Time to Read the Fine Print on Insurance Policies

It is that time of the year again when Dubai becomes the epicenter of a grand event that is billed as the biggest motor show in the Middle East. The 15th edition of the Dubai International Motor Show will reflect the current trends in the automotive industry with its focus on future mobility, drones and virtual reality test drives. A fleet of supercars including a limited-edition Bugatti Veyron and a display of classic cars will also get their fair share of the limelight at the eagerly anticipated event. Drifting events, a classic car auction, test drives, raffle draws, and the launch of many new models including the Owl supercar will provide visitors an unforgettable experience and further reinforce the UAE’s position as the hub of the automotive trade in the Middle East.

In the last issue, I talked about the changes in the car insurance sector, both locally as well as globally. Car insurance has been in the spotlight again this month with a horrible accident in which a lady’s car went spinning into a barrier after she was hit by another vehicle. She ended up with grievous bodily injuries.

The other driver left the scene and unfortunately there were no witnesses or CCTV at the scene. The police report hence stated that there was no other vehicle involved and attributed the accident to “loss of control”. She had comprehensive car insurance, but her policy capped coverage for personal accidents at AED 3,000 and would only cover a certain percentage of a bill with a cap of AED 200,000 subject to medical evaluation after the bill has been paid. Her medical insurance did not cover car traffic accidents.

In such cases, normally the third party liability insurance of the other vehicle involved would cover the hospital costs. In her case, since the other driver left the scene, she will end up with a hefty hospital bill that should in all fairness have been covered by her car insurance policy. Her insurance company might agree to cover a part of the bill after evaluation, but it would still need to be paid first. In any case, there is little chance of the full amount being covered.

This incident points to the need for motorists to carefully go through the terms and conditions of their motor insurance policies before they sign on the dotted line. It is very important to understand clearly what is covered and what is not in the event of an accident.

Insurance companies too need to be more ethical, especially in view of the fact that road accidents are the second biggest cause of death in the UAE.