When selecting a car insurance policy in the UAE, experts say consumers should focus on coverage breadth and claims support over simply finding the lowest price. According to Toshita Chauhan, Chief Business Officer – General Insurance at Policybazaar.ae, the top three priorities are comprehensive cover, especially for own-damage and third-party liability, reliable claim assistance, and a strong garage network with value-added services. “Many policies now include roadside assistance or agency repairs. Choosing a policy isn’t just about price, it’s about coverage breadth and post-accident ease,” she said.
Renewing without reviewing options is a common mistake. Chauhan noted that auto-renewing without comparison can cost drivers: “Aggregators like ours show premium and feature differences of up to Dh1,500 for similar cover.”
She added that failing to declare changes in car usage or overlooking policy exclusions, such as off-road or valet coverage, can lead to invalid claims, while neglecting to update a Safe Driver or No-Claim Discount results in paying more than necessary.
To compare effectively, Chauhan recommends using a real-time comparison platform to view premiums alongside features. “Beyond price, check for inclusions such as agency repairs, which can save up to Dh3,000 annually, deductibles, and add-ons like GCC cover. Always read the fine print and reviews, particularly around claim turnaround time, where top UAE insurers now average under seven working days,” she said.
The UAE market is also seeing new product models gain traction. Chauhan pointed to usage-based insurance (UBI), eco-incentives, and subscription-based models as trends to watch. “With EV adoption rising 10x since 2021 in the UAE, insurers are introducing special EV covers, battery protection, and discounts,” she said. Blockchain is also being piloted for fraud prevention and faster claims settlement, and consumers are advised to consider providers embracing these technologies for better service and value.
Industry data reinforces her points. Two main policy types are offered in the UAE: Third-Party Liability, which is mandatory, and Comprehensive, each with varying coverage levels. Claims turnaround for top-tier insurers now averages under a week, while usage-based insurance globally is growing at over 20% annually.
