How to buy motorcycle insurance in the UAE

Buy the policy before you register or renew the motorcycle. A vehicle is not licensed or renewed without insurance from an insurer licensed in the UAE.¹ In Dubai, registering a used vehicle needs proof of insurance and an inspection.²

Which cover do you need?

Third-party cover is the legal minimum. It pays other people, including your passenger, and nothing for you or your bike.³ Comprehensive cover adds your own motorcycle, including theft and fire.⁴ The differences are on motorcycle insurance and comprehensive motorcycle insurance.

Which documents tie the policy to the registration?

In Dubai the RTA issues an ownership certificate and plates valid for one year, after a technical inspection.² The registration fee for a motorcycle is AED 200, plus AED 20 for knowledge and innovation.² For a used vehicle the RTA asks for a transfer certificate within the UAE or a Dubai possession certificate, an insurance policy and an electronic inspection.² A new imported vehicle can be registered through a dealer for one, two or three years if it is insured for the whole period.² Owners under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.²

The vehicle licence names the company that insures the vehicle, so a change of insurer shows on it.¹

What will it cost?

The motor tariff sets the range insurers may charge for a 13-month policy.⁵

The premium includes the policy’s charges and commissions, and no one selling it may add a fee the regulator has not approved.⁵ An insurer may cut the minimum for a claim-free record, loyalty, a fleet of five or more, or for groups including medical workers, the police and people over 60. Only the highest reduction applies.⁵ Middle East Insurance Review reported in November 2023 that the Central Bank told insurers in a circular to stop giving the 50% group discount.⁶ Ask your insurer which reductions it gives. Your insurer must give you a free certificate of your claims history when you leave.⁵

The premium calculator shows the range for your bike.

What should you check on the schedule?

Use. The policy covers the use on your application. An accident during other use can be refused, or the insurer can recover what it paid.⁴ GIG Gulf’s private motorcycle cover excludes courier, dispatch and fast food delivery work.⁷ If you deliver, read delivery rider insurance.

Riders. Anyone riding needs a motorcycle licence. A rider with no licence for that vehicle type is excluded.⁴

Age and modifications. Insurers may add up to 10% of a claim to the excess for a rider under 25, and up to 20% for a bike modified outside the factory.⁴

Area. Damage outside the area in the policy is excluded unless a rider extends it, and third-party cover excludes accidents outside the UAE.⁴³ GIG Gulf offers a GCC extension as an option.⁸

Extras. Insurers add their own benefits. GIG Gulf’s comprehensive motorcycle cover includes up to AED 2,500 for a helmet and protective clothing, up to AED 2,500 of medical expenses and up to AED 1,000 of accident and breakdown recovery, with agency repair in the first registration year.⁷

Can you cancel?

The unified loss and damage policy has a short-rate table for refunds: 80% back if cancelled within a month, falling to nothing after ten months.⁴ The third-party policy cannot be ended during its term while the vehicle’s licence is valid.³

How cancellations work in practice is on carinsurance.ae.

Ask for the policy wording, not only the quote, and check the schedule against the list on this page before you pay.