Do you want to explore the length and breadth of the UAE at your own pace? Are you holding back on your plans due to lack of transport facilities? Renting a car in the UAE is the best option available for those who do not have a vehicle of their own yet want to see the country up close. 

Though other transport facilities are available in the UAE, it may not be economical or convenient for you. Hiring a taxi can be expensive, whereas public transport can be time-consuming. Thus, the best alternative is to rent a car.

What Are the Things You Should Know While Renting a Car?

Minimum age

The minimum age requirement to rent a car in the UAE is 21. If you are renting expensive cars like Ferrari, you should be a minimum of 25 years. 

License

If you are a resident of the UAE, you need to have a valid driving license in the country before you can rent a car. If you are a tourist, you should hold a valid international license. 

If one more person is planning to drive the vehicle, you should inform the renting company beforehand, and the person’s license should also be attached as an additional driver in the agreement.

Insurance and security deposit

You should understand the terms of insurance before renting a car. All rental vehicles from UAEdriving come with 100% basic comprehensive insurance. In the event of an accident, if you are at fault or a third party is unknown, then there will be an insurance excess of AED 1000-5000, depending on the vehicle you rent. In case if you are not at fault, then zero insurance excess will be applicable. If you are a tourist and new to driving in UAE, we recommended taking a collision damage waiver or full insurance for full coverage. It is also optional for the hirer to opt for personal accident insurance (PAI) that insures drivers and passengers of the rental car for accidental medical costs.

You will be required to pay a security deposit in advance before you rent a car. The purpose of the security deposit is to settle any outstanding payments like traffic fines, damages, fuel charges, etc., which may come up after the off-hire of the vehicle. The security deposit is refunded back to the hirer account within 21days of the off-hire date.

Vehicle inspection

Before you rent a car, you should inspect the car thoroughly. You should check for a copy of the registration certificate as well as the car insurance.  The condition of the car, like the tire’s pressure, the radiator fluid, and the fuel in the car, should also be checked before taking it. You should also check accessories like the child seat and GPS before renting the car. If needed, you can also ask for a test drive to understand the car’s working condition. 

Driving outside the UAE

As per the UAE rules, you should not drive a rented car outside the UAE. Thus, if you are renting a car for a long-distance drive, you should be aware of the country’s borders. 

But if the primary purpose of renting the car is to visit other countries near the UAE, you should take prior permission from the car rental company before proceeding.

What are the Responsibilities of the Hirer Renting a Car?

Once you rent a car from a car rental company, you will have the following responsibilities. 

• You should return the car to the rental company at the time specified. 

• You should rent a car only for personal or business purposes. A rented car should not be used for trade purposes unless specified at the time of renting. 

• You should not use a rented car for any motorsport activities. 

• You should comply with the UAE traffic law. In case you break the law, you are responsible for paying all the fines.

• You should not be involved in alcohol or drug usage while driving the car. 

Bottom Line

Renting a car is a good option if you are a tourist or not yet ready to buy your own vehicle. Similarly, if you are on a business trip and will be around for a few months, you can opt for a monthly car rental which is a good and economical option for a long stay in the UAE. Clearly understanding all rules and regulations of car rental ensures that you do not get into any legal issues or hassles with your rented vehicle.