Latest news with #ToshitaChauhan
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Why more UAE residents are buying travel insurance, even when visiting home
Travel insurance premiums in the UAE have jumped 12% to 18% as more residents insure even familiar trips this summer. With summer holidays around the corner and schools on break, UAE residents are gearing up for vacations, many of them heading to their home countries. But what's different this year is the growing number of people purchasing travel insurance, even for destinations that feel familiar. This trend was highlighted in a recent Khaleej Times report on changing travel insurance habits among UAE residents. Industry experts say this rising trend is driven by a mix of practical concerns and evolving travel patterns. Hitesh Motwani, Deputy CEO at said there's a significant shift in how UAE travellers view insurance when heading abroad. 'There is a noticeable trend of UAE residents purchasing travel insurance even when travelling to their home countries,' he said. 'This shift is driven by increased awareness of potential risks such as medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or baggage issues that can occur regardless of familiarity with the destination. The affordability of travel insurance also contributes to its growing adoption among travellers seeking comprehensive protection during their trips.' Toshita Chauhan, business head of general insurance at confirmed that more expats are now insuring trips home during high-traffic periods like summer, Eid, and school breaks. 'Yes, we've definitely seen that shift. More and more UAE expats are buying travel insurance when flying back home for holidays — especially during summer, Eid, or school breaks,' she said. 'Even if they're going somewhere familiar, many realise that medical expenses or flight delays aren't always easy to manage. The ease of comparing policies online and the affordability of plans has made it a convenient decision for most.' Premiums are rising: Here's what's behind It Travel insurance is becoming more common, and more expensive. As summer travel picks up, insurance premiums in the UAE have risen by 12% to 18% year-on-year, According to figures shared by industry executives with Khaleej Times, the increase reflects global medical cost pressures and growing claims activity. Toshita Chauhan explained that this increase translates to a difference of AED 15 (approx. $4.08) to AED 70 per policy, depending on the travel duration, destination, and the traveller's age. 'The primary factors behind this increase include rising global medical costs and increased claims from travellers bound for Europe, particularly Schengen countries, largely due to hospitalisation and lost baggage.' She noted. She added that France, Spain, and Italy have topped the list of destinations where UAE travellers request help with medical emergencies. In contrast, tropical vacation spots like Thailand, Bali, and the Maldives have seen more flight cancellations, mostly due to weather-related disruptions. Travellers heading to the UK and US also face higher medical costs, which has added to the upward pressure on insurance premiums. So far this year, the most common claims filed by UAE travellers are for missed flights and delayed baggage. Who's paying the most? Not all travellers are affected equally by these price hikes. Those aged 60 and above have seen the largest premium increases, between 25% and 30%. Meanwhile, people purchasing coverage for adventure sports are facing the steepest rise overall, with premiums up by as much as 40% compared to standard plans. Even frequent travellers are feeling the change. According to Chauhan: 'Multi-trip annual policies have also become more expensive, with prices increasing by more than 15% due to evolving claims trends and longer average travel times.' She told Khaleej Times. A word of caution for high-risk destinations Travellers heading to conflict zones or politically unstable regions, such as Syria, should exercise extra caution when choosing travel insurance. Syria is considered a high-risk destination, and coverage is usually limited or outright excluded by most insurers. 'Many insurers exclude war-prone countries from their standard policies, making it challenging to obtain comprehensive coverage for travel to Syria,' said Hitesh Motwani. 'As a result, most travellers to Syria may not purchase travel insurance, either due to limited availability or the perception that coverage won't be applicable. For those seeking insurance, specialized policies with higher premiums and restricted benefits may be available through select providers, but these are exceptions rather than the norm.' Toshita Chauhan agreed that some travellers still try to get coverage for Syria, mainly for medical emergencies, trip delays, or baggage loss, but warned that exclusions are often buried in the fine print. 'Importantly, most travel insurance policies explicitly exclude coverage for war zones, areas under conflict, or destinations marked as high-risk by government advisories,' she said. 'Before purchasing a policy, travellers should confirm if Syria is included in the policy's coverage region. Due to the complex risk profile, travellers are strongly advised to proceed with extreme caution and ensure they have complete clarity on coverage terms before making the trip.'
