you are unaware of the local traffic laws, you may violate them without realizing it. Overspeeding, even by a little margin, might result in a fine because of the large number of speed cameras.
On the other hand, drinking and munching while driving is strictly forbidden, and tailgating is a significant penalty, so be sure you understand the fundamentals of road rules before driving in this bustling city.
Using a Credit Card Without Checking Deposit Requirements
When renting a car, they will most likely block a security deposit against your credit card. This really depends on the type of vehicle and the company policy.
Unless you know this in advance, it may be a shock to you especially if you don’t have a lot of available credit on your card.
You can request the deposit amount before you book and check that your card can accept it. Also, find out how long it will take to refund the deposit when you return the car. There are some companies that take four weeks to repay it.
Returning the Car Late
Time is of the essence when returning cars. If you’re late by a few minutes, you could be charged an entire additional day or charged late fees.
Rental companies in Dubai are said to have strict return policies, and there’s seldom much room for leniency unless you’ve arranged it in advance. To be on the safe side, establish exactly when the car is due for return and try to return it earlier if possible.
If you do arrive late, a speedy phone call to the rental company might just get you out of additional fees at least reduce them.
Not Refueling the Car Before Returning
Most rental operators in Dubai follow a full-to-full fuel policy. That is, you receive the vehicle with a full tank, and you must return it the same way. If you don’t refuel it, the corporation will refuel it for you but they will charge you twice or thrice the actual per liter cost and another refueling service fee.
The wiser (and frugal) thing to do is to stop at a gas station near the point of return and refuel the tank first before returning the car. It’s just a bit of effort that may save you quite a bit of money.
Ignoring Off-Road Restrictions
The sand dunes and deserts in Dubai are sure to beckon you towards an off-road experience, but do not fall into the trap of driving your rental car off the highways without it being exclusively suited for off-road purposes.
Most rental agreements expressly prohibit off-roading unless you’ve rented a 4×4 SUV specifically designed for the job—and even then, you’ll typically need to get written permission.
If you take a regular car off-road and it gets destroyed, you’ll be footing the bill for all the repairs yourself because insurance won’t cover you. You must check with the rental agency if you’re planning a desert adventure.
Choosing the Wrong Car for Your Needs
Dubai is well-known for its luxury cars, with anything from small sedans to Lamborghinis for rent or hire. However, just because you may hire a pricey car does not mean you should.
You must look at your actual travel needs. A compact car is a suitable alternative for driving on city streets with tight parking places. If you need to transport relatives and duffel bags, a large SUV is the way to go. The wrong car will cause frustration, increased petrol bills, and extra expenses.
Conclusion
In Dubai, renting a car is a great idea for exploring the city. But to get the best out of the drive, you must be aware of the minute things that contribute heavily.
By avoiding the abovementioned common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience in one of the world’s most exciting cities.
