Home Insurance

No, home insurance is not legally mandatory in the UAE.
However, banks often require it if you have a mortgage.

Typically covers:

• Fire & smoke damage

• Theft & burglary

• Water damage (burst pipes, leaks)

• Natural perils (storm, flood – if included)

• Contents (furniture, electronics, appliances)

• Personal liability (third-party injury or property damage)

Coverage varies by insurer and policy.

• Building insurance: Covers the structure (walls, floors, fixtures).

• Contents insurance: Covers movable items (furniture, TV, laptop).

👉 Tenants usually need contents insurance only.
👉Owners will consider both if furnished house or otherwise the building only

Depends on who buys which Insurance. Tenants can buy contents insurance to protect personal belongings and can include Tenants liability for accidental damage to the Landlord’s property.

Common exclusions:

• Wear & tear or poor maintenance

• Intentional damage

• Pest damage

• War, terrorism (unless added)

• Uninsured valuables or cash above limits

Always check exclusions in the policy wording.

Yes, but usually with sub-limits. High-value items (jewelry, watches, art) often require:

• Declaration

• Valuation certificate

• Additional premium

Approximate annual costs:

• Apartment contents: AED 150 – 600

• Villa (building + contents): AED 1,000 – 3,500+

Price depends on home size, coverage, location, and sum insured.

• Contents: Replacement cost of all belongings

• Building: Reconstruction cost (not market value)

Avoid underinsurance to prevent claim reductions.

Some are covered (storms, rain damage), but floods and earthquakes may require additional cover.

• Simple claims: 7–14 working days

• Complex claims: up to 30 days or more

Depends on documentation and insurer process.

A Home Insurance policy will typically cover the following under the main cover

Building Coverage

Contents Insurance

Personal Belongings / Portable Items (Optional Add-On)

Third party Liability Protection

Additional and Optional Covers

      Temporary accommodation / loss of rent

      Accidental damage

      Coverage for domestic workers’ legal liabilities or injuries

The cost of Home Insurance premium will be determined depending on the sum insured.

Yes, if your home is rendered uninhabitable due to a covered event, your home insurance policy includes the cost of alternative accommodation while your home undergoes essential repairs.