- Car Insurance Deductible Explained
- Types of Car Insurance Deductibles
- Paying Car Insurance Deductible
- How to Avoid Paying Deductible?
- Determining the Deductible Rate
- FAQs
Car insurance can be a blessing in many ways. From providing coverage against damage to granting a certain peace of mind, the benefits are plenty. However, there are certain criteria in insurance plans every insured person should know. These can add to the overall cost of the plan, therefore knowledge about the whole process can help plan and decide more efficiently. Car insurance deductible, for instance, is somewhat a lesser-known expense. Usually revealed beforehand, buyers sign the contract to pay for these.
But what is a car insurance deductible and when does it come into play? We will do a detailed analysis of car insurance deductibles to give a clear overview of the major insurance component.
Car Insurance Deductible Explained
When choosing an insurance plan, policy buyers agree to pay an amount for insurance claims that is a car insurance deductible. Policyholders pay this amount when filing an insurance claim in the UAE or any other country. For instance, if the deductible amount is AED 500 and the total repairs cost AED 2000, the insured person will pay AED 500 for the repairs.
Car deductibles serve as a shared risk aspect as the policyholders bear a portion of the repair costs. Policyholders may be liable to pay other deductibles depending on the nature and reason for damage.
However, deductibles can be beneficial for insured persons too in some cases. Some companies may offer a lowered premium if the insured person selects a decent deductible plan.
Types of Car Insurance Deductiles
The UAE law makes it compulsory for all vehicle owners to have car insurance. Several companies offer car insurance in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates. The policies and coverage plans may vary from service to service. However, some aspects remain the same for every service provider.
Usually, there are two main types of car insurance deductible that are listed as follows:
COMPULSORY CAR INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE
A compulsory car insurance deductible is the agreed amount the policyholder pays for the damage coverage. Usually, the car insurance service pitches their amount after the policyholder has submitted their end.
The amount is predetermined in the policy contract. Policyholders are required to pay the deductible amount regardless of the type and repair costs. In some instances, the insurance company may impose some additional deductibles. However, these don’t exceed the predetermined deductible amount.
OPTIONAL CAR INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE
As the name suggests, an optional car insurance deductible depends on the insured person’s discretion. When opting for an insurance policy, buyers can choose optional car insurance deductible on top of the compulsory deductible.
When claiming car insurance for animal damage or any other accidents, policyholders are then required to pay both deductibles. Opting for an optional deductible can help policyholders save money as the premium rates are lowered. However, it is important to ensure the financial capability of handling both deductibles.
Deductibles in Comprehensive Insurance and Third-Party Insurance
One of the main differences between comprehensive and third-party insurance is damage coverage. Comprehensive insurance provides coverage against damages caused to the insured vehicle. Whereas, third-party insurance does not cover the damages caused to the insured vehicle.
For a comprehensive insurance policy, the policyholder pays the deductibles and the service provider bears the remaining repair expenses. Conversely, for third-party insurance, the policyholder bears the entire repairing costs as deductibles as deductibles are not included in these policies.
When Do You Pay the Deductible for Car Insurance?
Car insurance deductibles are compulsory for almost all sorts of damage. However, some service providers may offer exceptions in some cases. Therefore, it is important to know when the deductibles apply for accidents or car insurance for seasonal damage in Dubai or any other Emirates.
That said, let’s take a look at some of the common cases when policyholders have to pay the deductible for car insurance:
- When the policyholder causes the accident or is partially at fault.
- In case of a fault dispute.
- Fleeing away from the scene of the accident.
- Damages caused by natural factors.
- Deliberate or planned vandalism to the vehicle.
How to Avoid Paying Car Insurance Deductibles?
There are several instances when policyholders can avoid paying the car insurance deductible. For instance, there is no car insurance deductible when not at fault. That said, let’s go through the other common scenarios when deductibles don’t apply:
- When third parties are fully responsible for causing the accident.
- When filing a claim under a comprehensive coverage policy for small scratches or damage to the windscreen. (The damage must be repairable in this case)
- For insurance policies with extended coverage, if the vehicle experiences total loss due to theft or natural causes, deductibles may be waived. (This can vary for different service providers)
- If policyholders have a deductible waiver or zero-deductible policy.
The services may vary from one service provider to another. Therefore, it is important to do prior research before opting for car insurance in Abu Dhabi, Dubai or any other Emirate.
Factors Determining the Car Insurance Deductible Rate
Usually, the policyholder decides the deductible rate for an insurance policy. However, there are several factors insurance companies take into consideration before finalising the deal. Some of the common factors every insurance company considers include the following:
- Driver’s age
- Vehicle’s market value
- Driving experience
- Vehicle’s usage
The deductible rates are usually between 2.5 % to 3.5% annually. However, it is important to note that these may vary depending on the service.
The UAE insurance authority monitors and announces the rules, regulations and deductible rates that every service provider follows.
Choosing the Right Car Insurance Deductible Amount
There are several things to consider for choosing the right insurance deductible amount. The budget should be the first consideration as deductibles are paid for almost every repair. A high deductible amount can become a big expense in case of frequent damages.
Another factor to consider is your regular route and driving habits. Moreover, keep a check on the car’s vulnerability to theft and natural disasters. If the chances of any such damages are high, policyholders can end up paying deductibles more often than not. It is a viable option to know the things to avoid while driving as these can help diminish the chances of accidents.
This is everything about car insurance deductible. Car insurance plays an important role to provide coverage against repairs in the event of accidents. Deductibles, seemingly an additional charge can be beneficial in some ways.
FAQs
Is it necessary to have a car insurance in the UAE?
Yes, it is necessary to have car insurance in the UAE. It is mandatory by law to have at least basic third-party liability insurance to drive legally on the roads.
Can I buy car insurance online in the UAE?
Yes, you can buy car insurance online in the UAE through various insurance providers’ websites or through insurance comparison platforms. Before buying an online car insurance make sure to know what type of coverage you want.
What is a comprehensive car insurance plan in the UAE?
A comprehensive car insurance plan in the UAE covers damage to your vehicle as well as third-party liability, providing extensive coverage for a wide range of risks. Moreover, comprehensive car insurance in Dubai extends coverage to include damages from natural calamities, fire outbreaks, vehicle overturning, car theft and intentional damages by third parties.
What is a temporay car insurance?
Temporary car insurance, also known as short-term car insurance, provides coverage for a limited duration, often used for rental cars or temporary usage.
Insurance premiums can be trimmed by opting for higher deductibles. Moreover, for repair costs less than or equal to the deductible amount, policyholders can choose to not file a claim. This can help them avail of the no-claim bonus.
Learn about extended auto warranty in the UAE as this also provides aid against vehicle damage. Moreover, go through these defensive driving techniques to avoid any mishap on the road.
If your vehicle often breaks down midway or is not able to perform to its full potential, this may also put your and the vehicle’s safety at risk. Therefore, it is a viable option to go for a different vehicle. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and select from a wide variety of fully-inspected and road-ready vehicles listed. Don’t forget to check out dubizzle cars finance and insurance services to see how the platform stands out.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for information about car insurance deductibles and more.
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