For driving your own car in Dubai, you must have car insurance. For this, you have two basic options to choose from, cheaper third-party insurance that doesn’t cover much and the comprehensive insurance that is pricey but offers a lot more benefits and coverage.
So what is recommended? Well, if you are buying a new car or even an expensive used car, the comprehensive insurance policy is the best. But based on the amount of premium you are paying and the insurance company you are working with, the benefits and coverage included under the policy may vary.
So what are the benefits that you must look for in your comprehensive car insurance coverage? Let’s have a look.
Agency Repair
This means the car is eligible for repair from the manufacturer but most of the time it is offered for the new cars only and offered for only 2 to 3 years from the time of manufacture. If you have a new car make sure the agency repair is included. You can also negotiate for extended time for agency repair availability.
Road Side Assistance
This is a very handy coverage so make sure it is offered and included. But you also have to look further into it to see if it includes mechanical repairs, battery boost, vehicle towing, emergency fuel delivery, flat tire and lock-out support.
Replacement Car
It was optional before 2017 but new UAE insurance laws now make it mandatory for insurers to provide roadside assistance. If no replacement car is available while the car is repaired, the insurers have to provide AED 300 or more (negotiable) every day for the maximum of 10 days (Car Hire Cash Benefit).
Ambulance Fees
See if it includes ambulance fees in case the medical treatment is required. Also look for coverage for personal injury and any lost personal effects lost during the accident.
GCC Cover
If you are a frequent traveler to neighboring GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states, GCC coverage can be a very handy benefit.
Off Road Coverage
Dubai is a great place to drive your car in the desert. If you want to explore such driving, it is better to get an off road coverage under your policy.
Other Benefits
There are tons of other benefits that you can have covered in your policy. This includes key replacement, car registration and renewal service, personal accident coverage for driver and passengers, windscreen cover, coverage against social (strike, riots) and natural (flood, storm) perils, dent repair, 12 months waiver of depreciation, legal liability, etc. You can easily negotiate a tailored made comprehensive coverage policy that caters to the need. But more benefits you will add, the higher the premium you will have to pay.
