Subscription-Based Rental Cars in Dubai

Searching for a better alternative to monthly car rentals in Dubai? Opt for subscription-based rental cars. They are more cost-effective, more flexible, and offer greater convenience than traditional long-term car rentals. Keep up with the Dubai car rental evolution and relish exceptional benefits. This article explores this unique approach to hiring vehicles in Dubai: how it works, its advantages, and which rental agencies offer this service. Subscribe to rental cars in Dubai and explore the new dimension of long-term car rentals. First, let’s learn what a subscription-based car rental is.

What Are Subscription-Based Car Rentals?

Subscription-based car rentals in Dubai is a unique approach of hiring cars where you subscribe to monthly rental packages at discounted prices rather than paying general monthly rates. It is an innovative approach that is currently redefining Dubai’s long-term car rental landscape. This car hire model is similar to traditional monthly car rental. But, offers a wide range of benefits like significant discounted prices, insurance inclusive, and maintenance.

Important: Cheap rental rates (prices) are the major selling point of subscription-based car rental in Dubai. Other aspects—meh!

How It Works: Step-by-Step Process

Subscription-based car rental mandates a different hiring approach than traditional Dubai car hires. A mobile application is mandatory to rent a car in Dubai on a subscription basis. These are the steps of subscription-based car rental:

How does a subscription-based car rental work:

• Download & install the app

• Signup & profile setup

• Vehicles & subscription plan selection

• Subscription details review

• Booking & payment confirmation

• Vehicle pick-up or delivery

• In-app subscription management

• Subscription end & vehicle return

1. Download & Install the App

Rental agencies mandate you to download their mobile application for this rental method. They will be available in both Play Store and Apple Store. Download and install the application on your mobile device.

2. Signup & Profile Setup

Create a profile on the app, providing the correct and genuine details. They typically will require you to upload pictures of your IDs (passport or Emirates ID), drivers’ license, IDP (if required). You also need to add a payment option (debit or credit card) to complete the profile creation. 

3. Vehicles & Subscription Plan Selection

Once profile creation is complete, browse the available cars and their subscription plans. Pick a vehicle and subscription plan (e.g. 1, 2, or 3 months) that meets your requirements the best.

4. Subscription Details Review

Review the subscription details carefully. Go through the terms and conditions and every other aspect related to your rental (e.g., insurance policies, damage repairs,fuel policies, etc.,). Get all your queries resolved by talking to an agent, if the app lacks total information. It’s a crucial step to avoid all potential complications.

5. Booking & Payment Confirmation

Once you’ve reviewed and satisfied with subscription terms, book the vehicle and make the payment. One month payment is typically mandatory while booking. Follow-up monthly payments after that. Confirm payment with the agent and document the conversation for future reference.

6. Vehicle Pick-up or Delivery

You can either pick your rental car from their branch or get it delivered to your door in Dubai. Delivery fees are all-inclusive. Pick an option that suits you the best. Important: pre-pickup vehicle inspection and documentation is a must. Avoid all potential extra costs for scratches or dents that you’re not responsible for.

7. In-app Subscription Management

The app typically provides all the necessary information related to your subscription. It also lets you manage your subscription. It is very useful if you want to extend or end your subscription without having to contact the rental agency.

8. Subscription End & Vehicle Return

As mentioned in the above step, you can end your subscription from the app itself. Once you end your subscription, the agency automatically takes due payments from your card. Vehicle return is done as per the agreed-upon terms: self return or agent pick-up.

These eight steps sum up the complete car rental on a subscription basis in Dubai—from start to finish. Now, let’s check out the advantages you can relish with this vehicle rental model.

Top Benefits of Car Subscriptions in Dubai

With subscription-based rental cars in Dubai, you get to relish a few significant benefits that are game-changing. Here are some of the best ones:

• You get to enjoy cheaper monthly rental rates, saving up to 30%—it’s massive. With long-term hires, this model enables you to save a significant amount over time.

