How to Claim Against Public Liability Insurance in UAE?

Public liability insurance shields different types of businesses in the UAE from third-party claims arising from their business operations. However, filing a public liability insurance claim can be complex due to legal requirements, documentation, and insurer procedures.

Understanding the key steps involved in the claim process is crucial for avoiding delays or rejections and easily getting financial protection.

What to Know Before Making a Public Liability Insurance Claim?

Before understanding the steps involved in filing a public liability insurance claim in UAE, you need to understand a few things. Here are some points -

• Don’t forget to read the fine print. Understand all the terms and conditions of your public liability insurance policy.
• Know what type of policy you have, such as liability for premises only or work away coverage.
• Be aware of the inclusions, exclusions, and coverage limits of your policy. This way, you get fewer surprises during the claim process.
• Most insurers have strict timelines for reporting claims. Thus, after an incident, notify your insurer immediately.

Steps for Filing a Public Liability Claim in UAE

While the steps may vary as per the insurer, the public liability claim process typically involves the following steps -

Immediately Contact Your Insurer

Start the claim process by informing your insurer as soon as the incident occurs. Timely notification is crucial in the public liability insurance claim process, as delays may lead to claim rejection. You can do this through mobile, email, or their official website.

Report the Incident

File an official incident report with the relevant authorities — the police, the fire department, and so on. In the UAE, a police report is often mandatory for public liability insurance claims. This is because it serves as a key supporting document for insurers to verify the incident and proceed with the claim.

Collect All Evidence and Documents

Gather photographs, videos, witness statements, medical reports, repair estimates, and so on. Strong documentation speeds up the public liability claim process and helps insurers assess liability accurately.

Complete the Claim Form

Fill out the public liability insurance claim form accurately. Clearly mention all key details of the incident, such as the date, time, location, nature of the injury or property damage, and the estimated loss. Incorrect or misleading information may delay the claim or lead to rejection.

Cooperate in the Investigation

Many public liability insurance companies in the UAE appoint an investigator or loss assessor to review the claim. If the insurer initiates an investigation, cooperate fully by providing all requested information, records, and supporting documents. The findings of this assessment play a key role in determining the claim settlement amount, so make sure all the information is accurate and complete.

Receive the Settlement Amount

If your public liability insurance claim is approved, the insurer will issue a settlement based on the investigation or loss assessment report (subject to the policy terms and limits).

✍️ In some cases, the insurer may propose a negotiated settlement that differs from the claimed amount. If this happens, you may be asked to provide additional documents or clarification until both parties agree on a final settlement.

Documents for Public Liability Insurance Claim in UAE

To initiate a public liability insurance claim in UAE, you typically need to provide the following documents -

• Completed claim form
• Police report 
• Third-party medical bills or damage estimates
• Photographic or video evidence
• Witness statements
• Copy of the insurance policy

✍️ In certain cases, you may have to provide some additional documents at the insurer’s request.

Cases Where You Cannot Claim for Public Liability Insurance in UAE

Businesses can get complete protection from third-party claims with public liability insurance. However, policies don’t cover certain situations. Find below some of the major exclusions -

• Incidents that occurred outside the policy coverage dates
• Intentional or fraudulent damage or loss to the third party
• If the injured party is an employee (covered under workmen’s compensation instead)
• Professional errors (often covered under professional indemnity insurance)

✍️ Pay attention to the exclusion sections while buying a public liability insurance policy in the UAE.

Tips for a Hassle-free Public Liability Insurance Claim Process

Businesses may encounter several challenges while making a claim against public liability insurance in Dubai. By considering these pro tips, you can ensure a smooth public liability claim process -

• Report incidents immediately
• Maintain accurate business and safety records
• Keep all communication documented and clear with the insurer 
• Work closely with your insurer or claim support team
• Avoid admitting liability before insurer approval

Key Takeaways

The public liability insurance claim process in UAE helps businesses manage third-party injury or property damage costs efficiently. Timely incident reporting, accurate documentation, and cooperation during assessment help you get the settlement quickly. It’s also important to understand the policy coverage and exclusions to ensure a smooth claim process and reduce the risk of rejection.

Public Liability Claim- FAQs

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