A guide to renewing your UAE car insurance

Is your car insurance policy going to expire soon? Are you looking for a new policy or renew the same policy? Here's all inclusive guide.

Is your car insurance policy going to expire soon? Have you started receiving reminders from your insurance provider to renew your policy? Whether you're looking to opt for the easy route and renew with the same provider this year or do a bit of digging to find the right policy for yourself, there are a few things you should know beforehand.
Here's an all-inclusive guide that will help shed light on all aspects of car insurance renewal in the UAE.
12th month... 13th month... When am I supposed to renew my policy?
Did you know that the UAE traffic department provides you with a one-month grace period to renew your vehicle registration? So once your 12-month registration expires, you have an extra penalty-free month to renew it. Therefore, car insurance policies in the UAE are issued for a standard 13-month term to account for the grace period.
Most insurance providers will start sending you reminders to renew your policy well in advance. So it is advisable that you get proactive and take this time to do the research and compare your options to find a good deal.
Should I renew the policy with the same features?
Should you continue with the same TPL (Third-Party Liability) or comprehensive policy? Should you stick with the same coverage? Should you add or remove optional policy features? Since you're renewing your policy, you've obviously had the chance to assess your car insurance cover, at least for a year if not more. So that makes you the best judge of which features work for you and which are the ones that you can opt out of.
For example, if your existing policy includes the optional off-road cover and GCC cover, but you don't ever go on off-road adventures in or outside the UAE, it would be best to opt out and save on your premium.
Should I renew with the same provider?
Renewing with the same provider might sound like the convenient option, but it isn't always the best one. Take your time to scout the market for a car insurance policy that works for you.
How will my new car insurance premium be calculated?
Insurance providers will calculate your premium based on a number of factors that include your age, years of driving experience, driving history, record of traffic fines, the type, age and value of the vehicle etc. Your premium will also be determined by the type and extent of coverage you choose while renewing the policy.
And don't forget the No Claims Discount - a surefire way to lower your premiums at the time of renewal. If you haven't had an accident in the past year leading up to a claim, you will be eligible for a No Claims Discount or No Claims Bonus. The more the number of years you go without making a claim, the lower your new premium will be. Make sure to get the No Claims Discount certificate from your previous insurance provider if you decide to renew with a different one this year.
What are the documents required for renewal?
Renewing your car insurance policy with a different provider this year? You will be asked to submit your passport copy, UAE Visa copy, UAE driving licence, car registration details (Mulkiya) and No Claims Discount certificate where applicable.
If you've decided to renew your policy with the same provider, you can skip most of this documentation and simply provide them with details of your existing policy to proceed with the renewal.
The writer is the founder and CEO of souqalmal.com. Views expressed are her own and do not reflect the newspaper's policy.