Written by In recent years, the UAE witnessed an increase in rare weather conditions, including intense rains, flash flooding, and even hailstorms—albeit mainly in areas like Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. For all motorists concerned, this much extreme weather prompts a critical question: does car insurance in the UAE cover hail damage?
If you’re purchasing car insurance in the UAE or already own a policy, it’s critical to know what’s included, what’s not, and how to cover your car from weather damage in 2025.
Car Insurance Coverage in UAE Explained
To simply answer the question: yes, hail damage is included—but only in comprehensive car insurance policies.
There are two primary forms of car insurance in the UAE:
Third-Party Liability Insurance: This is the minimum cover required by law. It pays for damage you have done to other individuals or vehicles in case of an accident that you caused. It does not pay for any damage to your vehicle, such as weather-related damage such as hail, flood, or fire.
Comprehensive Insurance: This offers wider cover, such as damages to your vehicle resulting from accidents, fire, theft, vandalsim, and natural disasters such as hailstorms and floods.
Therefore, if your vehicle is damaged by hailstones and gets dented, cracked windshields, or paint scratches, only a comprehensive policy will be able to reimburse the repair.
Why Hail Damage is a Growing Concern in UAE
Hail has never been a major issue in the UAE historically. Nevertheless, recent climate trends suggest a rise in sudden changes in the weather. There are hailstorms strong enough to cause vehicles to become visible and costly damage in some places now. With cities still expanding and parking spaces not getting cover, their owners are vulnerable to hail damage.
This makes it more important than ever before to obtain the correct car insurance in the UAE to include extreme weather.
How to Know If Your Policy Covers Hail Damage
Not all comprehensive policies are equal. While most of them do cover natural disasters, the wording matters. Here’s what to do:
Review Your Policy Documents: Look for terms like “natural calamities”, “acts of nature”, or “weather-related damage.” Hail typically falls under these categories.
Contact Your Insurance Provider: If unsure, speak directly with your insurer to confirm whether hail is covered.
Check for Add-ons: Some insurers may require a special add-on for full natural disaster protection. In high-risk areas, this might be automatically included.
If your policy does not cover hail damage, you might be left to shoulder the cost of repair yourself.
Cost of Hail Damage Repair Without Insurance
Hail damage may be as light as a few dents or as heavy as windshield and body damage. Here’s what you might end up paying without insurance:
Minor dents: AED 500 – AED 1,500
Cracked windshield: AED 1,000 – AED 2,500
Repainting the entire body: AED 3,000 and upwards
All these costs can mount very quickly, especially if the car has a lot of areas that are damaged. With the right kind of insurance, you can avoid sudden financial stress and have your car restored to working condition within the shortest possible time.
How to Claim Hail Damage in UAE
If your vehicle is hit by hail and your policy allows for it, then simply follow these general steps:
Record the Damage: Take appropriate photos of the damaged areas.
Report to Authorities: Obtain a police report if your insurer requires you to have one.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the claim straight away.
Supply Documents Required: Include photographs, police report, and claim form.
Inspection: A representative from your insurer may be dispatched or you may be instructed to an appointed garage to be inspected.
Repair and Repayment: Repair will be done in an approved workshop after being approved for the same or repayment will be made.
Quick reporting and proper documentation can expedite the claim process.
How to Avoid Hail Damage to Your Car
While insurance will cover you financially, it is always preferable to avoid damage itself. A few preventive suggestions are as follows:
Parking in Covered Areas: Use underground or shade parking whenever possible.
Use Deployment of Car Covers: In case outdoor parking cannot be avoided, a heavy-duty car cover can reduce impact damage.
Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecast and do not drive during hailstorms.
Acting first can minimize risk and maintain low premiums by not making claims.
Selecting the Best Car Insurance in UAE to Protect against Hail and Weather
When shopping for car insurance in UAE, don’t only compare the price. Check the extent of coverage, claim assistance, and added protections. Some features to consider:
Protection against all natural disasters
24/7 roadside assistance
Rapid online claims payment
Partner repair centers and workshops
Transparent terms and add-ons
Most websites these days allow you to compare multiple policies and choose one that suits your needs, especially if you live in areas with harsh weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
Hail damage is no longer an unusual occurrence in the UAE. With unstable weather conditions, the threat to your car is real and increasing. Third-party insurance will not cover you, and without the appropriate comprehensive policy, you may end up paying a small fortune out of pocket.
Make sure your vehicle insurance in the UAE includes coverage for hail, and take a few minutes browsing through your policy right now. Protect your car, your wallet, and your peace of mind—because when grey clouds are gathering, your insurance doesn’t have to be.
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