Borrowed cars, rental cars and ride-hailing safety

At university you may borrow a friend's car, rent one for a trip or rely on ride-hailing apps. Each has its own risks to your safety and your wallet.

Borrowing or lending a car

• Before you drive anyone else's car, check that their insurance covers you as a driver; some policies only cover named drivers.
• Check where the documents, spare wheel and warning triangle are, and how the lights and hazards work, before you set off.
• You are responsible for any traffic fines and tolls while you drive, so agree upfront how you will pay them.
• If you lend your car, remember that a friend's crash or fine may affect your insurance and your record. It is fine to say no.
• Return the car with the same fuel and tell the owner straight away about any scrape, however small.

Renting a car in the UAE

• Gulf News (December 2025) says most rental companies place a temporary block on your credit card as a deposit, to cover damage, traffic fines or Salik toll charges.
• Take photos or a video at pick-up and drop-off, covering the odometer, existing scratches, fuel level and interior (Gulf News).
• Read the contract for how long the deposit will be held, the mileage limit and the fuel policy.
• Gulf News cites Dubai's consumer protection authority as setting a maximum of 30 days to return the deposit when there are no pending charges; fines can take weeks to appear.
• If there is an accident in a rental car, contact the rental company as well as reporting to police (Gulf News, 2021).

Ride-hailing: before you get in

• Request your ride from inside a building, not standing on the street with your phone out (University of Pennsylvania Division of Public Safety).
• Check that the plate number, car, driver photo and driver name all match the app before you open the door (UPenn; Uber UAE).
• Ask the driver who they are there to pick up rather than saying your own name first (UPenn).
• Only use licensed taxis or official apps, and never accept an unbooked lift from someone who approaches you.

Ride-hailing: during the trip

• If you are riding alone, sit in the back seat (UPenn).
• Wear your seat belt every time, in the back too (UPenn; Uber UAE).
• Share your trip or ETA with a friend or family member using the app's sharing feature.
• Follow the route on your own map. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts: ask to stop in a busy, well-lit place and get out (UPenn).
• In an emergency in the UAE call 999; know the local number wherever you study.

Money traps

• Rental extras such as additional insurance, extra drivers or child seats can add up; ask for the full price in writing.
• Unpaid tolls and fines on rentals are usually charged later with admin fees, so drive legally and keep your receipts.
• Splitting a ride-hailing fare with friends is often cheaper than a car each, but agree the split before the trip.
• See the Contracts, Purchases and Your Rights module for how to complain if a refund does not arrive.