Both visitors and residents tend to rent cars during their stay in Dubai. Whenever you like, you can visit sights within the city and in the surrounding areas. Before you reserve a car, read about the fuel policy at car rental Dubai. If you understand fuel, you’ll be exempt from hidden costs and your rental will go smoothly.
What Are Fuel Policies?
Fuel policies are the rules about how much fuel should be in the car when you pick it up and when you return it. Every car rental company in Dubai has a fuel policy. It tells you if you need to return the car with a full tank or if other options are available.
Common Fuel Policies in Car Rental Dubai
Full to Full Policy
The full-to-full policy is the most common one in Dubai. This means you get the car with a full tank of fuel. You should return it with a full tank, too. If you don’t refill the tank before returning, the rental company will charge you for the missing fuel. Usually, they charge at a higher rate than the local petrol stations.
This policy is simple and fair. You only pay for the fuel you use. So, if you know you will drive a lot, this is the best option.
Full to Empty Policy
In this case, you pick up the car with a full tank, but you don’t have to refill it before returning. You return the car with any amount of fuel left. The rental company charges you upfront for the full tank.
This can be convenient if you do not want to worry about stopping to refill the tank. But if you use less fuel, you won’t get a refund for the unused fuel. So, this policy can be more expensive.
Pre-Purchase Fuel Policy
Some companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option. You pay for a full tank at the start, but you can return the car empty or with any amount of fuel. Like the full to empty policy, this may cost more if you don’t use the full tank.
This option is good if you plan to drive a lot and don’t want to refill during the rental. But if you drive less, it’s better to avoid this policy.
Same to Same Policy
With this policy, you pick up the car with a certain amount of fuel, say half a tank. You must return it with the same amount. It can be tricky to measure exactly how much fuel is left, so be careful with this policy. It is not very common in Dubai, but sometimes offered by smaller rental companies.
Tips to Save on Fuel When You Rent a Car in Dubai
- Always check the fuel policy before booking your car rental Dubai.
- If you choose full to full, fill up the tank at local petrol stations before returning the car. Fuel in Dubai is cheaper than at the airport or fuel stations near the rental companies.
- Keep the receipt when you refill the fuel. It can help if there is a dispute about how much fuel you used.
- Plan your trips well to avoid unnecessary driving and save fuel.
- Use a GPS or map app to find the shortest route and avoid traffic jams.
How to Choose the Best Fuel Policy for You?
- If you want full control and only pay for what you use, go for the full to full policy.
- If you want convenience and don’t mind paying upfront, full to empty or pre-purchase fuel policies can work.
- Check online reviews of car rental Dubai companies to see which policies customers liked most.
- Ask the rental company directly if you have questions about fuel.
Final Thoughts
Managing fuel policies can feel confusing at the beginning, but once you understand them, it’s simple. Make sure to go through the rental agreement before you sign it. Knowledge of your fuel policy can save costs and improve your trip. If you are in Dubai for either business or pleasure, renting a car with the right fuel policy gives you peace of mind.
