Hiring a car in Qatar can open up a whole world of possibilities for those living or visiting! Here are some useful things to know about hiring a car in Qatar.
Using public transport and taxis can be costly, frustrating and time consuming to get around Qatar. If you are going to hire a car in Qatar there are many things that you have to take into account.
New in Doha has partnered with Gulf Cars to answer some of your questions and concerns about hiring a car in Qatar.
HIRING OPTIONS
There are various types of hiring options available (these are the options and terms at Gulf Cars):
RENTAL
Rent a vehicle Daily, Weekly and Monthly. Gulf Cars offers no termination penalties on this option.
LEASING
With a long term leasing contract, at the end you own the vehicle. Leasing includes maintenance, replacements and full comprehensive insurance. Lease to own includes down payment and balloon payment.
OPERATIONAL TO LEASE
Starting with a one year leasing contract which includes maintenance, replacements and full comprehensive insurance. Includes termination penalty. You do not own the vehicle at the end of the contract.
EX-FLEET LEASING
Used car with Lease to Own and Operational leasing contract includes maintenance, replacements and full comprehensive insurance.
@newindoha TIPS:
• The advantage of renting is that it includes insurance. If you have an accident, problems or need maintenance you can take the car back and they will sort it out on your behalf and give you another car immediately.
• The Deposit. Daily or weekly renters of a car pay a Qar 1000 refundable deposit and monthly renters are charged a refundable deposit of Qar 2000.
• The refundable deposit can be done by cheque or credit card.
• Dont forget to return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel.
• Traffic violations can be paid yourself or by most rental companies. Gulf Cars charge an admin fee of Qar 25 or you can pay the fine directly.
• Additional drivers are charged a fee of Qar 100 for insurance.
• In the case of an accident, if the damage was caused by the driver or unknown damage like a windshield crack or hit and run, the driver is liable for insurance access which is Qar 1000.
• Most Insurance companies cover all areas of Qatar besides Sealine.
Rental vs Leasing?
Leasing is cheaper but might have penalty clauses.
Leasing can be a long term solution.
There is a lease to own option.
•Before hiring your car, always thoroughly examine the car and photograph any scratches, dents etc. When returning the vehicle you are then not liable for any damages you havent done.
Questions to ask the rental company:
- What Mileage am I allowed?
- What grade of petrol does the car take?
93 or 95 - Can I add additional drivers?
REQUIREMENTS:
There are basic requirements for hiring a vehicle (this list is based on requirements from Gulf Cars):
Age requirement:
Minimum 21 years
Rental:
• QID
• Valid Driver’s License
• Security deposit.
Credit card* or undated cheque of QAR 1000 daily/weekly or QAR 2000 Monthly.
Leasing:
For Retail:
• Valid Qatar ID and Driver License
• Salary Certificate
• 6 months Bank statement
• Credit Bureau Report
• PDC’s and 1 Guarantee Cheque
• Signed Contract
For Corporate:
• Company Documents
• 6 months bank statement
• Credit Bureau Report
• PDC’s and 1 Guarantee Cheque
• Signed contract
*Credit Card blocking will be valid for 30 days from date of return
Checklist when picking up your car:
- Inspect and photograph both the inside and outside of the car for dents, scratches, marks and the mileage.
- Keep all the documents they give you safely
- Ask for an emergency number incase of any problems
- Check if they have given you a full tank of fuel. Return it with a full tank to avoid being charged.
- Ask if you need to fill 93 or 95 fuel
- Keep in mind if you use your credit card for a deposit, a hold for the amount will be kept on your card.
@newindoha Experience:
Driving in Qatar can be challenging and stressful at times as there are drivers from all over the world. One needs to drive carefully and anticipate what everyone else may do. It does take some getting use to.
Know the rules, fines are very costly and take out a good insurance so that you are covered in the case of an issue.
I loved the freedom that having a car afforded.
The basics that I feel I need in a car in Qatar:
- Back cameras/sensors as parking spaces in Qatar are tiny and cars are massive.
- A screen to connect to my phone or a phone mount to help me navigate through Qatar as using Waze is essential while driving. Roads and routes change daily.
ABOUT GULF CARS:
Gulf Cars offers the latest models from Chevrolet, Genesis, Hyundai, and Isuzu for daily, weekly and monthly rental offerings with some of the most competitive rates available.
The fleet comprises of small saloon vehicles to mid-size and full-size sedans, sports vehicles, luxury vehicles, SUV’s and an impressive range of 4×4’s and 7-seater family vehicles. Commercial vehicles also form a part of the fleet.
Gulf cars has offices in 2 strategic locations in Qatar: Jaidah Flyover, Industrial Area. They will soon be opening in HIA, DFC and Al Khor.
Instantaneous Retail Rentals are available such as Airport pick-up and drop-off and the short-term daily, weekly, or monthly rental solutions which are ideal for travellers flying in and out of the country.
Gulf cars also offers professional chauffeur services.
Rental, leasing, operational to lease and ex-fleet leasing is available through Gulf Cars.
Contact them for more information and questions on 8000881 or www.gulfcar.com
@newindoha asked GULF CARS some FAQ:
What happens if you meet in an accident in the rented car?
If you are at fault, the Insurance excess to pay Qar 1000 and you need to provide police report, if you are not at fault provide only a police report
What happens if you scratch the rented car?
Insurance excess will be applied max Qar 1000 Riyals for scratches, if it is minor we will charge per panel Qar 400, we will only provide replacement after providing police report.
Do you hire booster car seats for kids?
We don’t have car seats available but please let me know if you need one so we can request and purchase if possible (subject to approval)
DISCLAIMER:
This post is written based on my experience with renting a car from Gulf Cars. Each car rental company may have different rules and prices.
Prices and information may change over time.
Gulf cars did not sponsor this post but was kind enough to assist us with answers and lend us a car to experience hiring a car in Qatar.
Terms, conditions and options may vary with rental companies.
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