Renting a car in Dubai? Check hidden fees, insurance coverage, mileage limits and deposit policies to avoid unexpected costs during your trip.
DUBAI: When people are planning a trip, car rental is often one of the last things they think about. By the time they get to it, the flights are booked, the hotel is sorted, and they just want to get the car booked and move on. That is when a low headline rate can look especially tempting, even though the final cost can change once the booking terms and extra charges are taken into account.
This can be even more of a concern during busy travel periods, when finding an available car becomes another thing to worry about. Dubai welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, with December becoming the first month to cross the two-million mark. With more travellers looking to get around, rental availability can come under pressure, leaving people with less time to compare their options carefully. In a rush to secure a car, it is easy to focus on the price upfront and overlook the details that can affect the final bill.
The small details that can cost you
If you are planning to cover a lot of ground, check the mileage allowance before you book. Some rentals offer enough mileage for most trips, while others charge extra once you go over the limit. The fuel policy is worth checking too, especially how much fuel you need to leave in the tank when returning the car.
It is also worth checking who can drive the vehicle. If someone else will be sharing the driving, make sure they are covered under the rental agreement and find out whether adding another driver incurs an extra charge.
This is not simply good housekeeping. UAE consumer protection law gives customers the right to obtain goods and services at the declared price, while suppliers are expected to provide clear contractual and payment information. In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA’s) unified contract for car rental offices also prohibits undisclosed fees.
A cheap rate still needs some checking
A low price can be a great find, so there is no need to rule out a deal just because it looks cheaper than the rest. The key is to make sure you know who you are booking with and what you are agreeing to before you pay. Check who is supplying the car, read through the rental terms, and look out for any extra charges that could push up the final cost.
That becomes especially important when booking through a third-party platform. The company taking the reservation may not be the one handing over the keys, so it helps to know who you will be dealing with if something goes wrong. It is also worth checking that payment is being taken through the company or booking platform you intended to use; avoid clicking any unfamiliar links or accounts.
Reviews are worth a read, but the overall star rating only tells you so much. A better route would be to check recent comments and see whether the same problem comes up more than once. Repeated complaints about unexpected charges or trouble getting a deposit back are far more useful than one bad review.
Know what your insurance actually covers
Insurance is another detail worth checking before you drive away. Even if it is included in the rental price, it does not always mean you are covered for everything.
Check how much you would need to pay out of pocket if the car is damaged, as this is usually covered by the excess clause in your agreement. It is also worth analysing which situations the policy excludes, so you know where you stand before collecting the keys.
If extra protection is offered, check what it adds to the cover already included rather than assuming the more expensive option automatically removes all liability.
Deposits deserve the same attention. Customers should know how much will be held, why deductions may be made, and when the balance is expected to be released. Dubai’s unified rental contract requires rental offices to refund security deposits within the specified timeframe and to record the obligations of both parties.
Photograph the car twice
Collection is the point to slow down again. Walk around the vehicle before leaving and make sure existing damage is recorded. Check that the fuel level matches the agreement and take note of the mileage.
Use your phone’s camera to photograph the vehicle from several angles, including any existing marks. Keep the images with the rental agreement rather than deleting them as soon as the trip is over.
Do the same when returning the car. Include image documentation of the vehicle’s condition at handover and return, which shows how useful a clear record can be for both the renter and the rental company.
Also check the return requirements in advance. Confirm the location and agreed time. Check the fuel requirement too, so you don’t have to deal with any issues when rushing to an airport. In the rental industry, we see how often problems start with something overlooked at the outset. Peak season can make people feel rushed, but it is still worth taking the time to understand the agreement and ensure the car’s condition is properly recorded.
This article has been provided by Anudeep Raghuthaman, an experienced automotive and mobility executive based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, who currently serves as the Head of Sales and Marketing at Dollar Car Rental UAE.
