You just landed in Dubai and can’t wait to kickstart your holiday, and you go to the car rental to hit the road; well, hold on. You don’t want to sign on that dotted line before taking care of these several significant mistakes that you’ll want to avoid.
Therefore, in this article, let’s focus on the most common car rental blunders that one should avoid in order to make them smooth, headache-free, and actually cheaper. Let’s further look into some of these mistakes and provide you with a little information about how to avoid them while renting and choose the best car rental in Dubai.
Renting on arrival
Waiting until you have actually arrived at your destination can result in a number of different issues. We recommend choosing established car rental companies in Dubai. Octane’s fleet has something for every test and budget. Most car rental companies tend to jack their prices up at the airport based on convenience and demand. For popular destinations, chances are that the car choices may be depleted, particularly so during peak travel seasons.
Book your rental car online in advance of your trip. Here’s why it’s the best approach:
- Lower prices: When you book in advance, you’ll often find lower prices. This is because rental companies offer early booking discounts to fill their cars.
- Save time: You won’t have to spend much time waiting in a queue when you arrive at the rental counter. Some companies even offer mobile check-in, allowing you to bypass the counter altogether.
- Flexibility: Booking in advance often gives you the possibility to change or cancel your reservation without penalty up to a certain time before pickup.
Don’t compare prices
Choosing the first rental company you see or choosing one brand can result in you overpaying for your rental. The best way is always to compare prices from several different rental companies. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Look at price comparison sites, comparing prices from various rental firms in one place.
- The daily rate isn’t necessarily the only number that you ought to pay; additional fees- airport taxes, young driver fees, or driver surcharges-might be imposed.
- Look for coupons or discounts online.
Not read the fine print
Just browsing a rental agreement may leave one open to confusion and potential surprise fees or penalties. Read through and understand the rental agreement before signing. Here are just a few points to watch out for:
- Insurance: Know what the rental company’s insurance covers and what it doesn’t. Ensure your personal insurance or credit card coverage is adequate.
- Additional fees: Beware of hidden fees, such as airport taxes, young driver fees, or driver surcharges. Fuel policy: Know the fuel policy. Some companies require you to return the car with a full tank, while others allow you to return it empty.
- Mileage limits: If your rental has a daily or total mileage limit, make sure it meets your needs.
- Return policy: Learn about the return process, including time limits and location.
Not understanding rental lengths
Not knowing exactly how rental lengths work can leave one open to unexpected charges. Of course, understand how rental lengths work before you book. Here are a few things to consider:
- 24-hour rental periods: Some companies base their charges on 24-hour periods. That means if you have the car for even a few hours, you may be charged for the entire day. For instance, if you pick up the car at 10 a.m., you are considered to have it until 10 a.m. the next day.
- Hourly and hourly rates: Some firms provide hourly rates, which may be cheaper if you just need the car for a short period. However, the hourly rate may increase after a certain number of hours.
- Minimum Rental Times: Some companies have minimum rental times, often 24 hours or weekends.
Not planning for additional drivers
Not adding additional drivers to your rental agreement can result in additional costs or liability issues if an unlisted driver ends up driving. Plan for additional drivers in advance and add them to your rental agreement. Here’s how:
- Check your rental agreement: Some companies allow additional drivers for free, while others charge a daily fee. Make sure you understand the policy.
- Consider the age of the driver: Additional fee charged by some companies, headlight, windscreen wipers, air conditioner, and audio system, should all be in working order.
- Check the tires: The tires need to be whole and have appropriate surface friction.
- Check the fuel level: It is always advisable that the car has a full tank of gas.
Not filling up before returning the car
If you don’t return the car with a full tank of gas, you may be charged extra for fuel. Always fill up your car before returning it. Here’s how to do it cost-effectively:
- Find the cheapest gas station: Use an app like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas station near your rental location.
- Fill your own gas: You usually come out way better than the rental company doing it for you. Or, at least, get a filling station to fill for you with minimal charge over self-serve prices. Check the fuel policy: Pay attention to what is required and understand the policy. Sometimes it is obligatory to return it with a full tank; other times, it should be returned empty.
- Keep your receipts: Keep your receipt for filling up the car in case there is any dispute.
Keeping these top car rental mistakes in mind and taking time to plan and understand how it works will get you on the right track to a very smooth and enjoyable experience.
Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or just need a set of wheels for a few days, remember to read the fine print, compare prices, and always check the condition of the car before and after your trip. Safe travels and happy discovering!
