General Insurance FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Last updated on : 17 Nov 2025
10 min read
  1. What is general insurance?

    General insurance provides protection against non-life risks like accidents, property damage, illness, and liabilities. In the UAE, it’s essential for covering vehicles, travel, health, and more. You can compare and buy general insurance instantly at Shory.com.

  2. Why is insurance important in the UAE?

    Insurance is required for services like vehicle registration and visa renewal. It protects you financially during emergencies. Shory.com simplifies UAE-compliant insurance in minutes.

  3. What are the types of general insurance?

    General insurance includes car, health, travel, pet, property, and corporate insurance. Each offers protection for different needs. Explore all types on Shory.com.

  4. How does general insurance differ from life insurance?

    General insurance covers short-term risks (car damage, medical costs), while life insurance protects against death or long-term disability. Shory helps you choose based on your needs.

  5. Is general insurance mandatory in the UAE?

    Yes, health and car insurance are legally required. Other types, like travel or pet insurance, are optional but recommended. Shory.com helps you meet all legal requirements online.

  6. What is a policyholder in insurance?

    A policyholder is the person who owns the insurance policy and receives the coverage benefits. In the UAE, this is usually the person who purchased through platforms like Shory.com.

  7. What is a premium?

    A premium is the amount you pay (monthly or annually) for your insurance. In the UAE, rates vary by risk, plan, and provider. Shory.com lets you compare premiums side by side.

  8. What is a deductible or excess?

    A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Higher deductibles usually reduce your premium. Filter by deductible options on Shory.com.

  9. What is a claim in general insurance?

    A claim is your formal request to the insurer for compensation after an event (accident, illness, loss). Claim support is available on most policies bought via Shory.com.

  10. Can I buy insurance online in the UAE?

    Yes. Shory.com allows you to compare quotes, choose a plan, and pay online with instant policy issuance — no paperwork required.

  11. What is an e-policy?

    An e-policy is your digital insurance document. It’s legally accepted in the UAE and is emailed to you upon purchase at Shory.com.

  12. How fast can I get covered?

    Insurance bought through Shory.com is issued instantly upon payment. You receive the e-policy within minutes.

  13. Can I pay in monthly installments?

    Yes, many insurers on Shory.com offer 0% installment

  14. What happens if I miss a payment?

    Missed payments may cancel coverage or cause delays in claims. Use Shory.com to set. auto-reminders and stay covered.

  15. How do I file a claim?

    "You can file a claim through your insurer’s website or app. For policies from Shory.com, claim guidance is included.

  16. Can I cancel my policy and get a refund?

    Yes, but refunds depend on usage and insurer rules. Shory.com support can guide your cancellation request.

  17. Is there a grace period for expired policies?

    Some insurers offer a grace period, especially for car and health insurance. Shory.com shows you renewal alerts in advance.

  18. Can I upgrade my policy after purchase?

    Yes. Most general insurance plans can be upgraded mid-term. Use Shory.com to request an upgrade.

  19. What is co-payment in health insurance?

    A co-pay is the percentage you pay for services like doctor visits or medication. Shory.com displays co-pay terms during comparisons.

  20. What are policy exclusions?

    Exclusions are conditions not covered by the policy. Always check these carefully on Shory.com before you buy.

  21. What is third-party liability in general insurance?

    It covers damage or injury caused to others. It’s a legal minimum for car insurance and included in many travel policies on Shory.com.

  22. Are natural disasters covered?

    Yes, many property and car insurance plans include flood or storm damage. Check specific plans on Shory.com.

  23. Can I insure my belongings in the UAE?

    Yes. You can buy contents insurance for your home to protect valuables from fire, theft, or damage — available on Shory.com.

  24. What is pet insurance?

    Pet insurance covers veterinary bills for your cat or dog. Plans for UAE residents are available on Shory.com.

  25. Can I buy insurance as a freelancer or business owner?

    Yes. General and corporate insurance plans are available for self-employed professionals on Shory.com.

  26. What documents do I need to buy insurance?

    Usually, Emirates ID and policy-related documents like vehicle registration or passport. Shory.com helps you upload these during checkout.
  27. Does Shory issue policies approved by UAE regulators?

    Yes. Shory.com partners with licensed UAE insurers approved by regulators like DHA and the Insurance Authority.

  28. Can I buy multi-year insurance?

    "Some plans offer 2- or 3-year options with discounts. Check eligibility on Shory.com.

  29. What is No-Claim Discount (NCD)?

    "NCD is a reward for not making claims. It lowers your renewal premium. You can carry NCD across insurers when buying via Shory.com.

  30. How do I compare insurance plans?

    Use Shory.com to compare insurance coverage, premiums, co-pay, networks, and add-ons in one place.

  31. Can I insure my home in the UAE?

    Yes. Home contents and building insurance are available on Shory.com for renters and homeowners.

  32. What is corporate insurance?

    Corporate insurance protects businesses with group health, liability, and property coverage. Request a quote at Shory.com.

  33. Are maternity benefits included in basic health plans?

    Usually not. Maternity is offered in enhanced plans. Shory.com shows you which plans include maternity coverage.

  34. What if I lose my e-policy?

    You can download it again via your email or Shory.com dashboard anytime.

