Sports
Convertible
Luxury
SUV
Family
Coupe
Muscle
Pickup Truck
Sedan
Electric
Economy
Lamborghini
McLaren
Ferrari
Rolls Royce
Bentley
Porsche
BMW
Mercedes
Mini Cooper
Hyundai
Cadillac
Audi
Ford
Tesla
Lincoln
GMC
Mazda
Jeep
Fiat
Hummer
Lexus
Dodge
Land Rover
Nissan
Chevrolet
Toyota
Lixiang
A thorough pre-rental inspection takes just 5–10 minutes but can save you hundreds of dirhams and prevent disputes when returning the vehicle. Many renters in Dubai have faced unfair charges for scratches or damages they never caused, simply because they skipped the initial walk-around. Documenting the car’s condition before you drive off protects you from being held responsible for pre-existing issues. At Brook Drive Rental in Dubai, we offer rentals without a deposit, reducing financial risks, but completing the Vehicle Condition Report remains essential for every client.
Documents and Salik Verification
Before inspecting the car physically, verify all paperwork. Check the registration card (Mulkiya) to confirm the vehicle details match the rental agreement: make, model, plate number, and year. Review your insurance policy carefully, paying attention to coverage limits, deductible (franchise), and exclusions. In the UAE, typical franchise amounts range from 1,500 to 5,000 AED depending on the car class, so clarify this upfront.
Next, locate the Salik tag on the windshield. This RFID chip should be affixed approximately 1 cm below the rearview mirror, in the upper central section of the glass. The tag enables automatic payment at toll gates across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If the Salik sticker is missing or misplaced, you may face fines or administrative fees. Ensure it is properly attached and visible before you sign the contract.
Exterior Walk-Around
Bodywork & Bumpers
Always inspect the car in daylight or under bright lighting, and ensure the vehicle is clean and dry. Scratches and dents are invisible on a wet or dusty surface. Pay special attention to the lower edges of the front and rear bumpers, where contact with Dubai’s high curbs is common. Run your hand gently along the underside of the bumpers to feel for scuffs that may not be immediately visible.
Check all body panels, fenders, and doors for dents, paint chips, or misaligned parts. Under Dubai’s intense sunlight, even minor imperfections stand out sharply, so examine the car from multiple angles. If you’re renting a sports car in Dubai with low ground clearance, bumper inspection becomes even more critical due to the risk of expensive repairs.
| Model | Daily Price | 30+ Days Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari F8 Spider | 3390 AED | On request | High repair cost for scratches |
| Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder | 3100 AED | On request | Low clearance requires careful bumper check |
| Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge | 5535 AED | On request | Inspect paintwork under bright sun |
Windows & Mirrors
Dubai’s desert environment means sand and small stones are constantly kicked up on highways, leading to micro-chips and cracks in windshields. Inspect the glass closely under bright light, looking for star-shaped chips, hairline cracks, or pitting. Even a tiny chip can spread rapidly in extreme heat, and you don’t want to be blamed for damage that existed before your rental period.
Check all side windows and mirrors for cracks or scratches. Ensure mirrors adjust smoothly and are securely attached. Test the rear window defroster and wiper if present, as these are often overlooked but critical during rare rainy days.
Tires & Rims
Wheel rims are a common source of disputes. Walk around the car and examine each rim for curb scratches, scuffs, or dents. In Dubai, many parking areas have high kerbs, and rim damage is frequent. If you’re renting an SUV in Dubai, the large wheels are particularly susceptible to scrapes.
Inspect the tires for adequate tread depth, uneven wear, bulges (known as «hernias»), and sidewall cuts. Check the spare tire in the trunk, and confirm that the jack, lug wrench, and other tools are present and functional. Missing equipment can leave you stranded in case of a flat.
| Model | Daily Price | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes G63 AMG Night Package | 2290 AED | Large rims susceptible to curb damage |
| BMW X6M Green | 1530 AED | Sport tires profile check required |
| Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum | 1290 AED | Check sidewalls for cuts |
Interior & Equipment Check
Cleanliness & Odors
Smell is a telltale sign of previous misuse. Smoking inside rental cars is strictly prohibited in the UAE, and violations can result in cleaning fees ranging from 500 to 2,000 AED, including ozone treatment to remove odors. Sniff the cabin for any cigarette smoke, and check seats, headliner, and floor mats for burn marks or ash.
