Renting a Car in Saudi Arabia: Top Mistakes | Yelo

Top Seven Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Car in Saudi Arabia

Car renting is often the go-to move when travelers think about seamless transportation during their stay abroad. This is because car hire offers an opportunity to explore the place at their own pace without worrying about public transportation schedules, which wastes time that could otherwise be used to achieve their goals. 

That being said, unfortunately, some travelers fail to consider some details related to the car-renting process that could minimize the benefits they could get out of their contract or lead to additional charges that could have been avoided with extra attention.

Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the top seven mistakes to avoid when renting a car in Saudi Arabia to help you get the most out of your car hire experience.

Top Seven Mistakes Make Sure to Avoid

When renting a car in Saudi Arabia, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth experience. While car rentals offer convenience and flexibility, common mistakes can lead to unexpected costs, frustrations, or even disruptions to your travel plans. Here, we'll cover the top seven mistakes to watch out for so you can enjoy your rental experience with peace of mind and avoid any unnecessary surprises.

• Choosing the Wrong Type of Vehicle for Your Needs

The purpose of your visit to Saudi Arabia will determine the type of vehicle you should consider. Ask yourself: are you going on a business trip, a recreational visit with the family, or maybe a bit of both? 

A compact, well-equipped car with connectivity features like a Toyota Camry might be ideal for business travel. At the same time, a spacious SUV may be more suitable for a family trip, providing extra room and comfort.

Choosing a car that doesn't align with your needs can add unnecessary stress and distract you from your goals. To ensure a smooth and productive trip, take time to plan and clarify what you require in a vehicle. By selecting the right car, you'll be well-supported and better equipped to focus on the purpose of your visit.

• Failing to Compare Prices Across Rental Companies

Once you know what type of car you need, take time to compare rental companies based on service quality and pricing to find the best fit for your budget. Car rental companies vary among each other in the services they offer and the pricing of these services. Therefore, make sure to compare the companies and choose the one that gives you the best service for your budget.

Moreover, if you are staying in Saudi Arabia for a long period, you will find that monthly car rentals are cheaper than daily rentals, which will save you a lot of money in the long run. 

• Not Checking for Hidden Fees and Extra Charges

One of the most common pitfalls in car rentals is failing to thoroughly check for hidden fees and extra charges. At first glance, a rental deal might seem like a great bargain, but additional costs can add up quickly if you're not careful. Many car rental companies include extra fees in the fine print, which can turn an affordable rate into an expensive one. These hidden charges can range from administrative fees to unexpected costs for services like airport pickup, additional mileage, insurance, or refueling.

Therefore, make sure to read everything carefully and ask about every policy to get a full understanding before closing the deal.

• Ignoring Insurance Options and Coverage Details

Most car rental companies offer insurance options for an additional fee, and while we all hope for smooth trips, having adequate coverage can provide peace of mind and protect you from costly accidents or damages.

Make sure to verify the coverage details of the insurance policy and ask to add it to your contract. While most people think this step is minor and unnecessary, it will guarantee peace of mind if anything happens.

• Overlooking Fuel Policies and Refueling Requirements

Your company can ask you to commit to different fueling policies in the contract. For example, the company might follow a Full-to-Full policy, where you are expected to refill the tank before returning the car. Failing to do so will lead to additional charges you can otherwise avoid. 

On the other hand, an Empty-to-Empty fuel policy means that you will receive the car and have to fill the tank yourself, so it would be wise to pick a branch near a gas station.

This could be a deciding factor in your contract; therefore, pay attention to this detail and plan accordingly.

• Neglecting to Confirm Your Booking Ahead of Time

This is a crucial step to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. Nowadays, most car rental companies offer a car rental application for smartphones that allows you to choose the car and confirm your booking beforehand. 

Confirming your booking will ensure the car is checked, prepared, and available for pickup. 

• Skipping a Thorough Vehicle Inspection Before Driving Off

Although the rental company will conduct a thorough inspection, it's wise to double-check the car yourself before driving off. Examine the exterior for any visible damage, test all key features, and report any issues immediately. This simple step can prevent you from being held responsible for pre-existing damage, sparing you from costly repairs on issues that were already present when you received the vehicle.

Yelo: Discover the Services of the Best Car Rental Company in Saudi Arabia

Looking to rent a car in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Madina, or anywhere across Saudi Arabia? Yelo offers an exceptional car rental experience with comprehensive customer care, ensuring you have everything you need for a smooth trip.

Enjoy an easy booking process, 360° insurance coverage, and a fleet collected to meet your every need. With branches all over the kingdom, diverse services, and exceptional customer service, Yelo ensures that your car rental experience is nothing but extraordinary.

Discover Yelo services and membership plans that Yelo offers to make your trip easier. Book your car now!