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With more tourists flocking to Dubai each year, renting cars is getting more popular. Captain Ahmed Suheil Al Samahi, the director of the Anti-Fraud Department of the Dubai Police, said over 250 reports of fraud was received last year. The fraudsters mainly targeted car owners, who posted advertisements on Dubizzle. But, just like in other businesses, some car rental companies also might try to trick you. If you’re not careful, you might end up paying way more than you expected, which could ruin your vacation. So, how can you avoid these sneaky companies? Let’s check out some amazing tips that will be surely useful for avoiding the car rental scam.
Don’t Fall for Unreal Deals
It’s normal to hunt for the best bargain, but the cheapest option isn’t always the best. If you’re on a tight budget, compare prices from a few rental agencies. Then, carefully check if there are any big differences that stand out. If one company offers a super cheap deal, make sure you double-check it to avoid car scam.
Pick a Reliable Company
Once again, research is key. Make sure you choose a car rental company that gets good reviews online. It’s easy to do – just search for the top rental companies in Dubai or read reviews on sites. While you might be tempted to trust Facebook reviews, they’re not always honest. Be careful regarding car scams in Dubai.
Know the Right Prices
Some people plan their Dubai vacation without knowing what a fair price for renting a car is. Don’t be one of them. Make sure you have an idea of how much renting a car usually costs in Dubai. That way, you’ll know if the price is too high before you book it. Try to avoid car rental fraud.
Avoid Overpaying
If you’re hiring a driver for your trip, you might be asked to pay extra for things you didn’t agree on. Make sure you know what’s reasonable to pay (you don’t have to tip unless you want to). Don’t pay more than you should to avoid scams in Dubai. Be clear that you’ve already paid the rental company, and there shouldn’t be any extra charges.
Get everything in Writtten
Before you rent a car, ask the company to give you a written statement of all the terms and conditions. Sometimes what you see online might not be accurate. Rental companies might use confusing language, especially when it comes to things like insurance or using your credit card. If anything seems unclear or too good to be true, ask the company to email or message you the details so you have it all in writing. This way, if they try to charge you for something you didn’t agree to, you can contest it.
Don’t fall for extra insurance
One of the common car scams in Dubai is when rental companies try to sell you extra insurance. Even if you already have your own. They might scare you by saying your insurance isn’t enough and you’ll have to pay a lot for even small damages. But don’t believe them. Stick to your own insurance; buying theirs is usually a waste of money.
Check Google Reviews
Look beyond just the star ratings. Read the full reviews to see if there are any fake ones or if customers have had similar issues. This gives you a real picture of what it’s like to rent from that company based on other people’s experiences.
Take photos before and after
Before you drive off with the rental car, take photos of any existing damage, like scratches or dents. This way, they can’t blame you for damage that was already there. And when you return the car, take more photos to prove you didn’t cause any new damage.
Conclusion
Renting a car is a convenient way to get around without having to buy one. It’s faster and more convenient than using public transport, and it gives you the freedom of having a car without the costs of ownership. However, it’s not always easy. By following the steps above to protect yourself from being tricked by rental companies into paying extra, you can have a smooth and enjoyable experience renting a car online in Dubai.
