When planning your travels or daily commuting in the UAE, flexibility is key. Sometimes, what starts as a short-term solution like a daily rent of a car quickly turns into a longer-term need. In such cases, switching to a Dubai monthly car rental can be a smart move. Monthly rentals offer better rates, more convenience, and fewer hassles than booking a daily car repeatedly. But is it possible to make this switch mid-booking? Absolutely, and here’s everything you need to know to do it smoothly.
Why People Consider Switching from Daily to Monthly Rentals
Many drivers start with a daily rental because it seems convenient for short trips, weekend getaways, or temporary requirements. However, situations often change: a longer stay in the city, extended business trips, or discovering the high cost of daily rentals can push you to consider a monthly plan.
Daily rentals may feel fine at first, but over weeks, the costs add up. For instance, renting a car for 30 days daily can cost significantly more than a single monthly rental car package. Monthly rentals often include benefits like unlimited mileage, free maintenance, and simplified paperwork, which are rarely offered in short-term daily plans. This is why switching mid-booking is becoming increasingly popular.
How to Switch from Daily Rent a Car to Monthly Rental
Switching your booking doesn’t have to be complicated. Most reputable car rental platforms in the UAE, including OneClickDrive, offer flexible policies that allow users to upgrade to a monthly plan even after the initial booking. Here’s a practical step-by-step approach:
- Check Your Current Booking Terms
Before making any changes, review your rental agreement. Some companies have restrictions on switching mid-booking, while others may charge a small adjustment fee. Make sure you understand these details to avoid surprises. - Contact the Rental Provider
Reach out to the rental company’s customer support. Clearly explain your situation and request an upgrade from your daily rental to a monthly plan. Companies like OneClickDrive are known for their responsive customer service and can often process the change quickly. - Compare Costs and Packages
Ask for the exact rates for a monthly rental compared to your current daily rent. Many times, monthly rentals not only save money but also include perks like unlimited mileage, insurance coverage, and free delivery/pickup. - Confirm the Switch
Once you agree to the new terms, the rental company will issue an updated agreement. Make sure to check the details carefully, including insurance coverage, mileage limits, and additional fees if any. - Pick Up or Extend the Car
Depending on the rental company, you may either pick up a new car under the monthly plan or continue with the same car while adjusting your booking. Either way, the process is designed to be seamless, avoiding unnecessary downtime or travel disruptions.
Benefits of Switching to a Monthly Rental Car
There are several clear advantages to upgrading from a daily rent a car to a monthly plan:
1. Cost Savings
Daily rentals can be convenient but become expensive over long periods. A monthly rental usually offers a fixed rate, which can be significantly cheaper than paying day-by-day for weeks.
2. Unlimited Mileage Options
Many monthly rental cars come with unlimited mileage packages. This is especially useful in the UAE, where commuting distances can be long, and daily rentals often include strict mileage caps.
3. Simplified Paperwork
Monthly plans reduce the administrative burden. Instead of renewing your daily rental agreement every 24 hours, you have a single contract for the month. This makes documentation, insurance, and payment much easier to manage.
4. Better Vehicle Options
Monthly rental agreements often allow access to higher-end or more reliable vehicles that may not be available for daily rentals. This is perfect for professionals who need comfort and reliability for long commutes.
5. Greater Flexibility
While it may seem counterintuitive, monthly rentals can be more flexible than daily ones. Many providers allow mid-term adjustments, upgrades, or even early returns without the stress of managing multiple short-term contracts.
Things to Consider Before Switching
While switching is straightforward, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Insurance Coverage: Ensure your current insurance transfers to the monthly plan. Some providers may require adjustments.
- Mileage Limits: Confirm if your new monthly rental includes unlimited mileage or a reasonable cap.
- Vehicle Condition: If you continue with the same car, check for any damages and ensure it’s properly documented.
- Payment Methods: Monthly rentals usually require full or partial upfront payments. Make sure you’re aware of the payment terms.
- Early Termination Fees: Ask about penalties if you decide to return the car before the month ends.
Being clear about these details ensures that the switch is smooth and stress-free.
Real-Life Scenarios Where Switching Helps
Imagine a professional moving to Dubai for a three-week business project. Initially, they rent Bentley Dubai. By the end of the first week, it becomes clear that commuting daily will be costly and inconvenient. Switching to a monthly rental car saves money, gives peace of mind, and allows them to focus on work instead of transportation hassles.
Similarly, tourists extending their vacation or residents with temporary accommodation changes often find monthly rentals much more practical than repeatedly booking daily cars.
FAQ
- Can I switch from daily to monthly rental without paying extra fees?
It depends on the provider. Many companies, including OneClickDrive, offer flexible upgrades with minimal or no additional fees. Always confirm with the rental provider before switching. - Will my current daily rental insurance cover a monthly rental?
Not always. Some policies require adjustments or upgrades. Verify coverage with your provider to avoid gaps in insurance. - Do I need to return the car and pick up a new one for the monthly plan?
Not necessarily. Many rental companies allow you to continue using the same vehicle while updating your booking to a monthly plan. - Can I downgrade back to daily rental if my plans change?
Yes, but this may involve additional charges or administrative fees. Always check the terms and conditions of your rental agreement. - Are monthly rentals always cheaper than daily rentals?
For long-term use, yes. Monthly rentals typically provide a fixed rate with added benefits like unlimited mileage, making them more cost-effective than paying daily rates repeatedly. - How do I handle maintenance during a monthly rental?
Most monthly rental cars include routine maintenance. If any issues arise, contact the rental company for support or vehicle replacement. - Can I upgrade to a luxury car when switching to a monthly rental?
Absolutely. Many providers offer higher-end models for monthly rentals, giving you better comfort, performance, and style than typical daily rentals.
Conclusion
Switching from a daily rent a car to a monthly rental car is not only possible but often beneficial. Whether you’re staying longer in the UAE, commuting daily for work, or simply looking to save on transportation costs, upgrading mid-booking is a practical solution. By understanding the process, checking the terms, and working with reliable rental platforms like OneClickDrive, you can make the transition smooth, cost-effective, and stress-free.
If your daily rental is starting to feel expensive or inconvenient, consider upgrading today—your wallet and your schedule will thank you.
