Oriental Insurance
Oriental Insurance is the Dubai branch of The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, an Indian general insurer owned by the Government of India. It has been in Dubai since 1960, works through its chief agency, Armab Insurance Works LLC, and its website lists car, health, home, marine and business cover.
In August 2025 the parent company's chairman said the Dubai office would move to run-off, which means it services existing policies and takes no new business. Its website still showed quote links on 5 November 2026.17
Out of 5 from 729 Google reviews across one office
An average is not a sign of trust. Read recent reviews yourself before you decide.
What customers sayWhat customers say about Oriental Insurance
Oriental Insurance averages 2.3 out of 5 across 729 Google reviews of its UAE offices, read 5 Nov 2026. Those reviews cover everything it sells, not only car insurance.
Counts come from the 20 reviews we read that are about car insurance, most from 2023 to 2026.
What customers complain about
Calls and emails go unanswered11 of 20
No one is answering my call i have to know what happen with my car claim
Claims and repairs take weeks or months9 of 20
A big No, I am struggling since last two months to get my car repaired.
Problems over garages4 of 20
they refuse to give me a list of garages so I could pick
Oriental Insurance car insurance
Press reports from August 2025 say the Central Bank barred new and renewal motor policies and the Dubai branch moved to run-off from 7 August 2025. Its website still lists comprehensive, third party, fleet and motorcycle cover, and the Central Bank register still listed the company in September 2026.
| Plan | Type | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Insurance | Comprehensive | Follows the UAE Unified Motor Policy. Covers loss or damage from accident, fire, theft, malicious acts and transit, plus third party liability. Injury or death of a third party is covered up to the sum a court awards.2 |
| Third Party Liability Insurance | Third party | Covers damage to other people’s cars and property. The third party page says up to Dhs 250,000 for any one accident. The policy wording says AED 2,000,000. Check your policy schedule. Does not pay for damage to your own car.2 |
| Fleet Comprehensive Insurance | Comprehensive | Covers a fleet of cars or a private collection under one policy.2 |
| Motor Cycle Insurance | Other | Comprehensive cover. UAE cover. Repairs at Al Ameek garage. The motorcycle section says third party property damage up to Dhs 500,000 for any one accident. The policy wording says AED 2,000,000. Check your policy schedule.2 |
| Corporate motor insurance | Other | Fleet cover for two or more company vehicles, and tailor-made cover for luxury cars, limousines, tour and desert safari operators, passenger and cargo transport and car rental companies.3 |
| Cover | With this insurer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Agency repair | Optional extra | The motor page says cars are repaired at the dealer’s garage or at a nominated category A Class 1 garage. The proposal form lists dealer’s garage repair as an option at extra premium.8 |
| Garage network | Included | The published list has 21 garages in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Al Ain and Ajman.12 |
| Personal accident cover | Optional extra | The motor page lists up to Dhs 200,000 each for driver and passengers for death or total permanent disability. The proposal form lists driver cover and passenger cover as options at extra premium. Check your policy schedule.2 |
| Towing after an accident | Included | Towing, protection and removal costs up to Dhs 1,000 per accident, and Dhs 3,500 for heavy vehicles above 10 tons.2 |
| Roadside assistance | Optional extra | Gold Roadside Assistance Service Program through International Motoring Club, 24 hours, 365 days. Covers towing, battery boost, lock out, flat tyre and fuel delivery. Inside the UAE only, for light vehicles up to 3 tons. The proposal form lists it as an option at extra premium.10 |
| Off-road recovery | Optional extra | Part of the roadside program. A stuck vehicle is taken to the nearest road. Desert events and rallies are excluded.10 |
| Hire car | Optional extra | For an added premium, up to 7 days per accident while the car is at the workshop, with a valid police report. Comprehensive policies only, and not commercial vehicles or motorcycles. Driver must be 21 or over. The hire car has its own Dhs 750 deductible, plus 10% of the claim if the driver is under 25 or has held a licence under one year.11 |
| Oman cover | Optional extra | Cover is limited to the UAE. The proposal form lists an extension to Oman as an option at extra premium.8 |
More cover details (3)
| Cover | With this insurer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Deductible | Depends on plan | Charged if you caused the accident or the person responsible is unknown. For private cars carrying up to 9 passengers, the maximum runs from AED 350 per accident for a car worth up to AED 50,000 to AED 1,400 for the highest value band.9 |
| Young driver terms | Depends on plan | An added deductible of up to 10% of the compensation can apply if a driver under 25 causes the accident.9 |
| Total loss | Depends on plan | If repairs cost more than 50% of the car’s value, payment is based on the insured value less 20% depreciation, taking the elapsed part of the policy period into account.9 |
Check before you buy
- Accidents caused by or linked to natural disasters such as floods, tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes. The wording defines a natural disaster as a natural event causing extensive, widespread damage on which the authorities have issued a decision.9
