10 Things to Know Before Renting a Car in Dubai

Posted By: Dr. Maher Al Khedr  

The Business of Renting a car in Dubai has become a big industry in recent years. Its been noticed that people living in Dubai generally prefer to rent a car in Dubai instead of buying as they find the benefits of enjoying upgraded and new models of cars.

Car rental in Dubai has certain advantages over owning one. Over recent years, many car rental companies have witnessed steady growth. According to Glasgow Consulting Group, sales from the industry reached an estimated USD 1.8 billion in 2018. The figure is estimated to rise up to USD 2.5 billion by 2023.

Things to Know Before Renting a Car in Dubai

Due to the increasing trend of renting a car in Dubai more and more companies are investing in the car rental business in Dubai. So you can get rent a car in Dubai easily. But before renting a car in Dubai it is very important to know the general UAE driving rules and regulations. Also, you have to know the general policy that most of the companies set for renting a car in Dubai.

Here are some rules and regulations generally offered by car rental companies in Dubai. You must know them before renting otherwise you can get into trouble or get ready for the huge bill.

1. Not Allowed to Take Outside UAE
   The rented vehicle is not allowed to be driven outside the UAE. It is strictly not allowed to take rented car while crossing the border.
2. Insurance Policy
   Lost or any damage to the vehicle will not be covered in the insurance policy.
3. Charges and Security Deposits Should be Paid in Advance
   Most rental companies has the policy that you should pay charges and security deposit for the vehicle in advance. It is advisable to pay the advance through check or Credit Card.
4. Registered Driving License
   Drivers should possess a registered driving license. If you own an International Driving License or have Driving License from reputed countries, you don’t need to get UAE driving license to drive on UAE roads.
5. Minimum Age Limit
   Eligible driver age as per UAE law is 21 years old or above. However, some companies do provide rental cars to 18+ year old drivers as well.
6. Accident & Break Down Policy
   In case of an accident, the renter must notify the police. If the vehicle gets damaged in an accident the rental company may charge you for the loss despite the fact if it was not your fault. Also, in case your car doesn’t work properly or breaks down, you must contact the company immediately otherwise they may charge you for the damage.
7. Traffic Fine Policy
   If the driver was charged with some traffic fine, the company will recover it from the security deposit.
8. Additional Facilities Charges
   Additional charges are applied for facilities like driver, navigation system etc.
9. Read Company Policy Clearly
   Like everywhere in the world you should read the company’s policy clearly before renting a car in Dubai. Most of the well-known companies have their websites. Go through their different packages. Check out company’s daily or weekly rates for different car models.
10. Read Company Terms and Conditions Carefully
    Often people don’t read the terms and conditions carefully and it brings them lots of troubles. Know the rules, policies and terms & conditions to be on the safe side. Believe everyone but stay alert and very cautious so that any unfortunate incident may not cause trouble while you are enjoying your holidays in Dubai.

Bonus Tip
In case you’re looking to rent a car in Dubai, don’t settle with the first car rental company you come across. Their offer may be higher than the market rate. Possibly, the car might not even be their own but sub-leased from a partner car rental company. In this case, you’d be, unknowingly, paying a premium (or commission). To find the best car rental offers in Dubai, check out www.spidercars.ae  – Dubai-based car rental marketplace that lets you browse live car rental offers from local car hire companies in the UAE.