Rain in UAE: Does car, home insurance cover damages caused by flooding?

Damages caused by rains to homes and vehicles are usually covered by most insurance policies, but depends on the package chosen as well, say local insurers.

Heavy rains lashed the UAE in the past 24 hours, resulting in massive flooding and damage to properties in the northern emirates.

Following torrential rains, many homes, vehicles and other contents of the house were damaged due to flooding.

“Rain damages are covered by both types of insurance policies individual and corporate. Damages are considered damages irrespective of the cause,” says Anas Mistareehi, chief operating officer of Al Wathba National Insurance Co. (AWNIC).

Mistareehi added that insurance companies do start receiving claims in just a few days after every rain. However, the severity depends on how heavy the rain is.

Sanjeev Anand, general manager of business development at Al Sayegh Insurance Brokers, said all insurance companies offer rain damage cover, and various products to costumers in UAE .

With regard to vehicles, he said mostly engine damage related claims occurs after heavy rains and flooding, and it is covered by motor comprehensive insurance policy.

Following flooding and heavy rains, according to Anand, firms get mainly property damage and motor accident claims.

Anand suggested that individuals can take a comprehensive motor policy including rain damages/natural disasters, home insurance, and property owner insurance that cover all risks. Similarly, corporates can take property all-risk insurance, office multi-covers and fleet insurances.