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Travel Insurance

Can I buy travel insurance after booking my trip?

Have you booked yourself a spontaneous or unplanned trip and need to get insured quickly? Or perhaps you forgot to buy travel insurance until the last minute? If so, it’s never too late to get a comprehensive travel insurance policy. You can purchase travel insurance after booking your trip.

Keep reading to learn more about purchasing a last-minute travel insurance cover.

Buying last-minute travel insurance

Like a standard travel insurance cover, last-minute travel insurance protects you financially from unforeseen circumstances and accidents. For example, if you fall ill during your trip, a good insurance policy will cover your medical costs, including emergency repatriation services.

Usually, you can purchase a last-minute travel insurance policy on the same day as you travel, as long as you haven’t been through customs or left your country of residence.

Limitations to buying your policy after booking

It’s essential to note that there are limitations to purchasing your travel insurance cover after booking. For one, it won’t cover the losses associated with a foreseeable event.

Picture this: You have already booked your flight, and the government issues a warning for a storm or hurricane. In this case, this is a foreseeable event with the potential of affecting your travel by delaying or cancelling your flight.

Since you’re fully aware of the flight cancellation before buying your policy, insurers are less likely to consider your claim.

Another drawback to last-minute travel insurance is that you don’t get enough time to compare quotes and policies from different providers. This, in turn, can cause you to spend more than you have to on a policy. Additionally, you may not catch certain exclusions or exceptions in your policy that burn a hole in your pocket later on.

You’re better off shopping around for a travel insurance policy early on to give yourself enough time to read and understand terms and conditions and what’s covered or not.

At Compare Insurance, we recommend shopping for travel insurance for over 70s one or two months before your trip. But, if you need last-minute travel insurance, you can use our tools and resources to compare quotes from different providers.

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Categories
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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Categories
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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Categories
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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Categories
Health Insurance

3 commonly asked questions about health insurance answered

Is it your first time purchasing an individual health insurance policy? If so, you probably have many questions and concerns regarding health insurance and how it works. Below, we’ve answered three commonly asked questions about health insurance to keep you informed.

1. Does health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Most insurers don’t cover pre-existing conditions because the risks are higher. For instance, if you have diabetes and get into an accident, your wounds may take longer to heal, requiring more treatment and more doctor visits. This means more money paid out by your health insurance provider, so many plans steer clear of pre-existing conditions.

However, some policies do cover pre-existing medical conditions but at an added cost. Talk to an insurance expert, as they can advise you on the best solution based on your circumstances.

2. What is not covered by health insurance?

The most common exclusions found in health insurance plans include:

• Pre-existing conditions
• Chronic conditions
• Trial or experimental treatments and drugs
• Prescribed drugs
• Fertility treatments
• Sex change and organ transplants
• Cosmetic surgery and treatments
• Drug or substance abuse

It’s essential to note that policies differ from provider to provider, and what may be covered by one insurer may not be covered by another. Therefore, always contact multiple providers at a time and get quotes to compare and contrast what’s covered in each policy.

This way, you can find a comprehensive cover that meets your health needs.

3. Can I use my health insurance policy when travelling abroad?

Your health insurance plan only covers you while you are in the country. For example, if you purchased your cover in the UAE, you won’t get reimbursed if you fall ill when abroad. To ensure you’re covered during your trip, you need other types of insurance, like travel insurance.

The right travel insurance plan will cover medical expenses and emergency repatriations in the countries specified in your policy.

Ready to shop?

Now that you know more about health insurance, it’s time to shop. Use our resources here at Compare Insurance to compare health insurance quotes from various providers. You’ll get access to numerous plans, ensuring you find a policy that suits you.

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Categories
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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Categories
Travel Insurance

What does travel insurance actually cover?

Travel insurance over 70 products vary from provider to provider. Therefore, the losses they cover are not always the same.

In this post, we take a look at what your policy might cover, and what it might not.

Cancellations

Travel insurance usually covers cancellations. Cancellations occur when you need to cancel some aspect of your trip, usually because of circumstances outside of your control.

Cancellations cover cancelled tour packages, aeroplane tickets, cruise fares, and hotel rooms. Mostly, they only apply if you cancel for qualifying reasons. For instance, they might cover cancellation costs if you lose your job, get sick, or can’t travel because of adverse weather.

Some travel insurance policies will cover you for any reason, though they tend to be more expensive.

Medical emergencies overseas

Travel insurance also usually covers the cost of medical care overseas. If you don’t have this cover, you may have to pay out-of-pocket. And, depending on where you go and the medical attention you require, that could be expensive.

Lost baggage

Travel insurance often covers lost, stolen, or damaged baggage as well as compensates for any delay in receiving your items.

Emergency evacuations

You may experience a health emergency while abroad. If so, evacuation coverage helps. This cover pays for emergency travel arrangements related to your medical care.

You can activate the emergency evacuation clause on your policy if your health deteriorates beyond a certain point, usually defined by local medical personnel. Coverage may include ambulance trips to the hospital, airlifts to better-equipped facilities, and flights back home.

Please note that evacuations can be exceptionally expensive – often reaching $50,000 or more.

Phone assistance

Travel arrangements and plans can go wrong while you are abroad. Because of this, many travel insurers offer 24/7 assistance, anywhere in the world. These services can help you if you need to get medical transportation, find your baggage, or locate a lost passport.

Additional coverage

Lastly, some groups of travellers require additional coverage to protect them against losses. For instance, if you are travelling to a dangerous part of the world, you may require life insurance. You may also benefit from hazardous sports cover which covers any medical costs you incur as a result of scuba diving or sailing accidents.

Find an insurance policy to suit your needs at Compare Insurance today.

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Categories
Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for a cruise holiday

If you’re thinking about going on a cruise this holiday season, you might want to consider purchasing cruise travel insurance. Why? While cruises are a great way to see and explore the world, they open you up to numerous vulnerabilities that can leave you injured, hurt, sick or even dead. Having annual worldwide travel insurance to fall back on when this happens gives you peace of mind at sea.

What is cruise travel insurance?

Cruise travel insurance is a type of cover that protects you from the things that might happen while you’re on a cruise, e.g., missed port stops. Simply put, it covers the specific risks and activities associated with a cruise trip, ensuring you don’t have to pay for expenses out-of-pocket.

Cruise travel insurance is typically classified as a specialist type of insurance as it covers you from situations that a standard policy won’t cover. As a result, it tends to be pricier than a regular cover. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t find an affordable policy.

What does cruise travel insurance cover?

The features of each cruise insurance policy vary by insurer, but a reliable policy should cover the following:

• Medical emergency expenses and medical repatriation
• Curtailment – cutting short your trip, e.g., from two months to one month
• Personal belongings
• Missed departure
• Cabin confinement – if the ship’s medical officer confines you to your cabin for health reasons
• Unused excursion – if you can’t use a pre-planned excursion

It’s vital to note that different providers have different guidelines for their policies. For instance, while some insurers might cover you for curtailment regardless of the reason for shortening your trip, others may only cover you if your trip is shortened due to medical reasons and family emergencies.

So, be sure to read in between the fine print to understand what situations warrant reimbursement and those that don’t.

How do I get affordable cruise travel insurance?

The best way to get affordable insurance is to compare policies from different providers. Luckily for you, at Compare Insurance, we have tools and resources that you can use to compare quotes from multiple insurers at a time.

Use our comparison tool today to get competitive pricing on cruise travel insurance.

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