Vehicle insurance in Saudi Arabia: Your comprehensive guide to choosing the best coverage at the best price

Everything you need to know about car insurance in Saudi Arabia

Do you feel confused when trying to choose the right vehicle insurance in Saudi Arabia? Do you find it difficult to understand the crucial differences between "third-party" and "comprehensive" insurance, or wonder why prices keep going up every year? Maybe you worry about what exactly to do in the event of an accident (God forbid), or how to guarantee your full rights if the insurance company tries to deny your claim. You're not alone in facing these challenges.

That's why we've prepared this comprehensive guide for you. In this article, we'll answer all your questions and demystify the process. We'll take you step-by-step to understand the types of insurance, uncover the factors that control the price, and give you smart and proven strategies to save money on your renewal. Most importantly, we'll show you your full rights under SAMA regulations and how to properly handle claims and complaints. By the end of this article, you'll have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision that protects your vehicle and your wallet.

Vehicle insurance in Saudi Arabia: Not just an option, but a legal necessity (why now?)

Many people think that vehicle insurance is just a routine procedure to renew the "form" (driver's license), but its importance goes far beyond that. In fact, vehicle insurance in Saudi Arabia is a legal, social and economic necessity, especially under the current circumstances.

Legally, the General Directorate of Traffic in Saudi Arabia requires all vehicle owners to have the minimum amount of insurance (civil liability insurance) to cover the damages they may cause to others. Driving without valid insurance exposes you to financial penalties and can lead to more complicated legal consequences in the event of an accident.

Economically and socially, insurance is your financial safety net. In a single moment, a simple accident can cause financial claims of thousands of riyals, whether for repairing the other party's vehicle or, God forbid, for bodily injuries. Without insurance, you will be directly responsible for paying these amounts out of your own pocket. With the costs of spare parts and repairs rising significantly in recent years, this "net" has become more important than ever to protect your financial stability.

Analyzing the auto insurance market: Why are prices rising and complaints abound?

If you feel like your car insurance premium is going up year after year, you're not alone. The Saudi car insurance market is undergoing major shifts that have led to a significant increase in average prices. The main reasons behind this are multiple, the first of which is the global rise in auto parts prices and shipping costs. Secondly, technological advances in modern cars (such as sensors and cameras) have made repairs more complex and expensive, even for minor accidents.

This rise in the cost of claims has prompted insurers to reassess their risks and raise prices to maintain their profitability. In parallel with the price hikes, there has also been an increase in the number of complaints from customers. These complaints are often centered around:

• Some claims are rejected or delayed in processing.
• Disagreement over damage assessment and the amount of compensation.
• Misunderstanding the terms and conditions of the policy, especially the exclusions and tolerances.
• Difficulty in getting fast and efficient customer service.

This dynamic makes it imperative for the consumer to be more aware and understand their rights and the details of the policy they are buying.

How the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) protects you (The role of the regulator in the insurance sector)

In the face of these challenges, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) plays a pivotal role as a regulator and supervisor of the insurance sector in the Kingdom. SAMA's role is not limited to licensing companies and ensuring their solvency, but extends directly to protecting the rights of the insured (customers).

The central bank sets regulations that oblige insurance companies to be transparent and fair in their dealings, and sets timeframes for processing claims and responding to complaints. For example, the Unified Motor Insurance Policy is one of SAMA's initiatives to standardize minimum coverages and ensure there are no unfair terms.

More importantly, the Saudi Central Bank has established a specialized department and an effective channel to receive and process customer complaints against insurance companies, the SAMA Cares platform. If you feel that the insurance company did not do you justice or delayed in responding to you, you can turn to SAMA as an impartial and reliable body. This active oversight role provides an additional layer of protection for the consumer and ensures that companies adhere to the required service standards.

The fundamental difference: Third-party or comprehensive insurance (which one to choose for your car?).

When you decide to buy insurance for your vehicle, you will be faced with two main options: Third Party Liability (TPL) and Comprehensive. Understanding the difference between the two is the cornerstone of choosing the right coverage for your needs and budget. Making the wrong choice could mean either paying extra for coverage you don't need, or worse, finding out you're not covered in a costly accident.

Compulsory third-party insurance: What are its limits and who is covered?

