Many tenants assume the building's insurance covers everything inside the apartment. Usually it does not. Here is a simple overview of home contents insurance for tenants in Dubai.
Who insures what?
The building (structure, lifts, common areas) — usually insured through the owners association or the building ownerThe landlord's fixtures — sometimes insured by the landlord, depending on their own policyYour belongings — furniture, electronics, clothes, jewellery — are your responsibility unless you insure themContents insurance is generally not required by law for tenants, but some landlords ask for it in the contract. Check your tenancy contract.
What a contents policy commonly covers
Fire, smoke and water damage — for example a burst pipe or AC leakTheft after a forced entryAccidental damage, if you add itPersonal liability — if you accidentally damage the landlord's property or a neighbour's home (for example water leaking into the flat below)Temporary accommodation if the home cannot be lived in after an insured eventWhat is often not covered
Wear and tear, and damage you cause on purposeItems above a single-item limit unless you list them (jewellery, watches, laptops)Theft without forced entry, in many policiesDamage caused by not maintaining the homeRead the exclusions and the excess (the amount you pay yourself on each claim).
How to choose a policy
1. List your belongings and estimate what it would cost to replace them
2. Check single-item limits and list valuable items separately
3. Check whether personal liability is included
4. Compare the excess, not just the price
5. Buy from a company licensed in the UAE
Tips
Keep photos and receipts of valuable itemsTake dated move-in photos of the apartment — they help with insurance and with your security depositReport leaks and damage to your landlord in writing straight away — see who fixes whatLooking for a home? Browse apartments for rent or call +971 4 835 8084.
*General information only. Al Firouz is a real estate broker, not an insurance company — please compare policies from licensed insurers.*
Al Firouz Real Estate
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