Do you need insurance to ride a motorcycle in the UAE?
Every registered motorcycle in the UAE must be insured. Third-party cover is the minimum. It pays for injury to other people, including your passenger, and up to AED 2 million for their property. The tariff allows AED 550 to AED 1,150 for a 13-month third-party policy.
Yes. A motorcycle cannot be registered or renewed in the UAE unless it is insured by an insurer licensed in the country.1 Third-party liability cover is the minimum, and every insurer uses the same unified policy wording set by the regulator.2
What does third-party cover pay for?
It pays other people for harm your motorcycle causes them.2
| Harm caused | What the policy pays |
|---|---|
| Death or injury to another person, including your passenger | The amount a court awards, with no upper limit, plus all treatment costs |
| Death of your spouse, parent or child in an accident you caused | Up to AED 200,000 per person |
| Damage to other people’s vehicles and property | Up to AED 2,000,000 for all claims from one accident |
| Ambulance and transport to hospital | AED 6,770 per injured person, paid to the ambulance provider |
The insurer may not take an excess off what it pays the other person.2 The policy defines a passenger as anyone in, getting into or getting out of the vehicle.2 Ask your insurer to confirm in writing that a pillion passenger is covered.
What does third-party cover leave out?
Your own injuries and your own motorcycle. The policy does not cover the insured or the rider who caused the accident.2 It also excludes accidents outside the UAE, natural disasters such as floods, and war.2
You can add a personal accident endorsement for yourself for an extra premium.2 Damage to your own bike needs comprehensive cover, which is on comprehensive motorcycle insurance.
When can the insurer make you pay it back?
The insurer pays the injured person first, then can recover the money from you in set cases.2
- The bike was used for a purpose not on your application, such as delivery work on a private policy.
- It was used in a speed race or test.
- The rider had no licence for that type of vehicle, or a suspended or expired one not renewed within 30 days.
- The rider was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The bike was ridden off the road without extra cover.
What does it cost?
The motor tariff sets a minimum and a maximum for a 13-month third-party policy.3
| Engine | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 200 cc | AED 550 | AED 1,150 |
| Above 200 cc | AED 600 | AED 1,150 |
The tariff lets an insurer reduce the minimum for a claim-free record, by 10% after one year up to 20% after three, and by 50% for some groups such as medical workers and people over 60.3 Middle East Insurance Review reported in November 2023 that the Central Bank told insurers in a circular to stop giving the 50% discount.4 Ask your insurer which reductions it gives. Work out your band with the premium calculator.
What happens if you ride without insurance?
The fine is AED 500 and 4 black points, and the bike can be impounded for 7 days.5
The general rules of the unified policy are on carinsurance.ae.
Check your policy schedule names the right use and rider before your next ride.
The small print
- Article 19 of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 requires insurance to license or renew a vehicle and bars any policy condition that reduces cover for death, injury or damage caused by the vehicle.1
- The third-party limits are in Chapter Two of the unified third-party policy, and the cases of recourse in Chapter Five.2
- The premiums are Table 1 of Insurance Authority Board Decision No. 30 of 2016. The tariff writes AED 1,150 as “1.150”.3
- The fine is item 22 of the Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 schedule.5
Sources
5
1UAE Legislation, Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024 On Traffic Regulation. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024 On Traffic Regulation
2Central Bank of the UAE Rulebook, The Unified Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy Against Third Party Liability. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: The Unified Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy Against Third Party Liability
3Central Bank of the UAE Rulebook, Insurance Authority Board of Directors' Decision No. (30) of 2016 Concerning issuing Regulation for Motor Vehicle Insurance Tariffs. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Insurance Authority Board of Directors' Decision No. (30) of 2016 Concerning issuing Regulation for Motor Vehicle Insurance Tariffs
4Middle East Insurance Review, UAE: Central bank's directive restores order to motor insurance pricing. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: UAE: Central bank's directive restores order to motor insurance pricing
5UAE Government (u.ae), Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017, list of traffic violations, fines and black points. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017, list of traffic violations, fines and black points
- Owner
- Bikeinsurance.ae research team
- Last review
- Next review due
- 11 May 2027
- Status
- Published