Motor Insurance Checklist For The First-time Buyers: An Ultimate 2024 Guide

Motor Insurance in the UAE becomes a mandatory requirement when you get yourself a car. Buying first-time car insurance can be a tedious or soul searching process if you don’t have proper awareness of current insurance trends followed by the providers.

Have you ever wonder why buying Motor insurance is so important for you?

Well, if your vehicle is insured, the motor insurance will come to your help in the case of accidental damage to your vehicle. The insurance company whose auto-insurance policy you have availed yourself will step up to pay for the damages to your vehicle, including repair costs.

You’ll be paying the company an annual premium, of course, to receive the insurance benefit. Still, it helps mitigate the expenditure you would have to face if you had an uninsured vehicle.

In short, you pay the company to come to your financial aid whenever your vehicle is involved in an accident, thus lessening your financial burden.

Hence, we have formed a list of many factors that you must consider if you buy the insurance for the first time.

 It is an ultimate guide that will serve as a car insurance checklist for first-time buyers in 2022. Let’s start with the types of insurance that you can get for your car. 

Types of Motor Insurance

There are two types of car insurance policies

1. Third-party liability only policy: A mandatory policy that has to be taken with the purchase of an automobile.
2. Comprehensive coverage policy: Coverage against own-damages, total loss of or damages to your vehicle caused by theft, accident, explosion, fire, lightning, self-ignition, strikes, riots, natural calamities or acts of terrorism.

Checklist – 20 Tips for First-Time Motor Insurance Buyers

1. Do your Homework

You as a first-time insurance buyer should know all the available details of the insurance policies in the market. 

1. Find the right source online to view and compare policies basis on several parameters like low premium cost, coverage, additional benefits, claim settlement ratio, etc. 
2. Use the online car insurance calculator to find your policy most easily and quickly to match your requirements to the policy you need.

Thus, your advanced research can save you the trouble of getting expensive and rigid policies.

2. Knowing What’s Best: Claims Settlement

The three vital insurance claim ratios you must understand are:

1. Claim Settlement – CSR is calculated as below: a number of claims settled / number of reported claims + remaining claims at the beginning of the year – remaining claims at the end of year = claim settlement ratio.
2. Claims Repudiation – CRR is calculated as below: Rejected claims / total claims = claims repudiation ratio %.
3. Claims Pending – CPR is calculated as below: Outstanding claims / total claims = claims pending ratio %

Claims data lets you analyze the insurer’s history for claims and its handling process. Keep in mind that relatively new companies in the market will have a low settlement ratio because claims that early could mean fake.

Thus, claims data does provide us with vital information and helps in making a final decision when choosing the product or the insurance company.

If you are dwindling between two insurers who offer similar benefits, then Claims data may help you seal the deal.

3. The Right Information about Third-Party Motor Insurance

The word ‘third-party’ means that the primary beneficiary of this policy is neither the insurance company nor the original insured, but a pretentious outside member affected by the actions of the vehicle and thereby the vehicle owner.

1. Third-Party Insurance offers:

Third-Party Insurance can be very beneficial and lucrative to the policyholder during unforeseen events that offer Legal coverage and total financial assistance. Hence, its a simple, seamless and quick process to acquire courage of your liking.

2. Standard third-party insurance covers:

Accidental damages caused by your automobile that has resulted in:

1. Death or bodily injury to the third-party
2. Damages to third-party property
3. Accidental Death of the vehicle’s driver/owner
4. Total permanent disability suffered by vehicle’s driver/owner

3. Salient features of the third-party insurance:

1. The claim is directly paid to the third-party or his solicitor by the insurer. The policyholder is only a nominal beneficiary in this case.
2. An own-damage cover is not applicable in third-party cover.
3. Insurance premiums under third-party do not differ with the vehicle value as it is impossible to know how much the liability is.
4. Third-party liability insurance requires your lawyers’ involvement.
5. Renew or buy third-party insurance online in quick and easy steps.

4. Exclusions in the third-party insurance

1. Accidental loss, damage or liability upheld outside geographical boundaries other than specified.
2. Claims that arise due to contractual liability if individuals other than the owner or specified driver driving the vehicle.
3. Third-party incurred loss or damage due to accidents accrued from substantial loss from elsewhere.
4. Liabilities due to invasion, war or warlike operations, radioactive contamination or nuclear weapons, either directly or indirectly.

4. Understand your Purchase

An insurance policy document is a legal contract that may contain technical terms that are hard to comprehend.

