how to find out someone's car insurance company UAE

You may be involved in a road accident or need to ascertain the validity of another person's insurance; you might have to know who insures a certain vehicle.

However, discovering someone's car insurance company in the UAE is not as straightforward as asking them for their policy number. In the UAE, there are stringent personal data protection laws, which mean that you cannot simply obtain this information without proper authorization. Fear not—there are a number of legitimate sources from which you can infer this information under the proper conditions.

In this blog, we will lead you through the steps, legality, and ways you can find out someone's car insurance company in the UAE.

1. Why Would You Need to Know Someone's Car Insurance Information?

Let's discuss some genuine situations where you may need to know someone's car insurance company before we proceed with the steps:

In Case of a Car Accident: If you get involved in a car accident, you are required to get the other party's insurance details so that you can make a claim or settle a claim.

Confirmation of Coverage: Owners of vehicles sometimes need to confirm that they have an insurance policy, especially during renewal of their registration or when getting loans.

Insurance Fraud Prevention: If there is suspected fraudulent activity or underinsurance of claims, knowing the insurer will help you check if the policy is authentic.

Knowing the insurance company will make the claims process smoother, avoid misunderstandings, and give you the compensation you deserve in the event of any accidents.

2. Knowing UAE's Privacy Laws

Privacy is a fundamental human right in the UAE and is also protected by the law. Personal information like auto insurance details is also protected by the UAE Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 on the Use of Information and Communications Technology in the UAE. Personal information cannot be accessed by any unauthorized groups or organizations unless the consent of the user is obtained.

Hence, finding out an individual's car insurance details can only be done legally and for the appropriate reasons, such as:

Claims related to accidents

Legal proceedings

With the owner's consent

Unauthorized access to insurance information could amount to a breach of privacy, and hence correct procedures need to be followed while attempting to obtain this information.

3. How to Find Someone's Car Insurance Company in the UAE

Now let's break some of the authentic methods to determine someone's automobile insurance company in the UAE.

Method 1: Check the Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya)

Every vehicle in the UAE needs a vehicle registration card (Mulkiya), a document of ownership. The Mulkiya carries the following information about the vehicle:

Vehicle model and make

Chassis number

Registration expiration date

Insurance company

The insurance details are normally stated on the Mulkiya card, which is easily accessible. However, this information can only be obtained if you possess the owner's consent for the vehicle or upon an accident inquiry.

Method 2: Request the Vehicle Owner

The easiest way of knowing one's automobile insurance company is by asking them directly. As awkward as it is, if you have a valid reason (for example, an accident or a court matter), they can maybe reveal such information to you. Where there is an auto accident, the parties involved usually exchange insurance details for the purposes of settling the claims.

If you are not directly interacting with the individual involved, this may be harder, but in situations in which mutual trust exists, this is also going to be the easiest route.

Method 3: Contact the Police

If you’ve been involved in a car accident or need to track down the insurance information for legal reasons, the UAE police can assist you. The police can provide accident reports that include the insurance details of the parties involved. When an accident is reported, a police report is created, which contains:

The involved parties' details

The insurance information of both parties

Incident specifics

You can ask for a copy of the accident report, which will usually contain the name of the insurance provider. But getting this report might need official sanction or a valid reason (e.g., being involved in the accident). The police might also need your permission to disclose the information.

Method 4: Contact the Insurance Authority (IA)

The Insurance Authority (IA) is the regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the insurance business in the UAE. While the IA themselves don't provide you with direct access to individual insurance policies, they can guide you in the proper direction. Should you find yourself stuck in a dispute or need an explanation for insurance matters, contacting the IA might be able to point you in the right direction.

In cases where the individual is not cooperative or you suspect fraud, the IA will guide you on the next course of action. They can also assist you in verifying if the vehicle in question is covered by a good company.

Method 5: Utilize Online Tools for Vehicle Insurance Verification

There are certain online facilities that allow you to verify the insurance status of a vehicle in the UAE. The Dubai Police website and the Abu Dhabi Police application both offer services by which you can find out whether a vehicle is insured or not. These tools will, however, only tell you whether the vehicle is insured or if the insurance has lapsed; they will not give you the name of the insurance company directly.

To use these services, you’ll need to know the vehicle’s plate number and vehicle details. These platforms are generally used for verifying insurance status when purchasing a used car or renewing vehicle registration.

Method 6: Third-Party Car Insurance Verification Services

Some UAE third-party websites offer verification services through which you can check if a vehicle is insured or registered under a specific insurer. These services are used by car buyers, sellers, and dealerships to ascertain insurance coverage before they engage in a transaction.

Keep in mind that such websites have only elementary checks on insurance and do not contain very accurate details like the name of the company and the terms of the policy. However, they can serve as a point of departure in establishing whether a car is insured.

4. Legal Considerations and Challenges

While all the above are lawful procedures, it is beneficial to be familiar with the law. As aforementioned, it would be an invasion of privacy in case you are accessing an individual's private insurance information without authorization. Always ensure that you have a valid reason, for instance:

Being a victim of an accident involving the car.

Receiving permission from the owner of the car.

Suing on behalf of an authorization.

If you access the same information outside of the proper avenues, you could face sanctions under UAE privacy and data protection laws.

5. Conclusion: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Finding someone's car insurance company in the UAE is possible, but it requires respecting privacy law and the proper channels. Whether you are verifying insurance after a car crash, verifying insurance status for the purchase of a used vehicle, or dealing with a legal problem, there are several ways to obtain this information.

If you have an accident, you can dial the police or your insurance firm to obtain the information required. You can also search online discussion forums or get in touch with the relevant authorities like the Insurance Authority for advice.

Always remember, UAE privacy laws are strict, and any attempt to view individual information without permission can lead to harsh punishment. So, always it is good to ensure that you have the right cause and seek assistance from the correct channels when required.