The rain “warning” does not exempt insurance companies from compensating affected drivers

Insurance expert, Bassam Gilmiran, confirmed that issuing a warning or warning from official authorities to exercise caution, due to the weather condition currently prevailing in the country, does not mean that insurance companies are exempted from their responsibilities towards compensating affected drivers according to the terms of the agreed upon policy, as long as the vehicle is not used in an irresponsible manner.

Gilmeran told Emirates Al-Youm: “When weather alerts are issued, official authorities often call on drivers to be careful and avoid risks as much as possible, and not necessarily to absolutely abstain from going out or driving,” adding that “in all cases, individuals getting out of their cars may be necessary and related to work obligations or the requirements of daily life.”

He explained: “From an insurance standpoint, the mere issuance of a weather warning or alert does not exempt insurance companies from their obligation to compensate in the event that the vehicle is exposed to damage, within the scope and conditions of the comprehensive insurance policy. However, this obligation may be affected if it is proven that the use of the vehicle was carried out in an abnormal manner, or involves gross negligence, or irresponsible behavior, such as being in rain troughs, valleys, etc. These are cases that may allow the insurance company to adhere to the exceptions contained in the policy, regardless of weather conditions.”

As for third-party liability insurance policies, Gilmeran said: “The insurance company remains obligated, as a general principle, to compensate the damages caused to others as a result of the accident, in accordance with the governing legal and regulatory framework, even if the accident occurred in difficult weather conditions. Accordingly, what matters in such cases is the terms of the policy, the nature of the driver’s behavior, and the circumstances of the accident, and not merely the issuance of the weather warnings themselves.”

It is noteworthy that the comprehensive insurance policy includes a clause that covers damage resulting from rain and climate fluctuations.