Want to import a car into the UAE? This detailed guide will help you get started! Learn more about testing your imported vehicle, registering it and buying insurance coverage.

Insurance for Imported Non-GCC cars in UAE

Importing a car into the UAE is not just possible, it is quite an easy process if you follow the proper guidelines.

In addition to the import process, it's crucial to obtain comprehensive car insurance coverage for the imported vehicle to ensure compliance with UAE regulations and protect your investment.

The requirements and regulations that apply to importing vehicles are more or less the same in every emirate in the UAE. This guide covers all the important aspects of importing a vehicle into Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other part of the UAE.

Quick Read Section

• The process of importing a vehicle into UAE includes collecting documents, obtaining clearance, vehicle testing, and purchasing insurance coverage.
• To be eligible for car insurance coverage, your imported car must meet GCC specifications.
• If your car has a steering wheel on the right side of the car, it cannot be registered in the UAE unless it is older than 25 years.
• Car insurance premiums for imported vehicles will depend on the type of vehicle, model, year of manufacture and the insurance company you choose.

How to import cars to the UAE?

Looking to import a car into the UAE? Here are 4 steps you need to take to ensure a smooth process.

STEP 1: Collecting necessary documents required for importing vehicles to the UAE.

The first and foremost step to initiate the process of importing is to check and verify that you have the required documents. Here is a list of documents that are mandatory to import cars from another country to the UAE:

• Original and Copy of your UAE passport and visa
• Driving License
• Import Permit
• Certificate of Origin
• Original purchase invoice for proof of ownership
• Shipping Receipt

STEP 2: Clearance Process and Inspection of the Vehicle

The next step is to obtain clearance for your vehicle once it has been imported. Your vehicle needs to pass clearance at the entry points in UAE after which it will be inspected by the Customs Authority. 

Entry points in UAE are different for each emirate. Some of the entry points in the UAE are:

• Jebel Ali Free Zone
• Port Rashid
• Port Zayed
• Port Khalid

Once you have acquired clearance for your imported vehicle, you need to complete the payment for the process. The total fee for clearance equals to 5 percent of the value of your vehicle in the UAE. Along with this, you will also be charged with customs duties and container inspection as well.

After you have settled the payment at the customs inspection office, you will receive a clearance certificate along with blue export plates which can be attached to the car bumpers.

STEP 3: Getting the Vehicle Tested at a Government-Approved Centre

 Now that you have received clearance for your imported vehicle, the next thing you need to do is to take it to a testing centre. There are several vehicle testing centres located all over the UAE such as Tamam, Al Shamil and Tasjeel.

Before visiting a vehicle testing centre in any of the emirates, you need to get a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Finance and Industry in UAE. This can be obtained by submitting the clearance certificate you have received for your imported vehicle.

Keep all the necessary documents in hand when you visit the vehicle testing centre such as your Emirates ID, original and copy of your passport, driving license and the clearance certificate of your vehicle.

The testing and inspection of your imported vehicle at a government-approved centre will ensure the safety of the vehicle and its performance on the road.

STEP 4: Buying Insurance Coverage for Your Imported Vehicle

As is the rule for all vehicles registered in the UAE, even your imported car must mandatorily be covered under a car insurance policy. You can purchase insurance for your imported car from insurance brokers who will advise you on policies that offer maximized coverage. The insurance premiums for your imported car will depend on the type of vehicle, model, year of manufacture, and the insurance company you choose.

However, it is important to note that an imported car model that is older than ten years can only be covered under a third-party insurance policy.

Documents required for purchasing insurance for imported cars in UAE: 

• Your Driving License
• Passport copy
• Emirates ID
• Vehicle Inspection Report

STEP 5: Registering Your Imported Vehicle with RTA

The last and final step of the process of importing a vehicle into UAE is to register it with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

You can register your vehicle by visiting an RTA office or online through one of the below options:

• MOI website/ app
• RTA website or app
• Emirates Vehicle gate

Documents required for registration of imported vehicles: 

• Proof of Purchase of your imported car
• Application form with details
• Proof of insurance coverage
• Your driving licence
• Passport and Emirates ID- Copy and Original
• Customs Clearance Certificate
• Proof of Residence
• Vehicle Inspection Report
• Blue export plates

After verification and approval of your documents, you will get a registration card for your imported car along with UAE- registered white number plates.

Remember to always keep your vehicle registration card safely within your car.

Rules for Registering an Imported Car in the UAE

• Cars manufactured less than 10 years from the date of import can be registered in UAE. Residents who wish to import vehicles older than 10 years need to obtain a special permit from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in UAE.
• Only residents and citizens of UAE are legally permitted to import vehicles into the UAE. The owner of the imported car must have a valid Visa and driving license.
• Imported vehicles with steering wheel located on the right side of the car cannot be registered within the UAE, unless they are older than 25 years. This is because cars in UAE have the steering wheel located on the left side of the vehicle. Only vehicles older than 25 years that are registered as classic cars can be driven in the UAE. Note that you will need to receive brown number plates for your right-hand drive car to be registered legally.
• Damaged vehicles cannot be registered in the UAE therefore the car must be thoroughly inspected for wear and tear.

Can I get insurance coverage for my imported vehicle in the UAE?

In order for your vehicle to be eligible for car insurance coverage, your imported car should meet the requirements specified by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in UAE. Cars that do not meet GCC specifications have a greater chance of getting denied coverage by insurance companies.

However, car insurance coverage is mandatory for driving a vehicle in the UAE. Car insurance protects you from financial losses resulting from accidents or any other damage caused to your imported vehicle.

Does car insurance coverage for imported vehicles cost more?

Premium rates for Non-GCC cars are higher than GCC cars. This is because:

• Imported cars have higher specs than GCC cars which puts them at greater risk of theft and damage. This requires extensive car insurance coverage that can be expensive depending on the benefits included in the purchased policy.
• Repairing imported cars after accidental damage is not easy, as it might require spare parts that need to be brought in from abroad. This adds to the cost of the car insurance premium for imported vehicles.
• Imported cars may require specialized skills to fix maintenance issues which makes it more expensive. Vehicles imported from outside UAE are susceptible to air conditioning and filter problems as they are not suitable for the heat.
• The history of claims and driving experience can be unknown when it comes to imported vehicles. This adds to the cost of coverage as insurance companies take on the liabilities of these vehicles.

If you're planning to import a car into the UAE, you just need to follow all the above-mentioned steps to get started.

Why choose Gargash to buy insurance coverage for your imported vehicle?

Importing cars is common in the UAE but insuring them can be tricky. Luxurious imported vehicles may face many challenges without proper insurance coverage.

You might even face difficulty finding an insurance policy for your vehicle as some insurance companies do not cover imported cars. Before importing a vehicle into the UAE, you should research different insurance options and find the right company for your needs.

With Gargash Insurance, it's easy to find an affordable policy for your imported vehicle. Our insurance brokers can assist you in comparing various car insurance policies and rates to choose the right insurance policy for your imported car.

To avoid fines on your imported vehicle, make sure that you follow these four easy steps. Once you have done this, you will be able to take full advantage of your new car and travel with ease on any road in the UAE.

Contact us today for all your car insurance needs!