power of attorney for insurance claims uae : All Types

A power of attorney for insurance claims UAE is a legal document that grants another person (whether an individual, a lawyer, or a claims management company) the right to represent you before insurance companies and relevant judicial or administrative bodies to pursue the collection of your due compensation. The POA&More team will explain this in detail.

 

What is the power of attorney for insurance claims UAE?

A power of attorney for insurance claims UAE is a legal document in which a person (the principal) authorizes another person or entity (the attorney) to act on their behalf in managing, pursuing, and settling all procedures related to insurance claims before insurance companies and relevant governmental or judicial authorities. These powers of attorney and practices in the UAE fall into several legal forms and contexts:

 

1. Types of Power of Attorney for Insurance Claims

• Specific Power of Attorney (POA): This is the most common and widely used type of power of attorney. Its validity is limited to managing a specific insurance claim (such as a claim for compensation for a specific car accident, a specific health insurance claim, or a fire at a facility). This power of attorney expires upon completion of the procedure and settlement of the claim.
• General Power of Attorney (POA): This grants the attorney broad powers to manage all the principal’s financial and legal affairs, including filing and pursuing any future insurance claims, collecting compensation payments, and dealing with banks.

 

2. Typical Powers of Attorney

When drafting this power of attorney, clear powers are defined for the attorney, which typically include:

• Submitting claim forms and documents to the insurance company.
• Signing documents, applications, and correspondence on behalf of the principal.
• Representing the principal before relevant authorities (such as the traffic police, the Roads and Transport Authority, health authorities, or the central bank).
• The right to settle disputes and accept or reject offered compensation amounts.
• The clause regarding the receipt of funds: determines whether the attorney is entitled to receive the compensation check or reimbursement amounts in cash or transfer them to their account, or whether their role is limited to finalizing the procedures and the compensation is transferred directly to the principal’s account.

 

Car Insurance

In UAE car insurance market, there is no single legal or commercial term called “Attorney Car Insurance.” However, based on the legal and insurance practices in the country, this concept has two distinct meanings depending on what you mean by your question:

 

1. Attorney Repair in the Insurance Policy

If you are referring to the repair clause at the car dealership itself when purchasing the insurance policy:

• Attorney Repair: This is an added benefit you choose when purchasing comprehensive insurance. This benefit guarantees that in the event of an accident, your car will be repaired at the official workshops of the authorized dealer for your car’s brand in the UAE (such as Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes, etc.) using brand-new, genuine parts.
• Typical Duration: Most insurance companies in the UAE automatically grant “Attorney Repair” for new cars for periods ranging from one to three years from the date of initial registration. After this period, repairs are transferred to “approved garages or workshops” of the insurance company, unless the customer requests an extension of the attorney clause for an additional premium.

 

2. Power of Attorney for Insurance Management

If this refers to the legal document (power of attorney) that authorizes another person to manage the vehicle’s insurance on behalf of its owner:

• Purpose: It is a “special power of attorney” that is notarized by the Ministry of Justice or a notary public (digitally or in person) in the UAE.
• Powers: It is typically used when the vehicle owner is outside the country or unable to complete transactions themselves. They authorize another person to issue, renew, or cancel the insurance policy, collect outstanding amounts, or submit and follow up on accident and compensation claims with insurance companies, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), or the Traffic Police.

 

Health Insurance

A power of attorney for insurance claims UAE is a formal legal document, notarized by a notary public, whereby a person (the principal) authorizes another person (the attorney) to perform specific and exclusive tasks related to their healthcare or health insurance policies. This power of attorney is typically used in situations where the individual is unable to manage their medical affairs themselves (due to travel, old age, or health condition). The attorney powers include:

• Representing insurance companies: filing financial claims, settling bills, and managing health insurance programs on behalf of the patient.
• Dealing with hospitals and medical facilities: communicating with healthcare institutions (such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH)), receiving medical reports, and signing consent forms for treatment procedures.
• Managing dependents: the head of household or sponsor authorizes another person to issue or renew mandatory health insurance cards for dependents (such as children or domestic workers).

 

Power of Attorney Issuance Requirements and Procedures in UAE

These powers of attorney are governed by UAE Civil Transactions Law, and their issuance requires the following:

 

1. Legal Requirements:

• Both the principal and the attorney must be of legal age (21 years) and possess full legal capacity.
• The granted powers must be precisely defined and exclusive to the subject of medical care and insurance, and must not grant the attorney the right to dispose of the principal’s assets or other funds (unless the principal wishes to include them within a general power of attorney).

