Top 10 points that your checklist must include before buying a Car Insurance in Dubai

Car insurance in Dubai

Finally you have got yourself your dream car that you have been waiting for ages to buy. But the formalities don’t end there. In fact it is only the beginning.

Car Insurance is a crucial subject in the UAE considering the number of accidents on the road every year with speeding being the main concern. Making the right decision regarding which car insurance provider provides the best can have a major impact on your yearly savings. We have compiled a list of ten “must think off” when you shop for car insurance in Dubai.

1. Make sure that you check the basic details of the policy that you choose

Most people in Dubai opt for car insurance simply because the country’s laws demand that they do so. In the process they fail to check what the standard policy covers. You need to check what parts of the vehicle does the policy cover and the maximum coverage provided.

2. Comprehensive motor insurance versus third party liability insurance

It is highly recommended to buy comprehensive cover as this provides wider protection and covers damages to your car even if you are responsible for the accident. A comprehensive cover covers the car from accidents, fire, explosions, burglaries and vandalism as well as offer third party coverage for death or injury to third party or damage to his/her car or property. In the case of third party liability you will have to wait for the other person’s insurance company to pay up in case the accident was not your fault.Yet again there are several factors that drive a higher cost of insurance:

• Age and driving experience matter as policies for people under the age of 25 are expensive. If you haven't been involved in accidents then you can get a no claims certificate that entitles you to a discount on car insurance.

• The more the value of your car, the more expensive the policy is bound to be.This is because spare parts and repair work are more expensive for higher value cars.

• The type of your car and its age also results in a higher cost of insurance. For cars older than 10 years,most insurance companies do not offer comprehensive cover.

• At times the policy may include add ons like a replacement car or agency repair, in which case the cost shoots up.

3. Make sure you pay a policy excess.

This is the excess amount that you will need to pay towards a claim that indirectly reduces the cost of insurance. When you select a voluntary excess some insurers will quote a lower price accordingly.

4. Does your policy offer roadside assistance?

Ensure your policy gives you 24X7 roadside assistance. By contacting the emergency number given on the policy or a sticker on the left side of your windshield your insurance company will send someone to your location to help you.They take care of mechanical repairs, vehicle towing, battery boost, flat tyres, emergency fuel delivery etc.

5. Can you drive your car within the GCC?

It is advisable to take a policy that covers you across GCC countries.Remember you will not be permitted to enter Oman without this kind of cover.

6. Will your insurance cover give you a ‘no-claims’ discount?

A ‘no-claims’ discount is a special discount given on the premium to people with an accident free record for over a year. Having a no claims certificate allows you to opt for agency repair on an older car which is normally not possible.

7. Will your policy cover you incase you want to drive off-road?

Most policies do not cover you if you damage your car while driving off-road. However activities like wadi or dune bashing are excluded. Make sure your insurance covers off-road travel.

8. Personal accident benefit cover for driver and passengers

This is an add on to the basic policy.An extra amount needs to be paid along with the premium. This helps in case of death, permanent or partial disability etc.

9. Insured against damages to the windscreen

Some comprehensive insurance policies cover and do not charge extra premium for the windscreen. You have got to check if your policy takes care of this.

10. Are you covered from natural disasters?

Storms,riots,earthquakes,floods are some of the natural disasters that your coverage should include.

Always remember a car insurance policy decision taken correctly acts as a safety net in case of any unfavorable situation.

Keeping the above pointers in mind, choose your insurance provider wisely.