The verdict in three sentences
A custom claims portal costs 41,000 to 117,000 USD (about 150,000 to 430,000 AED) in Dubai in 2026 for a P&C insurer handling 15,000 claims a year. It replaces the counter and email with online claim notification with photos, policyholder case tracking and a traceable handler and adjuster workflow, in line with Central Bank of the UAE requirements. Delivered in 5 to 8 months, it targets one clear outcome: halving settlement time and the handling cost per claim.
Module by module estimate
The range depends mainly on two variables: workflow depth (number of lines such as motor, home, commercial fleet, marine) and the quality of your existing policy administration system. If policies, covers and deductibles are not available through an API, part of the budget goes into integration.
| Module | 2026 cost (USD) | What it delivers |
|---|---|---|
| Online notification, web and mobile (photos, geolocation, documents) | 8,000 to 20,000 | A complete file from first contact |
| Policyholder portal and case tracking (SMS, WhatsApp, email) | 5,000 to 13,000 | No more chase calls to the contact centre |
| Handler and adjuster workflow (assignment, reports, approvals) | 10,000 to 30,000 | Measured lead time at every step |
| Control rules and basic fraud detection | 3,000 to 12,000 | Alerts on duplicates, late notifications, uncovered perils |
| Policy administration integration | 7,000 to 20,000 | Automatic cover and deductible check |
| Claim payments (bank transfer, instant payments) | 3,000 to 10,000 | Settlement on the day of approval |
| Security, hosting, regulatory and PDPL compliance | 5,000 to 12,000 | Audit trail, encryption, access control |
| Total | 41,000 to 117,000 |
These figures are 2026 ballpark estimates for custom development. Annual running costs (hosting, corrective maintenance, minor changes) usually represent 15 to 20 % of the initial budget.
What the portal changes in your KPIs
The main gain does not come from the notification screen. It comes from complete files from day one: today, one email claim in two arrives without an accident report, usable photos or a policy number. The handler then spends days chasing. The portal enforces mandatory documents per cover, compresses photos for weak mobile connections and timestamps every step.
| KPI | Current situation (counter and email) | Target after 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Time from notification to file opening | 5 days | 1 day |
| Average motor settlement time | 60 days | 30 days |
| Incomplete files at opening | 40 % | 15 % |
| Chase calls per claim | 4 | 1 |
| Handling cost per claim | 30 USD | 17 USD |
| Share of claims notified online | 0 % | 50 to 60 % |
These targets are estimates to be validated during scoping on a sample of real files.
Compliance and a 5 to 8 month plan
The Central Bank of the UAE supervises insurers and expects traceable claims decisions and fair settlement times. The federal Personal Data Protection Law (Decree-Law 45 of 2021) applies to photos and accident reports, which contain sensitive data. Plan controlled hosting, role-based access rights and log retention.
A typical plan breaks down as follows: scoping and process mapping in 4 to 6 weeks, online notification and policyholder portal for motor in 3 months, adjuster workflow and policy integration in 2 months, then roll-out to other lines. Starting with motor, which often accounts for 60 % of claims, secures the return on investment.
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Rania, head of claims at a P&C insurer in Dubai, handles 15,000 claims a year. Handling cost drops from 30 to 17 USD per claim, a saving of 13 USD multiplied by 15,000 claims: 195,000 USD a year as a high estimate. With a 75,000 USD portal and 12,000 USD of annual running costs, the net annual gain is 183,000 USD. The project pays back in under 5 months after full go-live, before counting the effect on renewals.
FAQ
Can we start with a single line of business?
Yes, and it is recommended. A first release limited to motor costs 25,000 to 42,000 USD and ships in 3 to 4 months, so you can measure gains before extending.
Will policyholders really notify online?
With a link sent by SMS or WhatsApp and a 5 minute journey, 50 to 60 % of motor claims move online within a year. The counter stays open for the rest.
How do we pay claims faster?
The portal triggers payment as soon as the discharge is approved, by bank transfer or instant payment. Processing fees are typically below 1 % depending on your banking agreement.
Must data be hosted in the UAE?
Not always, but cross-border transfers are regulated and insurers often prefer in-country cloud regions. Local hosting simplifies compliance and costs 500 to 1,500 USD a month depending on volume.
Custom build or off-the-shelf claims software?
An international claims suite often starts above 130,000 USD in licences and integration. Custom development makes sense when your processes and local channels matter more than standard features.
Let's scope your project. We map your claims journey, prioritise a first line of business and price a release deliverable in 3 to 4 months within a controlled budget. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
