Insurance claims and disputes in Dubai and across the UAE
Insurance lawyers in Dubai for rejected and underpaid claims
Has your insurer rejected, reduced or delayed a claim? Althea & Jacobs is a team of insurance lawyers in Dubai who read the policy line by line, build the claim on the documents, and take it through the insurer’s complaint process, Sanadak and the insurance disputes committee, and before the courts together with our UAE National Advocates where needed.
- Health, motor, property and business claims
- Sanadak and committee cases prepared for you
- Court representation with UAE National Advocates
- A written fee quote for each stage
Reviewed by Althea Edwina Rozario, Managing Partner, Althea & Jacobs Legal Consultants. Last updated .
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Meet your insurance lawyers in Dubai
Insurance disputes are usually won or lost on the policy wording and the paperwork behind the claim. Led by Managing Partner Althea Edwina Rozario, our Dubai team reviews the policy and the insurer’s reasons, prepares the complaint and the supporting evidence, and works alongside UAE National Advocates and Associates where a case goes to court.
Our consultants bring experience in civil and commercial disputes, contract review and dispute resolution across the UAE and India, so your claim is prepared by people who understand both the law and the commercial reality behind the loss.
What does an insurance lawyer in Dubai do?
An insurance lawyer in Dubai helps you when an insurer rejects, reduces or delays a claim. They review the policy and the insurer’s reasons, gather the evidence, make the formal complaint, represent you before Sanadak and the insurance disputes committee, and, together with UAE National Advocates, take the case to court and enforce the decision when that is needed.
Why your first reply to the insurer matters
Most insurance disputes start with a short rejection email or a settlement offer that seems final. What you say to the insurer or the loss adjuster, what you sign and what you keep often shape the whole dispute, and claims arising from an insurance contract generally have to be brought within three years.
That is why our insurance lawyers in Dubai get involved early. We read the policy, the proposal form and the rejection letter, give you a candid view of your position, and try to resolve the matter with the insurer before it goes any further.
The route also matters. Most onshore insurance disputes have to go through the insurer’s complaint process and Sanadak before any court can hear them, so we file in the right forum, in the right order, from the start.
Our insurance law services in Dubai
Our insurance lawyers in Dubai act for policyholders, both individuals and businesses, at each stage of a dispute with an insurer, from the first complaint to enforcement.
Insurance claims we handle in Dubai and across the UAE
Every insurance dispute turns on the policy wording and the evidence. We look at what was covered, what happened and what can be proved, then advise you on the route most likely to get the claim paid.
Health and medical insurance
Rejected treatment approvals, unpaid bills and refused reimbursements.
Motor insurance
Rejected accident claims, total-loss valuations and repair disputes.
Home and property insurance
Damage to homes, contents and commercial premises.
Fire and flood damage
Claims after fires, water damage and storms, including disputes over exclusions.
Business interruption
Lost income after an insured event, and how the policy measures it.
Marine and cargo insurance
Damage to or loss of goods in transit, and hull claims.
Construction and contractors’ all-risks
Damage on site, delays and disputes between contractors and insurers.
Liability and professional indemnity
Cover for claims made against your business by others.
Life and critical illness
Claims by families and beneficiaries, and disputes over exclusions.
Travel insurance
Medical costs abroad, cancellations and lost belongings.
Non-disclosure and cancelled policies
Insurers that void a policy or refuse a claim over what was said when it was taken out.
Claims against another driver’s insurer
Recovering your loss from the insurer of the person at fault.
Not sure whether your claim was rejected fairly? Describe it in confidence and a lawyer will give you a realistic assessment of your position.
Review my claimHow to complain against an insurance company in the UAE
Most onshore insurance disputes follow a set route before any court can hear them. Health insurance claims in Dubai also have their own complaint channel through the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation at the Dubai Health Authority.
Complain to the insurer in writing
Set out the claim, the policy terms you rely on and the documents, then allow the insurer 30 calendar days to respond.
File the complaint with Sanadak
If the complaint is not resolved, file it with Sanadak, the Central Bank’s ombudsman, which is free for consumers and small and medium-sized businesses.
Insurance disputes committee
Cases Sanadak cannot resolve go to a committee presided over by a judge, which can appoint experts and decides the dispute in Arabic.
Appeal to the Court of Appeal
In disputes above AED 100,000, either side can challenge the committee’s decision before the Court of Appeal within 30 days.
How we handle your insurance claim, step by step
Insurance disputes in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025, which brought insurance under the Central Bank’s consolidated law, and by the insurance provisions of the Civil Transactions Law. Here is how we take a claim from rejection to payment.
