You went abroad, and when you came back to the UAE, you found that your car insurance had expired!
What to do?
Can I Drive My Car With Expired Insurance?
Do not even dare to drive a car with expired insurance in the UAE.
An expired insurance means the Mulkiya is already expired and with it there is no insurance.
Two legal implications, but both are expired, so you cannot drive on UAE roads.
It is a severe breach of UAE law that mandates vehicles to have an active insurance policy at all times.
What If I Need to Take the Car for Inspection?
Since you have expired insurance and Mulkiya too, driving your car to any inspection center is not legal.
You need to get a towing service(recovery truck) and take your car to the nearest vehicle inspection center.
What If My Car Has Already Passed Inspection?
Passing the vehicle inspection does not mean you can drive the car after your insurance expires. The inspection confirms that the vehicle has passed the required technical test; it does not replace the requirement for valid insurance.
If your insurance is still valid on the date you are driving, follow the coverage dates stated in your policy. Once the policy has expired, you need valid insurance before driving the vehicle again.
Steps To Take When Car Insurance Has Expired In UAE
Here are the exact steps you can take when your car insurance expires whilst you were on vacation or couldn’t come back for any reason.
- Do Not Drive: It is illegal to drive without active insurance in the UAE. If caught by police or by smart cameras, you will be fined.
2. Gather Your Document Details: You need to have all documents ready, including:
- Emirates ID
- Driving License
- Car Make/Model/Chassis Number
- Mulkiya Card
- Previous Insurance Policy
3. Find What to Choose(Comprehensive or Third-Party Car Insurance): You need to be clear on what policy you are going to buy for your car.
4. Compare Quotes From Different Insurers: Even though you are late for your insurance renewal, and it is already expired, you still need to compare insurance quotes to get a competitive price.
5. Buy New Motor Insurance Policy: Once you have agreed with an insurer, make payment and buy vehicle insurance
6. Upload Your Insurance Document For Registration Renewal(Mulkiya): Once you get new insurance, it is time for the registration renewal.
If your car is Dubai registered, read our guide to find “How to Register Your Vehicle in Dubai“.
For Abu Dhabi, read these “Steps You Must Take To Register Your Car In Abu Dhabi“.
Can I Get Car Insurance After It Has Been Expired for Months?
Yes, you may still be able to get car insurance after your previous policy has expired.
But after a longer gap, the process may not be the same as an ordinary renewal. Depending on the emirate, the insurer may ask for additional information or a vehicle inspection before issuing the policy.
Read our guide to “Motor Vehicle Insurance In The UAE” for more rules.
FAQs
You cannot legally drive your car to the testing center if your vehicle insurance is expired. Get a recovery truck to take your car to the testing center.
If your Mulkiya and insurance both have expired, first renew your insurance, then take your car for passing and later renew your Mulkiya(car registration)
Yes, you can definitely renew your car insurance even if it has expired for 3 or maybe several months. But when there is a gap between the previous insurance and the new insurance, the insurer usually wants to inspect the car physically or through pictures to assess the condition of the unused car before giving you a quote.
No, driving your car with expired insurance is illegal even it is for a single day.
