When Pietersz Trevor finally found a motor insurance company with good customer service, it was enough to persuade him to take out a policy.
The company was Beema Insurance, the country's first pay per kilometre motor insurance provider.
“I have had so many bad experiences with other insurance companies,” said Mr Trevor, who is from Sri Lanka but has lived in the UAE for the past 45 years.
“I happened to talk to one guy [at Beema] who was very helpful and very understanding. He was so nice and he explained everything to me.
"He took his time and did everything he could to help me out."
Beema Insurance brought the innovative pay per kilometre concept to the UAE in autumn 2019, after it had been popular overseas for around a decade.
Its policies reward its customers by giving them cash back depending on how much, or rather how little, they drive.
I really appreciate the good customer service. That's the reason why I have stuck with Beema Insurance.
Pietersz clocked up around 60,000km last year, so he did not qualify for cashback, but he remained with Beema anyway because of its high-level of customer service.
“I really appreciate it. That’s the reason why I have stuck with them.”
Samarendra Hota, 38, from India, drives around 10,000km a year, and therefore qualified for a cashback reward from Beema Insurance, which he admitted was a pull.
“I thought this was more cheaper than other people were offering. The customer service is also very good.”
It is experiences like the ones that Pietersz and Samarendra have had that has helped the company achieve a 4.6 out of 5 score on Trustpilot, a number Beema is extremely proud of.
"I believe, in a very crowded and saturated market with hundreds of insurance providers, one needs to understand what differentiates them from each other," said Indraneel Jain, Beema Insurance’s chief business officer.
Last year, the Emirates Insurance Association revealed average car insurance rates declined by between 15 per cent and 50 per cent, driven by an escalation in competition among insurers.
"I think at the end of the day, product might be one differentiator, but the key differentiator is service.
"That is why customer service relations have been our main focus."
The service the company offers is personalised, not monotonous, he said.
"Our customers appreciate the conversations they have, which make them feel the agents are not following a template," added Mr Jain.
And when the worst happens, Beema agents strive to do whatever they can to help with any claims related to an accident on the road, he said.
"We don’t create a lot of hassle, so we act instantly on the least possible details required and constantly show empathy and compassion to the customer, versus trying to be objective about each and every detail," said Mr Jain.
Although a relatively new entrant, Beema has managed to build its market share using its innovative approach, by offering motorists cashback for what they were already doing – driving less.
And, thanks to its data and research, Beema realised there was a significant segment of the UAE population who already drove a low mileage car.
According to the company, those who drive fewer miles are less likely to have an accident.
That statistic enables Beema to offer rewards to motorists with a lower annual mileage.
Anyone who drives 4,000km or less receives a 25 per cent cashback reward at the end of the year-long policy, while those who drive between 4,000km to 10,000km receive cashback between 23 per cent and 15.5 per cent.
The value ranges between 14 per cent to 6.5 per cent for anyone who drives between 10,000km and 16,000km a year.
On average in 2020, customers received more than Dh300 as a cashback reward
And between 16,000km and 20,000km, they earn 5 per cent cashback.
All the customer has to do is send a message at the end of the policy with a note of the final mileage, and then sit back and wait for the reward.
On average in 2020, the insurer's customers received more than Dh300 as a cashback reward.
But even those who do not qualify for cashback rewards still receive other benefits.
Anyone who drives more than 20,000km earns protection from a rise in their “already competitive” premium.
Other benefits included in the policy include free airport pickups in the form of the reimbursement of taxi fares, along with registration renewal support.
Convenience is key.
During the motor insurance renewal process, customers can opt for a driver come and collect the customer's car to bring it for testing and complete the registration, before bringing it back to them.
The company has no physical office, but offers multiple ways to get in touch, including all the usual ways like email, website and phone, in addition to its social media accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even TikTok.
If%20you%20go
%3Cp%3EThere%20are%20regular%20flights%20from%20Dubai%20to%20Kathmandu.%20Fares%20with%20Air%20Arabia%20and%20flydubai%20start%20at%20Dh1%2C265.%3Cbr%3EIn%20Kathmandu%2C%20rooms%20at%20the%20Oasis%20Kathmandu%20Hotel%20start%20at%20Dh195%20and%20Dh120%20at%20Hotel%20Ganesh%20Himal.%3Cbr%3EThird%20Rock%20Adventures%20offers%20professionally%20run%20group%20and%20individual%20treks%20and%20tours%20using%20highly%20experienced%20guides%20throughout%20Nepal%2C%20Bhutan%20and%20other%20parts%20of%20the%20Himalayas.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULT
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai 0 Al Ain 6
Al Ain: Caio (5', 73'), El Shahat (10'), Berg (65'), Khalil (83'), Al Ahbabi (90' 2)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
RESULTS
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,000m
Winner: AF Mozhell, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)
2.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Majdi, Szczepan Mazur, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
3pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: AF Athabeh, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: AF Eshaar, Bernardo Pinheiro, Khalifa Al Neyadi
4pm: Gulf Cup presented by Longines Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Al Roba’a Al Khali, Al Moatasem Al Balushi, Younis Al Kalbani
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Apolo Kid, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muahiri
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Dubai World Cup Carnival Card:
6.30pm: Handicap US$135,000 (Turf) 1,200m
7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
7.40pm: Zabeel Turf Listed $175,000 (T) 2,000m
8.15pm: Cape Verdi Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m
8.50pm: Handicap $135,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap $175,000 (T) 1,600m
Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Zayed Sustainability Prize
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate
((Disclaimer))
The Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG (“Bank”) assumes no liability or guarantee for the accuracy, balance, or completeness of the information in this publication. The content may change at any time due to given circumstances, and the Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG is under no obligation to update information once it has been published. This publication is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer, a recommendation or an invitation by, or on behalf of, Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch), Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG, or any of its group affiliates to make any investments or obtain services. This publication has not been reviewed, disapproved or approved by the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) Central Bank, Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) or any other relevant licensing authorities in the UAE. It may not be relied upon by or distributed to retail clients. Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch) is regulated by the DFSA and this advertorial is intended for Professional Clients (as defined by the DFSA) who have sufficient financial experience and understanding of financial markets, products or transactions and any associated risks.
Company%20profile%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EElggo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20August%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Luma%20Makari%20and%20Mirna%20Mneimneh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Education%20technology%20%2F%20health%20technology%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESize%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Four%20employees%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
