UAE rains: Vehicle repair bills may go as high as Rs 9 lakh as owners battle insurance woes

Following the heavy rainfall in the United Arab Emirates last week, garage owners and mechanics are facing a flood of vehicles needing repairs. With thousands of cars needing extensive work, there are concerns about insurance coverage for those damaged by the floods.

Reportedly, some motorists may face repair bills as high as Rs 9 lakh (40,000 Dirhams), especially if their insurance claims are denied. According to Khaleej Times, experts warn that repair costs can vary depending on factors like the vehicle’s make, damaged components, spare part replacements, and the duration of repairs.

Sony Rajappan, co-owner of Car Lynx garage, explained to Khaleej Times that severe damage from floods may require expensive imported car parts. Critical components like the electrical circuit and engine could be affected, leading to issues like hydrolock, transmission failure, and engine breakdown.

While UAE insurance norms usually cover maintenance costs for flooded vehicles parked in designated lots and towed to garages, claims might be denied if vehicles were parked in waterlogged areas and attempts were made to start the engine, causing damage, cautioned Moin ur Rehman, executive director of Unitrust Insurance Broker, as per the report.

Moreover, insurance firms might reject claims due to damaged vehicle wipers or intentional driving on flooded roads during rainstorms. Additionally, the emergence of electric cars poses extra challenges, as specialised expertise and facilities are necessary for repairs.

Vehicle insurance providers in the UAE are advising people to carefully review the terms and conditions of their car insurance policies to confirm coverage for floods and natural disasters. In some cases, insurers may exclude these events, leading to denied claims that could greatly affect them in times of crisis. As a result, customers who previously opted for the cheapest policies are now scrutinising the coverage of each contract before making a choice.

To help drivers avoid getting trapped in flooded areas, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recommended using the metro instead of personal vehicles. Similarly, the RTA also made announcements regarding service centres that can aid individuals who lost their vehicles’ number plates in water-logged roads and flooding post last week’s unprecedented rains.

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