It can be difficult to know how to evaluate different car insurance policies or what to look for in them, this blog will surely help!
Before deciding on the insurance that best suits your need, it is easy to get hung up on the less important factors to consider. That’s why we’ve come up with the five most significant points you should consider when choosing your cover.
First: Type of cover – Comprehensive vs. Third-Party Liability
It is essential that you know what type of coverage you need for your car (check out our previous blog: Should I purchase comprehensive or third party car insurance?). There are a lot of things to consider here, but the most prominent distinction between the two is this: in an accident that’s your fault, Third-Party Liability would pay against the damages of others you caused, but you will have to pay for your repair expenses from your own pocket. In comparison, Comprehensive insurance would cover your repair expenses even when the accident is your fault, provided that you pay an excess (check out: What is the meaning of excess in car insurance).
Second: Consider territorial covers
Many UAE residents take road trips to Oman, which requires having valid insurance there. If you anticipate making such a trip to Oman or any of the other GCC countries, you might want to consider having an effective cover in those regions. Whilst some policies extend to cover Oman as standard, many require an “extension” or additional premium to add the cover. You need to consider this carefully, as well as the compulsory “Orange Card” and Liability cover too. In our experience, GCC wide cover is almost always an optional extra, so again consider your needs carefully.
Third: Choosing an insurance provider
There are many ways to go about choosing an insurance provider in the UAE. You may choose to buy a policy at the last minute from the kiosks available at the vehicle inspection centers, or purchase online from an insurance comparison site. However you decide to go about this, make sure to choose a provider that is trustworthy and has a good reputation for their commitment to seeing user’s claims through.
Fourth: Premium vs. Excess
Premium is the amount of money you pay to purchase an insurance policy, while excess is the amount stated in the policy that you need to pay in case you claim against an accident of your fault.
You might have some freedom to lower your premium in consideration of raising the excess. If you’re a claims-free or cautious driver, increasing your excess voluntarily could be a good way of lowering your premium. You should weigh up this option carefully to make the wisest choice for you.
Fifth: Consider Additions
You may buy a Comprehensive cover, but that doesn’t mean everything is covered: there may still be some extra benefits you can add to your cover to make sure you’re protected in any given scenario. You might include a hire car for when your car is getting repaired. Or add a cover to be reimbursed if your personal belongings get stolen from the vehicle.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a car insurance policy. We have highlighted what we think are the top five, but you might have some further requirements you want to be considered when being offered different car insurance policies. That’s why at InsuranceMarket.ae we have a friendly team that is willing to go the extra mile to make sure you are more than happy with your insurance policy. Safe travels! While you buy your next car insurance online more confidently, don’t forget to read insightful car reviews from YallaMotor.