• Car rental, payment, and management is streamlined by the app. Any user can easily review their rental details and manage booking effortlessly, without having to talk to the rental agents. It offers an additional layer of convenience.

• The all-inclusive pricing includes rental fees, delivery fees, maintenance, insurances, and potential extra costs. But the better part, you can select the extras, like additional insurances from the app itself and get the exact payment required. App simplifies the payment process, eliminating unwanted costs.

• Despite the upfront payment for the first month, the discounted prices are minimal, making cars more accessible.

• A wide range of vehicle selection and multiple subscription plans let renters pick the best option for optimal rental experience.

• Agencies take care of vehicle maintenance, repairs, and insurance, allowing renters to enjoy the best cars without any long term commitment.

• Similar to traditional rental, this rental model eliminates the need to worry about vehicle’s value depreciation with wear and tear.

Car Subscriptions in Dubai: Things to Watch Out For

As the rule of nature, everything has its good and bad sides, so does the subscription-based car rental in Dubai. Let’s understand what things you need to watch out for while subscribing to a vehicle rental.

• Early cancellations are possible but come with elevated prices. Immature rental cancellations will cost your daily rental rates, which can sometimes add up more than the actual monthly subscription. For instance, termination after 20 days, prices skyrocket at this point.

• Swapping vehicles is not possible with most agencies, although some might allow. Usually, you can only swap vehicles at the end of your subscription. Interestingly, traditional monthly rental allows vehicle swapping under the same rental.

• As the rates are significantly low, this can lead to a limited number of available cars. YOu might not get to hire high-end luxury and sports cars with all agencies with a subscription-based model. For instance, the Lamborghini Huracan EVO is rarely available with this car hire model.

• Mileage limitations are usually the same as traditional monthly rentals. However, some agencies offer more or less. Make sure you understand it well.

• Although the company pays for vehicle maintenance, you cannot damage it and expect the agency to repair it for free. Accidents and vehicle damages will cost you out of your pocket.

• Renters are usually liable for extra fees such as Salikg, parking, traffic fines, fuel refills, late returns, and mileage overages. Don’t expect the agencies’ leniency with these aspects. You need to take care of them throughout your subscription period.

Top Subscription-based Car Rental Providers in Dubai

Despite its popularity and public demand, only a handful of Dubai car rental agencies have incorporated subscription-based rental cars. Still a large number of agencies are hesitant, maybe it's the money issue. Here are the top agencies that offer this rental scheme in Dubai.

Conclusion

Subscription-based car rental in Dubai has the possibility to rise with more consumer demands. But, it remains to be seen if rental agencies incorporate this service, completely changing the car rental landscape. This innovative approach not only streamlines the rental process but also offers an exceptionally cost-effective alternative to traditional monthly car rentals, often resulting in significant savings for renters. Though it has limitations, you should definitely opt for it if you seek monthly or long-term car rentals in Dubai with optimal affordability. Explore the top rental agencies for exceptional deals. Stay aware of its limitations and relish the benefits to make your hiring experience seamless, cost-effective, and well-informed. 

FAQ:

How much does it cost to rent a car in Dubai on a subscription basis?

The general cost of a subscription-based car rental in Dubai starts from AED 1,549 for three months. You are required to pay at least a monthly fee at the time of booking. Some agencies might demand total down payment, with cancellation and refund options. The overall cost depends on the optional services like insurances and the car you choose. For instance, a BMW will cost more than a Nissan.

What types of cars are typically available for subscription?

Typically, Dubai car rental agencies let customers rent economy and low-end luxury cars on a subscription basis. SUVs and sedans, like Nissan Sunny, MG ZS, Mitsubishi Attrage, Nissan Kicks are easily available. High-end luxury cars and sports cars are rarely available.

What is the minimum subscription period?

The minimum subscription period is 1 month. However, it depends on the agency. Any immature cancellations lead to daily rental rates, which are extremely steep.