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Building Insurance in Dubai

Q: What Does Building Insurance Cover?

Building insurance covers the physical structure of your home and its permanent fixtures against specific insured events. This usually includes walls, roof, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, built-in kitchens and wardrobes, bathrooms, AC units, garages, boundary walls, terraces and pools. It typically protects against fire, explosion, storm, flood, sudden water leakage, impact damage, riots and malicious damage, plus owner’s liability and sometimes loss of rent or alternative accommodation.

Q: Is It Important to Buy Building Insurance?

Yes, if you own a villa, townhouse or apartment, building insurance is strongly recommended. Your property is a major investment and repair or rebuilding costs after a serious incident can be very high in the UAE. Building insurance helps you avoid large out-of-pocket expenses and may also be required by your bank if the home is mortgaged.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Building Insurance and Home Insurance?

Building insurance covers the structure of the property and permanent fixtures only (walls, roof, fitted kitchen, bathrooms, etc.). Home insurance is a broader term that can include building insurance plus contents insurance and personal belongings cover. Contents insurance protects your furniture, appliances and household items, while personal belongings cover extends to valuables you carry outside the home.

Q: Is Building Insurance Applicable if I Claim for Damages Caused by My Tenant?

It depends on the cause of the damage and your policy terms. If the tenant accidentally causes damage that falls under an insured peril (for example, a sudden water leak that damages floors and walls), this may be covered under your building insurance, subject to the policy wording and excess. Deliberate or malicious damage by a tenant is often excluded, unless your policy specifically states that “malicious damage by tenants” is covered. General wear and tear, lack of maintenance or gradual damage caused by a tenant is not covered. Always check your policy schedule and wording, or speak to your insurer or an InsuranceMarket.ae advisor to confirm how tenant-caused damage is treated under your specific building insurance.

Protect the home you’ve worked hard to own. Buildings insurance helps cover the structure of your villa, townhouse, or apartment against damage from fire, storms, leaks, floods, impact, and other insured events depending on the policy. Compare building insurance options in the UAE with InsuranceMarket.ae and buy online with expert support.

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For me, Alfred and InsuranceMarket.ae represent trust in the UAE. Their long-standing commitment and consistency make them the brand people turn to when they want service they can count on.

Kris Fade, Brand Ambassador

Residential homes illustrating what building insurance covers

What Is Building Insurance?

Buildings insurance covers the physical structure of your property. This can include walls, roof, ceilings, floors, built-in fixtures, fittings, and permanent improvements.

In the UAE, buildings insurance can help pay for repair or rebuilding costs if your home is damaged by an insured event, such as fire, explosion, storm, flood, water leakage, or impact damage. Whether you own a villa, townhouse, or apartment, buildings insurance helps protect one of your largest assets from repair costs that can be difficult to manage alone.

Building-only cover is available for properties with a building value starting from AED 300,000 with some insurers, while selected insurers may accept lower values. Premiums can start from AED 120 plus VAT, depending on the insurer, property value, location, and cover selected.

Buildings Insurance at a Glance

Inclusions

Structural damage to walls, roof, ceilings, and floors caused by insured events
Permanent fixtures and fittings, including built-in kitchens, wardrobes, bathrooms, and air-conditioning units
Garages, outbuildings, boundary walls, fences, gates, terraces, patios, driveways, and swimming pools
Damage caused by fire, explosion, lightning, storm, flood, vehicle impact, or falling objects
Sudden and accidental escape of water from pipes, tanks, or fixed systems
Riot, strike, and malicious damage, subject to policy terms
Owner’s legal liability linked to property ownership
Loss of rent or alternative accommodation if the home becomes uninhabitable after an insured event

Exclusions

Gradual damage, wear and tear, corrosion, damp, rot, or poor maintenance
Defective design, workmanship, or materials
Homes left unoccupied beyond the number of days stated in the policy
War, nuclear risks, government confiscation, or similar excluded events
Mechanical or electrical breakdown not caused by an insured event
Damage caused by vermin, insects, or pets
Losses above the sum insured or outside policy limits
Claims that don’t meet the policy conditions or required documents

Pro Tip

Make sure your buildings insurance amount is enough to repair or rebuild your home if major damage happens. A low cover amount may mean paying part of the cost yourself.

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Benefits of Buying Buildings Insurance in the UAE

Protects a Major Financial Asset

Your home is likely one of your largest financial commitments. Buildings insurance helps protect it against repair or rebuilding costs after an insured event.

Helps Cover Repair and Rebuilding Costs

Structural repairs, villa rebuilding, and replacement of fixed fixtures can be expensive in the UAE. A suitable policy can cover these costs up to the agreed sum insured.

Covers Permanent Fixtures and Improvements

Buildings insurance can protect fitted kitchens, bathrooms, built-in wardrobes, AC systems, and other permanent features that are part of the property.

Gives Affordable Building-Only Protection

If you only need cover for the structure of your property, building-only insurance can be a cost-effective option. For eligible properties, premiums can start from AED 120 plus VAT.

