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Car Insurance Travel Insurance

How to plan a self-driving holiday

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If you have always dreamed of driving around different countries on a self-driving holiday, whether independently or with family and friends, it is important you carefully plan for your trip. In this blog post, we outline the top things you must consider and arrange before hitting the road.

1. Buy a reliable vehicle

Instead of renting a car or van, which you are unfamiliar with, you should choose to complete your self-driving holiday in a vehicle you own and are familiar with. This will ensure you do not experience any unexpected breakdowns and you are familiar with the driving limits of your car.

2. Find the right car insurance

If you choose to drive your car around the UAE or in a new country, it is essential you have comprehensive car insurance. Compare different car insurance policies and select a policy that offers you cover when in a different country. Insurance quotes online will ensure that should you get into an accident or breakdown, your holiday won’t be ruined by an extortionate fee.

3. Plan your route

While it may be tempting to hit the open road and see where it takes you, it is advisable to plan your route beforehand. This will ensure you can research any local rules and regulations and make sure you have the proper documentation to cross certain borders.

4. Revise your travel insurance

Ensure your travel insurance is updated before you hit the road. Even if you do not plan to leave the UAE, you may still require travel insurance. Selecting a comprehensive travel insurance policy before you begin your holiday will also ensure that should you decide to expand your holiday, or travel further afield than planned, you will be covered.

5. Create a budget

To ensure you do not blow all of your holiday budget in one destination, allocate a small budget for each place you plan to visit and try to stick to it. Remember, your biggest expense will most likely be fuel so this should be prioritised over other expenses.

Visit Compare Insurance

To ensure you get the best travel insurance and car insurance for your self-driving holiday, visit Compare Insurance today.

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Travel Insurance

Top 4 factors that impact travel insurance

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If you are planning a vacation, you may be uncertain exactly how much travel insurance you need and why different travel insurance rates vary. Below we list the top 4 factors that influence the price of travel insurance.

1. Where you are travelling to

One of the main factors that influence the price of your travel insurance is where you are travelling to. If you are taking an international trip, your travel insurance will be much higher than a domestic trip. If you are travelling within the UAE, but would still like insurance cover to ensure you have protection against lost baggage etc, your travel insurance will be significantly lower.

2. How long your trip will be

It makes sense that logically, the longer your trip is, the greater chance you have of falling ill or experiencing a problem. For this reason, your insurance will be more expensive. It is essential, however, that even if you are only planning a short trip, e.g. a weekend away, you still seek the right insurance cover.

3. Pre-existing health conditions

A pre-existing health condition is a physical injury or illness a traveller is aware of before taking their trip. It is thought by insurance providers that individuals with pre-existing health conditions will be more likely to make an insurance claim whilst travelling, and for this reason, their travel insurance premiums are usually higher.

4. The age of the traveller

Travellers who are in their 60s or older are often considered greater risks for travel insurance providers. For this reason, travellers aged 60 or over are often given slightly higher insurance premiums, while travellers aged 75 and over will see a significant rise in their insurance premiums.

How can I get the best travel insurance possible?

The easiest and quickest way to ensure you are offered the best travel insurance premium as possible, regardless of the above factors, is to compare travel insurance rates online. At Compare Insurance, we compare the travel insurance rates from the best travel insurance companies in the UAE, to ensure you can find the best deal possible effortlessly.

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Car Insurance

What factors can affect your car insurance premium?

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The cost of vehicle insurance is calculated using a range of factors relating to your demographics, policy details and driving history. Let’s take a closer look at some of the variables impacting your car insurance quotes below.

Age and gender

According to figures released by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) in 2019, 45 per cent of all road accidents in the UAE are caused by young drivers. Statistically, male teens have more car accidents than their young female drivers, resulting in young men incurring higher insurance rates. However, discounted rates are usually available for certain age groups, with many companies dropping their premiums by as much as 20% when drivers turn 25.

Typically, those between the ages of 30 and 69 are considered less likely to crash, therefore representing a lower risk to insurers. However, elderly drivers pose a similar risk to teens, which is reflected in the insurance rates for individuals in their 70s. Older men are also more likely to incur higher premiums compared to elderly women.

