Sometimes, owning a car all the time isn't necessary. You might just need a car for a weekend getaway, borrow one from a friend for a while, or even rent a car for work. In these situations, short-term car insurance could be your best bet. However, it's important to note that only a few insurance companies offer short-term or temporary insurance. But fear not, we've got you covered with all the info you need about short-term car insurance in the UAE.
What is Short-Term Car Insurance?
Short-term car insurance, also known as temporary insurance, covers you for a specific period of time that you choose. This differs from regular car insurance, which typically lasts for 12 months before renewal. Short-term car insurance provides the same protection as standard car insurance, with the main differences lying in the cost and the duration of coverage.
It's worth noting that not all insurance companies in the UAE offer temporary car insurance. This option is only available from a select few.
Types of Short-Term Car Insurance
There are two main types of short-term car insurance in the UAE:
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Third-Party Insurance: Also known as liability insurance, this covers damages your vehicle causes to others, whether people or property. It doesn't cover damages to your own vehicle or yourself in case of an accident while driving. It's mandatory by UAE laws.
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Comprehensive Insurance: This type of insurance includes third-party coverage as well as coverage for theft and damage to your own vehicle. The comprehensive policy covers all damages caused by or to you, and the company pays for all repair costs for the insured vehicle and compensates for damages to other parties caused by you. It usually covers damages to your vehicle resulting from natural disasters, theft, fire, and vandalism. Additional coverages can be added for an extra fee, such as off-road coverage (if not included as standard in your policy).
Who Can Get Short-Term Car Insurance?
Temporary car insurance offers similar coverage to standard insurance, including personal accident cover, roadside assistance, agency repairs, and more. But it's not the go-to option for all car owners in the UAE. It's typically chosen by:
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Car Renters: People renting a car for a relatively long period, like a month or more.
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Short-Term Residents: Those staying in the UAE for a limited time who don't want to rely on public transport or other options like taxis. Renting a car and getting short-term insurance provides coverage until the end of their stay.
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Travelers: If you're traveling to another city or country for a few weeks or months, you can get temporary car insurance.
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Temporary Drivers: If you're temporarily driving someone else's car.
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Planning to Resell: If you plan to resell your car shortly after purchase, you can get short-term insurance in the meantime.
In general, if you're planning to drive a vehicle for a short period, you can opt for temporary insurance.
In Conclusion
Short-term car insurance in the UAE is not a widely popular option and is not offered by most insurance companies. Temporary car insurance coverage is similar to standard coverage, whether for third-party or comprehensive insurance, but the difference lies in the duration and price of the policy.
