Can't get a car?! | ExpatWoman.com
 

Can't get a car?!

16
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 August 2015 - 10:13

I passed my UK driving test in November last year, since then, every weekend I have been practicing with my partner in his car. That's 9 months of extra practice and training. I have now become an extremely confident driver and decided its time to get a car as I need to get to and from work everyday (a 40 minute drive). Last week I converted my UK license to a UAE license to prevent any issues with renting a car.

However I have now been told that as my UK license is less than one year old, I will not be able to rent a car due to the insurance not covering me. I feel this is really unfair as I worked very hard for this and its extremely inconvenient to be without a car. What angers me the most is that I feel that I am a much safer driver than a lot of the current drivers on the road yet they are all given insurance.

Buying a car is not an option for me right now. Does anyone have any recommendations?

1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2015 - 21:48
I would be very careful. If the larger, more reputable rental agencies are following insurer's requirements, you don't want any unpleasant surprises if you go with a smaller company that says "sure, no problem" until there is one. Check the rental agreement VERY VERY carefully - I understand your disappointment, However, imagine the problems if you are involved in an accident and discover afterwards that you are not properly insured. In this country, that can mean criminal charges and/or jail time depending on the severity of the accident and who is at fault. You do not want to spend any time in an Emirati jail or trust to the local legal system.
16
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 August 2015 - 12:43
Great, thanks a lot Ghazaal for your help :)
38
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 August 2015 - 11:14
Hi Rosie, I was not sure so just called them to check again. They confirmed that they give cars to new drivers even if the license is one day old. Second yes there is slight change in the insurance policy. They cover 90% of the insurance for new drivers instead of 100%. So God Firbids if you meet a accident you will have to pay 10% if its your fault and ofcourse some minimum demage amount which is standard. You can still ask them in more detail when needed 052-899 6262 I hope this will help
2264
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2015 - 11:13
Sadly it's a standard thing with all rental companies that drivers must have held a license for one year. It's for insurance coverage. If you look at any of their websites, they all state that.
16
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 August 2015 - 10:29
Hi Ghazaal, Many thanks for your reply. My only worry is the legality. I do not wish to take a car if by law, the insurers won't cover me. For example, if I did have an accident (God forbid) I wouldn't want to be liable to pay all the costs myself due to this insurance blip. Do you know whether its the law? Or just a few companies preferences?
38
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 August 2015 - 10:23
so sorry to hear about your situation. I know this law because i went through this back then when i was having new license. i really know how bad it feels to have driving permit but not the car to drive. i can suggest you to try small/medium rent a cars instead of going to big dealers. one of highly recommended is Future star rent a car you may google the contact number. It is in Qusais but they delivery of the cars all over dubai. I used to contact Abdul Rehman C/O Sohail anjum (family friend) to get discounts. never had any issues with them and price was better than dollar or thrifty. Best of Luck
 
 

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