Khaleej Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Travel insurance premiums see double-digit increase
Travel insurance premiums in the UAE have surged at a double-digit rate, particularly for Europe-bound travellers, as the peak outbound travel season approaches, according to industry experts. Toshita Chauhan, business head – general insurance at Policybazaar UAE, said premiums have risen by 12 per cent to 18 per cent year-on-year. This translates to an increase of Dh15 to Dh70 per policy, depending on the travel duration, destination, and age of the travellers. "The primary factors driving this increase include rising global medical costs and a spike in claims from Europe-bound travellers - especially to Schengen countries - largely due to hospitalizations and baggage losses," Chauhan told Khaleej Times. She noted that popular European destinations such as France, Spain, and Italy are leading in medical emergency claims. Meanwhile, tropical destinations like Thailand, Bali, and the Maldives have seen a rise in trip cancellations due to weather-related disruptions. Travellers from the UAE heading to the UK and USA are reporting some of the highest medical treatment costs, contributing to elevated premiums. While missed flight connections and baggage delays have also emerged as the two most common claim categories among UAE residents this year, she added. Summer rush Summer is the peak travel period for outbound UAE tourism, coinciding with school holidays that last over two months. Many families opt for vacations in cooler European climates during this time, leading to a sharp spike in airfares – particularly to high-demand destinations like the UK. Dubai Airports and Emirates airline regularly issue passenger advisories ahead of the summer rush, especially during July, when hundreds of thousands are expected to depart from Dubai. Highest premium payers Chauhan also highlighted that travellers aged 60 and above have experienced the steepest hike in insurance premiums, with rates rising between 25 per cent and 30 per cent. Meanwhile, those seeking coverage for adventure sports have faced the highest increases – up to 40 per cent more than standard base plans. 'Annual multi-trip policies have also become more expensive, with rates climbing over 15% due to evolving claim trends and longer average travel durations,' she added. Hitesh Motwani, deputy CEO at said insurers are responding by offering more streamlined and budget-friendly plans to make travel insurance more accessible. 'These tailored policies allow travellers to choose coverage that fits their specific needs and financial plans. Despite the recent hikes, travel insurance remains relatively affordable on a per-trip basis,' Motwani said. He pointed out that while not all countries require travel insurance for incoming travellers, many have made it mandatory for visa issuance or entry. 'For example, the Schengen zone requires a minimum medical coverage of €30,000, including repatriation. Thailand mandates insurance for specific visa categories, particularly long-term stays. Russia requires coverage for those applying through unified e-visas, and Turkey makes it a condition for visa applicants,' he explained.
Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Policybazaar.ae Rolls Out Exclusive Car Insurance Perks Under PB Advantage - Middle East Business News and Information
the UAE's leading online insurance marketplace, has expanded its flagship initiative PB Advantage to car insurance customers, redefining the way UAE residents experience motor coverage and car insurance claims. believes that car insurance should be more than just a policy — it should be a promise of speed, ease, and trust when you need it most. We are transforming the claims experience in the UAE by offering a one-of-a-kind, seamless, and customer-first approach that gets you back on the road with minimal hassle. From free car washes and flat-rate savings on servicing and repairs to special discounts on the Registration Readiness Package, these benefits are designed to enhance the everyday car ownership experience. Valid until May 31, these exclusive offers are made possible through their partnerships with leading insurers and service providers across the UAE that will deliver real-world value to our customers. In collaboration with leading partners, is redefining traditional insurance by enabling a smarter and more rewarding car ownership experience. The initiative is designed to help customers lower their car-related expenses and remain well-protected with some of the best car insurance plans available in the UAE, while ensuring a high standard of customer satisfaction and full compliance with regulatory requirements. With customers can benefit from fast-track claims processing, access to a nationwide garage network, a dedicated claims concierge service, and smart digital tracking with priority repairs. Through PB Advantage, customers can now enjoy 12 free car washes, up to a 30% discount for safe driving, an excess waiver of up to AED 1,000, a 15% discount on car repairs, a 30% discount on car servicing, and 50% off on the Registration Readiness Package. Neeraj Gupta, CEO of said: 'We're proud to expand PB Advantage to our car insurance customers. Buying car insurance shouldn't just be about paperwork and price — it should come with real, tangible value. These benefits make sure that once the policy is bought, the customer keeps winning throughout the year. From savings on car service to free washes, we're driving value where it matters most — behind the wheel.' Toshita Chauhan, Business Head – Motor Insurance at added, 'Motor insurance is often seen as a mandatory purchase, but we wanted to flip that narrative. With PB Advantage, we've built a value-first ecosystem where every customer — from a daily commuter to a weekend road-tripper — gets rewarded for making responsible choices. Whether it's safe driving discounts or after-policy care like servicing perks, we're here to make car ownership smarter and more rewarding.' This move follows the successful rollout of PB Advantage for health insurance customers, a program that introduced Auto Recharge, No Claim Bonuses, and 30-minute claim desk support — setting a new benchmark in insurance experience. PB Advantage for Car Insurance marks another step in mission to move insurance beyond a transactional product, making it a lifestyle benefit that rewards smart choices and safe habits. -end- About started in 2018 is PB Fintech's (NSE: POLICYBZR ) first overseas venture and is an online financial products marketplace aimed to educate people on the importance of insurance as a protection tool and becoming a platform for consumers' personal financial needs in the UAE market. currently partners with more than 35+ insurance and banking partners with 400+ products on offer ranging from new-age life insurance,health insurance, motor insurance, credit cards, bank accounts, personal loans, car loans, home loans, and more.
