Rent-A-Car Hidden Fees: The Surprises You Don’t Want to Face

16 Feb Rent-A-Car Hidden Fees: The Surprises You Don’t Want to Face

Renting a car with a driver in Dubai is a convenient option for many people, whether it’s for a road trip, a family vacation, or just to run errands. However, the cost of renting a car can quickly add up, especially when you factor in all the hidden fees that come with it. Here are some of the most common hidden fees that you should watch out for when you rent a car with driver in Dubai.

1. Airport surcharge

Airport surcharges are a common hidden fee that can sneak up on you when you’re renting a car. The airport surcharge is a fee added to your rental costs when you pick up your car at an airport location. Some companies charge it, while others don’t.

If your rental company charges an airport surcharge, it’s important to know how much it is so that you can weigh its value against other options. If it’s higher than what you’d pay if you picked up the car in another location, then it might be worth your while to seek out another company.

The price you see on the website is usually inclusive of this charge, but it’s important to note that there are some exceptions. If you’re traveling internationally, for instance, it’s possible that airport surcharges will apply even if your rental starts at home. If you’re unsure about whether or not airport fees will be tacked on to your bill, call the company before booking to verify how much they’ll cost.

2. Returning the car early

For some car rental companies, if you return your rental car before the end of your rental period, you’ll have to pay an additional fee. The amount varies by rental company and location. Many companies charge for each day or part of a day that you use the car early, so it’s best to ask about fees before you make a reservation or rent a car with driver in Dubai.

Some companies will allow you to extend your trip if they’re not fully booked. Others offer free cancellation as long as notice is given within 24 hours before scheduled pick-up time. If they can’t accommodate your request, however, they may charge an additional fee or require that you transfer to another vehicle. If this happens, ask about the terms and conditions of the new rental agreement so you know what charges are expected during that time period.

3. Insurance

The cost of the rental car is not the only expense you will have to deal with. You will also have to pay for insurance and taxes if applicable. These may be included in the price, or they may be extra. The best way to avoid any surprises is to make sure that you understand exactly what your total cost will be before committing to anything.

Insurance is a big part of getting to rent a car with driver in Dubai, and it’s not cheap. If you’re in a state that requires rental companies to offer collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage (commonly known as the “liability” portion), then it’s an additional cost tacked on to your bill. If you decline this coverage and have an accident, you’ll be responsible for paying out of pocket for any damages incurred to the vehicle.

However, if you do decide to purchase CDW/LDW coverage through your insurance company, it may or may not cover the entire duration of your rental period. Some insurers charge a daily fee for rentals longer than 30 days or charge more per day for longer-term rentals. In these cases, it might make sense to consider buying CDW/LDW coverage through the vendor itself — particularly if your existing policy doesn’t offer full coverage for rentals longer than 30 days.

4. Fuel Charges

Other hidden fees in car hire from Dubai to Sohar, Muscat, Oman, is the cost of fuel. Many car rental companies will offer you a full tank of gas for a discounted price when you pick up the car. But if you don’t return the car with a full tank, you’ll be charged a fee for the missing gas, often at a much higher rate than you would pay at a gas station. To avoid these fees, make sure you fill up the tank before you return the car or opt for a prepaid fuel option.

5. Out-of-state charges

If your rental company is based in one state but you’re picking up the car in another, they may charge what’s called an out-of-state fee. This could be $1 or it could be $30 — it depends on the company. Some companies don’t charge this fee at all; others do it even if you’re just driving across town. If your rental company charges this fee, it will usually be listed on their website or in their contract. 

6. Additional add-ons

In cases where you Monthly rent a car in Dubai, you may be tempted to opt for the more expensive insurance packages that offer additional benefits. For example, some car rental services include roadside assistance and coverage for damage to tires and rims. But these extra perks may not be worth it.

Toll fees: When driving in an area where tolls are required to use certain roads or bridges, you’ll be charged for each toll you pass through during your rental period.

Mileage Fees: Suppose you rent a car with driver in Dubai, for a long period of time, you may be charged a mileage fee. This fee is based on the number of miles you drive, so if you plan on driving a lot, it’s important to consider this fee when you’re comparing prices between car rental companies.

Rent a car with driver in Dubai at Gulf Luxury

Surprises are not fun. It could be that your final bill is not what you thought it would be, or even more concerning. Save yourself from spending more than you thought you would or getting stuck with a vehicle that doesn’t work by taking a few precautionary measures before renting the next time. When you rent a car with driver in Dubai, it’s important to be aware of all the hidden fees that may come with it. By being informed and doing your research, you can save money and avoid unpleasant surprises.

So, the next time you rent a car, make sure you know what you’re paying for and what to expect. For any question on car rental services, call Gulf Luxury experts @ +971 43963444 or WhatsApp +971 524184848 or email info@gulfluxurycars.com.