 

2. Issuance Steps:

• Drafting the Power of Attorney: The power of attorney must be written in Arabic (or in both Arabic and English), clearly specifying the required medical and insurance powers.
• Digital or In-Person Notarization: The power of attorney can be easily issued and notarized through the digital notary public platforms of the Ministry of Justice or local judicial departments (such as the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department or Dubai Courts) via video call (online) without the need to visit the premises.
• Required Documents: Original Emirates ID for both the principal and the attorney, and passport (for non-citizens).

 

Property Insurance

A Property Management Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAE is a legal document in which a property owner (the principal) grants specific powers to another person or entity (the attorney) to manage their real estate and handle daily administrative transactions on their behalf.

 

The primary purpose of this power of attorney is to protect and manage the property, not to dispose of it, making it an ideal option for investors, owners residing outside the country, or those who lack the time to manage their properties themselves.

 

1. Powers Granted in a Property Management Power of Attorney

This power of attorney grants the attorney the right to perform several tasks, most notably:

• Managing Leasing Operations: Signing, renewing, or canceling lease agreements (such as the “Ejari” system in Dubai).
• Collecting Rent: Receiving rent payments, depositing checks, and issuing receipts to tenants.
• Dealing with Government and Service Entities: Representing the owner before land departments, municipalities, electricity and water authorities (such as DEWA), and telecommunications companies.
• Follow-up and Maintenance: Contracting with maintenance and cleaning companies, and paying service and community fees to the property developer (such as Emaar or Damac).
• Dispute Resolution: Representing the owner before the Rental Disputes Center in case of disputes with tenants.

 

2. Power of Attorney Requirements and Validity in the UAE

• Age and Legal Capacity: Both the principal and the attorney must be of sound mind and at least 21 years old.
• Validity Period: A power of attorney for property management can be open-ended or for a specific period, as stated by the owner. However, some government entities (such as the Land and Real Estate Regulatory Department in some emirates) require that the power of attorney not be too old (some real estate systems, such as the “Dari” system in Abu Dhabi, scrutinize powers of attorney and prefer that they not exceed three years without renewal).
• Expiration: The power of attorney automatically expires upon the death of the principal or is officially revoked by the principal at any time. “Irrevocable” powers of attorney are not recognized in the UAE. 
• Location: The attorney is not entitled to use the power of attorney to complete transactions within the country if he is outside of it at the time of the transaction.

 

Requirements power of attorney for insurance claims UAE

A power of attorney for insurance claims UAE is a necessary legal document if you wish to authorize another person (or company) to file, pursue, and receive compensation on your behalf. For this power of attorney to be legally accepted by insurance companies and official authorities, it must meet a set of essential conditions and requirements:

 

1. Data and Documents Required for Issuing a Power of Attorney

When drafting and notarizing the power of attorney, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Original and valid Emirates ID for both the principal and the attorney.
• Passport and residence visa (for expatriates if they do not have an ID or as additional support).
• Insurance policy details (policy number, details of the insured vehicle or property).
• For companies: If the power of attorney is issued by a company, you must provide the following: (Trade license, Articles of Association, and proof of the authorized signatory’s authority, such as a board resolution).

 

2. Drafting and Legal Requirements of the Power of Attorney

The power of attorney must be drafted precisely, clause by clause, to avoid rejection by the insurance company’s legal department:

• Language: The power of attorney must be written in Arabic, or bilingually (Arabic and English).
• Precisely Defining Powers of Attorney: The power of attorney must explicitly grant the attorney the right to:
• Submit and complete insurance claim forms.
• Follow up on inspection and appraisal procedures (for vehicles or property).
• Negotiate, settle, and sign discharge receipts.
• Receive financial compensation (whether checks made out to the principal or bank transfers), as companies refuse to release funds without explicit authorization for receipt.

 

3. Notarization Procedures

A document does not acquire legal status simply by being signed; it must be notarized through official channels:

• Digital Notarization (Remote): The entire process can be completed electronically and quickly via the UAE Pass application through the digital portals of judicial departments (such as the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, or the Dubai Courts).
• In-Person Notarization: Visit one of the Notary Public offices or Adheed centers to notarize and sign the document in the presence of the authorized official.
• Residing Abroad: If you are outside the UAE, the power of attorney must be issued and notarized by the UAE embassy in your country of residence, and then attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon arrival in the UAE.

 

Process power of attorney for insurance claims UAE

POA&More facilitates and manages all legal and administrative procedures for issuing a power of attorney for insurance claims UAE. This process empowers your attorney (whether an individual, insurance broker, or claims management company) to pursue and collect compensation on your behalf. The company’s workflow consists of three main stages:

 

1. Application and Data Collection Stage

The process begins with digital communication to determine the details and parties involved in the power of attorney:

• Defining the type and powers of attorney: The required powers are precisely defined (e.g., submitting claims, signing documents and settlements, receiving checks or cash from insurance companies, and representing the attorney before relevant insurance authorities).
• Collecting supporting documents: The company requests copies of:
• Passport and Emirates ID (for both the principal and the attorney).
• Insurance-related documents, if any (e.g., vehicle data or insurance policy details).

