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HeyRenter Frequently Asked Questions

HeyRenter is a Dubai car rental booking service. We work with verified rental suppliers in Dubai so you can compare cars, prices, and terms in one place, then book the one that fits. The answers below cover booking, documents, payments, deposits, insurance, tolls, delivery, and what happens during your rental. Terms can differ from one supplier to the next, so each car listing shows its own exact rules before you confirm.

Booking and How It Works

How do I book a car on HeyRenter?

You book a car on HeyRenter in five steps, all online. Search for the car you want, pick your dates, choose pickup or delivery, share your contact details, then reserve.

  1. Search and filter cars by category, brand, or daily price.
  2. Pick your rental start and end dates and times.
  3. Choose pickup at the supplier or delivery to your location.
  4. Enter your phone number and preferred chat app so the supplier can confirm.
  5. Reserve with no upfront payment. You pay the supplier at pickup or delivery.

After you reserve, the supplier reviews the request and confirms. You then get a confirmation message with pickup or delivery details. Most bookings clear quickly, though confirmation time depends on the supplier.

I booked a car. What happens next?

Once your booking is confirmed, the supplier prepares the car for your start date. On pickup or delivery day, you meet the supplier, sign the rental agreement, hand over your documents, and pay the rental amount and any deposit. After that, the car is yours for the rental period.

Keep your phone reachable on the day. The supplier or driver may call to confirm timing or location. Inspect the car before you drive off and photograph any existing scratches or dents. Photos protect you when you return the vehicle.

Which emirates does HeyRenter cover?

HeyRenter currently covers Dubai. Other emirates are coming soon. You can still drive your rental anywhere in the UAE during your booking.

Can I book a car for my company or as a business?

Bookings run through an individual, not a company account. Each rental is made by one person using their own documents and their own payment method. The driver named on the booking must match the documents and the card used. If your business needs several cars or a longer arrangement, contact our support team and we will point you to suppliers who handle corporate rentals.

Can I change or cancel a booking?

Change and cancellation rules are set by the supplier, and each listing shows them before you reserve. Read the cancellation terms on the listing first, then message our support team if you need to change dates or cancel.

Documents and Eligibility

What documents do I need to rent a car in the UAE?

What you need depends on whether you are a UAE resident or a visitor.

UAE residents bring:

  • A valid UAE driving licence
  • A valid Emirates ID

Tourists and visitors bring:

  • A passport with a valid UAE entry or visit visa
  • A home country driving licence
  • An International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English or Arabic

Bring the original documents on pickup day. Suppliers cannot accept photos or photocopies because driver details must be verified and registered.

Do tourists always need an International Driving Permit?

Not always. If your home country licence is written in English or Arabic, you can usually drive a rental on it during your visit. If your licence is in another language or script, you must carry an International Driving Permit alongside it. The permit acts as an official translation that suppliers and police accept.

Driving without the right permit carries real risk. If you have an accident without a valid permit, your insurance cover can be denied and you may face heavy fines. When in doubt, get the permit before you travel.

I have an Emirates ID and residence visa. Can I rent with my home licence?

No. Once you become a UAE resident, your home country licence and any International Driving Permit are no longer valid for driving here. You must hold a UAE driving licence to rent and drive. This is a legal requirement, not a supplier preference. Driving as a resident on a foreign licence can lead to fines and an uninsured claim if you crash.

What is the minimum age and driving experience to rent?

The minimum age starts at 21 for most cars and rises to 25 for luxury and high-performance vehicles. The exact age depends on the car category and the insurance attached to that vehicle. Many suppliers also ask for at least one year of driving experience, while some accept new drivers on economy cars.

Each listing shows its own age and experience rule. If you do not meet the requirement for one car, filter for another. Our support team can help you find a vehicle that matches your age and licence history.

Can I rent with photos or copies of my documents?

No. Suppliers need your original documents to complete the rental. Driver details are checked and registered before you take the car, and copies cannot be verified the same way. Bring the physical licence, Emirates ID or passport, and any required permit to pickup or have them ready for the delivery driver.

Payments and Deposits

How and when do I pay for my rental?

