● When buying a new car, you compare different models and makes. While one can be a budget-friendly option with adequate features, another might be a better pick because of its performance and power. You ultimately choose a car that best fits your travel needs and budget.

● Now, while preparing to welcome your new car, choosing the right car insurance is equally important too! With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. However, by comparing different policies, you can ensure that you are getting the best coverage for your needs at pocket-friendly costs.

● Right from the levels of coverage to the reputation of insurance providers, there are many factors to consider when selecting an insurance policy. In this article, we'll explore the importance of comparing car insurance policies and help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive in!

What are the Benefits of Comparing Car Insurance Online?

Let us discuss a few advantages of comparing car insurance online -
✅ It saves your time Comparing car insurance online helps you save time by eliminating the need to visit different insurance companies or call various agents to get quotes. You can easily compare quotes from various providers all in one place, from the comfort of your own home. All that you need to do is enter a few basic details about your vehicle and yourself to get quotes from different insurers.
You can easily compare different providers side-by-side, making it easier to identify the best options for you. You can see the different coverage and premium offered by different providers in one place. It allows you to take your time and research different options without feeling rushed or pressured to make a decision.

✅It is convenient Checking or comparing car insurance quotes online is a convenient and hassle-free option. By using online comparison tools or visiting insurance providers' websites, you can easily compare quotes from multiple providers in a matter of minutes.

✅It helps you choose the coverage based on your needs When you compare car insurance policies online, you can see the different coverage options offered by various insurance companies. This allows you to make an informed decision about what coverage you need for your car, based on your travel needs and budget. For instance, if you have a new car, you may want to consider a policy with comprehensive coverage. On the other hand, if you have an older car, you may only need third-party liability coverage. By comparing quotes online, you can also see how different coverages impact your premium. And so, you can also compare the premiums of different policies and choose the one that best fits your budget.

✅It ensures value for money Comparing car insurance plans online is a good way to find the best coverage at the best price. By looking at quotes from multiple insurers and websites, you can compare the coverage and discounts being offered, and choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget. This can help you save money on your car insurance while still getting the coverage you need.

✅It gives you the choice of better services It is important to consider not only the price and coverage of a car insurance plan, but also the quality of the after-sales service. This includes the support and assistance provided by the insurer after the policy is purchased, such as handling claims and answering questions. Checking customer reviews for an insurance company can give you an idea of their reputation for providing good after-sales service. Now that we have discussed the benefits of comparing car insurance policies, let us now understand the parameters to consider while comparing them.

Factors to Check While Comparing Car Insurance Online

1️⃣ Type of Cover

When selecting an insurance policy in the UAE, you have two main options:
➔Comprehensive car insurance
➔Third-party liability insurance
A comprehensive policy provides complete coverage for your car, including damages caused to your car and any damages caused to third-party property or people. A third-party liability policy, on the other hand, only covers damages or injuries caused to third parties and their property, but not to your own car.

● It is important to remember that having at least a third-party liability policy is mandatory under UAE motor laws. You should consider your needs, budget, and the type of car you have before selecting a policy.

● For example, Francis buys a brand new car and his friend Frank already owns a car for the past 10 years. While Francis is in search of car insurance for his new car, Frank is about to renew his policy.

● Now, since Francis’ car is new, he wants to protect it from damages and losses. So, he chooses a comprehensive insurance policy. On the other hand, Frank’s car is old and he plans on selling it soon, which is why he chooses third-party liability insurance.

2️⃣ Cover Amount

If you have decided on purchasing a comprehensive car insurance policy, you will need to select a cover amount for your car. It is essential to ensure that the coverage amount you select is in line with the current market value of your car because it is the maximum amount you will receive in case your vehicle is stolen or faces a total loss.

3️⃣ Add-Ons

Many insurance companies offer various add-ons as part of their comprehensive policies, such as the Roadside Assistance Add-On, Passenger Cover, etc. However, some companies may charge additional fees for these add-ons. It is thus necessary to check which add-ons are included in the policy and which ones require an additional premium. It is equally vital to consider which add-ons are necessary for your needs. Suppose you frequently drive to Oman; you may want to consider purchasing an extension/add-on that offers coverage for driving in that country. You should buy add-ons that you think you will actually use as you will not have to pay extra money for features you won’t need.

