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UAE Drivers Can Now Buy War Insurance For Their Cars!

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Sukoon Insurance has launched a new Motor War Cover add-on for car owners as missile and drone attacks linked to the Iran conflict continue to worry residents. The new product fills a long-standing gap in motor policies, which have always excluded damage caused by war, terrorism, riots, and strikes. It is available only to comprehensive policyholders and offers coverage of up to AED 5 million (about $1.36 million) per vehicle. The launch comes as the UAE has intercepted hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones since hostilities began on 28 February 2026, with some attacks still causing damage to buildings and cars on the ground.

Key Highlights at a Glance

  1. Sukoon Insurance has launched the UAE’s first major retail Motor War Cover, available as an add-on to comprehensive car insurance
  2. The cover matches the vehicle’s insured value, up to a maximum of AED 5 million per car
  3. It gives financial protection against direct physical damage caused by war, terrorism, civil unrest, riots, and strikes within the UAE
  4. Entry-level premiums in the wider market start from around AED 90, with final pricing calculated on a pro-rata basis

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What has Sukoon Insurance Announced?

Sukoon Insurance, the company formerly known as Oman Insurance, has introduced a Motor War Cover for private car owners in the UAE. The cover is structured as an optional add-on that sits on top of the user’s existing comprehensive motor policy. It is not sold as a standalone product, and is not available with third-party-only insurance.

As per Sukoon, the cover was created in response to direct customer demand after the start of the regional conflict in February 2026. Many drivers checked their policies during the early weeks of missile and drone attacks on the UAE and discovered that war, terrorism, and civil unrest had always been excluded from standard motor cover. Sukoon has positioned the new product as a fix for that gap.

In Their Words

“It is about ensuring we are here for our customers when things feel unpredictable. It’s an optional add-on exclusively for our comprehensive motor policyholders.”

— Julien Audreire, Executive Vice President, Sukoon Insurance (speaking to The National)

What Does The Motor War Cover Include?

Motor War Cover is designed to pay out for direct physical damage to your vehicle when the cause is an event that standard motor insurance specifically excludes. Sukoon’s product page lists the following events as triggers for cover:

  1. Acts of war, whether declared or undeclared
  2. Terrorism and politically motivated violence
  3. Riots and civil unrest
  4. Strikes and labour-related disturbances

The cover applies only within the UAE. The sum insured matches the value already declared under your comprehensive motor policy, up to a maximum cap of AED 5 million per vehicle. This is enough to cover almost all private cars on the road in the UAE, including most luxury and high-performance models.

Why This Cover Has Arrived Now: The Iran Conflict In Numbers

The launch is a direct response to the security situation that has affected the UAE since early 2026. As per the official figures cited by The National, the country has defended itself against a very large number of projectiles since hostilities began on 28 February 2026.

Threats Intercepted By The UAE Number (since 28 Feb 2026)
Ballistic missiles 551
Cruise missiles 29
Drones/UAVs 2,265
Total 2,845

Although the UAE’s air defence systems have intercepted the great majority of projectiles, falling debris and direct hits have still damaged some buildings and parked vehicles. Attacks paused for several weeks after a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, but resumed earlier in May 2026, which has pushed insurance enquiries up sharply again.

How Much Does Motor War Cover Cost in the UAE?

Pricing is still developing across the UAE market because very few mainstream insurers have offered this product before at the retail level. Based on industry comments published in The National, customers can expect the following structure —

  • Starting price: Entry-level add-on premiums in the wider market begin at around AED 90. However, the actual figure depends heavily on the vehicle and insurer.
  • How Sukoon prices it: Sukoon calculates each premium on a pro-rata basis, using the vehicle’s insured value and the time remaining on the existing motor policy.
  • Coverage cap: The sum insured cannot exceed AED 5 million per vehicle.
  • Eligibility: Only those already having a comprehensive motor policy active with Sukoon can apply.

Users should ask insurers for the policy wording before buying. Terms vary across the market, particularly around what counts as a covered war event and how partial damage is settled.

Should You Buy Motor War Cover? What To Consider

Industry experts who have spoken to UAE media have offered a balanced view. The cover is described as commercially logical and welcome, but not yet essential for every driver.

Reasons to Consider Buying

  1. You own a high-value vehicle and want to protect its insured value fully
  2. You live or park near locations that could be considered strategic or high-profile
  3. You travel between emirates regularly and want continuous cover within the UAE
  4. You want peace of mind during periods of heightened regional tension
  5. The add-on premium is affordable relative to the value of your car

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Sources And Further Reading

  1. The National – UAE insurer offers vehicle war cover as Iran conflict fuels demand (15 May 2026)
  2. Sukoon Insurance – Motor War Cover product page
  3. Gulf News – UAE residents can now get war risk cover for homes, cars and cargo
  4. Business Insurance – Sukoon Insurance launches vehicle war cover
  5. Crowe UAE – Middle East Conflict 2026: Insurance Market Impact & Outlook
  6. Global Reinsurance – Iran conflict: War amplifies specialty insurance tail risk, says Moody’s

Disclaimer - This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Coverage terms, pricing, and eligibility vary across UAE insurers and are subject to change. Readers should review the policy wording and consult their insurer or a licensed insurance broker before purchasing any product. All figures and quotes are based on publicly reported information from the sources cited above, as of 19 May 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does my normal car insurance in the UAE cover war damage?

No. Standard comprehensive and third-party motor insurance policies in the UAE exclude war, terrorism, civil unrest, riots, and strikes. This is a global industry standard and applies whether the policy is issued by Sukoon, Orient, or any other UAE-licensed insurer.

Is Motor War Cover mandatory in the UAE?

No. There is no government mandate that requires UAE drivers to buy war cover for their vehicles. It is currently an optional add-on offered by individual insurers.

What is the maximum claim limit?

Sukoon’s Motor War Cover matches the insured value of the vehicle, up to a maximum of AED 5 million per car. For most private vehicles, this means you can be covered for the full market value of the car.

Does it cover damage caused by drones or missiles?

Yes. The cover is designed for damage caused by events that fall outside standard insurance, including missile strikes, drone attacks, falling debris from intercepted projectiles, terrorism, and civil unrest within the UAE.

Does it cover the car if I drive into another country?

Sukoon’s Motor War Cover applies within the UAE. If you regularly drive to Oman or other GCC countries, ask your insurer specifically about geographic limits before you buy.

How quickly can I get covered?

Since it is an add-on to an existing comprehensive policy, activation may usually be processed within the same business day once the additional premium is paid.

What does Motor War Cover not include?

The product covers direct physical damage to the insured vehicle. It generally does not cover consequential losses, such as loss of use, business interruption, or injuries to drivers and passengers caused by war events. Always check the policy wording.

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Last Updated At - 20 May 2026

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