Are you considering renting a car in Dubai? It’s important to note that most car rental companies in Dubai require a security deposit. However, this should not discourage you from renting a car. The key point to remember is that you will receive your full deposit back within 30 days, according to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), as long as you return the car in excellent condition and without any outstanding fines.
What is the security deposit?
Car rental companies require a security deposit to cover any damages, traffic fines, and Salik charges that may occur during your trip. The specific amount varies depending on the company’s policy and the type of vehicle being rented. Typically, the deposit does not need to be paid in cash and can be held as a blocked amount on your credit card.
On March 4, DET posted on its official X account to inform customers about the process of releasing the blocked amount.
The post read: “When renting a vehicle in Dubai, ensure that your deposit is held or blocked, not purchased, and that it is released within a maximum of 30 days after returning the car if there are no additional charges or violations.”
What happens if the deposit is not returned?
If you have not received your deposit from the car rental company despite returning the vehicle in good condition and without any fines, you have the right to file a consumer complaint with the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector in Dubai Economy.
To register a complaint, you can visit the official website at consumerrights.ae or contact the call center at +971 600 545555.
Please be aware that you can only file a consumer complaint against a company that is located in Dubai and holds a trade license from Dubai Economy.
What happens if there are fines on the rented car?
Based on interviews conducted by Gulf News with car rental owners and experts, it has been determined that customers are responsible for paying any traffic fines incurred while the car is in their possession. If the fine is issued after the car has been returned, the rental company will charge the amount to the customer’s credit card.
Typically, traffic fines are deducted from the deposit held by the rental company. However, if the fines exceed the amount initially blocked on the customer’s credit card, the rental company will request that the customer transfer the additional funds to cover the fines.
Failure to settle outstanding fines may result in the rental agency pursuing legal action against the customer. It is important for customers to promptly address any traffic fines to avoid potential legal consequences.
Also Read: Buying a used car: things to consider
What are the requirements for renting a car?
In addition to submitting a deposit, you are required to provide the following documents:
For UAE residents:
- Valid Emirates ID (front and back) copy.
• Valid UAE driving licence copy.
For tourists:
- A valid passport copy.
• A valid visit visa copy.
• International Driving Permit (IDP) or your home country’s driving license if it is recognized by the UAE.
Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and passport holders from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and certain others are permitted to drive in the UAE using their home country’s license. It is advisable to verify with a car rental company whether your home country’s license will be accepted or if you need to acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP) beforehand.
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority recognizes and accepts driving licenses from the following countries:
- GCC Countries – Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar
- Lithuania
- Portugal
- Hungary
- Bulgaria
- Latvia
- Serbia
- Luxembourg
- Iceland
- Estonia
- Cyprus
- Slovakia
- Malta
- Albania
- Romania
- Germany
- Italy
- Switzerland
- Poland
- Finland
- Spain
- Holland
- Greece
- Sweden
- Belgium
- Ireland
- Turkey
- Denmark
- Austria
- France
- Britain
- Norway
- The Republic of Montenegro
- United States of America
- Canada
- Japan
- South Korea
- Hong Kong
- People’s Republic of China
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Africa