Avoid Hidden Car Rental Costs in Dubai - Cost Minimization

Planning to rent a car in Dubai? Perfect! It’s the best way to explore the Emirates. Cruising the Emirates highways and sightseeing the iconic landmarks in a sleek rental car does sound amazing. Isn’t it? But be aware! Surprising hidden charges can ruin your happy ending with unanticipated rental prices. We've prepared this comprehensive guide to help you escape such deceitful situations. We’ll uncover everything, from tricky insurance upsells to deceiving fuel policy trickeries and everything in between. Stick to the end and learn how to avoid hidden car rental costs in Dubai.

Let’s first understand the fundamentals of Dubai’s car rental landscape.

Car rental companies

Dubai is home to numerous rental companies, and not all companies are alike. Their rental policies and agreements vary. These are the aspects that separate good rental companies from the rest. You should be aware that not all car rental companies include hidden fees in their rental plans. It’s up to you to boycott the fraudulent rentals and pick the legitimate ones. Quick research and Google reviews can come in handy.

Car rental packages

Most rental companies offer hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly rental packages. Rental prices increase with an increase in rental duration. But the rates decrease with long-term rentals. All packages include basic third-party insurance, standard amenities, and predefined mileage limits.

Rental price: base vs all-inclusive

The base prices are solely the car's rental price, without any customization. They don’t even include the UAE’s standard 5% VAT and security deposits. On the other hand, all-inclusive rental prices represent the total cost of your rental, which includes customizations, add-ons, and VAT inclusion.

Don’t mistake the base price for the actual price you’ll have to pay at the end of your rental. Always expect a higher final rental price than the base price. More importantly, the rental prices shown on the company’s websites are usually the base rental prices.

You now have a basic understanding of Dubai’s rental scene. Let’s move on to the important aspects of renting, which, if not understood, can come back to haunt you as hidden fees.

Important factors to consider when renting a car in Dubai

Let’s discuss some integral aspects that come along with most car rentals. Before proceeding with the rental process, it is the rental agent's responsibility to explain these elements to the renters. It’s also equally important that a renter inquire about them.

Hidden car rental fees arise when there is a lack of coherence and proper information exchange between the rental company and the renter.

Car rental insurance options

All reputable car rental companies include a basic third-party liability insurance policy in their base rental price. You don’t need to pay extra for this. Also, this RTA-standard vehicle insurance is enough to drive a rental car in the UAE.

However, some companies might try to upsell extra insurance policies. If you want extra coverage, you can purchase it. Understand that they don’t come free. Every additional insurance policy will increase your overall rental cost.

Chauffeur service charges

If you lease a car with a driver, then the driver fee is subject to an additional payment on top of the car’s rental price. Chauffeur services can be expensive, so make proper inquiries before you jump in.

Luxury add-ons

Amenity add-ons like GPS navigation systems, satellite radios, and portable Wi-Fi connectivity are extra entities in a rental car. Make sure you only keep them in your car if you really need them. They cost you money. Some deceitful companies may leave them there and charge you additional fees without your acknowledgment.

Fuel policies

Rental companies have their own fuel policies that usually revolve around “full-to-full” or "pre-paid." You must understand them well. A prepaid fuel policy can be a good option to avoid hidden fees, but you don’t get a refund for the leftover gas.

So, full-to-full is a better option, as you get a full-tank car and return to the same state. Failing to do so can lead to a hidden fee. How? Companies can estimate the amount of gas needed to fill the tank and charge you accordingly. You might even have to pay double or triple the actual amount of fuel required to fill the tank.

Extra mileage costs

Driving within the allotted mileage limit in your rental package is important. Extra mileage limits will cost you an unspecified amount of money. Companies can charge you as they like, leading to a hefty increase in the overall rental expenses.

Early rental returns

It’s common to assume that returning the car early can lower your rental cost. However, it can be a very different scenario. Rentals can charge you extra for breaching the rental agreement. If you plan to do so, you should be very careful and make proper inquiries.