A thorough read of the documents before you sign the dotted line is essential if you want to avoid future confusion. Your policy document checklist:

1. Who is covered
2. What is the coverage, its inclusions, exclusions, and limitations
3. When the coverage begins and ends
4. How much coverage in terms of denomination is provided
5. How much you’ll need to pay for this coverage (the premium)
6. How to file a claim or report a loss

Thus, ask an insurance expert to explain the various types of car insurance, terms and conditions, and benefits. For example, young drivers/owners get the best rates under car insurance for teens.

5. Comprehensive Cover For Better Insurance Coverage

When third-party insurance fails to satisfy your need for the ideal auto insurance coverage, choose the highly-popular comprehensive insurance cover that takes care of you and your vehicle.

1. The policy covers damages to your vehicle as a result of incidents unrelated to accidents, collisions, etc. 
2. This extensive scheme covers damages to the vehicle, legal liability to a third party, personal accident cover, and theft.

Therefore, opt for add-ons like zero depreciation cover, engine protector, accessories cover, medical expenses, etc.

6. Motor Insurance needs Periodical Evaluation

Your insurance needs change as your life changes. Experts suggest that annual evaluation to review your insurance to assess if you need more or less coverage is necessary to make the insurance policy work for you.

Therefore, there are some events that require alterations to your existing insurance policy are:

1. You are getting married
2. You are getting divorced
3. You are renting a living option
4. You are starting a family
5. You are making a major purchase, a car, a house, etc.
6. You are becoming self-employed or starting a new job
7. You are selling or buying a business
8. Your income rises or declines substantially
9. You are taking care of your aging dependents
10. Your child starts college
11. You are due for retiring or planning to retire

7. Credit Score and Motor Insurance

Insurers quote the most appropriate and the lowest premium rates based on your credit-based insurance score. The factors determining an ideal credit score are:

1. Your payment history, late payments, and delinquencies
2. Length of your credit history
3. Types and number of credits, such as loans and credit cards
4. Age, marital status, ethnicity, sex, address, and income are never considered when determining your car insurance credit score.

Hence, motor insurance quotes can be an eye-opener for the young driver and first-time insurance buyers.

8. Personal Accident Cover

With many road accidents occurring every day in UAE, you can never be too safe to guard yourself and your family against severe financial contingencies. Thus,  personal accident cover is as follows:

1. Accidental death from a mishap
2. Accidental partially or total disability
3. Accidental dismemberment of limbs
4. Injuries and death due to an act of terrorism
5. Monetary relief as daily payment during hospitalization

Advantage of the personal accident plan is:

1. Can be bought as personal or family policy
2. No documentation and medical tests required
3. Low premium and wide coverage
4. Coverage is worldwide
5. Child education benefit
6. Certified and easy claim process
7. 24 x 7 Customer service
8. Legal expenses are covered
9. Double indemnity for impairment or demise when traveled in public transport
10. Funeral expenses are covered
11. Highly customizable plan

9. Bundled Motor Insurance

Bundled car insurance is for more than one car in a single household from a single insurance company. Therefore, this type of insurance will help you get car premiums at a discount.

10. Knowing About Compulsory Deductibles

A compulsory deductible is a minimum amount that you, as a policyholder, need to pay for each and every claim. 

1. The amount of compulsory deductible varies according to the rates set by authorities in the UAE. 
2. Higher deductible might be charged for an older car with a higher claim-risk. 
3. A higher deductible can also be charged in the cases of cars with bigger cubic capacities and other scenarios where the risk of a claim is perceived as big.

Hence, compulsory deductibles not always help in lowering the car premium though but knowing the in and out of these deductibles can be very beneficial. 

11. Low Premium Costs Through Voluntary Deductibles

A Voluntary deductible, as the name suggests, is not mandatory. Voluntary deductibles help in lowering the car premiums. This option allows you to share the repair costs in case of a claim, so it lowers the insurance premium.

Therefore, deductibles compulsory and voluntary are only provided in a comprehensive coverage policy.

12. Being Familiar With Your Car’s Insured Declared Value (IDV)

The Insured Declared Value (IDV) of any car is the maximum amount that can be claimed under an insurance policy. It is the amount you get if your vehicle is stolen or gets totally and irreparably damaged.

1. A brand new car has a higher IDV than a year-old one of the same model. So it can be said that IDV is the current market value of the vehicle.
2. If you subtract the depreciation value from the selling price, you get the IDV. It excludes the registration and the insurance costs though. 
3. Also, the IDV of accessories needing the insurance (not the factory fitted ones) is separately calculated for an additional cost.