Third-Party Liability (TPL) insurance is also known as mandatory insurance. This type of insurance is the minimum required by law in Saudi Arabia to be able to legally drive your vehicle.

What does it cover? This insurance covers physical and material damages caused by your vehicle to a third party only. In other words, if you caused the accident (God forbid), the insurance company will pay for the cost of repairing the other party's car, and any bodily injury compensation for them, within certain limits (usually up to SAR 10 million).

What are its limits? The most important limitation is that third-party insurance does not cover any damages to your own vehicle or any bodily injuries sustained by you as the at-fault driver. If your car is expensive and suffers significant damage, you will have to pay for repairs entirely out of your own pocket.

Comprehensive insurance: Full coverage for your car (damage, theft, and fire)

As the name suggests, Comprehensive Insurance provides much broader coverage. It is the preferred choice for those looking for complete peace of mind.

What does it cover?

• Third-Party Coverage: Automatically includes everything covered by "third-party" insurance (physical and bodily harm to others).
• Covering your own vehicle: This is the key difference. Comprehensive insurance covers the costs of repairing damage to your vehicle as a result of an accident, even if you were at fault.
• Additional coverages: Also includes reimbursement in cases of theft (whether the whole car or parts) and fire (unintentional).

In addition, optional coverages (additional benefits) can be added to the comprehensive insurance policy for an additional fee, such as:

• Agency repair coverage (instead of approved garages).
• Provide a replacement vehicle during the repair period.
• Covering damage caused by natural disasters (such as floods and hail).
• Personal accident coverage for the driver and passengers.

[Clear Comparison Table: Comprehensive vs. Third Party Insurance (Coverage, Price, For Whom)]

To help you decide, here's a direct comparison of the two types:
Selection formula: Is your car new or used (selecting the right type of insurance)?

The choice between Comprehensive and Third Party depends largely on the value of your vehicle and your financial risk tolerance.

If your car is new (less than 3-5 years old) or has a high market value:

• The undisputed best option is comprehensive insurance. The cost of repairing minor damages in modern cars can be very high, and losing your car completely (due to a major accident or theft) would be a financial catastrophe. The extra premium you pay for comprehensive insurance is an investment in protecting the value of your car.
• If your car is financed by a bank or finance company, you will be required to take out comprehensive insurance.

If your car is used or old (more than 5-7 years old) and has a low market value:

• This is where the decision becomes more complicated. The annual comprehensive insurance premium may be close to a large percentage of the value of the car itself.
• In this case, third-party insurance may be a logical and economical choice. You abide by the law and cover your responsibility to others, while at the same time saving on the annual premium. However, you should be prepared to bear the cost of repairing your car yourself if you are at fault for the accident.

The golden rule: Ask yourself this question: "If my car gets into an accident and is totaled tomorrow, can I afford to repair it or buy a replacement car without facing a financial crisis?" If the answer is "no," you need comprehensive insurance.

Why is your car insurance price going up? (The hidden factors that control the price)

We are often surprised when we renew our insurance that the price is different from last year, or that the price offered to us is different from that of a friend who owns a similar car. The truth is that the price of an insurance policy is not random, but the result of a complex risk assessment formula used by insurance companies. Understanding these factors gives you a better ability to anticipate the cost and work to minimize it if possible.

Driver's file: How does your age and accident history affect your premium?

Insurance companies consider driver characteristics to be the most important predictor of the likelihood of an accident.

• Age: Statistically, younger drivers (usually under 25 years old) are more prone to accidents due to inexperience and a tendency to take risks. Therefore, their insurance premiums are often the highest.
• Incident log (NCD): This is the most influential factor. If you have an accident-free and claim-free record for consecutive years, you will receive a "No Claims Discount" (NCD), a significant discount that can be as much as 60% off the base premium. Conversely, if you have a history of multiple accidents, especially if you caused them, the company will consider you a "high risk" and the price will go up significantly, and you may find it difficult to get insurance from some companies.
• Years of experience: The number of years you hold a valid driver's license also plays a role. The more experience you have, the lower the risk.

Vehicle type: (the impact of the car model and the value of its spare parts on the price)

Not all cars are created equal in the eyes of insurance companies.