Web Release
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Web Release
Policybazaar.ae Rolls Out Exclusive Car Insurance Perks Under PB Advantage
the UAE's leading online insurance marketplace, has expanded its flagship initiative PB Advantage to car insurance customers, redefining the way UAE residents experience motor coverage and car insurance claims. believes that car insurance should be more than just a policy — it should be a promise of speed, ease, and trust when you need it most. We are transforming the claims experience in the UAE by offering a one-of-a-kind, seamless, and customer-first approach that gets you back on the road with minimal hassle. From free car washes and flat-rate savings on servicing and repairs to special discounts on the Registration Readiness Package, these benefits are designed to enhance the everyday car ownership experience. Valid until May 31, these exclusive offers are made possible through their partnerships with leading insurers and service providers across the UAE that will deliver real-world value to our customers. In collaboration with leading partners, is redefining traditional insurance by enabling a smarter and more rewarding car ownership experience. The initiative is designed to help customers lower their car-related expenses and remain well-protected with some of the best car insurance plans available in the UAE, while ensuring a high standard of customer satisfaction and full compliance with regulatory requirements. With customers can benefit from fast-track claims processing, access to a nationwide garage network, a dedicated claims concierge service, and smart digital tracking with priority repairs. Through PB Advantage, customers can now enjoy 12 free car washes, up to a 30% discount for safe driving, an excess waiver of up to AED 1,000, a 15% discount on car repairs, a 30% discount on car servicing, and 50% off on the Registration Readiness Package. Neeraj Gupta, CEO of said: 'We're proud to expand PB Advantage to our car insurance customers. Buying car insurance shouldn't just be about paperwork and price — it should come with real, tangible value. These benefits make sure that once the policy is bought, the customer keeps winning throughout the year. From savings on car service to free washes, we're driving value where it matters most — behind the wheel.' added, 'Motor insurance is often seen as a mandatory purchase, but we wanted to flip that narrative. With PB Advantage, we've built a value-first ecosystem where every customer — from a daily commuter to a weekend road-tripper — gets rewarded for making responsible choices. Whether it's safe driving discounts or after-policy care like servicing perks, we're here to make car ownership smarter and more rewarding.' Toshita Chauhan, Business Head – Motor Insurance atadded, 'Motor insurance is often seen as a mandatory purchase, but we wanted to flip that narrative. With PB Advantage, we've built a value-first ecosystem where every customer — from a daily commuter to a weekend road-tripper — gets rewarded for making responsible choices. Whether it's safe driving discounts or after-policy care like servicing perks, we're here to make car ownership smarter and more rewarding.' This move follows the successful rollout of PB Advantage for health insurance customers, a program that introduced Auto Recharge, No Claim Bonuses, and 30-minute claim desk support — setting a new benchmark in insurance experience. PB Advantage for Car Insurance marks another step in mission to move insurance beyond a transactional product, making it a lifestyle benefit that rewards smart choices and safe habits.
