People rent cars in the UAE for many reasons, which has led to a high number of car rental companies. Nonetheless, there are UAE’s car rental regulations that you ought to familiarize yourself with. In addition, the country’s driving laws are worth considering before hitting the road with a rented vehicle. This article will enlighten you on the five top-tier rules before visiting a car rental company in the UAE.
Rental Responsibilities
You must return the car in its pristine condition to avoid penalties and unexpected deductions. This is when you may require windscreen replacement Dubai services, among other possible damage services on the rented car. Besides damages, the car must be used for the agreed purposes to avoid getting into loggerheads with the rental company.
Car rental companies highly restrict the use of their vehicles for trade events or motorsport activities. You should also not overload the vehicle and return it within the agreed rental period to avoid extra charges.
Documentation
Several documents are required when choosing a rental company in the UAE. First, you need to have a valid driver’s license, which should be active for at least 12 months among UAE residents. Visitors should provide an active foreign driving license alongside a valid visa. Other essential documents include:
- Copy of passport and visa
- International Driving Permit (IDP) for Non-GCC residents
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income
- Auto insurance information
Payment and Fines
Most car rental companies in the UAE prefer payments using debit/credit cards. This is because it showcases your credibility, rather than when paying using cash. Nonetheless, there are some rental companies that allow payments using cash, depending on various factors.
Keep in mind that you may incur fines and penalties after renting a vehicle in the UAE. This mostly happens due to overspeeding, among other careless driving habits. In addition, some car rental companies in Dubai require depositing funds, which will be used in case of an accident or loss of vehicle equipment.
Inspecting the Vehicle
It would help to have an inspection checklist when renting a vehicle in the UAE to ensure everything is intact before hitting the road. This is essential in enhancing safety when driving and ensuring you familiarize yourself with the car’s condition. Here are the top factors to consider when inspecting a rental car:
- Tire check
- Fluid levels
- Air conditioning
- Interior features like stains, safety belts, and dashboard
- Lights and signals
- Exterior checkups like dents and paint scratches
Understand the Agreement and Return Policy
You should never ignore the agreement and return policy, as they can save you from many liabilities. First, familiarize yourself with the return dates to avoid extra charges. If you plan to stay longer, call the rental company in the UAE to set new terms and conditions.
Most companies place a strict emphasis on mileage and fuel policy when returning the car. Check the agreement concerning these renting parameters to avoid unnecessary costs. Another crucial aspect when returning a rented car is cleaning it. Although most people overlook it, cleaning a rented car is a good gesture and can help solve minor messes during your time with the car.
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Bottom Line
Renting cars in the UAE is quite common for vacations, business, and road trips, among other travel activities. There are several factors to consider when visiting car rental companies to have a flawless experience in the country. These rental parameters include UAE driving laws, rental responsibilities, documentation, payment/fines, and vehicle inspection. You should also familiarize yourself with the agreement and return policy to avoid extra charges after your rental period.