• Market value: The higher the value of the car, the more expensive it is to replace it in the event of theft or total loss, and therefore the higher the comprehensive insurance premium.
• The cost of spare parts and repair: This is a critical factor. Luxury cars (e.g. Mercedes, BMW) and sports cars have expensive parts and very high repair costs at dealerships. Therefore, their insurance (especially comprehensive) is very expensive because the cost of repairing a minor accident may be equivalent to the cost of repairing a major accident for a budget car.
• The vehicle's safety record: Some cars are statistically known to be more prone to theft or accidents, which can affect the price.

Where you live: (How does your geographic area determine your risk?)

The city and neighborhood where you permanently reside affects your premium. Insurance companies rely on statistical data of accident and theft rates in different areas.

• crowded areas: Living in large, congested cities like Riyadh or Jeddah usually means higher premiums compared to living in small towns or quiet areas. The reason is the higher traffic density, which increases the likelihood of accidents (minor or major).
• Crime rates: Areas with higher rates of car theft may also see a slight increase in comprehensive insurance premiums.

This is determined based on the address registered in the Form and your national address.

Additional coverages and deductibles: (How do you balance protection and cost?)

When purchasing insurance (especially comprehensive), you have the ability to customize your policy, and this directly affects the price.

• Additional coverages (benefits): The more benefits you add, the higher the price. Adding "Dealership Repair" coverage (especially for cars that are more than 3 years old) increases the price significantly. Adding "Replacement Vehicle" or "Natural Disaster Coverage" will increase the premium.
• Deductible: This is the amount you agree to pay out of your own pocket for every accident you cause, before the insurance company starts covering the rest of the costs.
  • Low tolerance ratio (e.g. SAR 500): It means better protection for you (you pay less in the event of an accident), but leads to a higher annual premium.
  • High tolerance (e.g. SAR 2000): This means you'll pay more in the event of an accident, but it significantly lowers your annual premium.

You should carefully weigh your ability to pay a lump sum in the event of an accident against your desire to pay a lower annual premium.

5 smart steps to save money on car insurance renewal

Renewing your car insurance doesn't have to be a costly or frustrating experience. With a little planning and knowledge, you can save significant amounts on your annual premium without sacrificing the essential coverage you need. Don't settle for the first price you're offered; the market is competitive, and the smart consumer will use that competition to their advantage. Here are 5 practical steps to make it happen.

Don't accept the first offer: (The importance of using insurance quote comparison platforms)

The biggest mistake many people make is accepting a renewal offer from their current company without looking for alternatives. Loyalty doesn't always mean getting the best price in the insurance market.

• Use comparison platforms: In Saudi Arabia today, several online platforms licensed by the Central Bank (SAMA) (e.g., Insmi and BeCare) allow you to enter your and your vehicle's data once, and get instant quotes from dozens of accredited insurance companies.
• Compare details: Don't just look at the final price. Compare the coverages offered, the Deductible, and additional coverages (such as agency repair). You might find an offer that's a few riyals cheaper, but it excludes an important coverage you need.
• Start early: Don't wait until the last day before your policy is finalized. Start the research and comparison process at least two weeks in advance to give yourself enough time to make the right decision without stress.

(How do you get the "No Claims Discount"?)

If you're a careful driver and don't make any claims to the insurance company, the law rewards you. The No Claim Discount (NCD) is your legal right and not a favor from the insurance company.

• How does it work? This deductible increases for each year that passes without a claim being filed. It usually starts from 15% for the first year, and may go up to 60% for the fifth year and above (the rates vary slightly between companies and within SAMA regulations).
• Make sure it's applied: When getting quotes (whether from your current company or via comparison platforms), make sure that the "No Claims Discount" is correctly applied to the base price. Your record is automatically verified by linking to Najm.
• The importance of preserving it: This deductible is the most powerful tool for lowering the price. Sometimes, it may be better to pay for very minor accidents (whose cost is close to the deductible) out of your own pocket, rather than filing a claim and losing this large deductible in the years to come.

Agency Repair or Authorized Garage? (Impact of your choice on the insurance price)

When buying comprehensive insurance, you'll often be asked about the option of a place of repair.

