Expat Guide to Car Rental in the UAE: What to Expect

Dubai has so much to offer for those who are thinking of travelling there. It has some of the best cityscapes, landmarks, and golden opportunities to uncover. So much can be seen that the wisest choice is to become an expat and extend your stay there. While you are spending this extended time here, you have got to rent the perfect car for travel. It is quite easy to find a Hassan or SUV car rental in Dubai for easier travel. We can show you how to rent a car and what to expect during the process. 

Are You Eligible for Renting?

The first factor you should consider is checking if you are allowed to rent a car. While most rules are the same, there can be some differences in what renting a vehicle is like in your own country compared to the UAE. Expat residents can use their own driving licenses for the most part. Rental companies may ask for further information depending on which service you use. Some may require an international driver’s license instead, so find out more by checking with the company first. 

Why Should You Rent a Car?

Unless you have your own car, renting a car can make everything easier. For starters:

• Many of the cars rented out are insured by the company you hire. 
• You will have access to full support for your vehicle in case of any breakdowns or damages. 
• You can rent a car for as long as you want, as long as you can pay for it. 
• You can travel long distances in no time, thanks to the many roads of Dubai. 
• If you don’t drive often, this is a financially better choice. 

If you can get a good deal from the rental company, you can save a lot of money. However, this may not always be the case. 

What About Insurance?

As mentioned earlier, you can be guaranteed an insured car when you rent it out. Be wary, however, of what your car policy allows to be covered. Some insurances bought will only cover damages for the car and nothing else. They may even only cover damages done to other cars and not your own. This means you will need to spend more money in case of an accident. To ensure comprehensive protection beyond what standard policies offer, considering rental car travel insurance might be a wise option to cover all bases. Read the terms and conditions carefully before you commit to the rental. 

Are You Renting Short-term or Long-term?

Depending on how long you intend to stay as an Expatriate. You may wish to consider a long-term rental for a better price. This means you will have access to the car for as long as you stay without having to rent a new one or update the lease whenever needed. This is decided by your budget. Look at how much you have and figure out how much you can spend. Will it be cheaper to rent multiple short-term or go out on a long-term one instead? 

Review Your Car

The final tip when renting is to always give your car a test drive. Sometimes, it isn’t worth just looking at the model and deciding on looks. You need to feel the engine, the steering wheel, and the functions. You need to make sure it is well-suited for whatever you are travelling to. It can be made off-road or for smaller journeys. It needs to have room for whatever you may be transporting, including the people you may be driving with. The more familiar you are with the vehicle, the more confident you will be renting it.