Home Insurance in Abu Dhabi: A Guide for Owners and Tenants
Building and contents cover explained: who insures what, what's covered, and how much cover you need.
✓ Since 1995 · ✓ Central Bank of the UAE Reg. No. 081 · ✓ Compared across leading UAE insurers
Fire, water leaks and theft can cost far more than most people expect, and many residents assume their landlord's insurance covers their belongings. It usually doesn't. This guide explains how home insurance works for owners and tenants in Abu Dhabi. It's written by Al Berwaz Insurance Brokers, licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (Registration No. 081).
What each part covers
- Building: the structure and permanent fittings. Usually insured by the owner or the building's management.
- Contents: your furniture, electronics, clothes and other belongings. Insured by whoever owns them, including tenants.
- Personal liability: if you accidentally injure someone or damage someone else's property, for example a leak into the flat below.
What's usually covered
- Fire, lightning and explosion
- Storm and flood, depending on the policy wording
- Burst pipes and water damage
- Theft with forced entry
- Accidental damage, if added
- Alternative accommodation if your home can't be lived in after an insured event
How much cover do you need?
For contents, add up what it would cost to replace everything new. If you under-insure, the insurer may reduce your claim in proportion. Valuable items such as jewellery, watches and cameras often have a single-item limit, so list them separately. Personal belongings cover can also protect items you take outside the home.
What isn't usually covered
- Wear and tear, and gradual damage
- Theft without forced entry, unless specifically included
- Damage while the home is left empty for a long period
- Mechanical breakdown of appliances
What affects your premium
Insurers look at the sums insured, the type and location of your home, its security, any high-value items, and your claims history.
Why use a broker?
Home policies differ in limits, exclusions and extras such as accidental damage. A broker compares insurers, helps you set the right sums insured so you aren't under-insured, and supports you if you need to 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 residents ask us about home insurance.
Ask Us a QuestionIs home insurance mandatory in the UAE?
It isn't generally required by law, but banks usually require building insurance on mortgaged properties.
My landlord has insurance. Am I covered?
Usually not. The landlord's policy covers the building, not your belongings or your personal liability.
Are my belongings covered when I travel?
Only if you add personal belongings cover, which protects items you take outside the home, often worldwide.
How do I value my contents?
Go room by room and estimate what it would cost to buy each item new today. Keep receipts and photos of valuable items, as they help if you need to claim.
✓ Serving Abu Dhabi families since 1995
✓ Licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (Reg. No. 081)
✓ Home cover 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.