Avoid Hidden Fees in Dubai Car Rental (2025 Guide)

• Fuel / Refuelling: Often double the local pump price if not full.
• Salik Toll: AED 5–6 per crossing (with admin fee).
• Security Deposit: AED 700–5,000, held up to 30 days.
• Late / Early Return: AED 20–80/hour; full day for long delays.
• Insurance Excess: AED 1,500–5,000+, some parts excluded.
• Extra Kilometres: AED 0.50–1.00 per km.
• Additional Driver: AED 20–50/day.
• Add-Ons: GPS AED 25–55/day, child seat AED 30–50/day.
• Fines / Admin Fees: Base fine + ~AED 50.
• Airport Surcharge: AED 50–150.

How can I avoid hidden fees when renting a car in Dubai?

Read the contract carefully, check the fuel policy, plan tolls, document the car’s condition, limit extra drivers/add-ons, and choose a trustworthy rental company.

How much is the security deposit for a rental car in Dubai?

Usually AED 700–5,000, higher for luxury cars, held on a credit card for up to 30 days.

Are there extra charges for returning the car late or early?
Yes, typically AED 20–80 per hour; very late returns can cost a full extra day, and early returns on long-term rentals may cancel discounted rates.

Why is it important to choose a reliable rental company?
A trustworthy company avoids hidden fees, ensures clear pricing, provides accurate car info, and protects you from unfair charges.

Do I have to pay extra for additional drivers?

Yes, adding a second driver usually costs AED 20–50 per day, depending on the company and contract.

Common Hidden Fees in Dubai Car Rental

We provided these prices as typical estimates based on common hidden fees in Dubai car rental. Each rental company may charge slightly more or less, depending on their policies, car type, and rental duration.

Fuel Policy & Refuelling Fees

In most car rentals, the “full-to-full” policy is applied, which means that the car has to be returned with the same fuel level as it was when the car was picked up, i.e., fully fueled. If it is not the case, then the rental center will do the refueling for you, but will charge you a high price for it. This price is normally composed of extra service fees and fuel that is sold at a higher rate than the local one (sometimes almost twice).

Salik Toll (Electronic Toll) Fees

Salik is the electronic toll system that is used in Dubai. There is a Salik tag on your rental car, and going through the tolls (e.g., on Sheikh Zayed Road) costs AED 4. 

Rental companies take this money from you along with an admin fee, and thus, the cost of every crossing becomes AED 5–6. 

Security Deposit & Credit Card Holds

This is one of the most common hidden fees in Dubai car rental. A security deposit is required in most car rentals. In general, this is a credit card hold that covers possible fines, tolls, or damage to the vehicle. Even if you pay in cash, a credit card block is still mandatory. After the rental, the deposit is returned, but the time period before it is actually freed can be up to 30 days. If you’re looking to rent a car without a deposit in Dubai, check out our guide on how to do that and what to expect.

Late or Early Return Penalties

Rental time is counted in 24-hour blocks. Most companies give a short grace period of 30–60 minutes, but extra hours are charged, usually AED 20–80 per hour, often rounded up. Returning the car very late can cost an extra full day and may void insurance for that time. For long-term rentals, returning early can cancel discounted rates, making the total cost higher.

Insurance Excess & Add-Ons

A basic collision damage waiver (CDW) covers car damage, but you still pay a deductible, usually AED 1,500–5,000 (higher for luxury cars). Tires, rims, glass, the underside, and the interior are often not covered. Rental companies often offer extra zero-deductible insurance to cover these gaps.

Mileage Limits & Over-Mileage Fees

Most of the car rentals set a limit on the number of kilometers that can be driven either daily or monthly. When going beyond the set limit, the driver will have to pay for each extra km at a rate of AED 0.30–0.50, which can be quite a high amount when on a long journey.

Additional Driver Fees

For the insurance to be valid, every driver must be listed on the contract. Adding a second driver usually costs about AED 20 per day, one of the common hidden fees in Dubai car rental.

Equipment & Add-On Fees

There are certain selections that a person can make, such as a GPS, Wi-Fi, or a child seat, that are not always cheap. For instance, the price of a children’s seat is normally AED 39 per day, and over the course of a week, it could become quite a substantial sum.

Administrative & Processing Fees

The rental companies are inserting a good reason into the extra charges they impose, such as the costs of the different steps related to dismantling, accident reports, and other paperwork. They can ask you to pay for each offense AED 70 + 5% VAT. Apart from this, there are fees for cleaning or internal damage ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌processing.

Traffic Fines / Fine-Handling Fees

If you get a traffic fine during your rental, the company usually passes the cost on to you. On top of the fine itself, many rental companies add an administrative fee for processing the payment. 

VAT / Sales Tax

Most car rentals in Dubai charge VAT (currently 5%) in addition to the base rental price. This tax may not always be included in the initial quote, so the final amount you pay can be higher than expected.

Airport Pickup / Drop-off Surcharges

Picking up or returning a car at the airport or certain premium locations often comes with an extra fee. These surcharges are sometimes not mentioned up front, especially when you rent a car at Dubai Airport.

