Renting a car in Bahrain gives you flexibility, whether you’re here for work, sightseeing or simply need a weekend escape. But beneath the conveniences, you should also look at the insurance details, rental polices and contract clauses. Missing these details can lead to unexpected charges or legal scrutiny for cars for rent in Bahrain.
Legal and Rental Basics in Bahrain
To help you go through all of this, here we’ll break down what you really need to know before renting a car in Bahrain.
The initial step towards a hassle-free rental is to understand the driving license regulations, driving age and deposit practices in Bahrain. These fundamentals determine the type of car that you are able to rent as well as the upfront cost:
- Valid License Conditions: Renters generally require a valid driving license. The international driving permit with your home license suffices to many international travellers; the GCC-license holders are frequently accepted.
- Minimum Age and Experience: The minimum age is normally 21 years, after which minimums may be increased (25+) in case of premium or luxury cars. Some agencies require years of experience driving.
- Deposit / Pre-authorization: You can anticipate a credit card pre-authorization Hold, which includes insurance excess, fuel, penalties, etc. For example, Avis Bahrain holds BHD 100-250 based on the car group.
- Taxes & VAT: Bahrain has a 10% VAT on various commodities and services. VAT is normally included in quoted prices by rental companies, but should always be checked.
Insurance Types & What They Cover
Insurance determines how much you will pay in an accident, based on the mandatory third-party liability to optional full protection. Being aware of what is covered and what is not will help avoid paying an extra amount for the same cover.
- Third-Party Liability / Legal Minimums: The third-party liability insurance is obligatory on any rental car. This is safeguarding against any damage or harm to other people.
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): CDW restricts your liability in the event of a car accident, but there is an “excess (deductible) that you will be liable for.
- Super CDW / Zero Excess Cover: This is an optional add-on that can further limit your financial liability, sometimes down to zero excess.
- Certain Waivers: CDW tends to omit such items as windscreens, tires, rims, the underside of the vehicle, interior damage, lost keys, etc.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): This is a policy that covers medical expenses or injuries to the driver or passengers in an accident.
Common Rental Policies You Should Know
The rules in car rental contracts of Bahrain usually have an impact on how you use the car and what you will pay in the end. They might sound so simple, but without attention, one can be charged with additional expenses.
- Mileage limits: Some rentals have limitless driving. Other companies may set a daily limit, and exceeding it will incur an extra payment.
- Fuel policy: Most of the companies expect you to hand in a full tank just as you got the car. Otherwise, they will refill it for you at a higher rate.
- Additional drivers: In case another person will drive, they should be included in the contract. In case of an accident caused by an unlisted driver, the insurance will not cover the accident.
- Vehicle type: The reservations are typically made to a type of car rather than a particular model. The specific car you receive will be different, depending on what is in stock.
- Crossing into Saudi Arabia: Out-of-country driving must be authorized by the rental company. Along with that, you will require additional insurance and permission before using the King Fahd Causeway to travel outside the country.
Read the Fine Print
It is not necessarily the full price that you read in the adverts. A lot of companies offering cars for rent in Bahrain add extra fees that only appear once certain situations come up.
- Insurance excess: A set amount may still be paid even though you are insured in the event of car damage. This may be as low as BHD 75 in small cars and can go up to hundreds of dinars in big cars.
- Deposit holds: The rental is secured by depositing on your credit card. This is refunded after some time but leaves you with less credit in the meantime of having the car.
- Cleaning fees: There may be additional cleaning fees due to cars that come back with the odor of smoke or extremely dirty interiors.
- Return timing: The penalty for a late delivery of the car usually means an additional entire day. It can also alter the rate in case it is returned earlier than agreed.
Final Thoughts
The basics of a smooth rental in Bahrain are simple: knowing the essentials and choosing which company to trust. When you decide to rent a car in Bahrain, clear policies and supportive staff make the process much easier. This is the reason why a lot of drivers prefer Al Muftah Rent a Car. Their transparency and reliability in serving also result in reduced time spent on details and more time having a ride.
