Your Guide To Renting A Car In The UAE
The UAE is among the most visited places worldwide, with Dubai as the most preferred city in the country because there are plenty of tourist attractions and great locations for those who want to put up a business.
However, getting around the emirate can be overwhelming because the distances between places can be too far. Though public transportation is available, this option can be tiring, time-consuming, and unpredictable. Also, it might not give you the end-to-end ride you need as the routes are fixed, so you may have to walk to get to your destination.
Luckily, there is a better option – and that is by renting a car. Both locals and tourists can significantly benefit from weekly or monthly car rental. With this, you can get to your destination hassle-free and on time.
5 Car Leasing Benefits
Renting a car in the UAE has many perks. Here are five of them:
1. Convenient
Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the emirate. You can go to places you need to go to at any time. You don’t have to be worried about making transportation arrangements because there is sure to be a unit available for you whenever you need one.
2. Wide array of options
When leasing a car, rental companies can offer you a wide range of vehicle types. Your preference will largely depend on the purpose of your trip. For instance, an economy car is your best option if you want to get around cities like Dubai.
For off-road trips, you can opt for a 4x4 car because this will make your tour possible and exciting. For business purposes, renting a luxury car would be highly beneficial to impress your business partners and attract potential clients.
What makes car leasing a better option is that you can change your vehicle whenever it is necessary. From cheap cars to the most luxurious option, the emirate can give you whatever you need.
3. Low cost
Because of the big number of car rental companies, leasing a car has become competitive. As opposed to using a taxi each time you need to go somewhere, a rented vehicle seems more affordable, especially if you have to stay in the emirate for a long time. Rental companies often provide discounts for long-term lease.
4. Cover long-distance travel
When taking public transportation, you are limited to the routes you can take. For instance, going to farther places like Sharjah and Abu Dhabi may be out-of-the-way. But if you rent a car, nothing will stop you from covering long distances. You can travel from one city to another, worry-free.
5. Improved safety
Driving your own car is safer than using public transport because you havecontrol over road stops, especially if you are travelling with your kids. You don’t have to worry about your little ones gone missing on the bus or being too naughty. You are also assured that all your luggage and belongings are safe in your car’s cargo compartment.
4 Car Leasing Tips
1. Determine your needs
Before renting a car, you must figure out your needs first. You don’t want to lease a car that doesn’t match your travel needs. Make sure to take into account the number of passengers and luggage you have to carry, so everyone fits in the car.
2. Compare prices
Because the car rental market today is too competitive, finding cheap cars for rent is not that difficult. Check out different car rental companies and compare how much they charge for the type of car you need.
3. Inspect the car
When it’s time to pick up the rented car, inspecting it is imperative. Take a photo of all scratches and other dents. Inspect also the inside of the car and make sure that everything is working perfectly, especially the AC system.
The same is true when it is time to return that car, inspecting it inside and outside is crucial before giving back the key. Take pictures too, just in case!
4. Be vigilant about additional fees
There are other fees to consider other than the cost of renting the vehicle. Here are some of the add-ons that may be included in your bill:
Insurance
In the UAE, car rental companies are required by law to include third party liability insurance in the rental price. But there are add-on insurances that you should consider getting. For instance, the loss and damage waiver protection will get you covered if the car is stolen or damaged. Personal accident insurance is another important add-on because it will cover medical expenses if there is an accident.
If you want to do some dune bashing, inform the car rental company about it to determine if this is allowed. You don’t want to be penalized for something just because you neglect to ask the rental company about it.
Fines
Be aware of the fines you can be charged with when you go over the speed limit, especially if you have rented a luxury car. The emirate roads are enticing, but don’t drive fast because it can get you tickets that are too expensive. Don’t use your phone when driving too.
GPS
Having a GPS device in your vehicle is a must, but this add-on may entail an added cost.
You can use your phone, but a proper GPS tracker is more reliable. This is a handy device when exploring the beautiful places of the emirate and searching for essential establishments like grocery and hotel.
Pickup and drop-off location
You can be charged with an additional fee depending on the car’s pickup and drop-off location. For example, car rentals at the airport have a higher rate than those in the city because it is considered a premium location.
Inform the rental company about where they need to pick up and drop off the car to determine any additional fees right away. And remember that Friday is a holiday in the emirate, so returning your car might not be possible.
The UAE has indeed become a leisure and business hub. If you want to discover its beauty, enjoy beach club events, and marvel at the biggest malls and restaurants in the world, renting a car is the best option to get to all your destinations on time and worry-free.
Author Bio
As Co-founder and Key Account Manager, Felin Francis is responsible for translating the vision of UAEdriving.com into an easy-to-use online car rental & chauffeur service portal in the UAE.
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