Late return fees

It’s imminent that returning your rental late will cost you extra. Make sure you return your rental within the pre-determined return timeline. Good and reputable rental companies provide grace periods in case you run late. But it is important to inform them as soon as possible and avoid unnecessary complications.

Salik (toll charges)

Toll charges are imminent while renting and driving a car in Dubai. Remember that Salik is always the renter’s responsibility throughout the rental period. You should pay salik about AED 5 per salik gate. Don’t expect the rental company to take care of it. You indirectly pay Salik to the RTA through the rental company. So, they might try to increase the accumulated toll charges. Before making the payment, make sure to check your Salik details.

Traffic fines

Traffic fines are an avoidable element of a car rental. If you are careful enough, you can escape them with ease. However, if you violate traffic rules in the Emirates, you might need to pay hefty prices. Also, similar to Salik, rental companies take care of fines with the RTA for you and charge you for them at the end of your rental. So, check the fine details properly before making payment.

Scratches and damages

Renters are responsible for the damages (scratches, dents, etc.) to the car during their rental period. Taking good care of the car is necessary. You should know that you have to empty your pockets to repair any damage to the car. Hence, it is very important to inspect the vehicle well before taking over the charge.

Pictures and video documentation can come in handy in case of complications with the rental company. Returning your rental in the same condition as it was when you picked it up is mandatory.

5% VAT

As per the UAE’s law, service providers get to charge you 5% VAT on their service prices. So, don’t be alarmed when you see it in your receipts. You cannot argue against this. Staying aware of it is important.

One-way car rental & drop-off fees

One-way rental services can cost you an extra fee if your drop-off locations are significantly far away from the rental companies' locations. As there is no specific amount for such services, companies can charge you as they wish. It can be a very good example of a hidden fee right there.

Surcharge for airport rental costs

You should keep in mind that car rentals at airports are comparatively higher than rentals outside. It’s the same with all car rentals, so you cannot term it as hidden rental fees. It’s always better to rent a car from outside and get it delivered to the airport. Why? It’s because most rental companies offer free airport delivery within Dubai. Also, the rental prices are significantly cheaper.

Additional driver's fees

It’s not the same with all rental companies, but some companies can charge you for having a second driver. It’s absurd, but you never know what you might encounter in Dubai. Stay clear of such rental companies at all costs.

Security deposits

Deposits can be an easy way to deceive you by promoting hidden car rental costs. If you aren’t careful, some unethical companies can charge you for unnecessary services and deduct them from your deposit amount. Always make sure you ask for proper details while finalizing your rental agreement. If possible, opt for rental companies that don’t practice deposit policies on their rentals.

If you inquire about the aforementioned topics while renting a car from any rental company, you will never have to face hidden fees. Now, let’s look at some tips to avoid hidden fees.

Note: We suggest to useFriendsCarRental, which offers car rental with no deposit.

Proactive cost-saving tips

• Conduct thorough research and compare rental companies as much as possible. It helps you pick the best of the bunch. Google reviews and manual website inspections can help you get a good overview of the company.
• Rental companies list their rental policies, terms, and conditions on their website. Go through them. You'll get a good idea of what the company has to offer for your rental. If possible, making inquiries on the above-mentioned topics in person will clarify things for good. Stick with the company if you are satisfied.
• Don't hesitate to ask questions to the agent if you have any unresolved issues from your research. They will help you understand the situation.
• Make sure you choose a proper rental package with a full understanding of what you get and what you don’t.
• Finalize the actual rental cost you need to pay at the end of your rental. Request a quote from the company by providing your rental details. If possible, advanced payments will help you escape all the hidden fees.
• Agree to rental terms and conditions only if you are satisfied with them.

Bottomline

In conclusion, hidden fees are possible while renting a car in Dubai. So, when choosing a good rental company, you should be careful and wise enough to ask questions, do research, and make mindful decisions. Reputable car rental companies never practice such deceitful acts. Make sure you cover all the above-mentioned topics while agreeing to the rental agreement. If you do so, you will have a clear understanding of every aspect and avoid hidden rental costs every time you rent a car in Dubai. For a flawless car rental in Dubai without hidden fees & commissions and fully transparent prices, remember the name, FriendsCarRental.