Car Insurance for High Risk Drivers in the UAE

Whether it’s due to traffic violations, accidents, age, or even your type of vehicle, being labeled "high risk" can limit your options and inflate your costs. But don’t worry, this guide will walk you through what high-risk car insurance is, why you might be considered high risk, and most importantly, how you can still get insured without breaking the bank.

*Above mentioned prices are for Honda City EX 1.5L, 2017 model.

What is High-Risk Car Insurance?

High-risk auto insurance refers to policies designed for drivers who are more prone to filing claims. These are usually people with accident histories, serious traffic violations, or even those who are new to driving. While the cost is higher than standard insurance, it still offers essential protection against accidents, theft, and third-party damage.

Key Features:

Higher premiums and deductibles
Limited insurer availability
Coverage includes liability, collision, and comprehensive but with stricter terms
May come with policy conditions like driving behavior monitoring

Who is Considered a High-Risk Driver?

Insurance companies in the UAE assess each applicant based on a range of risk factors. You may be labeled "high risk" if —

You’ve had multiple traffic violations or black points
You’ve been in several accidents, especially where you were at fault
You are a young or new driver, especially under 25
You drive a sports car, luxury vehicle, or 4x4
You’ve had gaps in your insurance history or frequent claims
You live in a high-traffic or high-crime area

Even factors like your job or health conditions can also play a role in influencing your classification.

What Makes a Driver High Risk? (Driving & Non-Driving Factors)

Here’s a breakdown of the most common factors that affect your risk profile for purchasing car insurance in UAE —

Driving Factors -

Factor	Why it Increases Risk
Accident History	Frequent collisions suggest poor road awareness or recklessness
Traffic Violations	Accumulating black points from speeding, signal-jumping, etc. indicates non-compliance
Limited Driving Experience	New or young drivers are statistically more prone to accidents
Type of Vehicle	High-performance or luxury cars are more expensive to repair and often driven aggressively
Claims History	Multiple past claims can signal unsafe driving or carelessness
Driving Habits	Aggressive behaviours like tailgating or rapid lane-switching raise red flags
High Mileage	The more time you spend on the road, the greater your risk exposure
Ignoring Safety Rules	Not using seatbelts, poor maintenance, or risky behaviour affects your profile

Non-Driving Factors -

Factor	Impact
Age	Statistically, drivers under 25 are more likely to be involved in accidents
Gender	Young male drivers often pay more due to higher crash rates
Occupation	High-stress or travel-intensive jobs may correlate with distracted driving
Location	Living in busy urban areas means more traffic, accidents, and theft
Vehicle Usage	Using your car for frequent travel or off-roading (like with 4x4s) adds risk
Health Conditions	Issues like epilepsy or poor vision may affect safe driving

How Long Will You Be Considered High Risk?

The length of time you remain categorised as high risk varies depending on the reasons behind your classification —

Risk Factor	Duration
Traffic violations	1–3 years
At-fault accidents	Up to 5 years
Young drivers	Typically until age 25
Insurance gaps	Varies by provider
Vehicle type/location	Can change immediately with a switch

Good to know: Safe driving and a clean record can reduce your risk status and lower your premiums over time.

How Much Does High-Risk Car Insurance Cost in the UAE?

High-risk drivers in the UAE can expect to pay AED 3,000 to AED 10,000 per year, depending on several factors.

Influencing Factor	Impact
Driving Record	Serious or frequent violations = higher premiums
Vehicle Type	Sports or luxury vehicles cost more to insure
Age/Gender	Young male drivers usually face the steepest rates
Claims History	More claims = higher perceived risk
Location	Urban areas with heavy traffic = higher rates
Insurance Type	Comprehensive coverage costs more than third-party

If budget is a concern, consider starting with third-party liability insurance, which is more affordable but covers only damages to others.

Top High-Risk Car Insurance Companies in the UAE

Here are some providers of car insurance for high risk drivers known for offering flexible or tailored coverage —

Insurance Company	Highlights	Estimated Annual Cost
GIG Gulf (formerly AXA)	Efficient service, wide garage network	AED 2,500–5,500
Dubai National Insurance (DNIC)	Quick claims, local focus	AED 2,000–4,000
Adamjee Insurance	Personalised coverage, accident forgiveness	AED 1,500–3,000
Salama Takaful	Shariah-compliant, includes natural disasters	AED 2,500–5,000
Alliance Insurance	Includes driving courses to reduce risk	AED 2,000–4,500

How to Get Motor Insurance as a High-Risk Driver?

Follow these steps to improve your chances and get a better rate —

Step1- Know your risk profile: Understand what’s impacting your classification.
Step2- Gather required documents: Prepare your Emirates ID, driver's license, registration, and previous insurance history.
Step3- Use comparison tools: Platforms like Policyazaar.ae help you compare rates instantly.
Step4- Consider minimal coverage: Start with third-party insurance if comprehensive plans are out of budget.
Step5- Work with a broker: Insurance brokers can negotiate better deals for you.
Step6- Take a defensive driving course: This can improve your driving reputation and possibly reduce costs.
Step7- Review your policy annually: If your driving improves, you might qualify for a better rate next year.

Final Thoughts: You Can Still Get Covered

Being labeled a high-risk driver isn’t a life sentence. It just means you’ll need to take a more strategic approach to finding the right insurance.

Start by understanding what makes you high risk, compare options, and take real steps to improve your driving profile. Whether you're a young driver, recently had a few run-ins, or own a performance car, Policybazaar.ae is an affordable and reliable provider of motor insurance in UAE.

Drive responsibly, stay safe, and don’t forget to compare your options. Not only will this benefit you now, your future premiums will thank you.

Related Links
How to Get Cheap Car Insurance for Young Drivers
Car Insurance for 19 Year Olds in UAE
Car Insurance for 23 Year Olds in UAE
Car Insurance for 25 Year Olds in UAE
Car Insurance for Young Drivers in UAE
Teenage Car Insurance in the UAE

Frequently Asked Questions

If you maintain a clean driving record, meaning no new accidents, traffic violations, or claims, you can be reassessed and reclassified as a lower-risk driver. Most insurers review policies annually, so even one year of responsible driving can lead to reduced premiums and better coverage options.

Some insurance companies may refuse to insure drivers with extreme risk factors, such as multiple DUIs, a suspended license, or numerous at-fault accidents. However, there are specialised insurance providers that focus on offering non-standard policies specifically for high-risk drivers.

Failing to disclose your full driving history, even small violations can result in claim denials or policy cancellations later. UAE insurers run background checks using official traffic records. Being honest from the start helps you build trust and ensures you're properly covered if something goes wrong.

Third-party liability insurance is typically the cheapest. This policy covers only damages or injuries you cause to others, not to your own vehicle. It’s a great entry-level option if you’re classified as high risk and want to meet legal requirements without paying high premiums.

Certified defensive driving programs show insurers that you’re serious about improving your skills and reducing your road risk. It also improves your confidence and reaction time in high-stress driving situations.

Some companies strictly cater to low-risk or standard drivers and might not offer policies to those with multiple red flags. But many UAE providers, including GIG Gulf, Salama Takaful, DNIC, and Adamjee Insurance, offer flexible or high-risk-specific plans.

It usually lasts between 3 to 5 years. Minor violations might clear off your record within a year or two, while serious offenses like DUI or multiple at-fault accidents can keep you in the high-risk category longer. However, insurers typically reevaluate annually, and good behavior can shorten this time frame significantly.

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