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Car Insurance

Three surprising things your car insurance may cover

If you have a vehicle, it is important to make sure that it is insured. Different types of vehicles will require different types of insurance, and depending on your needs, you may also want to have certain things included that might not be included within other policies. However, car insurance policies often include extras that the owner of the car isn’t aware of – check out our list below to read about three surprising things your car insurance may cover.

Using the wrong fuel

It’s important to put the correct fuel in your car – not doing so can be a very costly mistake. A lot of insurers won’t cover for putting the wrong fuel in your vehicle, but some will. Often, this is something you have to pay extra for, but it can sometimes be included, so it’s worth checking your policy in case this ever happens to you. There may be an excess involved though, so this is also worth checking as it could end up being more expensive than the cost to have the engine drained professionally.

Uninsured drivers

It’s often thought that having an accident with an uninsured driver means that you are not insured against the damage they cause to your vehicle. This is not always correct though, as most comprehensive car insurance policies now cover uninsured drivers automatically. An uninsured driver claim can often be filed with your insurance company, so it is important to check whether your insurance covers this. You can sometimes even file an uninsured driver claim if you are a pedestrian and an uninsured driver hits you on the street.

Pet injuries

Having a car accident with a pet in the vehicle with you can be rather traumatic, especially if they are injured in the accident. Many people don’t know this, but most comprehensive car insurance compare companies now offer reimbursement for pet injuries caused in car accidents – this may not always be automatically included in the policy, but it is becoming more and more frequent. If you regularly carry pets in your car, it would be worth making sure that your car insurance covers them, even if it is not automatically included in your current policy.

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Car Insurance

Five things you can do to avoid losing your car insurance

Every car owner takes insurance cover with a motor insurance provider to have someone to fall back on when something goes wrong with the car. However, an insurance provider cannot compensate for all claims made by a car owner. There are several reasons why your insurer can deny your claim. This blog post looks at five things you can do to avoid such an occurrence.

Notify your insurer of new modifications

It’s critical to notify your insurer when your car goes through modifications. A standard change such as raising your vehicle can affect the gravity of your vehicle, causing an accident during high speeds. An insurance company can invalidate the claim due to the car’s modifications in such a case. You can inform them when renewing your cover.

Use your car in the right way

When a car insurance company issues a policy, It bases its calculations based on the car’s intended use. When your car is cataloged as a private car but an accident occurs while it’s doing commercial work, the insurance company will decline your claim. Always use your car as has been declared to your provider.

Drive with a valid license

Driving without a valid license is illegal and a danger to your insurance cover. Insurance companies insist that you drive under legal conditions and with the proper classification of your license. An insurance company can decline your claim if you are involved in an accident with a type of car you are not licensed to drive.

Avoid fraud

Insurance companies are very vulnerable to fraud. This is why they are often so rigorous during the validation portion of investigating a claim. Someone can claim their car is stolen in a conspiracy to make it disappear. An insurance company can fail to honour the claim if fraud is found.

Track the location of your car at all times

Ensure you know what your car is doing at all times, especially if it has multiple drivers. Most insurance companies could fail to honour your claims if an accident happened following someone using your car for criminal activities. Knowing where your car is whilst parked and in use minimises this risk.

All in all, drive safely and always follow the rules. Feel free to get insurance quotes that suits your needs at Compare Insurance today.

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Car Insurance

Does car insurance cover a hit-and-run accident?

A hit-and-run is when a driver flees the scene after hitting another car, pedestrian or object without providing their contact information, assisting in any way or contacting the police.

Under the UAE Traffic laws, any motorist that causes an accident must not leave the scene without offering information about themselves and assisting the affected. In case of a minor accident, the driver is free to move the car to a safer spot then inform the police. The Traffic laws provide for either imprisonment or fines starting from Dh20,000 in case of a hit-and-run.

However, that is not to say all motorists comply. So, what happens when you are a victim of a hit-and-run?

When hit by another driver who leaves the scene, their car insurance coverage won’t be available to cover the damages. However, your auto policy may help cover the costs of the damages.

Some of the coverages to damages to your car include:

Collision coverage

Collision coverage protects your car against any physical damage. It will help cover the costs of repairs or replacement in case of a total loss after the hit-and-run. While collision coverage is not mandatory, it is common for rented or leased cars.

Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD)

Your insurance company is likely to consider a hit-and-run driver an uninsured. Therefore, without the collision coverage, you can opt for the UMPD to help cover the costs of damage from the accident.

Medical payments/personal injury protection (PIP)

The medical payments and personal injury protection work irrespective of who’s at fault hence can be used in case of a hit-and-run. The medical payments cover medical expenses from the accident for you and the passengers involved. PIP covers medical expenses and additional expenses like child care, lost wages, household-related and funeral expenses.

When involved in a hit-and-run, contact the police as soon as possible to file a report, document the scene for evidence, then contact your insurance company.

Bottom Line

You can never be too sure of the actions of the other driver who causes you an accident. However, you can keep protected at all times through the right coverage. Contact us today to help you find the right low car insurance coverage that will cover you in case of a hit-and-run.

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Car Insurance

Common mistakes to avoid when switching car insurance companies

There are several reasons to change an insurance policy. Maybe you are looking for a cheaper option, better services or a different level of coverage. Whatever your reasons, you have to do it the right way.

Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid when changing full coverage auto insurance companies:

Having a gap in your car insurance coverage

One of the common mistakes when changing your car insurance companies is stopping the existing policy before getting another one. Even if for a few days, driving a car without a valid insurance policy comes with a risk in case you get involved in an accident. It is also a traffic offence in UAE to drive without a valid license.

Failing to compare policies

It can be tempting to pick a new car insurance policy just because it is cheap. However, there is more to insurance policies than the premiums. You need to look into the coverage, deductibles and limits from different insurance companies.

You never want to trade valuable protection to save some money only to end up getting hurt in the end. You are better off using our tools to compare the different auto insurance options that fit your needs.

Not cancelling your initial car insurance plan

It is common for some insured to assume that failing to remit premium would mean the old insurance company drops the coverage. At times you can also get so caught up with the new plans until you forget about the earlier cover.

Inform the existing insurance company immediately you take a different car insurance policy. This will help you avoid paying for two insurance covers at the same time, most so, when you have the auto-pay billing option.

Failing to ask for a refund if it’s due to you

Most of the insured tend to pay in advance to avoid having to incur recurrent administrative fees. The insurance companies also tend to offer discounts for paying the lump sum payments. However, if you change the policy within a few months of coverage you might be entitled to a refund.

While the insurance company should refund you automatically, you should follow up if you don’t receive the funds.

Shopping for a new car insurance policy?

Do you feel your current online auto insurance policy doesn’t offer you the full package? Well, it’s time to browse through our options for the best full coverage auto insurance for you.

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Car Insurance

Do I need insurance when driving someone else’s car?

From time to time you might need to drive someone else’s car. Maybe it’s an emergency or the owner wants to let you run some errands.

You should not hesitate to take to the driver’s seat due to a lack of personal insurance cover. The short term use of someone else’s car is usually covered under their car insurance policy. All you need is the car owner’s verbal permission to borrow the car to be covered. This is also known as “permissive use”, where the car’s liability coverage will pay for the injury and damages caused if you get into an accident.

However, the rules might change when you frequently borrow the car or when you have to use it for an extended duration. At which point, you should have a non-owner insurance policy for your protection or or monthly car insurance make sure you’re added to the other person’s policy.

When does the policy not cover me when driving someone else’s car?

Here are some of the few cases where you are not covered by the car insurance policy when driving someone else’s car;

• Failure to get permission – As long as the car owner can prove that they did not grant permission for you to use the car, you will have to bear the damages.

• Driving under the influence – Driving under the influence forfeits all the insurance coverage when driving someone else’s car.

• Excluded on their policy – Car insurance policies allow the car owner to exclude specific drivers. Driving the car when you are an excluded driver from the policy means you do not qualify for coverage and might be breaking the policy rules in the process.

• Unlicensed driver – You must have a valid driver’s licence to be covered under someone else’s car insurance policy.

Can I take my own insurance to drive someone else’s car?

While you might be covered on the car’s insurance policy when driving someone else’s car, there are times when it’s better to have a non-owner car insurance policy. This cover is recommended when you regularly borrow someone else’s car, rent cars frequently or you’re in between cars.

Are you looking for the best non-owner car insurance? You are better off using our tools to help you find the right full coverage auto insurance for you.