- Damage outside the area set in the policy, unless a rider extends it.9
- Damage that happens off the road, unless a rider extends cover.9
- Driving without a valid licence for that vehicle, or with a suspended licence. A licence expired and not renewed within 30 days of the accident also counts.9
- Driving under the influence of narcotics, alcohol or drugs, if proven or admitted.9
- Use in a speed race or test, if that is the main cause of the accident.9
- Tyre damage that does not happen at the same time as damage to the car.9
Policy documents
- Unified Motor Insurance Policy WordingPolicy wording
- Gold Roadside Assistance Service ProgramBrochure
- Hire Car BenefitBrochure
- Garage ListBrochure
How to claim with Oriental Insurance
- Claims phone04 353 8688
- Roadside help600575751
- Claim onlineOpen claim page
The claims page gives this number for towing and roadside help. The roadside brochure gives toll-free 800 4101.4
Steps
- Get a police report.4
- Tell Oriental straight away by email, fax or phone. For motor claims call 04 353 8688, extension 163, 171 or 174.4
- Fill in the online claim form on the Oriental portal.4
- Send the documents listed below, with the name and number of the contact person and how the damage happened.4
- Wait for the claim number by email, then hand the car to the agency or garage.4
- The agency or garage gives an estimate and an insurance surveyor inspects the car.4
- Once the survey report is approved, Oriental sends the garage a purchase order (LPO) to start repairs.4
- If the car cannot be repaired, Oriental explains the next steps by email.4
Not happy with a claim? How to take a complaint to Sanadak.
About Oriental Insurance
- Legal name
- The Oriental Insurance Company Limited
- Founded
- 1960 in Dubai. Parent company incorporated in India in 1947.6
- Type
- Conventional insurer. The Central Bank register lists it as a foreign insurance company.15
- Owner
- A branch of The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, which is 100% owned by the Government of India. The chief agency in Dubai is Armab Insurance Works LLC.6
- Headquarters
- Dubai. Parent company head office in New Delhi.6
- UAE branches
- Two offices listed, both in Dubai: Bur Dubai head office and DWC Office Park in Dubai South.5
- Also sells
- Health, Householders, Personal accident, Marine, Property, Engineering, Liability, General accident2
- Central Bank
- Listed in the CBUAE register, September 2026, number 371
Financial strength
The Central Bank suspended a foreign insurer’s branch from motor business on 29 July 2025 over solvency and guarantee rules, press reports name Oriental, and its chairman said the Dubai office would go into run-off from 7 August 2025. ICRA reports that the Indian parent lost INR 40.61 billion in FY2026 and had a solvency ratio of negative 1.63 times at 31 March 2026 and negative 1.70 times at 30 June 2026, against a required 1.50.
| Agency | Grade | Covers | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICRA | [ICRA]A+, issuer rating, Indian scale, Negative18 | Parent group | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Crisil | Crisil AA-, corporate credit rating, Indian scale, Negative19 | Parent group | 16 Apr 2025 |
| AM Best | Withdrawn at the company’s request. Last rating was B+ (Good), Negative outlook.20 | Parent group | 20 Mar 2020 |
| Period | Premiums | Profit | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024, Dubai branch, reported as total business17 | INR 2.96bn | ||
| Q1 FY2027, three months to 30 June 2026, limited review (group)18 | INR 62.82bn | -INR 3.40bn | |
| FY2026, year to 31 March 2026, audited (group)18 | INR 210.27bn | -INR 40.61bn | |
| FY2025, year to 31 March 2025, audited (group)18 | INR 203.27bn | INR 1.44bn |
News and official actions
- Official action
The Central Bank of the UAE suspended the motor business of a foreign insurer’s branch for failing solvency and guarantee requirements, without naming it. The Indian Express and Asia Insurance Post report that this was Oriental, which had sought more time to provide an AED 100 million bank guarantee, and that it was barred from new and renewal motor policies.16
- ICRA cuts the Indian parent’s rating to A+
ICRA downgraded the parent from AA- with a negative outlook, citing its weak solvency, an INR 40.61 billion loss in FY2026 and no clear timing for government capital.18
- Report says India has dropped merger plans for state general insurers
Asia Insurance Post quoted two unnamed insurer chiefs saying the Department of Financial Services had stopped its merger review, which covered Oriental.21
- Oriental puts its Dubai operations into run-off
Its chairman said the Dubai office would go into run-off from midnight on 7 August 2025 and that it would honour policies issued before that date until they expire.17
- Central Bank suspends a foreign insurer’s branch from motor business
The notice cites solvency and guarantee failures, does not name the insurer, and says the insurer stays liable for contracts made before the suspension.14
- Crisil cuts the Indian parent’s rating to AA-
Crisil cited a solvency ratio that stayed below the level regulators require.19
Contact Oriental Insurance
- Phone04 353 8688
- Toll free800 628873
- Emailcustomercare@oicgulf.ae
- Head officeSheikh Rashid Building, above Bank of Baroda, 3rd Floor, Suite 303, Bur Dubai Creek, near Bur Dubai Abra Station, P.O. Box 478, Dubai
Branches (2)
| Branch | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Head office, Bur Dubai | Sheikh Rashid Building, above Bank of Baroda, 3rd Floor, Suite 303, Bur Dubai Creek | 04 353 8688 |
| DWC Office Park, Dubai South | DWC Office Park, Building A3, 1st Floor, Suite 107, Dubai South | 04 353 8688 ext 122 |
Common questions
Can I buy or renew car insurance with Oriental Insurance in the UAE?
