Lack of home and contents insurance can prove costly

The move comes in the wake of figures that show insurance penetration levels for the UAE are on the average 5%.

It is thought that Dubai's transient nature, along with the low levels of crime here, are two of the main reasons for such low levels of insurance take up.

Billy Rautenbach, Director of Operations at Better Homes commented, "Historically people came to Dubai with the intention of only staying for a short-period of time, they lived in rented accommodation and didn't invest too heavily in the contents and therefore saw no need to take out insurance".

However, now that things are changing and expatriates are making permanent homes in Dubai there is a growing demand for insurance services.

Added to this, recent incidents of flooding and fires have left homeowners and business open to genuine hardship due to a lack of insurance and low quality coverage.

Rautenbach stated: "It's so important for property owners and tenants to have adequate insurance. We recognized that our clients were having trouble accessing a first class product so found them one that can be offered directly at the time of purchase or lease, with the added advantage of a 20-30% saving against market rates".

RSA, insurer of the year for the last two years, worked with Better Homes to come up with a product that offers extensive coverage at an affordable rate.

The cover includes elements such as accidental damage caused by fire and floods and has been designed to accommodate spaces from bedrooms through to villas and at prices starting from just Dhs190 per annum, is definitely among the cheapest in the market.

In addition, it is offered via a hassle free, paperless process, where clients receive a complimentary quote based on their property requirement.

Rautenbach said "we are delighted to be working with such a strong and reputable name in the insurance sector that will provide our clients with the best products at the best rates in a convenient and hassle free manner".

Rakesh Nayar, Head of Sales and Distribution at RSA commented; "We are very excited to be working with Better Homes and to be given the opportunity to take what we believe to be one of the best products in the market directly to those who need it most".

Better Homes, in association with RSA is offering the following insurance cover; contents, home building and car insurance with pet, marine, medical and travel due to be added by the end of 2008.