You pay nothing online. Payment happens at handover.

  • Reservation: free, with no upfront payment.
  • Rental amount: paid to the supplier at pickup or delivery, by the method shown on the listing.
  • Deposit: refundable security amount, taken at pickup when the supplier requires one.
  • Extra charges: tolls, fines, or fuel shortfalls, invoiced when you return the car.

Accepted payment methods vary by supplier. Some take credit and debit cards, some cards only, and some cash. The listing shows the exact methods before you book, so check them to avoid surprises at pickup.

What is the final price I pay?

The price you see at checkout includes the rental and any options you selected, such as delivery or a child seat. HeyRenter shows the full booking total before you confirm, so there are no hidden platform fees on top. Usage costs that depend on how you drive, such as Salik tolls, fuel, or fines, are charged separately and only if you incur them.

How do security deposits work?

A security deposit is a refundable amount the supplier holds during your rental. It covers possible damage, traffic fines, or unpaid tolls. Many suppliers block the amount on your card rather than taking it as cash, then release it after you return the car and any charges clear.

Deposit amounts and refund timing differ by supplier and car class. A small economy car holds a lower deposit than a luxury vehicle. Refunds can take a few days to a few weeks to appear, depending on the supplier and your bank. The exact deposit and refund window are shown on the listing before you book.

What does a deposit-free rental mean?

A deposit-free rental lets you skip the refundable security hold. Instead, you pay a small non-refundable fee. This suits short trips and anyone who does not want funds blocked on their card. You still stay responsible for fines, tolls, and any damage during the rental. Look for the no-deposit filter to see which cars offer it.

Can I pay cash if the listing says card only?

No. If a listing is marked card only, the supplier cannot accept cash for that rental. Card-only terms are often tied to the supplier's deposit and insurance setup. Check the accepted payment methods on the listing before you book. If you prefer to pay cash, filter for suppliers who accept it.

Are there discounts or promo codes?

Any active discount is already shown in the price on the listing. If you hold a promo code, enter it at the final step of booking to apply the saving before you reserve. The discounted total then appears in your booking summary.

Insurance

Is the rental car insured?

Yes. Every car on HeyRenter comes with basic insurance, and that is the only cover available. There are no upgrades or optional insurance packages. Basic insurance has limits and an excess, which is the amount you pay toward a claim before insurance takes over. The excess amount is shown on the listing, so read it before you reserve.

What is an insurance excess?

The excess is the share of repair or claim costs you pay if the car is damaged. The amount depends on the car and is shown on the listing. HeyRenter rentals come with basic insurance only, so there is no excess reduction or damage waiver to add.

What am I responsible for during the rental?

You stay responsible for tolls, traffic fines, fuel, and any damage caused by misuse. Insurance does not cover off-road driving, driving under the influence, or letting an unregistered driver use the car. Add any extra driver to the agreement so they are covered too. If you break the rental terms, you may lose insurance protection and become liable for the full cost.

Driving in the UAE

What are Salik and Darb tolls and who pays them?

Salik and Darb are the UAE's electronic road toll systems. Dubai uses Salik, and Abu Dhabi uses Darb. When you drive through a toll gate, a small fee is charged automatically, with no need to stop. You pay these charges as the driver, usually settled with the supplier when you return the car.

Each Salik crossing in Dubai costs a few dirhams per gate. Check the current gate prices on the official Salik website. For Abu Dhabi gate locations and fees, see the Darb toll system from the Integrated Transport Centre.

Will the car come with a full tank of fuel?

The fuel policy is set by the supplier and shown on each listing. A common policy gives you the car with a full tank, and you return it full. Others run on a like-for-like level. If you return the car with less fuel than you got, the supplier charges for the shortfall, often with a small admin fee on top. Photograph the fuel gauge at pickup so the level is clear.

Can I drive the rental car between emirates?

Yes. There are no internal borders inside the UAE, so you can drive freely between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the other emirates on a valid rental. Taking the car outside the UAE is a different matter and is usually not allowed without written permission from the supplier. Crossing a national border without consent can void your insurance. Ask the supplier first if you plan to leave the country.