 

2. Drafting and Reviewing the Power of Attorney

• Preparing the draft: The company’s legal drafting experts prepare the power of attorney in precise legal language that fully complies with the requirements of insurance companies and judicial or governmental authorities in the UAE. 
• Legal Translation: The power of attorney is prepared in Arabic or in an approved bilingual (Arabic/English) format, which is the officially accepted format with the Notary Public in the UAE.
• Review and Approval: The draft will be sent to you via email or WhatsApp for your review, any necessary amendments, and final approval.

 

3. Notarization & Attestation

The company assists you in completing the official procedures to make the power of attorney legally valid and usable through two channels:

 

Electronic Notarization (within the UAE)

If you are located within the UAE and have a UAE Pass account:

• The company will coordinate the application submission through the Notary Public’s digital platforms (such as the Ministry of Justice or the Dubai/Abu Dhabi Courts).
• A video call will be scheduled with the Notary Public to verify your identity and eligibility and digitally approve the power of attorney.
• The power of attorney will be issued electronically and sent to you directly via email.

 

Legalization for Clients Outside the UAE

If you are outside the UAE, the company will guide you through the international legalization process, which includes:

• First, notarizing the document in your country of residence.
• Authenticating it at the UAE embassy in that country.
• Upon arrival of the document in the UAE, the company can assist you in completing its legalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFA).

 

Costs power of attorney for insurance claims UAE

Determining the cost of a power of attorney for insurance claims UAE is not based on a fixed figure, but rather is influenced by a range of legal and logistical factors, as well as the nature of the parties involved. Here is a breakdown of the main factors that determine the total cost:

 

1. Type of Notary Public (Public or special)

• Public (Government) Notary Public: Official fees are the lowest (for example, the basic government fee for notarizing a power of attorney is approximately AED 100 per party in most emirates, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in addition to an electronic transaction fee ranging from AED 50 to AED 100).
• Special Notary Public: If you prefer to complete the transaction through a law firm or a licensed special office to save time or for more flexible scheduling, a professional office fee is added, typically ranging from AED 1,000 to AED 1,500, on top of the government fees.

 

2. Nature of the Parties Granting the Power of Attorney (Individuals or Companies)

• Personal Power of Attorney (Individuals): If you are personally authorizing someone else to pursue your insurance claim (such as health or car insurance), the fees remain at the minimum basic level.
• Commercial Power of Attorney (Companies): If the power of attorney is issued by a company (for example, authorizing an employee or expert to pursue insurance claims related to company assets or shipments), government fees and drafting costs are higher and are sometimes subject to commercial power of attorney fees (around AED 480 in some jurisdictions, or more depending on the wording).

 

3. Drafting and Preparing Powers of Attorney

• Special vs. General Powers of Attorney: A “special” power of attorney for insurance claims defines specific and limited powers, while a “general” power of attorney grants broader powers. The fees charged by companies or law firms that draft these powers of attorney vary depending on their type.
• Language and Legal Translation: The power of attorney must be in Arabic (or bilingual Arabic/English). If drafted or translated by a certified legal translator, a translation fee will be added (usually ranging from AED 50 to AED 100 per page), in addition to the fee for notarizing the translator’s signature (AED 50 per page).

 

4. Notarization Method (Digital Online or In-Person)

• Electronic Notarization (Digital Portals): Completing the transaction digitally through the Ministry of Justice or Dubai/Abu Dhabi Courts platforms eliminates travel fees and limits the transaction to the standard fixed fees.
• Requesting a Notary Public to Visit Your Location: If you wish to request the presence of a notary public at your location to complete the signing for specific reasons, there is an official travel fee of up to AED 1,000 for standard cases (reduced to AED 100 or AED 200 for certain categories such as people of determination or senior citizens).

 

Benefits of POA&More in handling power of attorney for insurance claims UAE

Using a specialized company like POA&More to issue a power of attorney for insurance claims UAE offers numerous advantages that streamline and expedite the process. Dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures often requires precision and familiarity with local regulations. Here are the key benefits of using POA&More for this purpose:

 

1. Precise and Comprehensive Legal Drafting

• Covering All Powers of Attorney: The company ensures the power of attorney is drafted with clear and specific clauses granting the attorney (whether an individual or an entity) the right to represent you before insurance companies, courts (if necessary), traffic authorities (such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi Police), and relevant medical or governmental bodies.
• Avoid Rejection: Incorrect drafting or missing clauses in the power of attorney may lead to its rejection by insurance companies or official authorities. Using specialists ensures acceptance of the power of attorney on the first attempt.

