Comprehensive Car Insurance in the UAE

Comprehensive car insurance provides wider motor protection than third-party liability insurance. It may cover accidental loss of or damage to the insured vehicle, together with third-party liability and other insured risks.

The exact protection depends on the policy schedule, coverage limits, excess, endorsements, terms and exclusions. Vehicle owners should review the complete policy documents before purchasing comprehensive insurance.

What Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover?

Subject to the selected policy, comprehensive insurance may include:

1. Accidental Vehicle Damage: Loss of or damage to the insured vehicle caused by collision, overturning or another covered accidental incident.
2. Third-Party Liability: Legal liability for bodily injury or property damage caused to an eligible third party by the insured vehicle.
3. Fire and Explosion: Damage to the insured vehicle caused by external fire, explosion, spontaneous combustion or lightning, subject to policy conditions.
4. Theft or Robbery: Loss of or damage to the insured vehicle resulting from theft or robbery.
5. Malicious Third-Party Acts: Damage caused deliberately by another person may be covered under the policy.
6. Transportation Damage: Selected damage occurring while the insured vehicle is being transported by land, inland water, elevators or lifting machinery may be covered.
7. Vehicle Accessories: Accessories forming part of the insured vehicle may be covered according to the policy schedule and declared vehicle value.

Optional Comprehensive Insurance Benefits:

Additional benefits may be available depending on the selected policy:

1. Personal Accident Cover: Benefits for the authorised driver or passengers may be available, subject to applicable limits and conditions.
2. Roadside Assistance: Emergency towing, battery assistance or other roadside services may be available under selected policies.
3. Agency Repair: Repair at an authorised vehicle dealership may be available for eligible vehicles, subject to the policy terms.
4. Natural-Event Coverage: Coverage for flooding or other natural events may require an additional endorsement or specific policy extension.
5. Geographical Extension: Coverage outside the UAE may be available through an approved extension, subject to applicable requirements.
6. Replacement Vehicle Benefit: A temporary replacement vehicle or loss-of-use benefit may be available under selected coverage.

What Is Not Usually Covered?

Comprehensive insurance remains subject to exclusions, which may include:

1. Driving Without a Valid Licence: Loss or damage arising while the vehicle is driven by an unlicensed or unauthorised person may not be covered.
2. Driving Under the Influence: Claims arising while driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or substances affecting driving ability may be excluded.
3. Intentional Damage: Loss or damage deliberately caused by the insured or authorised driver is not covered.
4. Undeclared Vehicle Use: Claims arising from commercial, racing, off-road or other undeclared use may not be covered.
5. Mechanical Wear and Tear: Mechanical failure, gradual deterioration and normal wear and tear are generally not insured unless directly resulting in covered accidental damage.
6. Natural Disasters: Natural-disaster damage may be excluded unless specifically included through an endorsement or additional coverage.
7. Loss Outside the Covered Area: Incidents occurring outside the geographical area stated in the policy may not be covered without an approved extension.

Comprehensive Insurance vs Third-Party Insurance:

Understand the main differences before selecting your coverage:

1. Own-Vehicle Damage: Comprehensive insurance may cover damage to the insured vehicle, while third-party insurance does not usually provide own-vehicle protection.
2. Third-Party Liability: Both options may provide liability protection for eligible injury or damage caused to third parties.
3. Theft and Fire: Comprehensive insurance may cover theft and fire affecting the insured vehicle. Third-party insurance does not normally cover these losses.
4. Premium: Comprehensive insurance generally has a higher premium because it provides wider protection.
5. Vehicle Eligibility: Comprehensive coverage may depend on the vehicle’s age, condition, value, usage and underwriting assessment.

How to Choose Comprehensive Car Insurance:

Review the following points before selecting a policy:

1. Insured Vehicle Value: Confirm that the value shown in the policy reflects the agreed insured value of the vehicle.
2. Policy Excess: Check the amount you may need to contribute when making an eligible claim.
3. Repair Arrangement: Confirm whether repairs will be completed through an agency or an approved non-agency repair network.
4. Coverage Limits: Review the maximum amount payable under each section of the policy.
5. Optional Benefits: Select additional coverage that is relevant to your vehicle and driving requirements.
6. Policy Exclusions: Understand the events, vehicle uses and circumstances that are not covered.
7. Claims Requirements: Review how to report an accident and which supporting documents may be required.
8. Total Premium: Compare the premium together with the complete coverage rather than considering the price alone.

How to Buy Comprehensive Car Insurance:

Follow these steps to request comprehensive motor insurance:

1. Provide the Driver Details: Submit the vehicle owner’s identification, contact information and driving licence details.
2. Provide the Vehicle Details: Enter the vehicle’s make, model, year, registration information, value and intended use.
3. Select Comprehensive Coverage: Choose the available comprehensive motor insurance option based on your requirements.
4. Select Optional Benefits: Review any available additional coverage and select the benefits you need.
5. Review the Quotation: Check the premium, vehicle value, excess, repair arrangement, coverage limits, exclusions and policy conditions.
6. Submit the Documents: Provide the required personal and vehicle documents.
7. Complete the Payment: Pay the applicable premium after reviewing and accepting the policy terms.
8. Receive the Policy: Keep the issued policy schedule, wording and endorsements for your records.

Documents Required for Comprehensive Car Insurance:

You may need the following documents:

1. Emirates ID
2. Valid UAE driving licence
3. Vehicle registration card
4. Passport and residence visa copy, if required
5. Vehicle inspection or passing certificate, if required
6. Vehicle valuation or photographs, if requested
7. Customs clearance documents for a new or imported vehicle, if applicable
8. Previous motor insurance policy details, if available
9. No-claims certificate, if available
10. Additional documents requested during underwriting

Why Choose Al Buhaira Insurance for Comprehensive Insurance?

Here are some reasons to consider Al Buhaira Insurance:

1. Comprehensive Motor Insurance: Own-vehicle loss-and-damage protection may be available for eligible vehicles, subject to underwriting and policy terms.
2. Third-Party Liability Option: Customers who require basic liability protection may also review third-party motor insurance.
3. Online Motor Insurance Quotation: Customers can enter their personal and vehicle details to begin a motor insurance quotation online.
4. Digital Insurance Services: The available online journey supports quotation, package selection, payment and policy issuance.
5. Policy Assistance: Support is available for quotations, documentation, policy enquiries and renewal requirements.
6. Motor Claims Assistance: Policyholders can submit a motor-claim request online or contact the available motor-claims support channels.

Frequently Asked Questions: