Seasonal changes can be a blessing for people. Enduring the cold breeze after a long summer is a big relief, especially for a place like Dubai where the temperature is high for most part of the year. However, the changing temperatures may not be so kind to your vehicles. Rainfall, hail or dust storms can damage your car in more ways than one. You can end up bearing an additional expense if you do not have car insurance in Dubai for seasonal damage.
Dubai, the largest city in the Emirates is home to millions of people. Dubai hosts some of the most popular car insurance companies, ready to serve all your needs. For car insurance in Dubai, the coverage plans may differ as per your requirement.
One of the important aspects of car insurance is seasonal car damage coverage. Let’s learn all about car insurance in Dubai for seasonal damage and whether it is included in your coverage plan.
Importance of Car Insurance
The UAE law makes it compulsory for all vehicle owners to have car insurance. Cars are prone to accidents and damage. Reckless driving is one of the main reasons for car accidents. Your car can also become a victim of an accident because of the reckless driving of another driver and vice versa. In any case, severe damage to the car can be heavy on the pocket. This is where car insurance comes in handy. Let’s go through some of the advantages of car insurance:
ACCIDENTAL COVERAGE
Car insurance can provide you coverage against accidents. You can claim the repairing cost of your vehicle and or the damage caused by your car to another.
DISASTER COVERAGE
Changing weather conditions can be tough on your vehicles, especially in places like Dubai where sandstorms are not an unfamiliar thing. The insurance policy will cover any damage caused to your vehicle and save you additional expenses. However, this option is only available in comprehensive insurance coverage. A request has to be submitted for including it in third-party liability coverages.
LEGAL PROTECTION
As the Road and Transportation Authority (RTA) makes car insurance essential for all vehicle owners, it protects you against fines and penalties. Be sure to renew your policies to avoid conflicts with the law.
DEATH BENEFITS
In the unfortunate event of death during an accident, the survivors can benefit from motor insurance. If your vehicle is involved in an accident, and the third party loses their life, the insurance company will cover the penalty charges.
NO CLAIM BONUS
If you have not made any claims during the policy tenure, you can be eligible for a no-claim bonus. However, there are certain terms and conditions to fulfil and the policy may vary for different companies.
TYPES OF SEASONAL CAR DAMAGES
Changing weather conditions in Dubai can damage your car in different ways. You can end up spending a fair amount of money if you don’t have car insurance in Dubai for seasonal damage. As electric vehicles are gaining popularity, you should also be aware of the weather effects on EVs to maintain them better. Listed below are some of the types of damages caused by extreme weather conditions:
EXTERIOR DAMAGE
Hailstorms can damage your car’s exterior. The boot, bonnet and roof can all be affected by continuous rain. The cost of paint or any other damage can vary depending on the extent of the damage.
SYSTEM DAMAGE
Smart systems are an essential part of modern car features. Flooding can damage the car’s circuit system which may lead to computer damage. This can be costly if the entire system needs to be replaced.
ENGINE DAMAGE
Engine damage is the most common type of harm caused by severe weather conditions. Flooding, hailstorm or dust storms can damage car suspension and other components. Water entering the engine can also cause compression problems which can lead to piston rod breakage.
UPHOLSTERY DAMAGE
A flooded car is likely to be a victim of upholstery damage and bad odour. Water settles at the bottom of the car seats and rugs causing visible damage to the car’s interior such as faded seat colour. You would require a complete interior cleanup to get your car back in the proper condition.
Does Car Insurance in Dubai Cover Seasonal Damage?
At times, seasonal car damages can add up to a big expense. Repairing costs may vary depending on the extent of the damage. A good car insurance policy can cover you in such events. The majority of insurance companies in Dubai provide coverage for natural damages such as storms, floods and hail. However, this only applies if you have comprehensive car insurance coverage. The coverage details are mentioned in the fine print of your policy.
Third-party liability(TPL) doesn’t offer weather insurance for cars in Dubai. You would need to request seasonal coverage as an added benefit. The policy price will be increased with the added benefit. In the long term, this can help you avoid seasonal damages caused to your vehicle. Additionally, the difference between third-party insurance and comprehensive insurance can help you select the right policy.
TIPS TO AVOID SEASONAL DAMAGES
It is hot and humid for the better part of the year in Dubai and rainfalls are also common. While you can rely on your car insurance in Dubai for seasonal damage, it is a good option to take some precautionary measures. Frequent damages can decrease your car’s running life and you can also be eligible for no-claim bonus if it’s a part of the agreement. Here are some tips to keep your car safe from seasonal damages:
PARK SMARTLY
Though covered parking spaces are ideal under rainy conditions, it is a good idea to park your car in a slightly elevated area. You can also opt for a space with fewer chances of water gathering around the car. Check on your car after regular intervals to make sure it isn’t surrounded by water. Additionally, there are several other ways to prepare your car for the rainy season.
AVOID SPEEDING ON WATERLOGGED ROADS
Speeding up on flooded or waterlogged roads can be harmful to your car. Water can enter the car’s air filters and eventually reach the engine. This could result in an engine breakdown.
CHECK WATER LEVEL UPFRONT
If you come across a waterlogged road, it is advised to check the water level. If the water level is to the car’s bumper, it is safe to drive at a low speed. However, if the water level is reaching the bonnet, consider taking another route as water can enter the car’s engine at that level and lead to further damage.
This was all you needed to know about car insurance in Dubai for seasonal damage. Climatic changes are a reality and uncertain weather conditions can arrive unexpectedly. It could be a blessing to have bad weather insurance for cars in Dubai if you come across a similar situation. If your coverage is about to expire, you can learn all about car insurance renewal in Dubai.
If your car experienced seasonal damage and requires frequent repairs, it is a viable option to go for a car change. Browse through these used cars for sale in Dubai and select from a wide variety of well-maintained cars listed.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information.
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