5 things covered by home insurance in the UAE

How many of us have lost our smartphones or have come home to a flooded apartment, having to dish out thousands of dirhams as a result? Despite that, very few UAE residents buy home and personal belongings insurance policies.

Home insurance can cost you as low as Dhs19 per month, and can protect your property, belongings and home contents from very common accidents that we’re all exposed to here in the UAE.

MoveSouq.com and Qatar Insurance Company have shortlisted five very common accidents that a standard property, home contents and personal belongings insurance can cover:

Damaged smartphone

You can get cash back if you crack your iPhone screen. Personal electronics such as phones, laptops and cameras can be insured under a ‘Personal Belongings Insurance’ by your insurance provider. As long as you have declared the value of your phone upfront in your policy, with its serial number, the next time you accidentally drop your phone, contact your insurance provider and they’ll reimburse you the replacement cost of your screen.

Stolen smartphone or laptop

Losing your phone or laptop comes with significant woes as you’ve lost your contacts, valuable photos and documents. But at least there can be some relief if you’ve insured them. With a simple police report reporting the theft of your phone or laptop, your insurance company will reimburse you for the value of your items. This coverage is also worldwide – so you’re covered if your phone, camera or laptop is damaged or stolen on holiday. Declare your items upfront when you buy your policy with their serial number, and you’re all set.

Accidental house fire

As much as you think “that’ll never happen to me”, house fires are one of the most common claims for home insurance in Dubai. Only a few days ago, a fire ravaged Sulafa Tower in Dubai Marina. In 2015, there were 188 fires in residential units in Dubai, that’s one fire every two days.

Cigarettes, unattended candles and electric fires can put your homes at risk. A standard property insurance can reimburse you for the repair costs, and also provide you with alternative accommodation while repairs are being made.

Burst water pipes

Burst water heaters and leaking pipes are a common maintenance issue in Dubai. A recent report showed that up to 80 per cent of Dubai apartments complain of maintenance issues each year. If there is any damage to your furniture or floors from an exploding water heater, burst water pipe, or leaking water hose, your property and home contents insurance can cover it, as long as your furniture has been declared in full when you purchased your policy.

Flooding from the rain

Thunder storms in the UAE have left many residential and commercial units flooded in its wake. A home insurance policy will protect your property from flooding and the damage caused. You can expect to be reimbursed for your repair costs, and also get alternative accommodation while repairs are taking place.