When you search for a car rental in Sharjah, the price shown at first may not be the final amount you pay. Extra charges for insurance, airport pickup, additional drivers, or young-driver fees may appear later in your booking. To avoid hidden fees, check what is included in the base rate and what counts as an add-on. Our guide explains how to compare offers properly and what fees to expect.
Car rental costs in the UAE appear as separate line items. These can include VAT at 5%, toll administration fees, vehicle registration or licensing related fees, airport surcharges, and processing charges. This means the base daily rate may not reflect the total payable amount if VAT or other fees are added later.
Security deposits are usually taken as a hold on your card to cover possible extra charges such as tolls, traffic fines, or fuel differences. Some of these costs are processed after your rental ends, so the final total may only be confirmed once the vehicle is returned and all records are checked.
Also, pay attention to daily, weekly, or monthly offers. A weekly rate may look cheaper, but it could include stricter return times or specific mileage rules. Always compare the full cost for your exact dates and expected driving distance before confirming your booking.
Below are the fee types most tourists encounter from a car rental in Sharjah.
“Basic” cover usually means you are still responsible for paying an excess, which is the amount you must pay yourself if the car is damaged. CDW, or Collision Damage Waiver, is commonly included to limit how much you would pay for damage. However, the exact coverage and limits depend on the rental contract, so you should always read the details carefully.
Some companies offer stronger protection, often called Super CDW or SCDW, that further reduces your liability and may bring the excess close to zero if you follow all rental rules. Always check for exclusions. Common areas not fully covered can include tyres, the windscreen, the undercarriage, or damage caused by driving on unsuitable roads.
Security deposits are one of the most common concerns for travellers. A large amount is either charged or blocked on your card, and then you must wait for it to be released after the rental ends.
In the UAE, pre-authorisation often covers not only the rental cost but also an additional amount to protect the company against later charges. These may include refuelling costs, extra rental time, traffic fines, toll fees, or mileage overages. The deposit is blocked on your card and is usually released by the bank within around 30 days. However, the exact timing depends on your bank, so you may need to follow up with your card issuer if the release takes longer than expected.
Not every car rental in Sharjah includes unlimited mileage. Some offers allow you to drive as much as you like, while others set a daily or total kilometre limit. In certain cases, such as cross-border travel, stricter mileage caps may apply. If a mileage allowance applies, it should be clearly stated in your agreement.
Exceeding the limit usually results in an extra charge per kilometre, with the rate specified in your booking confirmation. Knowing the mileage limits are important because day trips between Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi can add up in distance.
Sharjah is not usually the top concern for tourists. The surprise often comes when you drive into Dubai or Abu Dhabi, where electronic toll systems are in place. These systems automatically record your vehicle’s crossings, and charges are billed in accordance with your rental contract.
Dubai has variable toll pricing with peak, off-peak, and toll-free periods. However, the total you pay may not be limited to the official toll rate. Some rental companies add an administrative fee to each toll crossing, plus VAT.
Fuel charges are one of the easiest hidden costs to avoid if you understand the rules. Many rental companies in the UAE use a full-to-full policy. This means you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full, or you may incur extra service charges.
Some companies also offer an advanced fuel purchase option. However, unused fuel is usually not refunded. The simplest advice for tourists is to choose full to full whenever possible and to refuel at a petrol station near your return location.
Late fees can be harsh because the car is booked for the next customer. A car rental in Sharjah may have a maximum grace period of 29 minutes. After that, it may apply an additional daily charge at the prevailing rate. So even “a little late” can become “one extra day”. Always plan to return early, especially during peak traffic.
Renting a car in Sharjah can be affordable if you know what to look for. Here’s how to avoid paying for hidden fees.
Before confirming your booking online, carefully review the key cost details in the rental terms. Check the total payable amount and what is included in the price. Look for the security deposit or hold amount and how long it may take to be released after return.
Review the mileage policy and the extra cost per kilometre if you exceed any limit. Also, check the fuel policy and possible refuelling charges, how tolls are billed, and whether administration fees apply. If anything is unclear, contact the rental company before finalising your booking.
When booking a Sharjah car rental online, shortlist only companies that clearly display or confirm key cost details before payment. A transparent listing should state the daily rate, total rental cost, what is included, what is limited, and how much is due now versus at pickup.
For example, some listings clearly show a per-day price, the total amount for your dates, and the amount you pay immediately to confirm the booking. Look carefully at mileage rules. Listings may show a limited number of kilometres per day with an extra charge per kilometre. This is the kind of detail you must notice before paying.
Check the security deposit terms. A clearly stated amount, such as an amount in USD blocked on a credit card at pickup, is a good sign of transparency.Review what is included as standard, such as Free Cancellation, Theft Protection, and Collision Damage Waiver. Then, check optional extras like GPS, baby seats, additional drivers, personal accident insurance, and Super Collision Damage Waiver, each with a clear daily cost.
Before moving the car, take 5 minutes to record a clear inspection video on your phone. Walk slowly around the vehicle and film the bumpers, doors, mirrors, and wheels. Record the windscreen and roof. Film the dashboard showing the fuel level and mileage.
Open the boot and, if possible, the spare wheel area. Then record the interior, including seats, floor mats, and any visible stains or marks. If the agent says there is no time, politely insist. Keep the car clean during your trip. Some providers charge cleaning fees, especially for sand or heavy dirt inside the vehicle.
Finding a car rental in Sharjah is less about chasing the lowest daily rate and more about understanding the full picture. The smartest travellers don’t just compare prices. They compare policies, deposits, mileage rules, tolls, and fuel terms before they click “book.”
Rent a car in Sharjah with Final Rentals to see exactly what you’re paying. Our booking page clearly shows the daily rate with no vague estimates. Select your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
Choose providers that confirm the final total in writing, including VAT, deposit/hold amount, and all mandatory fees. Ask how tolls (Salik) are charged if you plan to drive into Dubai, and keep the reply as proof.
Take a full walk‑around video upon return, photograph the fuel gauge, and keep the final invoice/receipt. Then monitor your card for several weeks, as tolls/fines may be billed later, depending on contract terms and processing time.
Many car rental companies allow you to confirm your car rental in Sharjah with a small booking amount. The remaining balance will paid at pickup. The key is to check how much is charged immediately, how much is due when you collect the vehicle, and the exact amount of the security deposit that will be blocked on your credit card.
