Car rental is an excellent concept for traveling within the UAE, but a bit of scam knowledge ahead of time will save you trouble. At 911 Rent A Car, we go the extra mile in having transparency and client satisfaction. What follows are a few of the most common car rental scams of the UAE and how you should avoid them.
● Surprise Charges and Hidden Charges
Certain rental companies provide low base prices but with surprise fees for insurance, gas, or additional services.
✔ How to Avoid:
◦ Carefully read the rental agreement.
◦ Obtain a full disclosure of charges prior to reserving a car.
◦ Use reputable rental companies with clear prices.
● Misrepresentation of Damage
Some companies can claim damages that already existed prior to your renting the vehicle.
✔ How to Avoid
◦ Ensure that you inspect the car well before you drive off.
◦ Take pictorial evidence of damage done.
◦ Include all the issues in the rental agreement.
● Car Substitution at Pick-up
You book one car online, but when you arrive, you’re told that the car is reserved and then offer a better quality car.
✔ Warning to Avoid
◦ Reserve your car one day in advance for pick-up by making an initial phone call.
◦ Accept nothing less than being driven to the reserved-up car or an alternative acceptable at the same price.
◦ Stand ready to walk away if they cannot hold up the deal.
● Gasoline Policy Scam
Certain companies employ fraudulent gasoline policies to impose additional charges.
◦ Request explanation of the fuel policy on the contract before signing.
◦ Return the vehicle with the correct fuel.
◦ Record fuel receipts as records.
● Excessive Deposit Holding and Delayed Refund
Some agencies retain excessive security deposits and refund them belatedly.
✔ Tips for Avoiding:
◦ Read in advance what to pay in terms of refund and deposit conditions.
◦ Obtain written notice of refund schedules.
◦ Transact with agencies that are reputed to give prompt refunds.
● Excessive Pressure to Buy Insurance
Agencies coerce the renters into purchasing unnecessary insurance that they don’t need.
◦ Ensure that your personal or credit card policy has car rental.
◦ Don’t buy additional unnecessary insurance that you never use.
◦ Demand to see what you are offered before signing.
● Last but not least
By getting well educated and choosing a good company such as 911 Rent A Car, you can enjoy hassle-free and trouble-free car rental in the UAE. Be cautious and go through the terms so that no extra amount is charged on you.
