Every car in the UAE must be insured, but the cheapest policy is not always the best value. This guide explains the main types of cover, what affects your premium and what to have ready when you ask for a quote or renew.
01Comprehensive vs third-party
Third-party liability insurance is the legal minimum. It pays for damage and injury you cause to other people, but not for damage to your own car. Comprehensive insurance includes third-party cover and also pays to repair your own car.
| What is covered | Comprehensive | Third-party |
|---|---|---|
| Damage to other vehicles & property | Yes | Yes |
| Injury to others | Yes | Yes |
| Damage to your own car | Yes | No |
| Theft & fire | Usually | No |
Comprehensive policies are offered with agency repair (at the brand’s authorised dealer) or garage repair (at a garage approved by the insurer). Agency repair costs more and is usually limited to newer cars.
02What affects your premium?
- The car: its make, model, age, engine size and market value.
- Repair type: agency repair costs more than garage repair.
- The driver: age, how long you have held a UAE or recognised licence, and your claims history.
- No-claims record: a claim-free history usually brings the price down.
- Excess: the amount you pay towards each claim — a higher excess usually lowers the premium.
- Add-ons: every extra benefit adds to the price.
Compare policies on what they cover, not only on price: check the excess, the repair type and any exclusions.
03Popular add-ons
Insurers offer optional extras, either built into the policy or for an additional premium. Common ones include:
- Roadside assistance — towing, battery boost and flat-tyre help.
- Replacement or rental car while yours is being repaired.
- Personal accident cover for the driver and passengers.
- Cover for driving in Oman.
- Off-road cover for 4x4s.
What is included differs from policy to policy, so check the schedule before you buy.
04Documents you’ll need
- Emirates ID.
- UAE driving licence.
- Vehicle registration (Mulkiya) or purchase documents for a new car.
- No-claims certificate or previous policy details, if you have them.