The National
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Car industry feels aftermath of historic UAE floods one year on
More than 100,000 vehicles are believed to have been damaged by floodwater during record rainfall in the UAE on April 16 last year, with garages still dealing with the fallout 12 months on. Mechanics said that, due to water damage, more cars have been written off to insurance companies than have been repaired in the past year. Water ingress, electrical malfunctions and brake issues were the most common failures associated with flood damage. And while most motorists have seen a 30 per cent increase in their annual premiums as a result of unprecedented claims, owners of electric cars have been the hardest hit. A year on from the floods that caused widespread damage and disruption to the UAE during the heaviest rain since records began in 1949, insurers said electric vehicle premiums have soared 100 per cent. 'While there is no official number which was declared, the industry estimates that approximately 100,000 vehicles were affected by the floods,' said Toshita Chauhan, business head of motor insurance at 'Garages across the UAE were inundated with vehicles suffering from these problems. Insurance companies faced an overwhelming number of claims, receiving six to nine months' worth of claims in just one month. Despite the volume, the majority of claims were evaluated and settled within three months, as a few insurers overnight set up dedicated teams to manage the huge number of claims.' Ms Chauhan said the majority of damaged vehicles were in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. While most claims resulting from the floods were settled, some were rejected due to motorists driving through floodwater, worsening the damage to their vehicles. Vehicles under third-party liability coverage were also unlikely to have claims settled, and drivers were left facing hefty repair costs or having to buy a new car. According to Policybazaar, an online insurance aggregator, motor insurance premiums rose by up to 30 per cent as insurers adjusted to the heightened risk and financial impact of claims. Property insurance rates also experienced increases, of up to 15 per cent in the final quarter of 2024. 'Many vehicle owners sought to enhance their coverage to protect against future weather-related incidents,' said Ms Chauhan. "This trend reflects a growing awareness among consumers about the importance of comprehensive coverage in mitigating heavy rains and floods risks. 'Insuring electric vehicles can be more expensive than traditional vehicles due to the high cost of battery replacement and specialised repair requirements. Reflecting the unique aspects of electric vehicle ownership, car owners should also understand EV insurance costs have significantly gone up, with an almost 100 per cent increase in premiums.' In the aftermath of the rain that saw 254mm fall in a few hours, the UAE announced a Dh2 billion ($540 million) repair fund. Since then, online car showroom DubiCars reported a shift in consumer preferences towards more robust and versatile vehicles. The website reported a significant increase in demand for sports utility vehicles and pickup trucks, known for their higher ground clearance and off-road capabilities. Demand for pickup trucks rose by 11 per cent, while online searches for SUVs increased by 12.86 per cent. In contrast, sedans dropped in popularity, with 5 per cent fewer searches in the four months after the rain than the previous year. DubiCars also reported a significantly greater need for replacement vehicles, with 30 per cent more demand for newer cars in July 2024, compared with April that year. A further legacy of the floods is the impact on the used car market, as many damaged vehicles have been repaired and sold on. Garages said consumers should be wary when buying a second-hand vehicle, due to the number of flood-damaged cars in circulation. 'If you suspect a car is flood-damaged, you should do a full inspection before buying,' said Ryan Hughes, co-owner of RMA Motors in Dubai. 'You should be looking at the chassis for any signs of damage, and for any manipulation of bolts that are around the main structural areas and body panels. 'If they've been manipulated or moved, that could be an indicator. If there is a concern about flood damage, lift up the carpets and look for any signs of water, such as water marks, or sediment stains, things like that, looking for corrosion in strange places. "You can also check the car's computer fault codes to make sure there's no unusual short circuit or battery voltage faults recorded that shouldn't be there. This could be related to water ingress.' The UAE used-car market was valued at $20.15 billion in 2022 by industry analysts Credence and is expected to climb to $48.15 billion by the end of the decade. Passenger cars are the largest sector, with 196,470 sales expected by 2029, and SUVs dominating the market with a projected sales volume of $3.6 billion in 2025. Gary Wheeler, general manager of Saluki Motorsport in Al Quoz, said while the higher ride of SUVs can protect some vehicle components from floodwater, they are not immune to water damage. 'Most of the cars we deal with are 4X4 off-road vehicles, so they're usually not affected like a normal car would be,' he said. 'We've written off more cars than we've been able to repair. It depends how deep they've been in the water. If they've been up to the windows, everything's damaged internally, so it would be horrendously expensive to fix.' Mr Wheeler said damaged suspension components and excessive rust can indicate a car has suffered water damage. Dirty headlights are another sign a car was driven through floodwater. 'Most people who have refurbished these cars and sold them on have done work on the car to make it look like it's never been in water – it is extremely difficult to tell,' he said. 'We haven't had cars yet with excessive chassis damage but that doesn't mean we're not going to see it in the future. Once the water's gone inside the chassis, it will continue to corrode so you will have problems in a year or two.'
