The UAE is the perfect place for anyone who has an adventurous bone and is a thrill seeker. Right from dune bashing to desert rallies, you will be in for a treat if you are a fan of nature and off-road activities. No doubt these activities are fun to indulge in, but they come with their own set of risks. Unpaved, natural roads can lead to accidents, causing damage to your vehicle and injuries to you. And, your base car insurance policy will not cover off-road activities.

Here’s where an Off-Road Cover will help you. This add-on financially protects you against any damages caused to you or your vehicle in an off-roading mishap.

Let’s see what the Off-Road cover is in detail.

What is Off-Roading?

Driving your vehicles on unpaved and rough terrains such as dunes, gravel roads, and rocky mountains is called off-roading. Off-roading is very popular in the UAE, especially in the desert regions where people love exploring the natural landscape with 4x4 vehicles. Off-roading is either done as a recreational activity or as a sports activity. Besides this, numerous off-roading competitions and events are organized in the UAE throughout the year - which attract a massive crowd.

What is the Off-Road Cover in Car Insurance?

An Off-Road Cover is an optional add-on that you can customise your car insurance policy with. It covers damage or loss caused to a vehicle because of off-road activities. It also covers any injuries you incur during off-roading.

This type of coverage is typically available for vehicles that are designed for off-road use, such as SUVs and trucks. Some insurers provide this add-on feature as an inbuilt cover while other insurers may charge you extra for it.

What is Covered Under the Off-Road Cover?

The Off-Road Add-On covers -
● All damages caused to your vehicle while off-roading.
● Injuries caused to you during off-roading activities.
● Damage to any accessories that are important for off-roading like LED headlights, roof racks, special tires, etc. while off-roading.

For example, Salman decides to go dune bashing with his friends. His car bumps into a huge rock, which damages the headlights and bumper. Since he had added the Off-Road Cover to his car insurance, the repair costs for the damaged parts will be covered.

What is Not Covered by the Off-Road Cover?

Though the Off-Road Cover provides numerous benefits, there are certain things that it does not cover -

1. The wear and tear of the car are not covered.
2. Any mechanical damages are not covered.
3. Any damages caused to the car as a result of participation in any competition are not covered.
4. Any damages caused to the car due to reckless driving or negligence are not covered.
5. Most insurers only offer this cover for a 4-wheel drive vehicle. So, if your vehicle does not fit this specification, it won't be covered.
6. Many insurers set an off-road distance limit, say 100 metres or 500 metres from terra firm roads, after which coverage will not be provided. The limit varies across insurers.
7. Some insurers may not cover damages to the car caused during a desert safari.
8. Any damages caused to commercial vehicles will not be covered.
9. Any damages caused to vehicles used for business purposes aren’t covered.
10. If the driver’s age is less than 25 years at the time of the accident, any damages caused to the car won’t be covered.
11. If the driver, at the time of the accident, has possessed their driving licence for less than a year - damages will not be covered.

How Can You Add The Off-Road Cover To Your Policy?

If you want to add an off-road cover to your car insurance policy, follow the steps listed below -

1. Firstly, visit the website of any broker of your choice and click on the option ‘Car Insurance’.

2. Then, enter your details as well as your car details like the make and model of your car, registration year of your car, your driving experience, location, etc.

3. Once you fill in these details, you will be navigated to the ‘Quote Page’ where you will find different quotes from different insurers.

4. You may see that few insurers offer off-road cover as an in-built add-on, while others may provide you with the same where you will be required to pay some extra premium.

5. Add the extension you require and proceed with the payment.

Things to Note while Buying the Off-Road Cover

If you are planning to buy an Off-Road Cover, you should be aware of a few things-

1️⃣Check the Limits
Before you buy an Off-Road Cover with your policy, go through its limitations. Insurance companies may impose limitations based on the car’s age, type of vehicle, make and model, etc. Thoroughly read the policy wording to have an in-depth understanding of what it covers and what it doesn’t, so you don’t face any nasty surprises when you actually make a claim.

2️⃣Add the Cover Only If You Need It
When buying a car insurance policy, you may come across some insurers who provide the Off-Road cover as an intrinsic feature, while some may charge you extra for it.

Opt for the cover only if you have a need for it. For instance, if you regularly go for desert safaris or similar activities, it makes sense to add this cover to your insurance. If you don’t, there’s no point in paying an extra amount for it.

3️⃣Understand the Terms and Conditions
Every insurance company has its own set of Dos and Don’ts for add-ons. Carefully read the documents and policy wording before buying Off-Road Cover to make a well-informed decision. For example, the off-road cover only provides coverage for leisure off-road driving. It does not cover off-road driving done as a professional sport and in events. So, if you are an off-roading professional, you don’t need to invest in the cover.

Who Will Need an Off-Road Cover?

An Off-Road cover is a good choice for you if you like to participate in adventurous off-roading activities like dune bashing, desert rallies, etc. Any vehicular damages or bodily injuries caused due to these activities will be covered.

To Conclude
Add-ons are like putting cherries on top of a cake. They make an insurance policy extra good! An Off-Road Cover financially protects you from injuries or damage caused because of your adventurous side. Invest in this cover if you’re a frequent visitor of the desert with your daunting 4x4 vehicle.