• Repair of the agency: This option means that in the event of an accident, your car will be repaired at the official dealership using original parts. This is the best option for repair quality, but it raises your annual premium significantly. This option is usually only available for new cars (the first two or three years).
• Authorized garages (repair shops): This option means that the repair will be done in a network of workshops authorized by the insurer. The cost is lower for the insurer, which translates into a lower annual premium for you.
• How to save? If your car has exceeded the warranty period (more than 3-5 years), the "dealership repair" option may not be economically viable. Choosing a network of "authorized garages" can save you hundreds of Riyals in annual premium, while guaranteeing a good level of repair (as long as the workshops are certified and reputable).

[Checklist: (Steps to ensure you get the best price before renewing your car insurance)]

Use this simple checklist before making a renewal decision:

• Determine the needs: Do you still need comprehensive insurance? Or has the value of your car decreased and third-party insurance is sufficient?
• Review additional coverages: Are you currently paying for a "dealership repair" on a 6-year-old car? Cancel the benefits you no longer need.
• Review the tolerance ratio: Can you increase the tolerance ratio (e.g. from 500 to 1000 SAR) in exchange for a lower annual installment?
• Collect documents: Make sure the "form" and your ID/residency card are valid.
• Use comparison platforms: Get at least 3 quotes from different platforms or different companies.
• Check the NCD discount: Make sure the "no claims" discount is applied correctly in all offers.
• Read the exceptions: Before paying, read the most important exclusions (what's not covered) in the cheapest policy.
• Check the company's reputation: Look for customer reviews about the claims processing speed of your chosen company. The cheapest price is not always the best if the after-sales service is poor.

Post-Accident (God forbid) Guide: (Act calmly and follow these steps)

Experiencing a traffic accident, no matter how minor, is a stressful and confusing experience. In these moments, it's natural to feel stressed, but acting calmly and following the right procedures is key to ensuring your safety and preserving your legal and financial rights. The steps you take in the first few minutes and hours after the accident are crucial to the insurance claim process.

Immediate Steps: (Secure location and connect to Star or Traffic)

Your safety and the safety of others is the top priority.

1. Secure the site: If the accident is minor, try to move vehicles to the side of the road (if possible) to avoid blocking traffic and additional accidents. Turn on your warning lights (flashers).
2. Check for safety: Check for your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of the people in the other vehicle.
3. Contact the appropriate authority (most important):
   • If there are no injuries (physical accidents only): Immediately contact Najm Insurance Services (920000560). "Najm is authorized to handle physical accidents in which one (or both) parties have valid insurance.
   • In case of injuries (physical) or death (God forbid): You should call Traffic (993) and Red Crescent (997) immediately. "Najm does not respond to accidents involving injuries.
   • If one of the parties does not have insurance: Traffic must be reported.
4. Do not leave the site: Never leave the scene before Najm or traffic arrives, even if the accident is minor. Leaving the scene may put you in a weak legal position.
5. Collecting information: While you wait, (if it's safe to do so) take photos of the damage and the other vehicle's license plate, and exchange basic contact information with the other party, but avoid getting into discussions about who is at fault. Leave the determination of responsibility to the investigator.

Guide to Filing a Claim: (Required paperwork and timelines to secure your right)

Once you receive the accident report (from Najm or Traffic), the process of submitting the claim to the insurance company begins. Speed and accuracy are key to a smooth process.

• Notify the insurance company: Contact your own insurance company (if you are claiming on your comprehensive insurance) or the other party's insurance company (if they are at fault and you are making a "third party" claim) as soon as possible, and inform them of the accident.
• Required documents (usually):
  1. The original accident report (paper or electronic) that establishes the percentage of fault.
  2. A copy of the vehicle's "form".
  3. A copy of your national ID or residency card.
  4. A copy of your driver's license (must be valid at the time of the accident).
  5. Bank account number (IBAN) to transfer the compensation amount.
  6. "damage estimation" from authorized centers (e.g. "Estimate") if you are requested to do so.
• Duration: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) regulations require insurers to respond to and process claims within specific timeframes (usually 15 working days for completed claims). Make sure you submit all your paperwork in full to avoid any delays. Keep copies of all correspondence and the date you submitted your paperwork.

What if the insurance company refuses to pay? (Your rights to cover major damage such as an engine)

Sometimes, you may be surprised that the insurance company refuses to cover all or part of the damage, especially for large and complex damages such as damage to the engine (machine) or transmission (gear).