Supports Temporary Accommodation

If your home becomes uninhabitable after an insured event, many policies can help with alternative accommodation or loss of rent, up to policy limits.

Useful for Homeowners and Landlords

If you live in the property, buildings insurance helps protect your home. If you rent it out, it helps protect the structure and may include owner’s liability cover.

Helps with Cost Planning

Comparing policies in advance lets you choose a level of cover and premium that suits your budget, instead of facing large repair costs after damage occurs.

Partnered With Over 40 Insurance Companies

Established in 1995, InsuranceMarket.ae stands as a beacon of trust and excellence in Dubai and the UAE insurance sector. With our esteemed partnerships and stellar reputation, we proudly present you with superior coverage options and exclusive benefits, guaranteeing optimal value in the market.

Who Should Buy Building Insurance?

Homeowner illustration for building insurance

Homeowners of Villas, Townhouses or Apartments

Landlord illustration for building insurance

Landlords Renting Out Their Property

Owners With a Financed Property

Why Buy Building Insurance with InsuranceMarket.ae

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Compare Quotes in One Place

Review building insurance options from leading UAE insurers and compare cover, benefits, limits, and cost before you choose.

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Tailored Cover for Your Home

Whether you need building insurance for a villa, townhouse or apartment, our experts help you choose the right type of home insurance.

Expert, Human Advice

If you’re unsure about the right sum insured or the difference between buildings and contents, InsuranceMarket.ae advisors can explain your options in simple terms.

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Buy Online in Minutes

Get quotes, fine-tune your cover and purchase your buildings insurance policy online in minutes. Experience a smooth digital journey from quote to cover.

Claim Support

If you need to claim, the InsuranceMarket.ae team can guide you on the process, required documents, and next steps with your insurer.

Trusted UAE Insurance Partner

InsuranceMarket.ae helps UAE homeowners and landlords compare property insurance options and choose cover based on their property, budget, and risk needs.

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What Our Customers Say About Us

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I’d like to express my sincere appreciation to Shaista Khan from InsuranceMarket.ae for her outstanding assistance with my insurance claim. From the very beginning, she was extremely efficient, quick to respond, and incredibly professional. She guided me through every step, made the whole process smooth, and handled everything with impressive speed and accuracy. It’s rare to find someone who is both knowledgeable and genuinely committed to helping clients, and Shaista exceeded all my expectations. Her support removed so much stress from the situation, and I’m truly grateful for her excellent service. Highly recommended — thank you, Shaista, for making the entire experience easy and worry-free! 🌟✨

Bibi Moosa

I had the pleasure of working with Vanshika Choudhary from Insurance Market, and I could not be more pleased with her service. She was extremely professional, attentive, and proactive throughout the entire process. From the very beginning, she sent me a detailed email with all the necessary information for my claim, including guidance on where to take my car. She consistently followed up to ensure I had completed the initial inspection, checked with the workshop regarding timelines, and then followed up again to confirm I had collected my car. Her level of service is a welcome and much-appreciated relief, especially in an industry where customer service and clear communication can often fall short. Vanshika was articulate, professional, and made the entire process seamless. I am genuinely impressed and very happy with her service.

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I had a great experience working with Wasim Sayed. He is highly knowledgeable about the insurance and took the time to clearly explain options, coverage, and costs. His approach is professional, transparent, and customer-focused. I appreciated his responsiveness and guidance throughout the process. Highly recommended for anyone looking for reliable insurance advice.

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My recent experience obtaining car insurance from Ms. Saba Noor was truly exceptional. The service and professionalism displayed were of such an incredibly high caliber.. that I am highly motivated to go purchase another vehicle simply to have the opportunity to experience that level of unparalleled customer service once again. 5 stars is doing injustice, because this type of service deserves at least 7.

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Had my vehicle repaired after an accident with ease. Mr Waseem helped me through all the process and had my vehicle repaired without any hassles. Thank you Insurancemarket as you are the best in this business. Moreover the garage have my vehicle done on an off day to deliver on time. Highly appreciated and recommended.

Aravind M

The trusted insurance partner since last 4 years for my vehicle. Evening from sales/offers to claim support is super professional. I aporeciate Mr. Dharmesh (insurance sale) for his calm and gentle approach. Special thanks to Ms. Vanishka Chowdry for claim support, and best part they were available online in each and every step including the policy cover of rental car was smooth.

Bennidict Manalo

I had an excellent experience working with Mr. Ashli Fernandez on my insurance claim. He was professional, patient, and always proactive in giving updates and following up with the insurance and workshop teams. Despite several delays beyond his control, Ashli stayed calm and empathetic, clearly explaining the process and ensuring I was never left uninformed. I truly appreciated how he took ownership of the case and went the extra mile to make sure everything was resolved smoothly. Ashli’s communication, professionalism, and genuine concern for the customer made a stressful process so much easier. Employees like him truly make a difference. Thank you, Ashli, for your outstanding support and dedication!

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Ali farzan was my point of contact. Extremely professional, got things moving really quickly for me. Took every issue that i faced without a car personally and resolved it immediately. Really impressed with insurancemarket.ae solely because of him. Extremely patient and very respectful.