Ensure you get the right cover

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How do I get the best car insurance deal?

The first thing to do is to call a range of companies. In the same way that you would not buy a car without test driving it, you should not take the first quote you find. For young drivers buying a car from a dealership, using their insurance can often be cheaper than policies offered by external companies. But you might also find a company you have been with for a number of years will give the best deal as they know your motoring history.

What kind of motor insurance do I need?

There are different levels of cover in the UAE, the most basic of which is third-party insurance. Each company has its own rules but typically if a car is eight or more years old you will only get third-party cover. If, however, you have an old car and are determined to have comprehensive cover, head to the insurance department at the vehicle registration office.

How are insurance quotes set?

The government set a percentage of vehicle tariff rate, which is the maximum premium firms can charge and is typically four to five per cent of the value of the car. Young drivers should expect an additional 30 per cent added to this figure. However, if you change firms you might get a better deal.

Where should I go for car insurance – what are the biggest companies in Dubai?

There are a number of international companies operating in the UAE, including AXA (800 4845) and Royal and Sun Alliance (04 302 9800), as well as local companies, including Dubai Insurance Company (04 269 3030) and Al Fujairah Insurance (04 222 3207). All have slightly different rules and rates.

What do I need before applying for insurance?

Applying for car insurance is easy once you have a UAE driving licence, which can be obtained from the centre next to the Bur Dubai Traffic Police station by Interchange Four on Sheikh Zayed Road.

How can I cut the cost of car insurance?

A good way to do this when you are switching companies is to get a letter from your old insurers to prove you have not made a claim. Omar Elamin, the Managing Director of Arab Orient Insurance Company (04 295 3425), says doing this can cut your premium by as much as 40 per cent. Young people often choose to insure their vehicle in a parent’s name to keep the premium down.

How do I make a car insurance claim?

The first thing you need to do is get a police report of an accident then call your insurance company and, if you can still drive your car, you will be asked to take it to their headquarters. They will then get it repaired and call you when it is ready for collection.

What happens if a claim is rejected?

If this happens to you, there is little you can do. “Cases are normally rejected if someone is under the influence of alcohol or if they deliberately caused the accident,” says Elamin. He also advises people to take out cover against natural disasters because even though they are rare, they do happen.