How to Choose the Best Car Insurance for New Drivers in Dubai

⏱️ 5 minutes read



Starting Your Driving Journey? Read This First


Passing your RTA road test is only half the battle. Before you can legally hit Sheikh Zayed Road, you must secure a motor policy that complies with UAE law and protects your wallet. For brand-new motorists, premium prices, unfamiliar jargon and dozens of insurers can feel overwhelming. Use this 2025 guide to confidently choose the best car insurance for new drivers in Dubai—and save up to 40% in the process.


1. The Legal Minimum vs. Real-World Protection


The UAE requires every vehicle to carry at least Third-Party Liability (TPL) cover. It pays for damages you cause to other people and property, but never for repairs to your own car.

For a rookie driver, that gap is often the most expensive risk you can take. In 2024 alone, the average repair claim paid by insurers in Dubai was AED 9,800, and that figure is climbing with the adoption of ADAS sensors and EV batteries.

Bottom line: If your vehicle is worth more than AED 15,000—or if you cannot comfortably pay for a total loss out of pocket—consider Comprehensive cover. It’s the smarter choice when shopping for  car insurance for new drivers in Dubai.


Also Read: Third-party insurance Drivers Guide


2. Factors That Shape Your Premium in 2025


Pricing algorithms get tweaked every year. These are the variables affecting fresh licence holders right now:

Driver profile – Age, gender, years of UAE licence and nationality all influence risk scores.

Vehicle type – SUVs, EVs and sports cars attract higher rates due to parts cost and power-to-weight ratios.

Claims history – First-time drivers start with zero No-Claims Discount (NCD) but can earn up to 30 % off after just one claim-free year.

Telematics data – Usage-based insurance (UBI) rewards safe acceleration, braking and mileage. More on this in Section 4.

Repair facility choice – Agency repair adds 15 – 25 % to premiums but guarantees genuine parts within manufacturer warranty.


If you're comparing car insurance for new drivers in Dubai, understanding these factors will help you filter smartly and budget realistically.


A sample quote snapshot (mid-2025)


Vehicle Driver age CoverAnnual premium
2022 Toyota Corolla EX23Third-PartyAED 1,350
2022 Toyota Corolla EX23Comprehensive (non-agency)AED 2,550
2022 Toyota Corolla EX23Comprehensive + agency repair + roadsideAED 3,180


3. Must-Have Add-Ons for Inexperienced Motorists


If you're exploring car insurance for new drivers in Dubai, don’t overlook the following optional add-ons:

  • Personal Accident Benefit (PAB) – Pays for driver injuries up to AED 200,000. UAE law mandates passenger protection, but driver benefit is optional.
  • Roadside Assistance – Unlimited towing, battery boost and flat-tyre help are worth every dirham when you stall on Al Khail Road at 45 °C.
  • Off-Road Cover – Essential if you plan weekend dune bashing near Liwa or Sweihan.
  • GCC Extension – Driving to Muscat or Bahrain for Eid? Activate regional cover instead of buying border insurance every time.
  • Natural Calamity (storms, flood) – Dubai recorded multiple flash floods in early 2024; insurers now price this separately.


Tip: Request add-ons during the quote stage. Adding later may require fresh underwriting or incur an administration fee.


4. New 2025 Trends You Shouldn’t Ignore

a. Pay-How-You-Drive Policies

Insurers like Tokio Marine and Noor Takaful now offer telematics-based plans. Install a plug-and-play device, drive below 12,000 km a year and maintain safe scores to unlock up to 25% cashback.




b. EV and Hybrid Discounts


With Tesla, BYD and Nissan Leaf sales surging, specialist policies now cover battery degradation, portable chargers and emergency charging support.

c. Digital-Only Claims


After Dubai Police’s e-Salama platform launched, most insurers now accept online uploads. Average claim settlement times dropped from 14 to 7 days in Q1 2025.

If you're a tech-savvy motorist researching car insurance for new drivers in Dubai, these trends can significantly reduce both your effort and expense.

5. Money-Saving Hacks for First-Year Drivers

  • Complete an advanced driver course at Dubai Driving Centre or Emirates Driving Institute. This can earn up to 10% off.
  • Bundle with other policies – Combine motor, health or home insurance to earn multi-policy discounts.
  • Choose a higher deductible – Raising your excess from AED 500 to AED 1,500 can reduce your premium by 8–12%.
  • Pay annually – Avoid monthly financing fees.

These strategies apply to all drivers, but they’re especially valuable when buying car insurance for new drivers in Dubai.

6. Step-by-Step: Comparing Quotes on InsuranceHub

  • Gather your Emirates ID, UAE driving licence, Mulkiya, and any prior insurance info.
  • Visit the InsuranceHub car insurance page.
  • Enter your vehicle plate or chassis number to view live quotes from up to 15 insurers.
  • Filter by cover type, add-ons, and telematics options.
  • Chat with an advisor on WhatsApp for free guidance.
  • Upload documents, pay securely, and get instant policy delivery + RTA update.
Many customers shopping for car insurance for new drivers in Dubai saved over AED 980 using InsuranceHub versus going direct.



7. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Under-insuring vehicle value – Low declared values reduce payout after a claim.
  • Ignoring exclusions – Policies often exclude commercial/rideshare use.
  • Missing your renewal – Even one day uninsured may result in AED 500 fine + 4 black points.
  • Overlooking excess rules – Some policies double the deductible if the driver is under 25 or newly licensed.

For a refresher on the penalties levied under Dubai’s updated Decree No. 30 of 2023, see our detailed breakdown here: Dubai Traffic Laws.

Key Takeaways for 2025

  • Start with Comprehensive cover unless your car value is low.
  • Use telematics and driver training to lower new-driver surcharges.
  • Compare multiple providers - car insurance for new drivers in Dubai varies widely in pricing.
  • Choose smart add-ons like roadside, off-road and personal accident benefits.
  • Stay claim-free for one year to earn No-Claims Discount at renewal.
Ready to Lock In Your Quote?

In less time than it takes to order a karak, you can secure affordable, feature-rich protection. Visit InsuranceHub.ae or call 800-INSURE to speak with a licensed advisor today. Whether you’re buying your first vehicle or just passed your RTA exam, choosing the right car insurance in Dubai sets you up for safer, smarter motoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not usually. If your car is under three years old or the RTA system already holds a valid inspection, you can renew online. Vehicles older than three years require a Shamil, Tasjeel or Mumayaz test.


Yes. Several insurers now support 0 % instalments with major UAE credit cards. Compare the total cost, as some charge a small processing fee.


Minor fines (parking, Salik) do not. Major violations related to reckless driving or red-light jumping may trigger risk surcharges or even refusal. Remember, fines under the new decree can reach AED 50,000, so drive responsibly.


Submit a transfer form to the insurer. Some charge AED 50-100; others allow free transfer to the new owner or your next vehicle, provided no claims were made.