What to Do If Your Rental Car Breaks Down?

When a rental car breaks down, particularly in an unfamiliar city like Dubai, it can be a stressful situation. If you are a visitor to the UAE or a temporary driver who owns a vehicle, it is best to be aware of what to do and what to avoid to save time, money, and avoid frustration.

Fortunately, Dubai's reputable rental firms have roadside assistance and substitutes for mechanical breakdowns. The responsibilities in this case, however, will vary based on the reasons for the breakdown, your rental terms and conditions and if the damage was caused by normal wear or due to the negligence of the driver.

Remain Calm and Get To a Safe Place

The most important thing to remember is safety.

If there are any warning signs of the vehicle, such as overheating, engine failure, loss of power, or unusual noises, do not brake suddenly. Immediately activate the emergency flashers and move the car to the road shoulder or designated emergency stopping area.

It is dangerous to stop traffic while driving along Dubai highways like Sheikh Zayed Road, Emirates Road and Al Khail Road. If possible, exit the highway before stopping completely.

Once parked safely:

• Put on flares.

• Use the parking brake.

• Leave the car only if it is safe to do so.

• Use roadside barriers, if possible.

• Keep passengers away from moving traffic.

Do not drive a car that is displaying extreme warning lights, smoke, or overheating.

Evaluate the Type of Breakdown

Not all car issues are serious mechanical issues.

In some cases, the problem can be solved in a short period of time without any tow.

Self-repair is not allowed in most of the rental contracts.

Call the Rental Company ASAP!

The rental company is always the first place that you should look at.

Most of the Dubai rental companies have 24/7 customer service teams and roadside assistance teams.

Be prepared to provide:

• The rental agreement number written on your rental agreement

• Vehicle registration number

• Exact GPS location

• Nearby landmark

• Description of the problem

• Photos if requested

Never conduct repairs without permission from your rental company.

You cannot expect to have unauthorized repairs paid by the company.

Use the Roadside Assistance Included in Your Rental

Many rental firms provide basic roadside assistance in all rentals.

Typical services include:

• Battery jump-start

• Flat tire assistance

• Towing

• Emergency fuel delivery

• Lockout assistance

• Minor roadside repairs

• Replacement of vehicles if required

A good deal of premium rentals will offer a quicker response time and broader service area across the UAE.

Know What Insurance Would Cover in Case of a Breakdown

Mechanical problems due to normal vehicle wear are typically the rental company's responsibility.

If, however, the breakdown was caused by use or misuse of the vehicle by the driver, insurance may not cover the damage.

Examples include:

Read the insurance policy before operating a motor vehicle.

Avoid Attempting the Main Repairs Yourself!

Some drivers think that using a local garage will be faster.

This is usually not recommended.

There are repair centers and maintenance partners that are approved by rental firms. Unapproved repairs can cause claims disputes regarding reimbursement or even invalidate parts of the insurance policy.

Basic things such as checking the tire pressure or putting in the windscreen wiper fluid are fine, but anything mechanical should be done by a proper mechanic.

If the Vehicle Needs Towing

Roadside assistance will arrange to tow the car if it is not safe for operation.

Don't hire a towing service without your car rental company's permission.

While the tow truck is en route:

• Remove personal belongings.

• Take pictures of the vehicle.

• If possible, record levels of fuel and mileage.

• Do not leave valuables in the building.

• Secure rental documents.

Many of the vehicle rental companies take the car straight to the service center without giving any replacement before removing the car.

Inquire About an Alternative Vehicle

After a breakdown, one of the most important questions is whether or not you can keep driving.

Most reputable rental agencies will offer a vehicle to replace if:

• Mechanical disintegration is taking place.

• The car is not safe to drive.

• It takes a lot of time to do repairs.

• Replacement is determined by the availability of vehicles and by renting agreement.

You may have to wait longer for luxury or specialty vehicles.

If the Breakdown Happens Outside Dubai

Many companies are available for rent and are operating in all 7 Emirates.

Roadside assistance is available for your vehicle if it breaks down in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain or Al Ain.

The following can affect the response time:

• Proximity to large towns and cities

• Weather conditions

• Time of day

• Traffic congestion

Make sure you give roadside assistance your current whereabouts via your cell phone whenever you call for help.

What If You Were in an Accident?

If a breakdown is due to an accident, this requires more steps.

In addition to calling your rental company, you might need to:

• If necessary, report the accident to local authorities.

• Get the official Accident Report.

• Photographs should be taken of all vehicles involved.

• Exchange information with other drivers.

The insurance claim could be more complicated if an accident report is not available.

Common Mistakes Drivers Should Avoid!

Many additional rental charges are incurred due to the unnecessary mistakes that drivers make after a breakdown.

Examples of these include driving with warning lights on, making unauthorized repairs, ignoring the rental firm as soon as the vehicle is damaged, or leaving the car with no instructions.

Drivers who ignore warning lights on the dashboard could be liable for any damage to the car's engine caused by such a failure.

Likewise, putting the wrong fuel in the engine is driver error and is seldom covered by insurance.

How Long Does Roadside Assistance Take?

Please note: Response times vary according to location.

In the heart of Dubai, help can be given in 30 to 60 minutes if there's no traffic.

Some highways in the area are relatively far away, or neighbouring emirates, in which case response times may be longer – particularly during peak travel time or extreme weather.

Having your phone charged and location sharing turned on will help the roadside team locate you quickly.

Tips to Prevent Rental Car Breakdowns!

As mechanical problems can't always be prevented, a quick check before you drive will minimize the potential for a problem.

Check that:

• All the dashboard warning lights are turned off.

• Tires are properly inflated.

• Fuel level is sufficient.

• Air conditioning functions properly.

• Brakes feel responsive.

• Headlights and indicators work properly.

If travelling a long distance within the UAE, keep an eye on the engine temperature and do not ignore any unusual noises or warning messages.

Final Thoughts

Whether you experience a car rental breakdown or you simply want to rent a vehicle for an extended period of time, you can find solutions that suit the needs of your trip. Most important is to ensure safety, notify your car rental company as soon as possible, and take advantage of the roadside assistance service that comes with your rental.

Knowing your coverage, avoiding unauthorized repairs, and adhering to the instructions of your rental company will help you work through the issue as quickly as possible without adding any extra expenses that you weren't expecting. Take some time before leaving on a trip to review the rental agreement and emergency contact details. Preparing for the unexpected means that no matter what may happen, you are ready to deal with it confidently and without losing control.