A Guide to Comprehensive Car Insurance in Dubai

• Comprehensive car insurance
• How to claim car insurance
• Top car insurance companies
• Things not covered by Dubai car insurance
• FAQs

In Dubai, it is against the emirate’s law to drive an uninsured car. To avoid fines or registration issues, all vehicle owners must get car insurance in Dubai before taking their vehicles out on the road. However, there is no rule regarding the type of auto insurance you must have. You can choose from two main types of auto insurance commonly offered: third-party liability insurance and comprehensive car insurance.

What is Comprehensive Car Insurance?

In megacities like Dubai, the likelihood of car accidents remains high, underlying the importance of having car insurance

The comprehensive plan offers more coverage. Unlike third-party liability insurance that only covers damage done to the other party’s vehicles, a comprehensive car insurance plan protects both the claimant and the insured party. Both the driver at fault and the claimant are compensated in case of an accident. 

A comprehensive plan covers the expenses and medical costs of both parties, which is why it costs more than third-party insurance. Some insurance companies also include off-road insurance coverage in their comprehensive plan, owing to the rise of off-roading activities in Dubai. This usually applies to mild off-road use, while desert dune or extreme terrain driving requires a separate off-road insruance add-on.

Comprehensive car insurance covers the following:

• Damages to the insured vehicle in case of natural calamities
• Damages to the car due to a fire breakout
• Damages to the vehicle due to overturning 
• Car theft or losses resulting from theft
• Damages deliberately caused by the third party

Moreover, in a comprehensive coverage, a car insurance deductible must also be paid by the policyholder.

Agency vs. Non-Agency Repair Coverage

When choosing comprehensive car insurance in Dubai, you can opt for either agency or non-agency repair coverage. Agency repair means your vehicle will be repaired at the authorised service centre of the car’s manufacturer. This ensures genuine parts and skilled technicians.

On the other hand, non-agency repair covers repairs at garages approved by your insurance provider. While non-agency coverage is usually more affordable, agency repair offers greater assurance in terms of quality and resale value, especially for newer or luxury vehicles.

Please note that agency and non-agency repair coverage applies only to comprehensive car insurance, not third-party liability insurance.

How to Claim Car Insurance in Dubai

With comprehensive car insurance, both the at-fault driver and the claimant are covered after an accident

In an unfortunate case of a car accident, you must think on your feet and take the following steps to claim a comprehensive car insurance in Dubai:

• Take photographs of the damaged vehicle: Photograph damage to your car, the other driver’s vehicle, and any bodily injuries, if applicable. These images help the insurer verify the incident, as comprehensive insurance covers both parties.
• Contact the police: You cannot claim car insurance without a proper police report. For major accidents, police officers arrive at the scene, inspect your vehicle and issue an accident summary. This report includes the contact details of the other driver. For minor accidents, you can file a report using the Dubai police app.
• Contact your insurance provider: Once you have the police report, get in touch with your insurer. To file a claim, you’ll need to submit the report, accident photos and copies of your driving licence and vehicle registration. Photographs can help speed up the process and are useful for record-keeping. Moreover, many insurers now allow you to initiate claims directly through their websites or mobile apps for faster processing.
• Provide orignial documents: Both drivers must submit their original driving licences and a copy of their vehicle registration.

List Of Car Insurance Companies in Dubai

If you are looking for known car insurance companies, this list of car insurance companies in Dubai might help:

• GIG Gulf
• Al Fujairah National Insurance Company
• AIG Car Insurance
• Dubai National Insurance and Reinsurance 
• Gargash Insurance
• Watania Takaful
• RSA Insurance 
• Salama Takaful
• Oman Insurance Company
• Orient Insurance Company 
• Tokio Marine Motor Insurance 

All these insurance companies offer comprehensive as well as third-party insurance policies.

What’s Not Covered By Dubai Car Insurance 

Auto insurance policies in Dubai do not provide coverage under the following circumstances:

• Driving without a valid licence
• Driving while intoxicated
• Misleading information about damages  
• Intentional damage to your own vehicle 
• Claims submitted late or without proper documentation (most insurance providers in Dubai require you to report and file a claim within 24 to 48 hours of the accident. Delays beyond this period, or missing documents such as the police report, can result in claim rejection).

FAQs

Is car insurance mandatory in Dubai?

Yes, it is a legal requirement. All vehicles must have valid insurance to be driven on Dubai’s roads. Without it, you cannot renew your vehicle registration with the RTA.

What’s the difference between comprehensive and third-party insurance?

Comprehensive insurance covers damages to your own vehicle, third-party property, theft, fire and natural disasters. Third-party liability insurance, on the other hand, only covers injury or damage you cause to others’ vehicles or property. Those in the market for new cars for sale in Dubai and other emirates, usually consider the comprehensive plan.

What is the difference between agency and non-agency repair?

Agency repair means your car will be repaired at the manufacturer’s authorised workshop, while non-agency repair refers to approved third-party garages. Agency repair usually comes at a higher premium.

That wraps up our guide on comprehensive car insurance in Dubai. If you own a luxury or sports car, get yourself a luxury or sports car insurance in the UAE. These companies offer higher coverage limits and tailored benefits. Some insurers also provide EV-specific coverage, which includes battery protection and roadside assistance for electric vehicles.

Having your vehicle insured gives you peace of mind. For further queries pertaining to the topic, browse through these important FAQs for car insurance in Dubai.

Besides, if your car was severely damaged in an accident and you’re looking for another vehicle, consider these used cars for sale in Dubai.

Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more information on car insurance, car registration, parking guides, driving laws and all sorts of topics from the automotive industry.