If you discover new scratches when returning a rental car in the UAE, immediately inform the rental agent and document the damage with photos and videos before leaving the lot. According to standard rental contracts reviewed by UAE authorities like the RTA Dubai and the economic departments, you are typically liable for repair costs if damage is not reported at the time of return. Failing to report can lead to charges deducted from your security deposit or credit card, often starting from 500 AED for a minor scratch on a common fleet car like a Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Accent, and increasing significantly for deeper marks on panels or bumpers. The UAE Central Bank's regulations on insurance and banking practices underscore that final inspection and liability determination rest with the rental company at the handover moment. Most major companies like Thrifty, Dollar, or Europcar offer their own Damage Waiver (DW) for an additional daily fee, which usually covers such minor scratches without excess, but you must have purchased it initially. For a typical sedan, a professional polish at an RTA-approved repair center in Dubai might cost the company around 300-700 AED, which they may charge to you if unprotected. Your best defense is a thorough pre-rental video walkaround, which aligns with MOI UAE advisories on consumer protection for rentals, proving the car's condition at the start of your contract.