Location

Insurers typically start by asking where you live. If you live in a highly-populated area, you are considered more likely to make an insurance claim due to the increased risk of getting into a car accident. Not all companies will use your location as a deciding factor, but if they do, they may take into account the number of vandalism cases in your area, the number of fraudulent claims made and the likelihood of damaging weather.

Driving record

The amount you’re required to pay will directly correlate with your driving history, including all claims, accidents, convictions and tickets. If you have previous claims on your record, you’re considered more likely to make another claim, although these will become less important over time if you avoid getting any further tickets and accumulate a few years on your no claims bonus.

Annual mileage

The less you drive, the less risk you have of being in an accident, so it’s important that you do your best to estimate how many miles you drive each year. If you’re expecting the number of miles you drive to go down, let your insurance company know – this could save you a lot of money.

To find out more about the factors impacting your insurance quotes, contact us at Compare Car Insurance today.

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Health Insurance

Can I get tested for Covid-19 in UAE?

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If you’re worried about a persistent cough, breathing problems, high temperature, or can’t shake off a cold, it’s possible you’ve been infected by the new coronavirus. Individuals that have recently returned from overseas, and people from vulnerable groups need to be particularly careful. Although coronavirus testing is available for walk-in patients, drive through coronavirus test centres have also been established.

About the UAE drive through test centres

Drive through test centres are now available in Dubai Festival City and Abu Dhabi. Current test station locations include Al Qusais, Discovery Gardens, and Silicon Oasis. Further test stations are planned at International City and Al Warqa.

It’s not currently possible to check out all UAE citizens at this moment. Of course, if you do have the virus, it is important you get tested as soon as possible, so you need to take the following steps:

How to get tested for Covid-19 at the new UAE drive through centres

1. You’ll firstly need to complete the online health assessment tool to confirm you’re eligible for testing. At the moment the priority is to test the most vulnerable citizens, and people displaying symptoms within 14 days of return from overseas. The online chatbot walks you through the assessment, and is designed to pick up all indications of added vulnerability, such as hypertension or pregnancy. Your recent contact history will also be examined, so it’s important to be open about any contact you’ve had with other people already diagnosed with coronavirus.

2. The chatbot also provides detailed advice about action you should take, including quarantine or self isolation.

3. Your self assessment test will indicate whether you need to chat further with one of the available doctors. If this is the case, you will be forwarded for a tele-consultation and may also be given an appointment to attend your local drive through Covid-19 testing station.

4. If you are eligible for Covid-19 testing, simply arrive at the designated test station at the time of your appointment. You will be given a nasal swab by the nurse at the second checkpoint, and there is absolutely no need to leave your vehicle at all.

5. You will be advised of the results of your test within two or three days, and should self isolate until your Covid-19 test results are received

Your drive through Covid-19 test will cost Dh425 and this could possibly be covered by your existing health cover. We’re proud to offer all UAE residents the best guide on comparing health insurance, find out more about insurance in the UAE at Compare Insurance today!

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Travel Insurance

Don’t let lockdown get you down: Plan your next holiday today!

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The existing coronavirus curfew and National Disinfection Programme may already be getting you down, but one thing’s for sure, this situation will pass. If you’re stuck at home in the UAE, planning a holiday for later in the year could be one way to inspire hope for the future. There are so many wonderful worldwide locations to discover, and carrying out research now means you’ll be more prepared when it’s time to book.

But remember: We don’t yet know when global travel restrictions will end. The current situation has only highlighted the importance of getting the best travel insurance there is when you book a trip to make sure you are covered in the event of cancelled flights, hotel closures or illness.

But enough about that, here are some great holiday ideas to help keep your spirits up.

A horseback riding holiday

There are loads of horse riding holidays to choose from, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or experienced rider. If you haven’t already visited the United States, a horseback ranch holiday is one way to learn more about its wide-open spaces. Arizona, Wyoming, and Colorado are all popular horseback holiday destinations, giving you loads of opportunity to discover the joys of the cowboy lifestyle.

Horse riding holidays aren’t confined to the US, though. Tuscany in Italy is another popular destination, and you’ll discover an appetite for the Italian way of life when you sample some of the delicious local dishes and luxurious villa retreats!

African safari with a difference

If you fancy a safari with a difference, the mobile camps and horseback safaris in the Okavanga Delta, Botswana could be the most perfect way to view wildlife. You can discover more about these holidays online.

