When you come to Dubai for work or on holiday, it would be reasonable to rent a car. Dozens of rental services cater to the guests of this city, so you will be spoilt for choice. In this article, you will find 9 smart tips that should make the process of renting a car easier and more enjoyable.
Make Sure You Fit the Age Limit
Age limits for drivers in the UAE depend on your goals.
- To be officially allowed to drive a car, you need to be at least 18 years old
- To be able to rent an auto, you must be at least 21 years old
- To rent a high-end vehicle, you might need to be at least 25 years old
To get to know which sportscars, executive class cars and crossovers for rent in Dubai fall into the “high-end” category, you should consult a rental agency or see here paddockrentacar.com
Prepare the Documents
This is a set of documents for renting a car in Dubai that the client needs to provide to the leasing company.
- Valid passport
- Driving license
- Visa or MasterCard credit card in your own name (other cards are generally not accepted)
If you are a UAE resident, it is enough to have a national driving license. The same rule applies to the residents of other GCC Countries — that is, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.
Foreigners from other states need to have international driving licenses. Your driving license must be at least one year old. It must be issued in the same country as your passport.
If you have a visit visa, you will be able to rent a car only for as long as your visa remains valid.
Choose a Reliable Rental Company
Such as www.paddockrentacar.com, for instance. An ideal car rental company should meet the following criteria.
- Offer a large fleet of vehicles to choose from
- Keep its prices at a reasonable level
- Have an impeccable reputation
- Be ready to respond to customers’ queries 24/7
- Clients should leave positive reviews about it
- Its employees should speak multiple foreign languages
Before signing a contract, make sure to read attentively its terms and conditions.
Inspect the Vehicle
You should do it even if you have chosen a top-notch rental company and entirely trust it. These are just a few aspects that you might want to pay attention to.
- Tyre pressure
- The level of car fuel, oil and radiator fluids
- The presence of GPS
- The quality of the infotainment system
- The way child safety seats are adjusted
- Any smells in the car interior
- Any scratches or other flaws on the exterior
- Any weird noises that you hear when driving
Ask whether it would be possible to have a short test drive. If you detect any defects, you should report them immediately, before signing the rental contract.
Check the Fuel Policy
If you rent a car with a full tank, you will need to return it with a full tank. You can ask the representatives of the rental company about the best deals at local gas stations. Also, you should get to know the location of the station somewhere close to the rental office — it will come in handy when you return the car.
Pay a Deposit and Get an Insurance
Banks in the UAE will require full coverage on your vehicle during the leasing term. You will need to deposit a certain sum of money with the rental company. If you get into an accident or the auto gets stolen, these funds will make up for the damage. In case no damage has occurred, you will get your deposit back once your contract is over.
Avoid Using a Rented Car for Foreign Trips
If you are planning to visit another country, please leave your rented vehicle in the UAE. You will be able to rent another one as soon as you reach your destination. However, you can drive to another country in a car if it belongs to your friend, relative or colleague.
Do Not Let Other People Drive Your Car
If you might not be the only driver, you should inform the rental company about it. You will need to attach the driving licence of the additional driver when signing the contract.
Remember About Your Responsibilities
The following rules are typical of most rental companies.
- You are allowed to use the auto only for lawful private or business purposes.
- You should never overload the car.
- The vehicle that you get is not supposed to be used in any motorsport activity or trade event.
- After completion of the rental contract, you must return the car to the owner at the agreed time.
- You should return the car in the same condition that you received it.
No need to say, you must ensure compliance with the local traffic laws. You need to comply with traffic light observance and speed limits. You should never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In general, it should be a pleasure to drive a car in Dubai because the roads are excellent and people respect each other.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article came in handy and now you better understand the specifics of renting a car in Dubai. It should be a pure delight to drive a new and comfortable car in this vibrant and beautiful city. You will enjoy your freedom of movement and will impress the surrounding people with your style.