Passenger Cover in Car Insurance

The passenger cover add-on is designed to provide coverage to individuals riding in the vehicle excluding the driver. Offering financial protection for up to three passengers in the event of an accident, the passenger cover assists with medical expenses, temporary or permanent disabilities, or even death resulting from the accident.

While your basic car insurance policy covers you as the driver in case of accidents, the passenger cover is the sole coverage that ensures protection for the passengers. Although not obligatory, having passenger cover offers financial security for your family or friends who accompany you on your travels.

Whether you use your vehicle for personal or commercial purposes, it is highly recommended to include the passenger cover add-on in your regular car insurance.

In this write-up, we will understand how a passenger cover in car insurance in UAE works, its benefits and exclusions, and more. 

How Does the Passenger Cover in Car Insurance in the UAE Work?

The passenger cover in car insurance, as we saw earlier, provides financial support to passengers who sustain injuries in an accident involving your vehicle. If the accident leads to the unfortunate death of a passenger, their family receives financial assistance from the insurance companies. Additionally, it also includes coverage for the permanent disability of a passenger resulting from the accident.

                                                         

Benefits under Passenger Cover in Car Insurance

Here are the specific inclusions of the passenger cover in car insurance -

• Covers the expenses for treating injuries caused by an accident involving the insured vehicle
• Provides financial assistance in the event of any type of permanent disability experienced by a passenger
• Offers financial support if an accident involving the insured vehicle leads to the death of a covered passenger

Does A Passenger Cover in Car Insurance Adds to Insurance Cost?

Yes, since passenger cover in car insurance policies is an additional cover, it will add to the total cost of the premium. However, the cost that it adds is generally very low but the benefits offered under the cover a quite extensive and important too. The total added cost of a passenger cover in a car insurance plan will be decided by how many passenger covers you are buying. 

Most insurance companies offer separate cover for each passenger instead of a single, very expensive cover. This means you can choose the number of covers as per the number of passengers you frequently travel with. Some insurance companies also offer a single insurance cover for all passengers in the car. This cover generally only extends to 3 passengers. Confirm with your insurance company about the umbrella of the cover so that you have a better idea. 

Exclusions for Passenger Cover on Car Insurance in the UAE

It is advisable to review the terms and conditions when obtaining car insurance in the UAE or any additional coverage. Not all insurance providers include passenger cover, and the extent of coverage can vary among insurers.

Similar to other car insurance add-ons, the Passenger Cover also has specific exclusions for coverage such as -

• Accidents that take place while the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Intentional damages 
• If the passengers were not present in the car during the accident
• Absence of the passenger cover add-on in the car insurance policy
• Damages that are not a result of an accident

How to Claim Passenger Cover in Car Insurance?

The process of making a claim for passenger coverage includes several steps -

• Start by filing a complaint at the nearest police station concerning the accident.
• Promptly notify your insurance provider within a 24-hour window without any delay.
• Submit photographs and a copy of the police report to your insurance provider as evidence to support your claim.
• If the passengers have already been hospitalised, provide the medical bills to your insurance provider.
• The provider will review your case and process the claim as per its company policies.

To Conclude

The inclusion of passenger cover in car insurance is an essential supplementary feature that vehicle owners should certainly consider.

As both the owner and driver of the vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure the well-being of your passengers. This can be easily done by including this cover in your car insurance plan, which can then provide assistance in obtaining necessary medical treatment for any injuries sustained by your passengers.

Besides the moral obligation, opting for the additional passenger cover in your car insurance plan is also a practical choice. The cost increase is minimal and is easily outweighed by the advantages that this cover provides in various situations.