• Ask for a written reason: The first step is to ask the insurance company for a clear, written reason for the denial, pointing out the specific clause in the policy they are citing.
• Common reasons for rejection:
  • Document exceptions: The company may claim that the damage was caused by "misuse" or "negligence" (such as continuing to drive the car after the accident even though the engine overheated), which may be excluded from coverage.
  • The damage is not caused by the accident: The company may claim that the engine damage is old or caused by something other than a head-on collision.
• your rights:
  1. Revision of the document: Read your policy carefully to make sure the reason for rejection is correct.
  2. Technical report: You can turn to an independent technical expert or specialized "estimation" centers to get a report proving that the damage was a direct result of the accident.
  3. Escalation: If you're sure the rejection is unfair, start by filing a formal complaint with the company's customer service department.
  4. Recourse to SAMA: If the issue is not resolved, immediately file a complaint with Sama Cares (as explained later), attaching all documents, the incident report and the technical report that supports your position.

Your rights first: The complete guide to filing a complaint against a vehicle insurance company

When you buy an insurance policy, you are buying a "promise" of financial protection when needed. But what do you do if you feel that the insurer has not fulfilled this promise? Whether it's an unexplained delay, a denial of a claim you think is due, or poor service, it's important to know that you have clear rights as a customer, and that there are organized mechanisms to ensure that you get those rights. It's important to know that you have clear rights as a customer, and that there are organized mechanisms in place to ensure you get those rights.

Why do claims get rejected (the most common reasons and how to avoid them in the first place)

Understanding the common reasons why claims are rejected is the first line of defense to avoid this issue in the first place.

• The claim is out of coverage: The most common reason. For example, trying to claim for repairs to your car when you only have third-party insurance, or claiming for damage caused by a natural disaster (flooding) when you didn't purchase this additional coverage.
• Serious offenses (exceptions): Most policies exclude accident coverage if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving against traffic, running a red light, or fleeing the scene of an accident.
• Incorrect or incomplete information: Providing false information when purchasing the policy (e.g. hiding the driver's real age) or not providing complete documents when claiming (e.g. Najm report).
• The document or license has expired: The accident occurs and the insurance policy or driver's license is expired.

How to avoid them?

• Read your policy carefully (especially the exclusions page) before you buy it, not after the fact.
• Be 100% honest in the information you provide when buying insurance.
• Always obey traffic laws.
• Make sure to renew all your documents (insurance, license, form) on time.

Escalation steps: (How to make a formal and effective complaint to the insurance company?)

If you feel your claim has been unfairly denied, or there is a significant delay in processing, don't despair. Follow these steps to escalate in an organized manner:

1. Calm and clear communication: Contact the claims department and inquire about the reason for the denial or delay. Ask for a written explanation.
2. File a formal complaint with the company: If you are not satisfied with the response, ask to be referred to the Customer Complaints Department within the insurance company itself. Every licensed company is required to have this department.
3. Document everything: Submit your complaint in writing (via the official complaints email). Clearly state your policy number, claim number, details of the incident, and the reason for your complaint.
4. Set a time limit: Ask them to respond to your written complaint within a reasonable amount of time (e.g. 5-10 business days). Keep a copy of all your letters and their responses.

This step is necessary because Sama will ask you to prove that you tried to resolve the issue with the company first.

Last Resort: (When and how to use Sama Cares to resolve a dispute?)

If all your attempts with the insurance company fail, or if the company does not respond to your formal complaint within the specified period (5 working days), this is where SAMA Cares comes in.

• What is Sama Cares? SAMA is an online platform launched by the Saudi Central Bank as a "last resort" to resolve disputes between customers and financial institutions (including insurance companies) in a fair, impartial and free of charge.
• When to use it? After you have made a formal complaint to the company, and it has not been resolved or has not been responded to.
• How to use it?
  1. Access the official Sama Cares website.
  2. Select "File a Complaint" and choose the "Insurance" sector.
  3. Fill out the form with your data and details of the complaint very clearly.
  4. Attach all supporting documents: The accident report, insurance policy, photos of the damage, and most importantly: A copy of the complaint you filed with the company and their response (to prove that you've exhausted the first step).
• What happens next? SAMA reviews the complaint and communicates directly with the insurance company to investigate the matter and compel them to respond and resolve the issue in accordance with the rules and regulations. This procedure is very effective and often leads to the resolution of disputes that could not be resolved directly.