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Car Insurance

How to check if your car is GCC spec in UAE

This blog post will instruct how to check for GCC specifications and what that means for your vehicle as well as your car insurance premium. We’ll also talk about the difference between GCC specs and other specifications that may be found outside of the UAE.

How do I know if my car is GCC spec?

There are a few ways to check if your car is GCC spec. The most common way is to look at the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your car. If the VIN starts with “W”, then it’s a GCC spec car. You can also look for the “GCC” logo on your car, which will be found on the front and rear of the vehicle. Alternatively, you could visit a local car dealership that should be able to check this for you.

What does it mean if my car is GCC?

The main difference between a GCC spec car and other cars is that a GCC spec car has been designed for the UAE’s roads. This means that your car will have an additional protective layer for corrosion, which is very important in Dubai due to the saltwater in the air during certain seasons.

One of the key differences between GCC spec cars and other models is the air conditioning system which obviously needs to be more powerful than systems in other non-GCC vehicles due to the extreme heat here in UAE.

GCC spec cars are also required to be built with a higher quality of materials because they are more exposed to extreme conditions here. Also, GCC spec cars are required to have more safety features than other vehicles. They will usually include seat belts for all seats and airbags in front or rear seats depending on your car’s design.

My car isn’t GCC spec, will this affect my car insurance premiums?

Since non-GCC vehicles are not made to withstand the harsh environment of the Gulf region, insuring them is a greater risk for insurance companies. As such, you’re more likely to pay a higher 3rd party car insurance premium if your vehicle isn’t GCC spec.

Contact the RTA to find out more

If your car is not GCC spec, don’t worry! You may still be able to insure and drive it in Dubai as long as it meets the other requirements set by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA). To find out more visit: rta.ae

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Car Insurance

Monthly vs annual car insurance: which is better?

Is it cheaper to pay monthly or annually for new car insurance? This is a commonly asked question among many vehicle owners. Keep reading to find out.

Annual car insurance

Annual car insurance is the most common payment option offered by many car insurance providers. Basically, you pay for your cover upfront for the entire year, so you won’t have to think about it for the next 12 months.

Although paying annually for auto insurance means a bigger initial payment, it does work out cheaper. Why? By paying a lump sum upfront, you don’t enter a credit agreement with your insurer that involves paying interest on the premiums calculated. This significantly reduces the costs of your car insurance.

The only downside with paying for your insurance annually is that not everyone is financially able to make a big one-off payment. In this case, your next payment option is monthly car insurance.

Monthly car insurance

Most people opt to pay for their car insurance monthly because it stretches out their payments, making it easier to manage. Unfortunately, monthly car insurance is more expensive in the long run. This is because you’re essentially taking out a 12-month loan with your provider. You’ll still have to make an initial 20% deposit of the annual amount, so you’ll pay interest on the remaining annual amount, increasing the total amount you pay for your premiums.

It’s vital to note that interest rates will vary from provider to provider, so you might end up paying more or less, depending on which insurer you choose.

Monthly car insurance is ideal for people working with a strict budget who don’t want to strain their finances. However, you need to be sure that you can make the payments every month. Missing one or multiple payments can further damage your credit score, and you could end up without car insurance.

Find your ideal car insurance

You can use our tools at Compare Insurance to find the right car insurance for young drivers, budget and needs. We have access to thousands of providers and insurance policies, allowing you to compare quotes and terms and conditions from multiple insurers at a time.

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Car Insurance

Do I need rental car insurance?

The most common question about renting a car for domestic or international travel is, “Do I need to purchase rental insurance cover?” Generally, insurance of any type, including travel, health and vehicle, is vital. It protects you financially from unforeseen circumstances and gives you peace of mind.

However, when it comes to rental car insurance, it depends. While you want to ensure you and your rental car are covered, you don’t want to pay for additional duplicate insurance policies that double your price. To help you get started, here’s a guide to buying rental car insurance.

Domestic travel

If you’re renting a vehicle for domestic travel, contact your provider first if you already have a personal car insurance policy to see what type of rental coverage you have. Most insurers may provide liability and comprehensive coverage for a rental vehicle as long as you drive it for personal use.

If you don’t have a personal vehicle insurance policy, it’s time to start shopping around for a comprehensive policy. Always compare quotes from various insurers before selecting one that suits your budget and needs.

