Choose a car rental company in Dubai on three things rather than the lowest headline price: a clear written contract, deposit and insurance terms stated before you pay, and what recent reviews on maps say about the company. If you get vague answers to direct questions about the deposit, insurance and mileage, keep looking. Below are the red flags, the questions to ask before paying, and what the contract must contain.
Red flags
- The hidden deposit. The listing says "no deposit", then at handover you are asked for a card hold or a cash security. Get the deposit terms in writing before booking, including when and how it is returned.
- Vague insurance. "Insurance included", but nobody can tell you what it covers or how much you pay yourself if the car is damaged. Ask before you pay, not after the first scratch.
- Cash with no contract. "Just pay cash, no paperwork needed", or a transfer to a private person's card. If something goes wrong, you have nothing that proves you rented the car.
- The car does not match the photos. One model and year online, an older or damaged car at handover. Ask in advance whether the specific model is guaranteed.
- The price that keeps growing. A low daily rate, then mandatory extras at handover: insurance top-ups, delivery, young-driver charges, "admin fees".
- No address. A company that exists only as a messenger contact, with no office and no clear legal entity.
How to read reviews
People check rental companies on Google Maps, on travel forums and in traveller groups. A few rules that separate signal from noise:
- Read recent reviews first. Staff and terms change, and a review from three years ago says little about today.
- Start with the negative ones. What matters is not that complaints exist but what they are about and how the company replies. Repeated themes, such as deposits not returned or damage bills a month after the trip, matter more than one angry post.
- Be wary of bursts. Dozens of five-star ratings with no text in a single week look worse than fewer, detailed and varied reviews.
- Look for specifics. A useful review names the car, the rental length, the amount and how a problem was resolved.
- Cross-check. If reviews say "no deposit" but the company's own site is silent on it, ask directly.
We do not publish reviews on our site, so we will not tell you how good we are. Check us against the same list as any other company.
Questions to ask before you pay
The answers should be specific, ideally in writing. Our own answers are in the last column for comparison.
| Question | Why it matters | Our answer |
|---|---|---|
| Is there a deposit, and how is it returned? | The deposit is often what disputes are about | Every car has one, from AED 1,000, returned after the rental; the exact amount is shown on its page |
| What does the insurance cover? | It decides what you pay if the car is damaged | Insurance is included in the price |
| What is the mileage limit and extra km rate? | Trips between emirates add up fast | 250 km a day; each car has its own extra km rate on its page, from 1 AED |
| What does delivery cost? | A common hidden extra | Free in Dubai from 7 days; 210 AED for delivery and return on shorter rentals |
| How are Salik and fines billed? | Check there is no markup | At actual cost |
| What are the driver requirements? | Being refused at handover ruins plans | 21 or older, 1 year of experience, no young-driver fee |
| Can I drive to Oman? | Crossing the border must be agreed with the company | Ask when booking; not allowed on partner cars |
| How do I change dates? | Plans change | Agree changes with us in writing |
Two more questions that save stress: is the exact model guaranteed, and what happens if the car breaks down or gets a flat tyre on the road.
What the contract must contain
The rental contract is the only document that protects you in a dispute. Before signing, check it shows:
- the company name and address;
- make, model, year and plate number of the car;
- pick-up and return dates, times and return location;
- the rental price, payment method and what is included;
- the deposit, if any, with the amount and return timeframe;
- insurance terms and your liability for damage;
- the mileage limit and extra km rate;
- the rules for fuel, Salik and fines;
- the details of every driver.
The contract and the car's registration card should be in the car, because police ask for them at a document check. If you pay cash, keep a confirmation with the amount and date.
Inspect the car at pick-up
Even with a good company, spend ten minutes on the handover. Photograph and film the car from every side, the interior, the wheels, the fuel level and the odometer. Every scratch and chip should be noted on the handover sheet before you drive off. Our separate pick-up inspection checklist goes through this step by step.
The short version
A good rental company gives direct answers: deposit, insurance, mileage, delivery, Salik and fines are stated before payment, the contract is signed before money changes hands, and the car matches the booking. To check us, pick a car on the site and send a request with the form on its page, or write to info@rentalcars-dubai.ae with your questions. Our office in Princess Tower, Dubai Marina, is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00 if you would like to see a car in person.