 

2. Expedited Procedures and Digital (Remote) Solutions

Electronic Notarization: The UAE offers a digital (remote) notarization system. These companies assist you in completing and notarizing the power of attorney electronically in collaboration with notaries public via video call, eliminating the need to visit service centers or notaries public in person. 

 

3. Saving Time and Effort

Instead of navigating government procedures and platforms, the company handles the preparation, submission, and follow-up of the transaction until the official power of attorney is issued.

 

4. Supporting Non-Residents or Those Outside the UAE

If you are outside the UAE and need to file an insurance claim (such as property, car, or health insurance), the company offers international and documentary power of attorney drafting and notarization services, ensuring immediate legal validity within the UAE.

 

5. Legal Follow-up for Complex Claims

In some major insurance claims (such as serious accidents or property damage), you may need to appoint law firms or settlement experts. The company assists you in drafting a “Claims and Compensation Power of Attorney” that fully protects your financial rights and prevents the exploitation of loopholes.

 

6. Certified Legal Translation Services

If insurance documents or related reports are in languages ​​other than Arabic, official authorities and the Ministry of Justice require certified legal translation. Specialized companies provide this service as part of the power of attorney preparation package to ensure the documents comply with government requirements.

 

FAQ

 

What are the reasons for insurance company claims being rejected in UAE?

Insurance claims in the UAE are subject to strict oversight by the Central Bank of the UAE to ensure transparency. However, insurance companies may reject some claims based on specific legal and technical clauses in the insurance policy. The reasons vary depending on the type of insurance, but the most common reasons for rejection can be summarized as follows:

• Failure to disclose material information (bad faith): Providing false information or concealing important facts when signing the contract (such as concealing a medical history in health insurance or failing to mention previous accidents in car insurance).
• Delay in reporting the accident: Each insurance company has a specific timeframe stipulated in the policy for reporting damage. Unjustified delays may lead to the rejection of the claim.
• Insufficient supporting documents: Failure to attach the required official documents (such as a police report, original invoices, or stamped medical reports).
• Expiration of the policy: Submitting a claim for an accident or illness that occurred after the policy’s expiration date or during a period of non-payment of premiums.
• Falling under the “Exclusions” section: Every policy contains an addendum to the Exclusions section, which lists matters that the company does not cover under any circumstances, such as damages resulting from war or certain unlisted natural disasters.
• Driving without a valid license or under the influence: If it is determined that the driver at the time of the accident did not possess a valid UAE driving license, or was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Using the vehicle for a purpose other than that for which it was intended: Using a special vehicle for commercial purposes (such as delivering orders or transporting passengers via ride-hailing apps) without modifying the coverage type in the policy.
• Making substantial modifications without notifying the company: Making mechanical or cosmetic modifications to the vehicle that increase its value or speed without informing the insurance company to adjust the insurance premium.

 

What is an insurance power of attorney in UAE?

This is a legal document (POA) in which a person (or company) authorizes another person (an attorney) to manage insurance transactions on their behalf with insurance companies or government entities such as the Health Authority or the Roads and Transport Authority. Types of Power of Attorney:

• Insurance or Vehicle Power of Attorney: Grants the attorney specific powers such as (purchasing an insurance policy, renewing insurance, filing accident claims, receiving compensation payments, or canceling policies).
• Medical/Health Power of Attorney: Includes a clause that allows the attorney to manage insurance claims and health insurance programs on behalf of the patient or their family in hospitals.
• General Power of Attorney: Includes very broad powers that include managing financial and corporate affairs, and consequently, dealing with all insurance entities.
• Issuance Method: It is drafted and officially notarized by a notary public in the UAE (and can be completed entirely electronically through the digital platforms of local or federal ministries of justice).

 

How can I obtain my rights from an insurance company in UAE?

To legally and properly obtain your rights from an insurance company in UAE, the country has established a clear system for consumer protection and insurance dispute resolution through a tiered mechanism. Here are the detailed steps you should follow in order:

• The first and most important step: Do not escalate the matter to any external party before giving the insurance company the opportunity to resolve the issue internally.
• Submit a written and documented complaint through the official complaints channels of the insurance company itself.
• Be sure to keep the complaint number, a copy of the correspondence, and the date.
• Waiting period: You must give the insurance company up to 15 calendar days to respond to you and resolve the issue in writing.