Some UAE residents face issues with vehicle insurance renewal after rains

heavy rain

After recent heavy rains in the UAE, some residents are facing challenges with renewing their vehicle insurance. Issues include delays in response from insurance companies and a backlog of work for insurance brokers. Residents like Saeed Aijaz and Anthony DSouza have experienced difficulties reaching sales agents and obtaining policy renewals. Aijaz, whose vehicle license expired last month, faced obstacles due to his travel schedule and the subsequent holidays. Despite selecting a policy on April 15, he encountered silence from insurance companies after the rains began on April 16. DSouza, facing a similar situation, received a quote on April 17 but has since experienced delays in policy issuance.

Insurance brokers have acknowledged the surge in demand for their services following the rains. Toshita Chauhan, from policybazaar.ae, noted a significant increase in demand, while Dev Maithra, from Savington International Insurance Brokers, mentioned efforts to accommodate the influx of enquiries by extending work shifts. Both firms are committed to maintaining service standards amid the surge in demand.

As a result of the increased demand, the evaluation process for issuing vehicle insurance policies has become more stringent. Maithra emphasized the importance of ensuring the vehicle's perfect condition before policy issuance. This may involve requesting additional documentation such as a current-dated vehicle passing report and videos of the engine running to prevent fraudulent claims. Chauhan also highlighted processing delays as insurers conduct thorough risk assessments.

Moreover, customers are now more discerning about policy coverage details before making decisions, moving away from solely selecting the cheapest option. This shift indicates a growing awareness among consumers about the importance of comprehensive coverage.

Overall, the recent challenges in vehicle insurance renewal highlight the need for insurers and brokers to adapt to increased demand and maintain service quality standards. Customers, meanwhile, are advised to be patient and cooperate with insurers to ensure a smooth renewal process amidst the current circumstances.