Thus, the insurance premium is calculated considering the factors like the IDV, the model, etc. So knowing about the IDV of a car is important.

13. Being Aware Of The No-Claim Bonus (NCB) 

A No Claim Bonus is what you get as an additional cover if the policy hasn’t been claimed for the duration of one complete year. 

1. In case you are not claiming your motor insurance policies for a full one year, the NCB comes into play, and you get about 5-10% of the IDV as a bonus upon renewing the policies. 
2. The bonus can go up to 50% at the most.

Hence be smart and careful while driving. 

14. The Geographical Location And The Car’s Cubic Capacity Matter

Your insurance premium costs might be higher if you live in a metro compared to the insurance costs of the same model if you were living in a non-metro or rural area. 

The car’s geographical location is taken into account in your premium. 

Hence, the cubic capacity of the car’s engine also factors into car insurance premium costs.

15. Customizing Your Car Keeping The Insurance Policy In Mind

Some vehicle parts do not get coverage under your regular auto insurance policy, following the modification.

1.  Usually, they are engine parts and some other mechanical ones.
2. The standard insurance plans cannot be extended for every customized part. 

Thus, it is always better to check with your insurance agent before customizing your vehicle.

16. A Cashless Option Is A Big Plus

An insurance company that provides a cashless option is a good choice as it helps in the case of emergencies and saves you from the hassle of running around for cash. 

However, you should not choose an insurance company just for this factor while overlooking others, but if it provides a cashless option, then it is a big plus.

17. Proximity Of Network Garages Is Advantageous Too

Checking for the number and the proximity of garages in your location is an important factor to keep in mind before choosing an insurance company. 

More network garages in close proximity are always good. Thus, you can ask around and get feedback to make an informed choice.

18. A Speedily Issued Insurance Coverage And Policy

One important factor to keep in mind while selecting a car insurance company is how soon it can provide you with the insurance coverage. 

How fast the policy gets issued should also be taken into account. Today’s technological advances have made fast services possible. 

Therefore, as a buyer, you should make sure to choose the insurance company that does not take months to issue the policy.

19. Customer Service and Helpline

This could be considered not that important factor to look into a company when buying car insurance.

1.  But once you buy insurance, then the customer care and support will come into play for all your future worries regarding the aspects of your insurance policy.
2. The feedback of other persons will prove beneficial in learning about how strong and efficient customer support of a company is. 
3. You could check for online reviews or ask your friends about the customer services of various companies.

Hence, you can also check for a 24×7 customer helpline facility which would help you reach out to your company in your time of need.

20. Buying a Motor Insurance Policy Online

This is a cost-effective and faster way to get car insurance than by normal paperwork. You can compare different policies online from one place before zeroing in on the one that best suits you. 

BuyAnyInsurance have also started chatbot, where you can get all relevant information regarding online insurance

Hence, it is paperless work, and after the issuance of your policy, you can access it from anywhere.

FAQ

Which is the best car insurance in Dubai?

Car insurance that best suits your budget and car scenario is best for you. You can get the estimate of the expected car insurance cost through the car insurance calculator.

How can you get the best motor insurance online?

You can get the best motor insurance online by making an online insurance premium comparison through an insurance portal like BuyAnyInsurance and get the best estimated cost through a car insurance calculator.

How can you get the cheapest motor insurance quotation in the UAE?

You can get the cheapest motor insurance quotation in the UAE for third-party insurance. Deductibles and no claim benefit can reduce your motor insurance cost to give you the cheapest motor insurance quotation.

Which insurance cover is best for cars?

Fully comprehensive insurance is best and highest level of insurance cover for car. It covers you, your car and pretty much everything and everyone involved in the accident.

What are three types of motor insurance?

Three basic types of motor insurance include liability, collision and comprehensive insurance. 

What is motor insurance comprehensive vs third party?

A comprehensive motor insurance covers everything that is involved in the car damage while a third party car insurance only covers you when you are involved in damaging someone else’s car.

Conclusion:

This guide can be used as a checklist to make sure that you are making the right decision. Being a first-time motor insurance buyer means that you might not be aware of the many things that will help you.

All you have to do is to get the correct information. You can do this by researching the markets and different companies.

Related Articles:

A to Z Guide: Everything you need to know about driving a car in Dubai

Calculate Car Insurance Premium Online in the UAE – BuyAnyInsurance

Understanding Your Car Insurance Deductibles

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