The beach and beyond

You might want to think about chartering a boat for a sailing holiday, exploring coral reefs on a diving trip or taking a short break at a stunning island resort. In need of some serious de-stress time? A palm-fringed yoga retreat or opting for a wellness holiday at one of the world’s most exotic destinations should do the trick.

Plan your next holiday during coronavirus lockdown in the UAE

Once your holiday plans are sorted, finding the best travel insurance policy is simple with Compare Insurance. We eliminate all the hassles of shopping for insurance, and our simple comparison website ensures you benefit from the best deals on travel insurance, health cover, vehicle insurance, and more. Browse our website today to find out more!

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Car Insurance

Do car insurance premiums increase after an accident in UAE?

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Accidents happen. Despite our best efforts, things don’t run smoothly all the time and we can’t control everything around us. Driving is one area where an accident can cause lasting problems, and one of the concerns is that car insurance premiums will go up. There are many drivers from different cultures in UAE, which increases the risk of accidents occurring. So just how much is your insurance premium likely to increase if you are unlucky enough to have an accident?

What will insurance companies consider?

Insurance premiums won’t always go up – there are several factors insurance companies will consider. The UAE insurance industry is quite accommodating and less likely to seize an opportunity to make more money than in many other countries. There is no mandatory premium loading in UAE, so a single accident won’t necessarily cause your premium to rise.

Loading insurance premiums is common amongst many insurers in other countries. It defines the amount that will be added to a car insurance premium to accommodate the perceived increase in risk with a driver who has recently had an accident. With some providers, an accident could lead to your premium increasing by 20-25%. But if you explore some other providers after having an accident you could find yourself a better rate. Bear in mind, however, that you will not get a protected no-claims discount.

What if the accident wasn’t my fault?

This is why you should get a police report immediately after an accident. If you have evidence that the accident wasn’t your fault, it could help with your car insurance premium. The insurance company of the person at fault usually covers the costs, but you may have to claim against your own insurance if the person at fault isn’t found (like in a hit-and-run).

So what factors affect insurance premiums after an accident?

The main factors that will have an impact are:

  • The severity of the accident
  • Who was at fault
  • Your overall driving history
  • Responsible driving

So if you have a minor accident that wasn’t your fault, and you have a clean driving history with no speeding offences, your insurance premium may not increase substantially. Nevertheless, it’s important to use a comparison website like Compare Insurance to look for the best car insurance. This will enable you to find the right deal for your lifestyle, your vehicle and your wallet.

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Categories
Health Insurance

Does my UAE health insurance cover me against Covid-19?

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Global panic in stock markets around the world, as well as the World Health Organisation’s concerns about the spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus), are causing many UAE residents to query whether their current health insurance cover provides essential protection. If your existing health insurance is provided by your employer, you’ll need to speak with your manager or occupational health team about this; however, the CompareInsurance team has issued this update for anyone in the UAE with private health care insurance.

Worried about UAE health care insurance cover against Covid-19?

You will already have seen and read lots of news stories about Covid-19, and Gulf News is running a story about ways to protect yourself against catching the virus while at work or travelling. One of the most common queries about the virus relates to health insurances, and whether cover will be available. This will all depend on the type of medical health insurance you have. The quickest way to discover if you’re covered is to get in touch with your insurer direct – this is especially vital if you’ve recently returned from countries like China, Iran or Italy.

It’s likely that your health care insurance will cover you for treatment if you do develop Covid-19, as it is a viral infection. Some individuals do have medical exclusions noted on their Certificates of Insurance. For example, if your Certificate has an exclusion for any respiratory conditions or any pre-existing condition that could be impacted by Covid-19, then you may not be covered for diagnosis or treatment if you develop the infection.

Income protection insurance can help if you need to self-isolate

Many Dubai and UAE employers are stressing the importance of self-isolation if you have worries about visits to areas that have already been severely affected by Covid-19. One way to protect your income throughout any long term self-isolation is via an income protection plan. Just so long as your existing health insurances don’t include medical exclusions, an income protection policy could be the perfect insurance protection needed. You can browse our website to discover more, or chat with one of our experts online to discuss any issues or concerns you may have.

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