When driving in the UAE, you likely prioritise the comfort and safety of your passengers. But have you ever considered whether your car insurance covers them in case of an accident? This is where passenger cover comes in. It’s an optional addition to your car insurance that provides extra protection for those in your vehicle.
Whether it’s a small collision or something more serious, having this coverage ensures your passengers are financially protected. In this guide, we’ll explore why the passenger cover in car insurance is a vital add-on to consider and how it works to protect those you care about the most.
What is passenger cover in car insurance?
Passenger cover in car insurance protects passengers riding in your car at the time of an accident. It ensures that the medical expenses, injuries, or fatalities of those riding in your car are financially covered.
For example, in the unfortunate event of an accident, your injured family members or friends will have their medical bills taken care of. Depending on your policy, personal accident cover for passengers can also provide compensation for long-term disabilities or even death.
Why passenger cover in car insurance matters?
What happens if you are driving with your family and an accident happens? Your car insurance might cover the vehicle, but what about your passengers? That’s where the passenger cover comes in. It ensures your passengers are financially protected for medical expenses or injuries, giving you peace of mind in an unexpected event.
Is passenger cover included in standard car insurance?
Are passengers covered by car insurance under standard policies? In most cases, they are not. Standard car insurance typically covers damage to your vehicle and liabilities to third parties but not the passengers inside your car. Passenger cover in car insurance is an add-on you need to get to protect your passengers from tragic circumstances.
Without passenger cover, your insurance might pay for the other car in a collision, but it won’t pay for your friend’s or family member’s injuries. Adding personal accident cover for passengers ensures you don’t have to worry about those costs.
Most insurers offer separate coverage for each passenger, which can be cheaper than a single policy for everyone. Some plans cover up to three passengers under one policy. Make sure to verify the details of your coverage directly with your insurance provider.
How does passenger cover work?
So, does car insurance cover passengers automatically? Not necessarily. Passenger cover is an add-on that must be purchased separately or included in a comprehensive car insurance plan. Here’s how it works:
- Medical expenses: If passengers are injured in an accident, this cover helps pay for their medical treatment and hospital bills.
- Death benefits: In tragic cases, passenger cover insurance can offer compensation to the families of those who have passed away due to the accident.
- Permanent disability: Some policies extend to covering passengers in the event of permanent disabilities, ensuring long-term financial support.
How much does passenger cover cost?
Adding passenger cover is usually an affordable option, especially compared to the potential costs of medical treatment, legal fees, or disability compensation. The price will depend on different factors, like:
- The number of passengers you want to cover
- The level of coverage (full vs. limited)
- Your insurance provider
- The driver
Generally, it’s a low-cost add-on that can offer high value. For instance, a family-oriented driver in the UAE may find this addition particularly beneficial, especially considering the busy highways and bustling roads.
The benefits of adding passenger cover in car insurance
Here are some reasons why opting for the passenger cover is a smart decision:
- Financial security: Covers medical expenses for passengers after an accident.
- Legal protection: Shields you from potential lawsuits filed by injured passengers.
- Comprehensive coverage: Extends financial protection to everyone in your car, regardless of their relationship with you.
- Affordable add-on: Passenger cover is typically a low-cost addition to your policy, providing high value for little extra expense.
- Customisable coverage: Allows you to tailor the level of coverage based on your needs—whether you transport family, friends, or business associates.
- Death and disability benefits: In case of a fatal accident, passenger cover can provide compensation to the family of the deceased or to passengers who suffer permanent disabilities.
- Protection in serious accidents: Ensures passengers are financially supported if they sustain long-term or serious injuries.
What is not covered in passenger cover?
While passenger cover insurance provides valuable protection, there are certain exclusions to be aware of. Here are some things that may not be covered:
- Intentional damage: Injuries caused by deliberate acts or reckless behaviour, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, are not covered.
- Unauthorised drivers: If the accident occurs while someone not listed on your policy is driving the vehicle, the passenger cover may not apply.
- Excluded regions: If the accident occurs outside the specified area in your policy (e.g., driving across borders), coverage may not extend to certain geographical areas.
- Racing or competitions: Injuries sustained during unauthorised racing, speed trials, or competitions are not covered.
- Illegal use of vehicle: If the car was used for illegal purposes during the accident, passenger cover may not apply.
- Passengers not present: If passengers weren’t in the car when the accident happened, they won’t be covered.
Always carefully review your policy’s terms to fully understand the specific exclusions related to passenger cover.
How to file a claim for passenger cover in car insurance?
Filing a claim for passenger cover is pretty simple but needs attention to a few key details. Here’s a quick guide to help:
- Report the accident: Begin by filing an accident report at your nearest police station.
- Contact your insurance provider: Initiate the claims process by notifying them promptly.
- Collect required documents: This includes the police report, medical bills, and any witness details.
- Raise the claim: Carefully complete the claim form and attach all required documents.
- Stay in touch: Follow up with your insurer to track your claim’s progress.
- Receive compensation: Once approved, your insurer will handle the payouts according to your policy terms.
When done correctly, filing a claim for passenger cover is easy. Just remember to stay on top of the details, and your passengers will get the financial help they need without any hassles.
Final takeaway
Adding passenger cover in car insurance is a smart and responsible decision for anyone driving in the UAE. Whether you’re driving with family, friends, or coworkers, ensuring their financial protection should be a top priority. With the right passenger cover insurance, you can drive confidently, knowing that everyone in your car is protected in the event of an accident.
InsuranceMarket.ae can help you find the best policy for your needs. The team can guide you through options and ensure you get coverage that provides ease of mind on every journey.
Don’t wait—secure passenger cover for your car insurance today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you want to cover passengers under a personal accident policy?
Yes, personal accident cover for passengers can be added to car insurance to ensure their financial protection in case of an accident.
Is PA cover mandatory in car insurance?
In the UAE, personal accident (PA) cover is mandatory for drivers, but covering passengers is optional. However, adding passenger cover is highly recommended for full protection.
What is unnamed passenger cover in car insurance?
Unnamed passenger cover applies to any individual riding in your car, without mentioning them in the policy beforehand. This is ideal for drivers who frequently transport different passengers.
What is passenger assist in car insurance?
Passenger assist provides services like roadside assistance and other support in non-accident situations.
What is the meaning of passenger liability?
Passenger liability refers to a driver’s legal responsibility for injuries sustained by passengers in their car during an accident.