4️⃣ Premiums

When comparing car insurance policies, it is important to consider the premiums offered by each insurer. Different companies may offer different premiums for the same coverage, so you should compare them to find the one that fits your budget.

Now, let us dive deeper into how you can compare car insurance policies online.

How to Compare Car Insurance Online?

Follow these simple steps to make sure that you choose the best car insurance policy for your car by comparing the options available online -

1. Visit the website of any insurance broker or web aggregator.

2. Enter information about your car, like its make and model, registration number, registration year, driving history, registration city, etc.

3. You will be taken to the quote page, where you will see quotes from several insurance companies.

4. Following that, you can choose the policy type and the cover amount to compare premium differences among different insurance providers.

5. Additionally, you can evaluate the add-ons that various insurers offer.

6. Once you have checked and compared all the information, you can choose the coverage that is appropriate for your car and your spending limit. Now that we know the importance and steps to compare car insurance policies online, let’s have a look at the different add-ons available with car insurance.

Add-ons Provided by Insurers

To extend the scope of your car insurance coverage and customise it to your driving needs, you can choose from the following list of add-ons –

1.Personal Accident Cover

It safeguards you from any costs incurred because of any bodily injuries during an accident and serves as a great safety tool in such unfortunate instances.

2.Agency Repairs Add-On

Agency repair is an add-on that ensures that your vehicle will receive repairs at the original manufacturer's workshop. As a result, only genuine spare parts are used according to the manufacturer's specifications. This will guarantee that your car’s performance is retained.

Note: The add-on is generally available for 2 years, and can be increased to 5 years by certain insurance companies in exceptional cases.

3.Roadside Assistance Add-On

While most insurers provide this as an inclusion in their basic coverage, some provide this as an add-on. This feature provides coverage for –

➔Mechanical Breakdown
Imagine that your car breaks down while you are on a long drive. It might require a battery jumpstart or any additional repairs because of a mechanical problem. In such cases, this roadside assistance add-on will pay for such help.
➔Towing Services
The insurance company will offer you a towing service if your car cannot operate on its own. This may be due to an accident or a problem that requires garage-based repairs. As a result, your car will be towed to the nearest workshop.
➔Flat Tires
In the case of a flat tire, the insurance provider will send a mechanic or an expert to replace it with another one.
➔Fuel Arrangements
Your insurer will also make arrangements for fuel in the event that you run out of it and are unable to find any fuel stations nearby. A mechanic will help you with the fuel you need to start your car and get to the closest service or fuel station.
➔Medical Coordination
In the case of an accident or any other emergency, this add-on offers coverage for emergency medical services that could be required.

4.GCC Coverage Add-On

For those who frequently visit the GCC countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, etc., some car insurance providers offer an add-on benefit known as GCC coverage. This add-on covers any damages or injuries incurred while driving in these nations.

5.Car Rental Add-On

If your car gets damaged or is unable to be driven, this add-on will cover the cost of automobile rental. It will enable you to rent a car while yours gets repaired.

6.Off-Road Add-On

This add-on covers people who commonly engage in off-road activities such as dune bashing, desert rallies, and others. These are very popular adventure sports in the UAE. The add-on offers protection against both personal injury and vehicle damages caused by these activities.

7.Oman Extension Cover

If you are someone who frequently visits Oman, then you must include this add-on in your car insurance. You cannot enter Oman without this insurance. It protects you and your vehicle against harm and damage. However, this add-on will not provide protection against third-party damages. You can purchase a third-party cover online or at the border as it is compulsory while travelling there.

8.Passenger Cover

It offers protection for passengers in the event of an accident.
➔If a passenger passes away in the accident, this insurer will provide cash support to their family members.
➔If a passenger suffers a permanent disability, this add-on promises financial protection to them.

Most insurance companies provide a limit of up to AED 200,000 in this add-on.

Note: The add-ons differ from insurer to insurer. While some may include these features as standard inclusions, others may charge additional premiums for them.

To conclude,
Comparing car insurance policies online can be a convenient and efficient way to find the best coverage for your car. By using online comparison tools, you can easily compare the features and pricing of different policies from a variety of insurers. Ultimately, the goal should be to find a policy that offers the right level of protection at a price that fits your budget.