Car insurance is mandatory and an essential part of owning a vehicle in the UAE. It protects you and your car in case of accidents or damages. However, what happens if you are considering purchasing a used car with some damages, or if your car has already been damaged before purchasing insurance? Do insurance companies insure damaged vehicles in advance? In this article, we will answer this question in detail.
What are Pre-Existing Damages?
Pre-existing damages are damages that occur to the car before the insurance policy takes effect. They include damages resulting from accidents, natural factors, or other reasons. Pre-existing damages differ from damages that occur after the insurance policy takes effect, which are called subsequent damages.
Do Insurance Companies Cover Pre-Existing Damages in the Car?
Insurance companies usually do not provide coverage for damages that have occurred to your car before purchasing the insurance policy. Coverage for your car begins only after purchasing the insurance policy, covering damages that occur after the policy takes effect.
Can I Purchase Insurance for a Car with Pre-Existing Damages?
The answer to this question depends on several factors:
Level of Damage
Minor and slight damage is not treated in the same way as major damage. Some insurance companies may accept insuring a vehicle that has suffered minor scratches or dents. However, damages that affect the car's structure, require replacing major parts, or exceed a certain percentage (which varies between insurance companies) may be rejected by the insurance company.
Age of the Vehicle and Type of Insurance
Insurance companies are usually more cautious towards older vehicles, especially if they have pre-existing damages. They may offer limited coverage or exclude certain damages. Additionally, the situation may vary depending on the type of insurance required. Generally, getting comprehensive insurance for a previously damaged vehicle is more challenging than getting third-party insurance. This is due to the difference in coverage between the two types, where third-party insurance covers damages to the third party and does not cover any damages to your car in case of an accident. Comprehensive insurance, on the other hand, covers damages to the third party and damages to your car as well. Therefore, if you want to purchase third-party insurance, insurance companies usually do not consider minor pre-existing damages. If you want to purchase comprehensive insurance, you will need to send photos of the car and inform the insurance company about the pre-existing damages. This may lead to an increase in the insurance premium and may affect future claims in some cases.
Transparency and Disclosure
It is essential to inform the insurance company about any pre-existing damages the car has when applying for insurance. Lack of transparency may lead to the nullification of the contract if damages are discovered later. It is also advisable to obtain repair reports documenting the nature of the damages and how they were addressed.
Tips for Insuring Previously Damaged Cars
If you want to insure a car with pre-existing damages, you must adhere to some conditions and requirements imposed by insurance companies, including:
- Inform the insurance company about pre-existing damages honestly and accurately and provide them with necessary photos and reports.
- Obtain an evaluation from an expert approved by the insurance company to determine the value of the car and the cost of repairs.
- Compare insurance offers from several companies to get the best coverage at a reasonable price.
- Be aware of the additional fees that the insurance company may impose on the insurance value.
- Know the exceptions that the insurance company may impose on the type or extent of coverage.
Conclusion
Insurance companies usually do not provide coverage for damages that have occurred to your car before purchasing the insurance policy. However, even if your car has some pre-existing damages, insurance companies offer insurance coverage under certain conditions. Transparency, the level of damage, the age of the vehicle, and the type of insurance required all play a role in making the decision. Follow the tips mentioned in this article to get the right car insurance for your needs.
