Comprehensive Insurance for Non-GCC Cars

Before driving your imported car out on the roads, it is important to sort out the insurance requirements. Getting car insurance for non-GCC cars comes with some complexities. While there are several factors that play an important role in estimating the premium amount, the car’s specs — GCC-spec or non-GCC cars are the most important of them all. To simplify the process, we have compiled everything related to comprehensive insurance for non-GCC cars for your convenience.

Non-GCC Cars Overview: Features and Specs

Non-GCC vehicles, also known as imported vehicles, include cars with American, Asian, or European specs that have not been modified to adapt to Gulf climatic conditions.  

The following are the features and specs for non-GCC cars —

• Climate Compatibility – These vehicles are unsuitable for the region’s extreme heat and sandy conditions. Driving them around can lead to frequent breakdowns or reduced lifespan of the vehicles or their components, like tyres, AC or batteries. 
• Warranty Coverage – Several non-GCC cars do not have a manufacturer’s warranty valid in the UAE. Even if some of them have a warranty, the car insurance coverage scope is limited. 
• Services and Repairs – Since the parts of non-GCC cars are limited, servicing and repairing them can be a challenge. Additionally, the mechanics are unfamiliar with these models, leading to potential problems or longer repair times. 
• Lower Resale Value – Because of concerns like warranty, maintenance, and incompatibility with climate conditions, non-GCC cars have a lower resale value than GCC cars. 

Difference between Non-GCC Cars and GCC Cars

Before diving into how non-GCC cars impact car insurance premiums, let’s understand the differences between non-GCC cars and GCC cars, which are outlined below for your reference:

Insurance for Non-GCC Cars in UAE

Getting car insurance in Dubai for non-GCC vehicles involves knowing the unique risks and higher costs linked to imported cars. These vehicles may face issues such as limited warranty coverage, higher repair costs, and damage caused by the UAE's hot climate. That’s why they need tailored insurance protection.

To avoid paying too much, it’s smart to compare quotes from different providers and choose one experienced with non-GCC or grey-market models. Not all insurers offer the right coverage for these vehicles, so selecting a professional and reliable insurance company is essential. This ensures you get the right support, proper coverage, and expert handling of claims and services specific to non-GCC cars.

Why is Non-GCC Car Insurance More Expensive?

Maintaining a non-GCC car in the UAE can be more difficult and expensive compared to a GCC-approved vehicle. Although non-GCC cars may seem cheaper to buy at first, their long-term costs are usually higher due to insurance and upkeep. Comprehensive insurance for non-GCC vehicles generally costs more as these cars are not designed for the region’s climate and may require frequent repairs. 

Several factors contribute to their higher maintenance needs — 

• Limited Spare Parts – Non-GCC cars are not compatible with GCC-standard parts. Most parts need to be imported, making repairs slower and more expensive.
• Fewer Skilled Technicians – Servicing these cars requires specific knowledge. Since fewer UAE mechanics are trained to handle them, you’ll need specialized service, which costs more.
• Instrument Calibration – Features like speedometers and temperature gauges might use non-local settings (mph instead of kph, Fahrenheit instead of Celsius), and correcting these settings can be costly.
• Navigation System Issues – Built-in systems may not work properly in the UAE, and upgrades or replacements are often expensive or not even available.

How Does a Non-GCC Car Affect Insurance Premiums?

Your car insurance premium is calculated depending on the risk assessment. That's why non-GCC cars pose a higher risk when driven in the UAE.  Since they are not engineered to suit the climate of the country, insurers tend to increase the premium rate and other challenges. These challenges are further discussed below.

• Higher Base Rates – The non-GCC cars have a higher base rate because of the increased risk factors. 
• Limited Coverage Option – Your insurance coverage also gets restricted if you have a non-GCC vehicle. Either the coverage will be limited, or you will need to pay higher deductibles. 
• Increased Inspections – Non-GCC vehicles undergo some serious inspections before getting insurance approval. These inspections can also lead to additional costs in the premium. 

How to Get Car Insurance for Non-GCC Vehicles?

You can easily get car insurance for non-GCC cars on Policybazaar.ae. We offer the best comprehensive insurance for imported cars in UAE from the major providers in the country. You can compare the quotes as per your budget and needs. The icing on the cake, these plans are available at reasonable premium rates. 

While there are insurance policies for non-GCC cars, it is recommended to convert your car into GCC-spec for the long run. And you can get the best insurance for GCC-spec cars from us at a competitive premium. 

Related Link- 

Dubai Car Insurance Guide 

Frequently Asked Questions