Free claim review
We read the policy, the proposal form, the rejection letter and the loss adjuster’s report, and tell you honestly where you stand.
Building the claim file
We collect the evidence, organise it around the policy wording and, where needed, arrange an independent expert opinion on the loss.
Complaint and negotiation
A formal complaint sets out why the rejection or the amount offered is wrong, and gives the insurer a clear chance to settle.
Sanadak and the committee
If the insurer does not move, we take the complaint to Sanadak and represent you before the insurance disputes committee.
Appeal and enforcement
Where needed, appeals go to the Court of Appeal with our UAE National Advocates, and the final decision is enforced to recover payment.
Before you challenge a rejected claim: what to prepare
- The full policy, including the schedule, endorsements and any Arabic version, plus the proposal or application form you completed.
- The rejection letter or settlement offer, and every email and message with the insurer, the broker and the loss adjuster.
- Proof of the loss, such as photographs, the police or fire report, medical reports, invoices and repair quotes.
- Proof of payment of the premium, and any renewal notices that changed the cover.
- A timeline of the event, when you notified the insurer and every reply you received.
Claim rejected? Do this first
- Ask the insurer to put its reasons in writing and to point to the policy clause it relies on.
- Do not sign a discharge or settlement form for less than you think is due before taking advice.
- Keep damaged items, photographs and reports, because they are often needed as evidence.
- Note the dates, because the three-year limitation period and the complaint deadlines run regardless.
- Call an insurance lawyer to review your position and options.
UAE insurance laws behind your claim
Onshore insurance in the UAE is regulated at the federal level by the Central Bank, with Dubai’s own legislation for health insurance. Insurers licensed in the DIFC and ADGM financial free zones follow those centres’ own rules instead. These are the laws we rely on most.
| Law | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 | Central Bank, financial institutions and insurance business, in force from 16 September 2025: insurer regulation, Sanadak and the insurance dispute committees |
| Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 | Civil Transactions Law, in force from 1 June 2026: the insurance contract and the three-year limitation period |
| Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022, as amended | Civil Procedure Law: court jurisdiction, appeals and execution |
| Dubai Law No. 11 of 2013 | Health insurance in the Emirate of Dubai, with its Implementing Bylaw, Administrative Resolution No. 78 of 2022 |
| Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 | Arbitration Law: arbitration agreements, proceedings and enforcement of awards |
Why clients choose Althea & Jacobs as their insurance law firm in Dubai
Policy wording first
We start with the exact words of your policy, including the Arabic version, because that is what the committee and the courts will read.
Cases built on documents
We organise the evidence early, so your complaint is clear from the first filing.
The right forum, in the right order
Insurer, Sanadak, committee and court each have their own rules, and we file where your claim belongs.
Court representation across the UAE
Together with our UAE National Advocates before the courts in all seven Emirates.
One firm for the whole problem
Our litigation team and our corporate and commercial team work under one roof when a claim touches the rest of your business.
A realistic assessment
A clear view of the strengths, risks and likely costs before you commit.
How to choose the best insurance lawyer in Dubai
A good insurance lawyer in Dubai reads the policy before forming a view, tells you honestly whether the rejection can be challenged, and knows which forum the dispute has to go through first.
Use these questions when you compare insurance lawyers in Dubai, including us.
Do they act for policyholders?
Ask whether the lawyer regularly acts against insurers, and whether anything could stand in the way of acting for you.
Do they know the complaint route?
Most insurance disputes must go through Sanadak before court, and a lawyer should explain each step and its deadlines.
Will they read the Arabic policy?
The Arabic version prevails before the local courts, and documents can be translated by court-approved legal translators.
Who will represent you in court?
Only UAE National Advocates have rights of audience in the local courts, so ask who will appear for you if it gets that far.
Is the fee clear for each stage?
A written quote per stage avoids surprises, and no one should guarantee an outcome.
Insurance claim support for individuals, businesses and international policyholders
Insurance problems tend to arrive at the worst possible moment. Individuals and families come to us when a medical, motor or home claim is refused, businesses when a property, business interruption or liability claim stalls, and policyholders abroad when they need an insurance lawyer in the UAE to pursue a claim without being here for every step.
Talk to a lawyer about your claimIndividuals and families
Health, motor and home claims
Businesses
Property, interruption and liability
Contractors
Site damage and professional cover
Policyholders abroad
Claim without being in the UAE
Insurance lawyer fees in Dubai
There is no single price for an insurance dispute. Fees depend on the value of the claim, the type of insurance, the evidence involved and the stage the dispute has reached. Filing a complaint with Sanadak is free for consumers and small and medium-sized businesses, while committee fees, court fees and expert fees are paid separately.
