Car Insurance in the UAE: A Guide for Drivers
Third-party or comprehensive, agency repair, what affects your premium, and what to do after an accident.
✓ Since 1995 · ✓ Central Bank of the UAE Reg. No. 081 · ✓ Compared across leading UAE insurers
Every vehicle in the UAE must be insured before it can be registered or renewed. Choosing between third-party and comprehensive cover, and the right extras, makes a big difference when you need to claim. This guide explains the choices. It's written by Al Berwaz Insurance Brokers, licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (Registration No. 081).
Third-party or comprehensive
- Third-party liability: the legal minimum. It pays for injury to other people and damage to their property, but not for damage to your own car.
- Comprehensive: third-party liability plus accidental damage, fire and theft of your own car.
Agency or garage repair
Agency repair means your car is repaired at the brand's authorised dealer, using original parts. Garage repair uses the insurer's approved workshops. Agency repair costs more and is often only offered for newer cars; the age limit varies by insurer.
Useful extras
- Off-road cover, for driving on sand or unpaved roads
- Oman cover, for driving into Oman
- Personal accident cover for the driver and passengers
- Roadside assistance, and a replacement car while yours is repaired
What affects your premium
Insurers look at your car's value, make and model, your age and driving experience, where you got your licence, your claims history and no-claims record, and the cover and extras you choose.
After an accident
- Stay safe: move to a safe place if you can, and report the accident to the police.
- Get the report: you need a police report for any claim.
- Don't repair first: contact your insurer or broker before any repair.
- Documents: driving licence, vehicle registration (Mulkiya), Emirates ID and the police report.
Why use a broker?
Policies with similar prices can differ a lot on repair terms, deductibles and extras. A broker compares insurers, checks the details that matter when you claim, and helps you through the claim. Broker commission is built into the insurer's premium, so using a broker doesn't add to your cost.
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Got questions? We've got answers
Quick answers to other questions drivers ask us about car insurance.
Ask Us a QuestionIs third-party insurance enough?
It meets the law, but you'd pay for repairs to your own car yourself. For newer or financed cars, comprehensive cover is usually the better choice, and banks normally require it on financed cars.
What is a no-claims discount?
A lower premium when you haven't made a claim. Insurers may ask for a no-claims certificate from your previous insurer, so request one when you switch.
Does my policy cover me in Oman?
Not automatically. Ask for Oman cover as an extra before you travel.
What if the accident wasn't my fault?
The other driver's insurer should pay for the damage, based on the police report. Your broker can help you claim from them.
✓ Serving Abu Dhabi drivers since 1995
✓ Licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (Reg. No. 081)
✓ Car insurance compared across leading UAE insurers
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Terms differ between insurers. Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions of the issuing insurer.