Various rental car companies across the UAE enable quick travel to various locations across the country. With easy pick-up and drop-off facilities, car rental offers hassle-free services and reduced the time taken to give back a rented car. The overall charges and cost of renting a car may fluctuate depending on various factors. It is essential to understand these factors to keep away any surprising additional costs. Knowing the complete return rules and procedure can help you return your rented vehicle at the fixed pre-determined charges without any hidden cost.
Fuel Policy
Car rental companies have diverse rules about maintaining fuel in the car while giving it back. While few service providers demand that the fuel tank must be full while returning, others require the tank to have the exact fuel level as it was hired. Some companies also have the provision to pre-purchase the fuel but at an additional cost. Check your fuel tank beforehand to avoid any policy violation as per your contract with the car rental company.
Clean and Damage-free
Although this may seem an obvious rule, cleanliness is a major section found in most service providers' car return policies. Before the due date to return the rental car, ensure all your luggage and essential things have been taken out. Clean the interiors to avoid leaving any rubbish and make it look fresh as it was hired.
Late Return Policy
The most rental car pricing system is based on a 24-hour basis. Hence, they can make you pay a whole day's cost if you exceed the determined return time. However, rental companies offer a specific grace period time after which the cost may be applied. These grace periods may differ between 30 minutes to a few hours, depending upon the car rental service provider. Check your contract in advance or enquire with your service provider to know their grace period allowance.
Pick-up Booking
Some car rental companies in Dubai offer a pick-up service to your desired location to return the vehicle. There are specific time limits to book a pick-up as the company will make your appointment based on the staff's availability, the distance of the location, and others. It is always advised to book for a pick-up slot at least a day before your return date to avoid any last moment delays or other problems.
After Hour Returns
Few rental companies also allow returning the vehicles after the standard business hours. However, this includes a high risk of theft or liability for any damage after you drop the car. Thoroughly check detailed policy mentioned in the contract to exactly know the criteria for after-hour returns.