After your free initial consultation you receive a written fee quote, usually a fixed fee per stage, so you know the cost before we start.
What our clients say on Google
5.0from 17 Google reviews
“I highly recommend Althea & Jacobs for all legal requirements in the UAE and beyond. The team is excellently led by Althea, a true professional who offers expert legal advice and thoughtful guidance at every step. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail make the entire process seamless.”
“My experience and interaction with Althea and Jacob’s was great. They explained everything very patiently and was very friendly. I really appreciate the honest advice and transparent pricing. The whole process was very smooth and stress free”
“Althea & Jacobs FZ LLC stands out for their professionalism, integrity, and client-focused approach. Althea and her team take the time to understand requirements thoroughly and provide clear, practical legal guidance throughout the process.”
Questions about insurance lawyers in Dubai
Straight answers to what clients ask us most. Can’t see yours? Ask a lawyer directly.
Do I need a lawyer for an insurance claim in the UAE?
Not for every claim, because many are settled directly with the insurer. A lawyer is worth involving when the claim is rejected or reduced, when the insurer alleges non-disclosure, when the amount is significant, or when the dispute is heading to the insurance disputes committee or the courts, where proceedings are in Arabic.
How do I complain against an insurance company in the UAE?
First make a written complaint to the insurance company and allow it 30 calendar days to respond. If the complaint is not resolved, file it with Sanadak, the Central Bank’s banking and insurance ombudsman, online or through its app. Unresolved cases can then go to the insurance disputes committee, and from there to the Court of Appeal in larger disputes.
What is Sanadak?
Sanadak is the UAE’s independent ombudsman unit for complaints against banks and insurance companies, set up under the supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE. Filing a complaint is free for consumers and small and medium-sized businesses, and a fee of AED 500 applies only if you appeal its decision.
Can I take my insurance company straight to court?
Generally, no. For most onshore insurance disputes, Sanadak states that complaints against insurance companies must go to Sanadak first rather than to the courts. Starting in the wrong forum wastes time and fees, so check the route before you file.
How long do I have to bring an insurance claim in the UAE?
Claims arising from an insurance contract generally have to be brought within three years from the insured event or from when you became aware of it. Some types of insurance, such as marine cover, have shorter periods, and your policy will also set notification deadlines, so act early.
My health insurance claim was rejected in Dubai. What can I do?
Ask the insurer for the reasons in writing, then raise a complaint with the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation at the Dubai Health Authority, which you can do through the DubaiNow app. If the matter is still not resolved, the complaint can be taken to Sanadak and the insurance disputes committee.
What can I do if my car insurance claim is rejected?
Request the rejection in writing, check the reasons against the policy wording and the police report, and make a formal complaint to the insurer. If the insurer does not change its decision, the complaint can be escalated to Sanadak and then to the insurance disputes committee.
Can an insurer reject my claim for non-disclosure?
An insurer may try to reject or reduce a claim if it says a material fact was misstated or left out when the policy was taken out. Whether it can do so depends on the question you were asked, your answer and the policy terms, so these rejections are often worth challenging.
Is the Arabic or English version of my policy binding?
In a bilingual policy or contract, the Arabic version prevails before the local courts. Where the English and Arabic wording differ, it is the Arabic text that the insurance disputes committee and the courts will read.
Can the insurance company appeal the committee’s decision?
Under Article 148 of Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025, the committee’s decision is final and enforceable against the insurer in disputes of up to AED 100,000. In larger disputes, either side can challenge the decision before the competent Court of Appeal within 30 days.
How much does an insurance lawyer cost in Dubai?
Fees depend on the value of the claim, the type of insurance and the stage the dispute has reached. We offer a free initial consultation and then a written fixed-fee quote per stage, with any committee, court or expert fees shown separately.
Do you act for businesses with large commercial claims?
Yes. We act for businesses on property, business interruption, liability, marine and construction claims, from reviewing the policy and the loss adjuster’s report to representation before the committee and, together with our UAE National Advocates, the courts.
Do you handle insurance disputes outside Dubai?
Yes. Working with our UAE National Advocates and Associates, we act for policyholders in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain as well as Dubai.
Speak to an insurance lawyer in Dubai today
Confidential, practical advice on your claim from a team that reads the policy before giving a view. Visit our Sheikh Zayed Road office or reach us by phone, WhatsApp or email.
- Office No. 18, 22nd Floor, Tower Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- +971 55 551 0930
- info@altheajacobs.com
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
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Protected by lawyer–client confidentiality.
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice. Every matter depends on its own facts; past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Court representation is provided together with our UAE National Advocates and Associates.
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