Does my insurance cover weather damage in the UAE?

Important information to know if property, such as a vehicle, has been damaged

The UAE has been hit by heavy rain and lightning. EPA

Heavy rain and thunderstorms struck the Emirates on Friday, causing disruption.

The wet weather caused 13 flights to be redirected away from Dubai International Airport, while waterlogged streets across the country have caused significant delays for motorists.

Given the adverse driving conditions, vehicle damage is a possibility.

The National speaks to Hasan Elhais, of Al Rowaad Advocates in Dubai, to find out what the regulations say about weather-related insurance claims.

Here's a breakdown of important issues you need to know:

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  Waterlogged streets after heavy rain in the Al Furjan area of Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Tankers help to clear water from the streets in Discovery Gardens, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

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  A flooded road in the Discovery Gardens area. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Heavy rain led to flooding in Discovery Gardens. Pawan Singh / The National

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  A car struggles through the water in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Water is pumped from waterlogged streets in Discovery Gardens. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Large puddles in a residential neighbourhood of Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

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  The aftermath of heavy rain in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

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  Overcast skies on Friday above Mina Port, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

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  Heavy rain and strong winds brought flooding to Umm Suquim Street in Al Quoz. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Morning commuters plough through flooded streets in Al Quoz. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Dubai commuters faced a difficult journey to work early on Friday. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Morning thunderstorms brought heavy rain and flooding. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Wet weather in Dubai on Friday morning. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Some road surfaces were engulfed. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  It was heavy going for those on foot. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  A tree felled by heavy rain and winds. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Driving conditions were difficult on Friday morning. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  People shelter from the rain under umbrellas. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Flood waters are seen on the roads around the Ibn Batutta mall area of Dubai. James O'Hara / The National

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  Flood waters are seen on the roads around the Ibn Batutta mall area of Dubai. James O'Hara / The National

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  Flood waters are seen on the roads around the Ibn Batutta mall area of Dubai. James O'Hara / The National

Understanding the basics

Insurance is a binding agreement between the insured and the insurance provider to face risks, according to Article 1026 of the Civil Transactions Law.

Damages caused by rain to homes and vehicles are covered by most insurance policies in the UAE.

“However, the ability to claim depends on the wording of your selected insurance policy's coverage and exclusions,” Mr Elhais says.

This means that if the vehicle policy is comprehensive and includes damages from rain and natural disasters, these damages will be covered.

The same applies to home and property insurance policies that cover all risks, including natural calamity.

Heavy rain cause flooding in parts of the UAE. Antonie Robertson / The National

Reading the fine print

Mr Elhais says it's important to read the fine print of an insurance policy, which many may overlook.

Knowing the details is essential for filing a successful claim as coverage is conditional on the policy's terms and certain situations may be entirely excluded.

“Vehicle and property damages from heavy rain are usually covered by insurance policies, unless weather-related events like storms, hailstorms, and flooding have been specifically excluded,” Mr Elhais says.

“A careful examination of policy language is vital. Ignoring the fine print when availing the cover may lead to surprises later.”

He said exclusions might exist for certain situations, including force majeure events. For an event to be considered force majeure, it must make an obligation impossible to perform.

“Force majeure events are exceptional event or circumstances that could not have been avoided or overcome and are beyond a person’s control,” Mr Elhais says.

If a force majeure event is not covered and occurs, insurance providers might defend against their liability based on Article 287 of the UAE Civil Transactions Law.

“Under this article, a party is not liable for damages if it can be shown that the loss resulted from a force majeure event," Mr Elhais adds.

“However, if the policy wording includes coverage against a force majeure event, such as natural disaster, then the insurance provider may be under a legal obligation to indemnify the insured."

He says claims can be challenging, especially if the damage was caused by the insured's negligence or lack of care.

“For example, if your vehicle was left parked in a flood-prone area or you were driving through a flooded zone, your claim could be contested based on your policy's coverage and exclusions," Mr Elhais says.

A significant case on the application of force majeure was ruled by Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation in 2021, stating that force majeure must be the only cause of damage for exemption.