What to Ask Before Choosing an Insurance Advisor in the UAE
Buying insurance might seem like a formality, but it’s not. It’s a decision that shapes your financial future, sometimes in ways you don’t fully understand until something goes wrong. And here’s the thing: the policy itself matters, but the advisor behind it matters just as much. Maybe even more.
If you’re living in the UAE and looking into your options, you’ve likely come across a wide range of agents, brokers, and “consultants.” Some are amazing. Some are not so much. So, before you even touch a contract or think about coverage, ask yourself this: Do I trust this person to look out for me?
A UAE insurance policy isn’t just a payment, it’s a promise. And that promise depends on who helps you choose it.
Here are the questions you should ask before choosing someone to help with something this important.
1. Are You Officially Licensed in the UAE?
Let’s start with the main point. There are too many freelancers selling policies without proper authorization. A licensed advisor operates under the Central Bank or another local authority. Ask them directly. If they fumble or get defensive, it’s time to walk away.
2. Who Do You Work For?
An independent broker can compare different plans from different companies. Someone tied to a single provider can’t. It’s like shopping for shoes at one store versus checking out five. If they only sell one brand, be aware: they might be more interested in hitting targets than helping you.
3. How Do You Get Paid?
You don’t have to be shy about this. Advisors work for money, and that’s fine, we all do. But you deserve to know if they earn a flat fee, a commission, or something in between. Transparency up front prevents surprises later.
4. Can You Explain the Policy Without Jargon?
This is a big one. If they can’t explain “deductible,” “grace period,” or “cash value” in plain language, are they really helping you? A good advisor can take complex terms and make them simple. If they make it sound more confusing than it should be, they might not understand it either or worse, they don’t want you to.
5. What if You Need to File a Claim?
Ask if the advisor will help you with claims or leave you on your own. Their answer shows how helpful they’ll be when you truly need support.
6. What If I Can’t Pay One Month?
Life happens. Maybe you lose a job, take a break from work, or have a family emergency. Ask what happens if you miss a payment. Is the policy cancelled? Is there a grace period? These are the moments where fine print matters most.
7. Can I Cancel or Adjust the Plan Later?
You might want to make changes later. More coverage, less coverage, a different type altogether. Will your advisor help you do that? Or are you locked in no matter what? Understand the rules now, in the future you will thank you.
8. How Long Have You Been Doing This?
It’s okay to ask about experience. In fact, it’s smart. Someone who’s been through different market changes, dealt with a variety of clients, and knows how insurers respond in real situations will give you better advice than someone who just memorized the brochure.
9. Can You Show Me Reviews or Testimonials?
Word of mouth matters. Ask if you can see feedback from previous clients. Not scripted reviews, it is real stories. A good advisor will have people who vouch for them, and they won’t hesitate to share those stories.
10. Will You Stay in Touch?
This one matters more than most people realize. Insurance needs to change. You grow older, get married, have kids, change jobs. Your plan should change with you. Ask if the advisor does regular reviews, maybe once a year or during major life events. If they say yes, that’s a great sign. If not, you’re probably just a number to them.
A Few Thoughts from the Real World
Buying insurance isn’t exciting, but it’s one of the smartest things you can do for yourself and your family. And yet, most people rush through it. They sign papers, nod politely, and walk away with something they don’t understand.
Don’t do that, better ask questions and then note it. Pause if you need to. If an advisor is pushy or impatient, they’re showing you exactly who they are. Believe them.
A good advisor wants you to understand everything. They’ll answer your questions patiently and care about your future, not just their commission. It might take a bit longer to find the right one, but it’s worth it when your health, family, or money is at stake.
Final Word
It’s true that finding the right insurance in Dubai isn’t always simple. There’s a lot out there, and not all of it makes sense. That’s why having someone you can trust matters. You don’t need to say yes to the first thing you hear. Ask what you need to ask. If it feels off, that’s your sign to move on. The right person won’t rush you. They’ll explain things in a way that clicks. And if you’re stuck on where to even begin, plenty of people in the UAE have gone to Nexus Insurance Brokers. They don’t just sell plans; they make sure you get what you’re signing up.
