Top Insurance Brokers for Your Property Insurance Needs in UAE: Building Insurance & Contents Insurance Explained

Imagine returning from a relaxing vacation only to find your Dubai apartment flooded due to a burst pipe. With home insurance, you’re protected. Without it? You could lose thousands of Dirham. Whether you need building insurance, contents insurance, or comprehensive property insurance, having a reliable insurance broker can make all the difference. This guide will help you navigate property protection options and choose the right insurance agency in the UAE.
Understanding Different Types of Home Insurance Coverage
Nobody gets excited about house insurance until they need it. But in a country where summer temperatures can soar to 50°C and floods can wreak havoc, having the right coverage isn’t just smart – it’s essential.
Building Insurance
Building insurance stands as your first line of defense. This type of property insurance is crucial for property owners, where environmental factors like floods and extreme heat (causing fire) can impact building integrity, which can cost a lot to repair.
Building insurance protects:
- Structural aspects of your property (walls, floors, ceilings)
- Built-in fixtures
- Permanent installations
- Essential building system
Here’s something that may surprise you: older properties often command higher insurance premiums. Why? The risk factors increase with:
- Aging structural components
- Higher maintenance requirements
- Greater susceptibility to damage
- Increased replacement costs
Contents Insurance
While building insurance protects your property’s structure, contents insurance takes care of everything inside.
Contents insurance protects against damage or loss for:
- High-end furniture
- Electronic devices
- Designer clothing
- Precious jewellery
- Valuable collectibles
Remember that household insurance comes with specific limits and exclusions. Always check about coverage caps for high-value items.
How Much Does Home Insurance Cost in the UAE?
You can expect to pay around 0.1% to 0.5% of your home’s value each year for house insurance.
Here is an estimate breakdown of annual premium:
- Building insurance – 0.5% of rebuild value
- Personal belonging – 1% of the total personal belonging value
- Contents insurance – 0.75% of the total contents value
Other Types of Property Insurance
Here are some often-overlooked coverages that can be invaluable:
1. Apartment Insurance
- Tailored for apartment living owners
- Coverage covers for both building and contents insurance
2. Landlord Insurance
- Protection against tenant-caused damages
- Coverage for rental income loss
- Liability protection
- Building insurance elements
3. Additional Living Expenses Insurance
If your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable. This coverage helps by:
- Paying for hotel stays
- Covering temporary rental costs
- Managing additional living expenses
- Ensuring minimal disruption to your lifestyle
4. Medical Payments to Someone Else Insurance
- Visitors sustain injuries on your property
- Medical payments are required for injured parties
- Legal protection is needed
- Property-related lawsuits arise
Key Considerations When Choosing Home Insurance Policy

When selecting a policy through an insurance agency, carefully evaluate what is and isn’t covered.
Standard policies, like AXA insurance and Sukoon (formerly Oman Insurance), typically include:
- Natural disasters and weather-related damage
- Fire and smoke damage
- Water damage from plumbing issues
- Theft and vandalism
- Third-party liability
Policy Exclusions
Be aware that certain events might not be covered under standard policies.
Common exclusions in UAE home insurance include:
- Certain types of natural disasters
- Mechanical or electrical breakdowns
- Damage from pest infestations
- War or terrorism-related incidents
What Makes a Great Insurance Broker
With over hundreds of insurance agency here in Dubai, how do you choose the right one?
Look for an insurance broker who:
- Has solid connections with big insurers
- Has good reviews and social proof from actual clients
- Can help you compare different options so you don’t have to
- Can advise the right amount of coverage
- Will deliver at time of claim (this is the most important)
To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the top brokers in Dubai. They stand out for their high customer satisfaction and large number of positive reviews.
Insurance Broker | Google Reviews* |
---|---|
Policybazaar.ae | 4.6 (24,789 Reviews) |
Insurancemarket.ae | 4.8 (23,381 Reviews) |
Yallacompare.com | 4.5 (4,409 Reviews) |
Earnest Insurance Broker | 4.9 (1,475 Reviews) |
Insurancepolicy.ae | 5.0 (465 Reviews) |
Platinum Insurance Broker | 4.8 (481 Reviews) |
Petra Insurance Broker | 5.0 (394 Reviews) |
Interactive Insurance Broker | 4.6 (148 Reviews) |
Your Next Steps
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking to switch providers, here’s what to do:
- List your valuable items (yes, all 27 pairs of shoes count)
- Check if your building already has some coverage
- Consider which coverage you will need and get a quote for those
- Compare quotes from different insurance broker
- Select a policy that covers the full value of your home and its contents
- Read the fine print carefully, especially about coverage limits and exclusions
- Learn the claim process
- Ask about bundle deals (property insurance + car insurance = discounted premium)
- Review and update your coverage as your needs change
Making a Claim
In the event you need to make a claim:
- Contact your insurance agency immediately
- Document the damage or loss with photographs
- File a police report if required (in cases of theft or vandalism)
- Provide all necessary documentation promptly
- Keep records of all communication with your insurer
The Bottom Line
House insurance is a must, and as an investor, you will probably be dealing with a lot of insurance policies.
Whether you choose AXA, Sukoon, or another household insurance provider, working with a reputable insurance broker can make all the difference in securing optimal coverage. Be sure to shop around for a property insurance company who will deliver at time of claim. You never know when you’ll need your policy.