Similarly, you should check with your credit card company as some provide rental car coverage when you use the card to pay for your rental. Credit card coverage comes in handy when there are gaps in your personal auto insurance policy, ensuring you get secondary cover.

International travel

If you’re travelling overseas and will need a vehicle to tour the city and move around, it’s wise to protect yourself against any damages, repairs or accidents.

In most cases, your personal auto policy won’t cover international car rentals, so you’ll have to purchase a policy alongside your travel insurance cover. This also includes taking a road trip with a rental car.

There are two ways to get rental car insurance for international travel. For one, you can include it as an extra in your travel insurance policy or purchase it separately as another policy. Either way, ensure it provides adequate cover.

All in all, never drive a rental car without rental car insurance. Feel free to use our tools to find the right rental car insurance cover for you.

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Car Insurance

Do I need a broker for car insurance?

Purchasing car insurance can be overwhelming from the outset. You have to shop around for the right insurer, compare quotes, and choose the type of coverage you need, which can be difficult. That’s why many people opt to hire insurance brokers to offset the headaches and stresses involved with finding car insurance.

But do you actually need one? Before diving in, let’s look at what an insurance broker does.

What is an auto insurance broker?

Generally, this is a licensed professional that guides you as you look for your policy. They help with numerous aspects, from finding the cheapest rates to the best combination of good coverage within your budget.

Car insurance brokers work with multiple carriers instead of a single carrier. So, you don’t have to worry about them selling you on one specific policy, even if it doesn’t work for you. Instead, they try to understand your options and what you’re looking for before helping you compare and choose insurance policies.

Do you need one?

You don’t necessarily need an insurance broker to find a policy that’s right for you. Why?

First, in the modern era of easily accessible online quotes and comparison websites, you can simply buy insurance without using a middle man. All you have to do is perform a quick online search to find various providers and ask for quotes.

Second, since you have to pay insurance brokers a fee for their services, you end up spending more than required, stretching out your budget. Granted, you may spend less overall if your broker saves you money on your policy every year. However, this isn’t guaranteed.

Lastly, there’s no need to use a broker if your insurance needs are simple. For example, if you have a clean driving record and better credit, searching for insurance is a walk in the park. An insurance broker is often more useful to individuals or businesses with complex needs, e.g., an unusual driving history.

Ready to find car insurance

Save time and money today by comparing car insurance using Compare Insurance to get car insurance quotes. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive or collision coverage, we can help you find the cover to suit your needs.

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Car Insurance

Your car insurance provider dropped you, now what?

Many policyholders maintain coverage with the same insurer for years without feeling the need to shop around for better options. While there’s nothing wrong with this, what happens when your carrier drops you from your policy without much notice?

First, it’s vital to understand exactly why your car insurance was cancelled to know what you need to do moving forward to get the right coverage.

Why your car insurance dropped you

There’s a wide range of factors that can cause your insurer to drop you. These include:

1. Non-payment of your premium

Car insurance works in the same way as your electricity or cell phone bill. If you don’t pay it, you’re cut off. Some insurers offer a grace period for payment but continued delays will result in carriers cancelling your policy.

2. Fraudulent behaviour

Submitting false information when enrolling for a policy or filing for a claim is frowned upon by insurance companies. The fraud doesn’t have to be elaborate to count. Simply leaving out essential information can lead to policy cancellation.

3. Modifying your car

Making changes to your vehicle, whether functional or cosmetic, without informing your insurer can result in them dropping you.

4. High-risk driver behaviour

If you’re always involved in traffic violations and road accidents, your insurer might drop you as they consider you too high a risk to cover.

What to do after your car insurance drops you

Being dropped from an insurance policy isn’t the end of the road because you do have options. However, never purchase the first option available to you. You may end up getting inadequate coverage or costly premiums.

Instead, compare insurance costs and benefits from different providers to find one that meets your budgetary and driving needs. Don’t operate your vehicle during this time, as you’ll have to pay for damages out of pocket if you get into an accident.

Additionally, be honest on your insurance application as to why you were dropped from coverage. This ensures you can find the best rates and discounts.

Are you ready to find your new insurance provider? If so, browse our site to compare insurance quotes from various carriers and comprehensive auto insurance today.

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