  35. Can I transfer insurance to someone else?

    Some plans allow ownership transfer. For car or corporate policies, check specific insurer rules on Shory.com.

  36. Are dependents covered under general insurance?

    Yes. Many health and travel policies allow spouse and children to be added. Shory.com helps you set this up easily.

  37. What is travel insurance?

    Travel insurance covers medical emergencies, lost baggage, and delays abroad. You can buy UAE-compliant travel insurance on Shory.com.

  38. What are waiting periods in insurance?

    Some benefits (like pre-existing conditions or maternity) only activate after a few months. Waiting periods are shown clearly on Shory.com.

  39. Are chronic conditions covered?

    Yes, but often after a waiting period. Declare medical history during purchase. Use Shory.com to find plans that include chronic coverage.

  40. How can I renew my policy?

    Shory.com sends reminders and lets you renew your policy online in minutes.

  41. Is dental or vision covered?

    These are usually add-ons to basic health plans. Shory.com shows which plans offer dental and optical benefits.

  42. What is a network hospital or clinic?

    These are approved facilities where your insurer offers cashless treatment. Shory.com lets you filter by provider network.

  43. Do policies cover treatment outside the UAE?

    Some health and travel plans offer worldwide or GCC coverage. You can filter by destination on Shory.com.

  44. What is umbrella insurance?

    Umbrella policies offer extended liability coverage across multiple plans. Currently, this is available via custom quotes on Shory.com.

  45. What is cyber insurance?

    Cyber coverage protects against data theft or online fraud. Shory.com offers this under SME/corporate insurance.

  46. What’s included in family health insurance?

    Family policies include parents, spouse, and children in one plan. These often save money compared to individual plans. View family bundles on Shory.com.

  47. Can I bundle different insurance policies?

    Yes. Bundling (e.g., car + health) can lower premiums and simplify renewals. Shory.com helps you bundle in one place.

  48. What is accidental death insurance?

    This policy pays a lump sum to your beneficiary if you die in an accident. It’s available as an add-on to many general plans.

  49. Are insurance plans reviewed or rated?

    Yes. On Shory.com, you’ll see ratings and customer reviews for most insurers.

  50. What languages does Shory support?

    Shory.com is available in English and Arabic, with multilingual customer support for major UAE languages.

  51. Can I speak to an advisor before buying?

    Yes. Shory.com offers chat, WhatsAPP, and call support if you need help choosing a policy.

  52. How can I buy general insurance online in the UAE?

    can buy general insurance instantly on Shory.com by choosing your insurance type, entering basic details, comparing prices, and completing payment online. Your policy is issued within minutes — no paperwork needed.

  53. How do I get an insurance quote in the UAE?

    Visit Shory.com, select your insurance category (car, health, etc.), and fill in your details. You’ll get personalized quotes from top UAE insurers in seconds, allowing you to compare and choose the best plan.

  54. How much does general insurance cost in the UAE?

    Prices vary by product: car insurance starts from AED 1.51/day, health from AED 500/year, and travel from AED 49. Shory.com shows you real-time quotes based on your information.

  55. Can I pay for insurance in installments?

    Yes. Many Shory.com partners offer 0% installment plans with major UAE banks. During checkout, choose your preferred payment option.

  56. Do I need to submit documents to buy insurance?

    Yes, typically Emirates ID and relevant info (like car registration or passport). Shory.com lets you upload documents securely online during purchase.

  57. Can I speak to an advisor before buying insurance?

    Yes. Shory.com offers live chat, WhatsApp, and call support to help you compare plans and make the right decision.

  58. How long does it take to get insured on Shory.com?

    You can complete your insurance purchase in under 5 minutes. Policies are issued instantly, and e-copies are emailed to you immediately.

  59. Will I get a digital copy of my policy?

    Yes. After payment, your policy is emailed as a legally valid PDF (e-policy). You can also download it from your Shory dashboard anytime.

  60. How do I renew my insurance?

    Shory.com sends you renewal reminders and allows instant policy renewal with a few clicks. You can also switch to a better deal at renewal time.

  61. Can I cancel or switch my insurance after buying?

    Yes, cancellation is allowed depending on your insurer’s terms. If you find a better plan, Shory.com can help you cancel and switch easily.

  62. Is Shory.com licensed to sell insurance in the UAE?

    Yes. Shory.com is a fully licensed online insurance platform in the UAE, working only with approved and regulated insurance providers.

  63. Can I compare insurance plans side by side?

    Absolutely. Shory.com shows real-time comparisons of premium, benefits, coverage, network hospitals, add-ons, and more — in one place.

  64. What’s the cheapest insurance option available?

    Third Party Liability (TPL) car insurance starts from AED 1.51/day. Health insurance starts from AED 500/year. View lowest-cost options instantly on Shory.com.

  65. Can I buy insurance for my family online?

    Yes. Shory.com offers bundled family policies for health, travel, and even group car insurance — all available online.

  66. Is it safe to pay for insurance online at Shory.com?

    Yes. Shory.com uses secure, encrypted payment gateways approved by UAE banks. You can pay confidently with card or installments.

Disclaimer: Shory aims to present accurate and up to date information, however we take no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content

Explore our insurance products at Shory, including Car InsuranceHealth InsuranceHome Insurance, Pet Insurance and Travel Insurance to find the best coverage for your needs.

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