Why Dubai Car Rental Companies Use Hidden Fees

• They set low base rates to attract more customers.
• Most profit comes from extras like insurance, extra mileage, and admin fees.
• Contracts are long and complex to confuse renters.
• Some clauses make renters pay for tires, undercarriage, or other exclusions.
• New or foreign renters are more likely to miss local rules, like tolls or fines.
• Companies often hide costs with unclear pricing or vague car condition photos.

How to Avoid Hidden Fees For Car Rental in Dubai

Avoiding hidden fees in Dubai car rental is possible, so don’t worry! You can prevent hidden costs by being prepared and keeping clear proof at every step. Just follow the tips below:

1- Read the rental agreement carefully

Take your time to go through every part of the contract. Don’t let the agent rush you. Make sure all fees, penalties, and insurance details are written down. Verbal promises must be added to the contract. If an agent offers a verbal guarantee, insist that it is documented and co-signed on the physical contract. Also, make sure you have all the required documents for renting a car in Dubai ready when signing the contract to avoid delays or surprises.

2- Check the fuel policy

To avoid extra fuel charges, take a time-stamped photo of the fuel gauge when you pick up the car. Fill the tank just before returning it and keep the receipt. This proof protects you from any unfair refuelling fees.

3- Understand toll (Salik) charges

Because the administration fee can be high and charged multiple times, ask the agent, “What is the total cost for each Salik toll, including your admin fee?” and check how often you will be billed. Once you know the total rate (for example, AED 6.10), you can plan your driving routes to avoid extra tolls and reduce repeated admin fees.

4- Confirm the deposit rules

Before paying the deposit, know exactly how much will be held and when it will be released (usually up to 30 days).  Request written documentation of this policy. Use a separate credit card for the deposit so it doesn’t affect your other funds.

5- Limit extra drivers and add-ons

Only register essential drivers to avoid hidden fees in Dubai car rental. Skip expensive extras like GPS or Wi-Fi. Modern phones and SIM cards can do the same job. Child seats and other equipment can be costly.

6- Pick the right mileage plan

Make​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ sure that you estimate the number of kilometres you will be driving very carefully before you complete your booking. Long-term rentals or journeys to nearby Emirates may thus quickly exceed the limit. If you want to go further, why not get an unlimited mileage package right from the start?

For longer stays or frequent driving, consider a monthly car rental in Dubai to save on overall costs and get more flexible mileage options.

It is generally more economical to pay a small extra amount for unlimited kilometres than to pay excess fees that could be anywhere from AED 0.30 to 0.50 per kilometre. ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌

7- Document the car’s condition

Take detailed photos and videos when picking up and returning the car. Include tires, glass, and interior. Ask the agent to inspect the car with you and sign the final report.

8- Pay tolls and fines yourself if possible

To avoid the high administrative fee (for example, AED 70 + VAT) that the company charges for handling fines, pay fines yourself whenever possible. If you get a traffic fine, try to pay it directly and immediately using the RTA or Salik online portals. This way, you remove the extra admin fees, and your security deposit will be released faster.

9- Choose a trustworthy rental company

A trustworthy company is primarily concerned with fair pricing and customer service. Reliable companies also:

• Do not include hidden fees for reservations or administration.
• Ensure that customers understand the details of the regulations.
• Offer accurate and honest information about the vehicle.
• Serve customers professionally in case of any disagreements and ensure they aren’t charged unfairly.

Dubai Car Rental Contract Checklist to Avoid Extra Charges

These five checks cover the key steps you need to take to make sure your rental agreement is clear and fair:

Why Honest Car Rental Companies Are Worth It in Dubai?

A stress-free rental experience comes from clear, honest pricing with no surprises. If you truly want to avoid hidden fees in Dubai car rental, choosing a trustworthy company makes all the difference, and Saadatrent is one of the reliable options in Dubai. When you choose a rental partner that’s upfront and trustworthy, you don’t have to worry about complex charges or unexpected costs; you can enjoy your time driving in Dubai with peace of mind. Visit Saadatrent’s website to see the prices, explore the fleet, and judge the advantages for yourself.

For even more detailed insights on renting cars in Dubai, from vehicle selection and pricing to local driving tips, don’t forget to check out The Ultimate Car Rental Guide for Dubai for a complete overview.

FAQ

Are GPS, Wi-Fi, or child seats included in the rental price?

No, these are usually optional add-ons and can cost AED 25–55/day for GPS and AED 30–50/day for child seats.

How can I avoid extra kilometres fees?

Estimate your total distance and consider an unlimited mileage package to avoid charges of AED 0.30–1.00 per km.

Should I document the car’s condition when picking it up?

Yes, take photos and videos of the exterior, interior, tires, and glass to avoid disputes over damage charges.

Is VAT included in the rental price?

Not always. Most rentals add 5% VAT on top of the quoted price.

Does insurance cover all parts of the car?

Basic insurance usually excludes tires, rims, glass, the underside, and the interior. Zero-deductible add-ons are needed to cover these.

Can I pay for my rental in cash to avoid a credit card hold?

No, most companies still require a credit card hold for the security deposit, even if the rental is paid in cash.

Do long-term rentals have different hidden fees than short-term rentals?

Yes, early return penalties, extra kilometres, and insurance rules may vary for weekly or monthly rentals.

Do luxury cars have higher hidden fees?

Yes, insurance excess, security deposit, and some add-ons are usually higher for premium or luxury vehicles.