CarteaNewsAuto NewsWhy Does Insuring Chinese Cars in the UAE Cost More Than Japanese and Korean Cars?

Why Does Insuring Chinese Cars in the UAE Cost More Than Japanese and Korean Cars?

Tamara Chalak
Tamara Chalak
2025-07-01
contents

The automotive market in the United Arab Emirates is diverse with many brands and models. It is noticeable that insurance costs for Chinese cars are often higher compared to Japanese and Korean vehicles, despite the significant improvements Chinese cars have made in recent years. So, what are the reasons behind this insurance price difference? And what factors influence insurers’ risk assessments for these cars?

Manufacturing Quality and Its Impact on Insurance

Manufacturing quality is one of the key factors affecting insurance costs. Although many Chinese manufacturers have significantly improved their vehicle quality, some models still face issues related to durability and performance compared to Japanese and Korean cars, which have a strong reputation for reliability and long lifespan.

Repair costs and spare parts availability are important factors in determining insurance premiums. Japanese and Korean cars benefit from a wide network of service centers and readily available spare parts at reasonable prices in the UAE, which lowers repair costs and positively influences insurance rates.

Chinese cars, however, may face challenges in the availability of original spare parts, leading to higher repair costs and longer waiting times, which in turn raises insurance premiums.

Brand Reputation and Its Effect on Risk Assessment

Brand reputation plays a significant role in how insurance companies evaluate risk. Japanese and Korean brands enjoy high trust from both consumers and insurers due to their long-standing market presence and good safety test results.

Some Chinese brands are still building their reputation in the UAE market, making insurers more cautious when pricing insurance for these vehicles.

Accident and Theft Statistics

Insurance companies heavily rely on accident and theft statistics associated with each car type. If Chinese cars have higher recorded accident or theft rates, this reflects in increased insurance premiums.

In some cases, Chinese cars are less common in the UAE, resulting in less clear accident data, which may prompt insurers to raise prices to account for potential risks.

Legal and Regulatory Impacts

Insurance companies in the UAE operate under strict laws and regulations designed to protect consumers and maintain market stability. These regulations may affect how risks are assessed and prices set, especially for newer brands like Chinese cars that lack a long history in the region.

Tips to Reduce Insurance Costs for Chinese Cars

  • Choose models known for quality and reliable spare parts.

  • Rely on insurance companies offering special deals for Chinese cars.

  • Practice safe driving to reduce risks and accidents.

  • Ensure the car has advanced safety systems installed.

The Future of Chinese Cars in the UAE

As the quality of Chinese cars improves and their service and spare parts networks expand, insurance costs are expected to gradually decrease, especially as these cars become more common in the UAE market. Competition among insurers will also likely lead to more competitive offers for Chinese car owners.

Insurance costs for Chinese cars in the UAE are higher than for Japanese and Korean cars due to multiple factors including manufacturing quality, spare parts availability, brand reputation, and accident statistics. However, ongoing improvements in the market may reduce this gap in the future.

Also Read:

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Tamara ChalakTamara Chalak
Chief editor information:

Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses. 

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