Inspect upholstery, door panels, and carpets for stains, tears, or excessive wear. Report any damage immediately. If you’re renting a family car in Dubai, cabin cleanliness is especially important for comfort during family trips.
AC & Electronics
In Dubai’s summer heat, which often exceeds 40°C, a fully functional air conditioning system is not a luxury but a necessity. Turn the AC to maximum power and check that cold air flows evenly from all vents. Feel the air temperature at the central vents; it should be noticeably cool within a minute or two.
Test all electronic features: windows, sunroof, seat adjustments, multimedia system, USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. Ensure the dashboard displays no warning lights. If you’re renting a convertible car in Dubai, also test the roof mechanism. Convertible tops can accumulate sand in their folding mechanisms, causing jams or leaks, so open and close the roof fully to confirm smooth operation.
| Model | Daily Price | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Bentley Continental Convertible Grey | 2690 AED | Convertible |
| Porsche 911 Targa 4S | 1890 AED | Convertible |
| Ford Mustang GT 5.0L V8 | 890 AED | Convertible |
Fuel and Mileage Check
Most rental companies in Dubai operate on a Full-to-Full fuel policy: you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full. This is the fairest and most transparent arrangement. Before driving off, photograph the fuel gauge showing a full tank. Also, take a clear photo of the odometer displaying the current mileage.
Some contracts include daily mileage limits (for example, 250 km per day). Confirm these limits in your agreement and calculate whether they suit your travel plans. Exceeding the limit incurs additional charges, so understanding the terms upfront prevents surprises at checkout.
How to Document Damages (Photos & Video)
Your smartphone is your best insurance policy. Before you sign the Vehicle Condition Report, walk around the car and record a continuous video, capturing all four sides, the roof, and undercarriage if accessible. Speak aloud as you film, noting any scratches, dents, or issues you observe. This creates a timestamped audiovisual record that is difficult to dispute.
In addition to video, take high-resolution photos of each corner of the car, close-ups of any existing damage, and wide shots showing the overall condition. Include the license plate in some frames to prove which vehicle you inspected. Store these files in cloud storage immediately so they are preserved with metadata (date and time stamps).
What to Do If You Find Damage?
If you discover scratches, dents, or malfunctioning equipment during your inspection, inform the rental agent immediately and insist that every issue is documented in the Vehicle Condition Report before you sign. Do not accept vague assurances or verbal promises; everything must be in writing.
If the manager refuses to note the damage, politely ask for a written statement explaining the refusal. Continue filming or photographing the interaction. In the UAE, this documentation can be crucial if a dispute arises later. You may also escalate the issue by contacting the company’s customer service or filing a complaint with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) if necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many renters rush through the inspection, eager to start their trip. However, skipping steps can cost you dearly. Here are the most common mistakes:
- Inspecting a dirty car: Dust and water hide scratches. Always request a clean, dry vehicle.
- Trusting verbal assurances: If the agent says «Don’t worry, we’ll note it later,» insist on immediate documentation.
- Forgetting to check the spare tire: A missing or flat spare can leave you stranded in the desert.
- Not testing electronics: A broken AC or non-functional USB port may seem minor, but in Dubai’s heat, they matter.
- Skipping photos: Without visual proof, it’s your word against theirs.
Why Brook Drive Makes Inspection Easier
At Brook Drive, we maintain our fleet in impeccable condition through our own Brooklands detailing center. Every car is professionally cleaned and inspected before handover. However, we still encourage every client to perform this walk-around as a best practice. Our transparent approach means we document everything upfront, so there are no surprises when you return the vehicle.
Whether you choose a prestigious model like a Rolls Royce in Dubai or a dependable daily driver, taking a few extra minutes at pickup can save you from headaches at return. Drive safely, and enjoy your journey across the Emirates.
| Model | Daily Price | Class/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Land Cruiser 300 | 650 AED | Reliable SUV |
| Mazda 6 | 390 AED | Economy Sedan |
| Audi RS6 Avant | 1550 AED | Sports Family |
