Comprehensive Car Insurance in the UAE: A Complete Guide 2024

Last updated on : 19 Nov 2024
6 min read

Navigating the roads of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) comes with its share of complications, such as the risk of accidents and unexpected car troubles. However, by securing the right kind of car insurance you can drive confidently regardless of whether you're bringing in a vehicle or buying one locally. It’s generally recommended to go for plans that cover all your needs and that’s why we’re here today to discuss everything that you need to know about comprehensive car insurance. This article offers an exploration of car insurance in the UAE, delving into aspects like:

  • Car Insurance in the UAE

  • Types of vehicle insurance available

  • Factors to consider when selecting an insurance provider

  • Comparison Between Third-Party Liability (TPL) and Comprehensive Insurance (CI)

  • Car insurance add-ons

  • Bonuses and penalties associated with insurance coverage

  • Step-by-step guidance for getting car insurance

  • How to file a car insurance claim

  • Roadside assistance options

  • Changing insurance providers or canceling your policy

  • Concerns and complaints regarding insurance

  • Choosing the Right Car Insurance Provider

  • Car insurance providers at Shory

Car Insurance in the UAE: Ensuring Peace of Mind on the Road

Accidents can occur at any moment, but with the proper insurance coverage, you can drive with greater confidence in the UAE. Car insurance is a legal requirement that cannot be overlooked in the country since it’s a mandatory requirement from the transport authorities. Operating a vehicle without insurance may lead to a fine of AED 500, accumulation of black points, and a week-long vehicle retention. Noteworthy is that accruing 24 black points within a year can result in a suspension of your driver's license too.

Navigating the Types of Car Insurance: TPL and Comprehensive Insurance 

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) there are mainly two types of car insurance - Third Party Liability (TPL) and Comprehensive Insurance (CI). The amount you pay for your insurance is influenced by several factors such as the type of vehicle you have, your age and driving experience and any previous claims you may have made. If you are a riskier driver or if you own one more sports car you can expect to pay higher premiums. The cost is mainly dependent on the type of coverage opted for. 

Third-party Liability aka TPL insurance is mandatory and provides coverage for claims made by parties in case of injury, death or property damage. However it does not cover the costs of repairing your vehicle or medical expenses related to an accident.

Comprehensive Insurance (CI) is an alternative but comes at a relatively higher cost. The plans are meant to offer damage cover for third-party as well as the policy holder. The coverage generally includes incidents of theft, fire, vandalism, road accidents and other specified losses. The best thing is that with comprehensive insurance, you have the option to expand your coverage by including suitable add-ons.

Some of the car insurance add-ons available for a nominal fee include:

  • Theft and fire cover

  • Roadside assistance for breakdowns

  • Personal items coverage for valuable items in your vehicle

  • Replacement rental car option

  • Off-road coverage

  • Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) coverage for regional travel

Bonuses, Penalties, and Claiming Benefits

Insurance companies often provide incentives for customers who have not filed any claims in the previous year/s. This incentive is called No Claim Discount, helps reduce premiums for the next year and can be availed after producing a no claim certificate to your insurance provider. On the other hand if you are involved in an accident it could lead to an increase in your premium. It's ideal to check if you may be eligible for bonuses before renewing your annual, comprehensive car insurance policy.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Car Insurance

When it comes to buying car insurance, online platforms are easy, quick and offer multiple quotes on one page for easy comparison. At Shory, you can make use of our smart comparison tool that’s helpful and preferred by many. All you’ll need is your Emirates ID number and car plate details. With us, you’ll be able to buy your car insurance in less than 90 seconds, all online with zero paperwork. 

How to File a Car Insurance Claim? 

In the event of an accident it is important to prioritize safety and be mindful of everything that you may need to file a claim successfully. You can follow the steps listed below or even save these as a screenshot for easy reference.

Step 1. Make sure everyone involved is safe.

Step 2. Contact emergency services and the police to file a report.

Step 3. Collect contact information of the third-party drive.

Step 4. Gather photographic and video evidence.

Step 5. Get in touch with Shory to initiate the claim.

What is Roadside Assistance and Why do you need it? 

Experiencing a vehicle breakdown can be distressing. There are roadside assistance services in the UAE like AAA, TRAC International Motoring Club (IMC) and Roadside Assistance Dubai offering a variety of services ranging from helping with tire replacement to providing towing assistance. These additional services are generally available as add-ons for an extra payment. 

Switching Providers or Canceling a Contract

If you are considering changing insurance providers make sure to inquire about their cancellation policies and any potential penalties involved. If you bought car insurance using Shory.com, you can simply raise a cancellation request with us. It’s common for people to switch providers rather than cancel the policy outright. However, if you’ve decided to do so, we’ll always be there to help you out. 

Addressing Concerns: Filing Insurance Related Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with your insurance experience you have the option to submit complaints to the Insurance Authority. However, before taking this step it is advisable to try resolving any issues with your insurance provider as they often have established processes for handling complaints.

By gaining an understanding of vehicle insurance in the UAE you can drive knowing that you are protected against potential risks and challenges, on the road.

Choosing the Right Car Insurance Provider 

At Shory, we’re done the groundwork for you by onboarding some of the best insurance companies. You can visit our quotes’ page and compare all the plans to select one that’s most suitable for you. But selecting the ideal car insurance provider involves more than just comparing premiums. As you evaluate different insurers, be sure to also consider the following:

  • Recommendations from friends and acquaintances

  • Extent of coverage provided by the policy

  • Availability of suitable add-ons

  • Claims processing efficiency

  • Long-term loyalty incentives

Car Insurance Providers at Shory

At Shory, we’ve partnered with multiple providers to cater to the needs of all kinds of customer needs. Whether you’re looking for basic coverage or you want to stay safe against big financial liabilities, our quote page has something for everyone.

Disclaimer: Shory aims to present accurate and up-to-date information, however, we take no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content.

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