The hub of real estate development in the Middle East, the UAE attracts all kinds of home insurance providers. So how do you choose the one that is best for you?

• Compare premium and coverage

  You first need to jot down what features you want covered in your insurance policy. If you own a building or house, you'll need Building Insurance; if you're a tenant, you're more likely to opt for Home Content and Personal Belongings Insurance. The premiums for all three will vary according to your needs.

  Once you know what you want, compare premium rates and quotes from various insurance providers online. You don't want to choose the first option or sales pitch made to you. Do market research and go for the insurance provider that offers the most value for the lowest premium.

• Insurance company’s reputation

  Before making any final decisions, you should always check an insurance company's reputation in the market by reading customer reviews. Not all companies are in the market to assist you with your insurance needs. You must ally yourself with one that is honest in its undertakings.

• Claim settlement ratio

  Furthermore, do check the insurance provider's claim settlement ratio. Some companies have a terrible reputation for not entertaining claims or taking a long time to process claims against insurance policies. Ensure that the insurance provider you choose is prompt in dealing with claims.