What happens if I get a traffic fine during the rental?

Traffic fines are linked to the car and passed to you as the driver. The supplier may charge the fine to your deposit or invoice you separately, sometimes with an admin fee for processing it. Drive within the limits and follow road rules to avoid them. If a fine appears after you return the car, the supplier contacts you to settle it.

Delivery and Pickup

Can the car be delivered to me?

Yes. Many suppliers deliver the car to your home, hotel, or the airport, and collect it at the end. When you book, you choose delivery or self-pickup at the supplier's location. Delivery is handy if you land at the airport or do not want to travel to collect the car.

How much does delivery cost?

Delivery fees depend on the supplier, the area, and the distance. Delivery nearby is cheaper than delivery further away. Some suppliers offer free delivery within a set area. The exact delivery and collection fee appears when you select that option during booking, so you see the cost before you confirm.

Can I pick up at the airport?

Yes, with suppliers who offer airport delivery. This is a popular choice for tourists arriving at Dubai International. Choose the airport as your delivery point during booking, and check the listing for any airport delivery fee. Have your documents ready so handover is quick when you land.

Add-Ons and Extras

Can I add a child seat?

Yes. Ask for a child seat when you book or message the supplier through chat. Most suppliers offer infant and child seats for a small extra fee per rental. Confirm the seat type you need so it fits your child's age and size. The fee is shown before you confirm, so there are no surprises at pickup.

Can I add an extra driver?

Yes. An additional driver can be registered on the rental, but they must be named on the agreement to stay insured. The extra driver brings their own valid licence and, if needed, an International Driving Permit, and must be present at signing. Some suppliers add a small fee for a second driver. An unregistered driver is not covered if there is an accident.

Is there a mileage limit?

Some rentals include unlimited mileage, and others cap the daily or monthly distance. If you go over the cap, the supplier charges a small fee for each extra kilometre. Daily city rentals often include enough mileage for normal use, while long road trips may need an unlimited plan. Check the mileage policy on the listing and pick a plan that fits your trip.

Rental Periods

What is the shortest rental period?

The minimum period is set by the supplier. Many start at one day, while some ask for a minimum of two or three days. Monthly rentals run on a separate, lower daily rate. Check the minimum period on the listing before you book so your dates qualify for the price shown.

Can I rent monthly or long term?

Yes. Monthly rentals give you a much lower daily rate than short trips and suit residents, long stays, and anyone between cars. A monthly plan often includes scheduled maintenance and may waive the deposit. Use the monthly filter to see long term cars and their included services.

Can I extend my rental?

Yes. Contact the supplier or our support team before your end date to extend. Extending early helps the supplier keep the same car available for you. Your rental is re-quoted for its new total length, so a longer stay often qualifies for a better weekly or monthly rate. An extension never costs you less than what you have already agreed to pay. Delivery is not charged again, and basic insurance continues for the added days. Arrange the extension before the rental ends to avoid an overdue charge.

Support and Problems

How do I contact HeyRenter support?

Reach our support team through the contact option on the website or your booking chat. We help before you book, during your rental, and after you return the car. If you are unsure which car fits your licence, budget, or dates, message us and we will guide you to the right listing.

Does HeyRenter have a physical office?

Our registered office is at Meydan Grandstand, but there's no walk-in branch. Everything is done online.

What do I do if something goes wrong during my rental?

Contact the supplier first for anything tied to the car, such as a breakdown, flat tyre, or warning light. Keep their contact details from your booking handy. For a breakdown or accident, follow the supplier's roadside assistance steps and call the police if the law requires a report. If you cannot reach the supplier, message HeyRenter support and we will help sort it out.

What happens if I return the car late?

A late return usually means an extra day charge, and it can affect the next customer waiting for the car. If you know you will be late, tell the supplier as early as possible so they can adjust. Returning on time, with the agreed fuel level and no new damage, keeps your deposit refund smooth.

How do I list my own car on HeyRenter?

If you run a rental fleet and want to reach more customers, you can list your cars on HeyRenter. Use the list-your-cars option on the website to start. Our team reviews suppliers before they go live so customers see verified listings with clear terms.