Renting a Car

Few and far between’ is a phrase you’ll almost never hear in reference to car rental companies in Dubai. The first place you’ll come to encounter a rent a car company is in the airport; so if you are eager to rent a car when you first get to Dubai, that will be your fastest way to get one.
To rent a car you must meet certain requirements. Some companies require that you leave your passport as a deposit which of course will be returned back you once you return the car. However, most companies are shifting towards the credit card deposit security system as it is the worldwide method of renting a car. This credit card system requires that you present a valid credit card which is either imprinted/photocopied or blocked for a given amount as a deposit upon collection of the car. To rent a car you must be over the age of 21 with proof that you have been driving for over a year (issue date of your driver’s license). Your driver’s license must be a valid U.A.E, GCC or international license. Depending on which type of security system the car rental is using, most companies will request a photocopy of your passport and driver’s license.
There are two types of insurance, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). CDW will cover any damage costs resulting from an accident where you are at fault. Although compensation depends on the nature of the injuries, PAI covers all physical injuries or death caused to the occupants of the vehicle.

Accident Instructions
When you get into an accident whether you caused it, it was the other driver’s fault, you found a dent in the car when you came back to the parking lot or you hit a wall you are required to call the police and obtain a police report. If you do not have a police report you will be obligated by the car rental to pay the full amount for repairs even if you have a CDW with the company. After contacting the police it is a good idea to call your rental company as they will normally provide you with another car.

As a note if you intend on having anyone other than you drive the car it is a good idea to inform the car rental company as they will charge you an additional 30 AED because otherwise if you have a CDW with the company it will become void in case of an accident.

For a directory of car rental companies check out www.yellowpages.ae or call 700017000 which is the number for information.

If you're interested in buying a car, check out our cars section.