Insurance Claim Disputes in the UAE
UAE insurance companies are regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE under Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2023. The law imposes strict obligations on insurers: they must acknowledge claims promptly, investigate fairly, and pay valid claims without undue delay. When they fail to do so, policyholders have clear legal remedies.
Al Safar & Partners' insurance dispute lawyers have extensive experience challenging insurers across all lines of coverage — motor, health, life, property, marine, and commercial. We know how insurers operate, where they cut corners, and how to force fair outcomes through regulatory complaints and court action.
Common Grounds for Insurance Claim Rejection in UAE
- Non-disclosure: Insurer alleges you failed to disclose a material fact at inception — often challengeable if the fact was not material to the risk.
- Policy exclusion: Insurer claims the loss falls within an exclusion clause — frequently misapplied or ambiguously worded.
- Late notification: Insurer argues you failed to notify on time — but unreasonable delay by the insurer is also a breach.
- Valuation disputes: Insurer undervalues your vehicle, property or business loss — our expert evidence counters inflated depreciation and undervaluation.
- Pre-existing condition: Health insurer rejects a medical claim on this basis — often improperly applied to legitimate acute conditions.
- Alleged fraud: Insurer accuses the claimant of misrepresentation — we defend falsely accused policyholders and challenge unjustified fraud allegations.
The SANADAK Process: How We Fight Your Rejected Claim
Step 1 — Internal Complaint to the Insurer
Before filing with SANADAK, you must first complain formally to the insurer. UAE insurers are required to respond to formal complaints within 15 business days. Our lawyers draft compelling complaint letters that maximise the chance of early resolution.
Step 2 — SANADAK Complaint Filing
If the insurer's response is unsatisfactory (or if they fail to respond), you may file a complaint with SANADAK, the Central Bank of UAE's dispute resolution authority, within 60 days. SANADAK's Insurance Dispute Resolution Committees issue binding decisions.
Step 3 — Court of Appeal & Litigation
If you are dissatisfied with SANADAK's decision, our lawyers file an appeal with the Court of Appeal within 30 days. For large commercial disputes, we may also pursue arbitration under the rules of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC).
Types of Insurance Disputes We Handle
Our insurance dispute lawyers cover every line of personal and commercial insurance, including motor and vehicle insurance, health and medical insurance, property and buildings insurance, life, critical illness and disability insurance, travel insurance, marine and cargo insurance, employer's liability insurance, and business interruption claims. Whatever type of policy you hold, if your insurer is treating you unfairly, we will fight your case.
