Insurance broker or buy direct? What's the difference in the UAE
Going direct means seeing one insurer's prices. A broker compares several insurers for you. Here's what that means in practice, what it costs, and when each makes sense.
By Shamna Ponnath Valappil, Senior Insurance Officer · Updated 26 September 2026An insurer sells only its own policies. A licensed insurance broker represents you, compares policies from several insurers, explains the differences, and helps at renewal and claim time. In the UAE, insurance brokers are licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE. For the personal and business covers on this site, getting compared quotes through a broker costs you nothing extra. Premiums are set by the insurers and shown in full before you pay.
Side by side
| Buying direct | Through a broker | |
|---|---|---|
| Choice | One insurer's products | Several insurers compared |
| Who you deal with | The insurer's sales channel or call centre | A named advisor who represents you |
| Comparing | You compare on your own, website by website | Like-for-like comparison prepared for you |
| Renewal | Auto-renewal at the insurer's new price | Renewal checked against the market |
| Claims | You deal with the insurer alone | Help presenting the claim and following it up |
What does a broker cost you?
For the covers on this site, requesting and comparing quotes is free and carries no obligation. Premiums are set by each insurer, and you see the full price and what's included, in writing, before you pay. Brokers are generally paid by the insurer, which is why comparing doesn't add a separate fee to the policies I arrange.
When going direct is fine
- You need simple, standard cover and already know exactly what you want.
- You've compared the market yourself recently and are happy with the terms.
- Price is the only factor and you don't expect to need help with a claim.
When a broker adds the most value
- Group medical and employee benefits: benefit design, census handling and renewal negotiation.
- Business covers such as property, liability and workmen's compensation, where wording and limits matter.
- Health cover for families with preferred hospitals, maternity plans or existing conditions.
- Renewals where auto-renewal has crept up year after year.
- Claims that need to be presented properly or chased.
How to check a broker is licensed
Insurance brokers in the UAE are licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, which publishes a register of licensed financial institutions. Ask which licensed broker will place your policy, and check that the policy documents name the insurer and the broker. Policies I arrange are placed through Gargash Insurance Services LLC.
Frequently asked questions
Is it more expensive to buy insurance through a broker in the UAE?
Not for the covers on this site. Comparing quotes is free, and premiums are set by the insurers. You see the full price in writing before you pay, and often a broker comparison finds a better price or better cover for the same budget.
Who regulates insurance brokers in the UAE?
The Central Bank of the UAE licenses and supervises insurance companies and insurance brokers.
Does a broker handle claims?
Claim decisions are made by the insurer under the policy terms. A broker helps you present the claim correctly, with the right documents, and follows it up with the insurer if it stalls.
10+ years in insurance, six internationally and four in the UAE market. Shamna compares personal and business cover across insurers for clients in all seven Emirates. More about Shamna
Last reviewed: 26 September 2026. General information only, not advice; policy terms decide cover.
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Shamna Ponnath Valappil is a Senior Insurance Officer with Gargash Insurance Services LLC, a UAE insurance broker regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE. Insurance arranged through this site is placed by Gargash Insurance Services LLC. Quotes are subject to underwriting by the relevant insurer(s); final terms, premiums and cover are confirmed when a policy is issued.