Press reports say the Central Bank barred new and renewal motor policies in 2025, and the Dubai branch moved to run-off from 7 August 2025. Its website still shows quote links.16
What happens to a policy bought before the run-off?
Oriental told the Central Bank it would meet its obligations on policies issued before 7 August 2025 until they expire. The Central Bank says the insurer stays liable for contracts made before the suspension.16
Is Oriental Insurance the same as Orient Insurance?
No. The Central Bank register lists The Oriental Insurance Company Limited as a foreign insurer and Orient Insurance Company as a separate national insurer.15
Who owns Oriental Insurance?
It is a branch of The Oriental Insurance Company Limited of India, which is 100% owned by the Government of India.6
How do I make a car claim with Oriental Insurance?
Get a police report, then submit the online claim form or call 04 353 8688, extension 163, 171 or 174. You need copies of the police report, Mulkiya, driving licence and Emirates ID.4
What is the Oriental Insurance roadside assistance number?
The claims page gives International Motoring Club on 600575751. The roadside brochure gives 800 4101.4
Does an Oriental car policy cover flood damage?
The policy wording excludes accidents caused by or linked to natural disasters such as floods. It defines a natural disaster as a natural event causing extensive, widespread damage on which the authorities have issued a decision.9
Sources
22
1Central Bank of the UAE, CB Register September of 2026. Last checked 4 Nov 2026. Source document: CB Register September of 2026
2The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Dubai Branch, Motor Insurance, Individual. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Motor Insurance, Individual
3The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Dubai Branch, Motor Insurance, Corporate. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Motor Insurance, Corporate
4The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Dubai Branch, Claims. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Claims
5The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Dubai Branch, Contact Us. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Contact Us
6The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Dubai Branch, About Us. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: About Us
7The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Dubai Branch, Downloads. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Downloads
8The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Dubai Branch, Comprehensive Insurance Proposal Form. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Comprehensive Insurance Proposal Form
9The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Dubai Branch, Unified Motor Insurance Policy Wording (PDF). Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Unified Motor Insurance Policy Wording (PDF)
10The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Dubai Branch, Gold Roadside Assistance Service Program brochure (PDF). Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Gold Roadside Assistance Service Program brochure (PDF)
11The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Dubai Branch, Hire Car Benefit brochure (PDF). Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Hire Car Benefit brochure (PDF)
12The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Dubai Branch, Garage List (PDF). Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Garage List (PDF)
13The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Dubai Branch, Tender. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Tender
14Central Bank of the UAE, CBUAE suspends motor insurance business of a foreign insurance company’s branch. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: CBUAE suspends motor insurance business of a foreign insurance company’s branch
15Central Bank of the UAE, CBUAE Register Insurance Entities, September 2026. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: CBUAE Register Insurance Entities, September 2026
16The Indian Express, UAE Central Bank suspends motor insurance business of Oriental Insurance in Dubai: Here’s why. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: UAE Central Bank suspends motor insurance business of Oriental Insurance in Dubai: Here’s why
17Asia Insurance Post, Oriental Insurance puts Dubai operations under run off. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Oriental Insurance puts Dubai operations under run off
18ICRA, The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd: Rating downgraded to [ICRA]A+ from [ICRA]AA-; outlook remains Negative. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd: Rating downgraded to [ICRA]A+ from [ICRA]AA-; outlook remains Negative
19Crisil Ratings, The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Rating Rationale, April 16, 2025. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, Rating Rationale, April 16, 2025
20AM Best, AM Best Withdraws Credit Ratings of The Oriental Insurance Company Limited. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: AM Best Withdraws Credit Ratings of The Oriental Insurance Company Limited
21Asia Insurance Post, Govt drops any merger plans among PSU general insurers. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Govt drops any merger plans among PSU general insurers
22Trustpilot, Oicgulf company profile. Last checked 5 Nov 2026. Source document: Oicgulf company profile
- Owner
- Carinsurance.ae research team
- Last review
- Next review due
- 4 May 2027
- Status
- Published