The car rental deposit in Dubai, explained

Almost every car rental in Dubai includes a security deposit, and with luxury and sports cars it can be a significant amount. It is not a fee and it is not part of the rental price: it is a guarantee that is returned to you. Understanding how it works avoids most of the misunderstandings that renters have, and makes the end of your rental much simpler.

What the deposit is for

The deposit protects the rental company against costs that may appear during or after your rental. In Dubai there are three main ones:

• Salik tolls. Every pass under a Salik gate is charged to the car automatically. The charges reach the rental company after the trip.
• Traffic fines. Speed cameras, parking fines and other violations are registered against the car's plate, sometimes days after the offence.
• Damage and missing items. Scratches, wheel damage, a missing key or a car returned without enough fuel.

Because tolls and fines arrive late, the company keeps the deposit for a period after you return the car, checks the systems and then releases it, minus any charges.

Blocked, not charged

On a credit card the deposit is usually a pre-authorisation, often called a block. The amount is reserved on your card and reduces your available limit, but it is not taken from your account. When the company releases it, the block disappears. If the company has to charge tolls or fines, it takes only those amounts and releases the rest.

This is why companies ask for a credit card in the driver's name. Some accept other methods, but ask in advance rather than at hand-over.

How long it takes

The holding period varies between companies and depends on how long fines can take to appear in the system. Periods of two to four weeks are common in Dubai. Consumer guidance in the UAE says the deposit should be released within 30 days of the end of the rental if there are no violations or damage. Once the company releases the block, your bank may need a few more days to show it on your statement.

Ask for the holding period when you book, so you are not surprised when you get home.

How much it is

The amount depends on the car. An everyday car carries a modest deposit; supercars and large luxury SUVs carry much higher ones, because repairs and fines on these cars cost more. Some companies also offer a no-deposit option for an extra fee. Ask for the exact figure for your car when you request the rate, and check that your card's limit covers it.

Protecting yourself at hand-over

Most deposit disputes come from damage that was already on the car. A few minutes at hand-over avoids them:

1. Walk around the car with the company's representative.
2. Photograph or film every side, the wheels, the windscreen and the interior, with the date visible.
3. Note existing scratches on the hand-over form and keep a copy.
4. Check the fuel level and the mileage, and photograph the dashboard.

Protecting yourself at return

Repeat the same check when you give the car back. Photograph the car and the dashboard again, return it with the agreed fuel level, and ask for written confirmation that the car was returned without new damage. Keep all the photos until the deposit is released.

Fines during your rental

You can check for traffic fines on the Dubai Police or RTA apps using the plate number, or simply ask the rental company. Paying attention to speed limits and parking zones is the easiest way to keep the deposit intact. Our guide to Salik tolls and traffic fines explains the rules that cause most charges.

Questions to ask before you book

• How much is the deposit for this car?
• Is it blocked on a credit card, and which cards are accepted?
• How long after the return is it released?
• How are tolls and fines charged, and is there an administration fee?
• What does the insurance cover and what is the excess?

Deposits with RG Speed

RG Speed Car Rental quotes the deposit together with the rate, for the car and the dates you choose. Send your request on WhatsApp to +971 58 592 2941 and ask the questions above in the same message. If you are choosing between a Bentley and a Ferrari 488, the answer will show the difference straight away. Read also the rental requirements.