Dear subscriber,

I got lucky – I parked my car on higher ground during the storms that hit the UAE on April 16. I still see many vehicles stranded in my car park, with rainwater-damaged interiors – quite extensively, in some cases.

I took a comprehensive motor insurance policy last year, but I recall wondering if it was worth the premium I had to pay.

For others who did the same as me, it was possibly a good decision in hindsight

While such policies do not always cover natural disasters such as floods, insurance companies are favourably considering situations where the customer has paid heed to warnings not to take the car out, a senior industry executive told me.

With the frequency of weather-related incidents increasing, experts say it is preferable to opt for the best insurance coverage and ensure natural perils are included in the policy.

Meanwhile, turning to the murky waters of US politics, Donald Trump's potential return to the White House has renewed concerns about conflicts of interest as he refuses to draw a line between politics and his business interests.

He is estimated to have earned at least $9.6 million from the Middle East during his presidency, according to analysis of his tax returns last year by a non-profit group.

However, it seems unlikely that Mr Trump's global business interests will influence American voters. A new Pew Research Centre survey found that the presidential race is virtually tied.

We explored his investments in the region ahead of the elections.

Don't forget to scroll down to check out our readers' money-saving tip – this week, how shopping during the quietest days can help you find discounts on groceries. Get in touch with us at pf@thenationalnews.com to share your best tips.

UAE motorists face insurance delays to repair flood-damaged cars

Public relations professional Jonty Summers’s Land Rover was parked on the street in Dubai’s Umm Suqeim area during the record rain in the UAE on April 16.

The car was almost submerged, with rainwater reaching the windows.

It took Mr Summers two days to talk to his insurance company as it was dealing with a high volume of calls.

“I raised a claim and it is being processed. It was easy to get the police certificate. It only takes a minute to get it on the Dubai olice app,” he says.

Read the full story by Deepthi Nair …

Explained: Trump’s Gulf money ties and their impact on his White House run

Republican candidate Donald Trump’s potential return as US president will probably raise concerns about conflicts of interest that may pile pressure on him to distance himself from overseas business dealings, analysts have said.

During his term as president from 2017 to 2021, Mr Trump had said his business interests would be held in a trust run by his sons Don and Eric. He also said there would be no new foreign deals during his presidency.

However, Mr Trump made at least $9.6 million from countries in the Middle East during his presidency, according to an analysis of his tax returns last year by the non-profit watchdog organisation Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

That means Mr Trump pulled in at least six times his official presidential salary in side income from the Middle East alone during his time in office, the study showed.

Read the full story by Deepthi Nair …

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Money & Me

Money-saving tip #52

When you’re in a busy store, it can be difficult to find brands that are cost-effective.

It might take you some trial and error to determine the slower times of the week, but once you’ve figured it out, stick with that time.

Shopping on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday may help you find more discounts on groceries. Stores often run promotions midweek and offer deals on specific weekdays. Try shopping on a few different days and plan your grocery trips based on when you find the best discounts.

Have you got a great money-saving tip? Email it to us at pf@thenationalnews.com for a chance to be featured.

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