[Top Frequently Asked Questions about Vehicle Insurance in Saudi Arabia]

The motor insurance market is full of details, and it's natural to have specific questions. Here we've collected the most common questions we get from drivers in Saudi Arabia, with clear and straightforward answers to help you.

The danger of auto-renewal: (is it convenient or costly?)

Auto-Renewal is a service offered by some insurance companies where your policy is automatically renewed as it nears its expiration date using your saved payment details.

• Is it comfortable? Yes, it's very convenient and ensures that you don't forget your renewal date, thus avoiding driving without insurance and traffic violations.
• Is it expensive? Yes, it is often expensive. When you auto-renew, you accept the price the company offers without any comparison. More often than not, this price is higher than the prices you can get if you search and compare through online platforms (as we mentioned in the saving steps).
• Advice: Turn off auto-renewal. Set a reminder on your phone a couple weeks before the expiration date, and do an active price comparison every year. This ensures you always get the best price available in the market.

Does my car insurance cover another driver? (Conditions for adding drivers)

This is a very important point and causes a lot of misunderstandings.

• General answer: A standard insurance policy covers the "owner of the vehicle" and anyone driving the vehicle with the owner's consent, as long as this additional driver meets certain conditions (such as being over the age specified in the policy, usually 18 or 21, and holding a valid driver's license).
• But (and this is most important): Some companies, especially to reduce the price, may set special conditions. If there is another driver who uses the car on a regular basis (such as your son, wife, or personal driver), it is essential to officially inform the insurance company and add their name to the policy as "Additional Driver".
• This may incur additional fees (especially if the additional driver is young), but failing to disclose the presence of a regular additional driver may give the company the right to deny the entire claim in the event of an accident while driving the car.

Luxury and commercial car insurance: Why are prices high and what are the solutions?

If you own a luxury car (such as a Porsche, Ferrari, or Bentley) or a fleet of commercial vehicles (such as delivery trucks or taxis), you know that getting insurance for them can be a challenge.

• Why are prices high?
  • Luxury cars: The cost of repairing them is very expensive. A simple accident can cost hundreds of thousands of riyals due to the astronomical prices of spare parts and the need for specialized technicians.
  • Commercial vehicles: They are at higher risk because they travel longer distances and operate in different conditions (such as heavy transportation or passenger delivery), which statistically increases the likelihood of accidents.
• Possible solutions:
  1. Increased endurance: Accepting a very high Deductible is one of the most effective ways to lower your premium.
  2. Specialized insurance: Look for insurance companies or agents that specialize in insuring commercial fleets or luxury cars.
  3. Negotiate (for fleets): If you have a large fleet, you can negotiate bundled rates (Fleet Insurance) to get a better price.

Accident Discount or Loyalty Discount (which one saves you more money?)

Many people confuse two types of discounts:

1. No Claims Discount (NCD): This is the most powerful and important discount. It's a statutory right you get based on your clean accident record, and it moves with you from one company to another. As mentioned, it can go as high as 60%.
2. Loyalty Discount: This is a marketing discount that some companies offer as a "reward" for renewing with them for another year.

Which one saves more?

The No Claims Discount (NCD) saves you a lot more money and is guaranteed. The loyalty discount is often a small percentage (5% or 10%), and the company may use it to convince you to renew with them at a higher base price.

Don't let the "loyalty discount" fool you. You may find another company offering you a much lower total price (after applying your NCD discount) even without the loyalty discount. Always compare the final figure after all discounts have been applied.

Bottom line: How to balance the right price and comprehensive coverage for your car insurance

Ultimately, choosing car insurance in Saudi Arabia is a delicate balancing act. It's not just a product purchase, it's an investment in your peace of mind and financial protection. The challenge is finding the sweet spot between paying a reasonable premium and having strong coverage that actually protects you when needed.

The cheapest price is not always the best option. A cheap third-party insurance policy may save you hundreds of riyals today, but it could cost you tens of thousands tomorrow if your car is involved in an accident that you caused. On the other hand, paying an exorbitant premium for comprehensive insurance with benefits you don't need (such as an agency repairing an old car) is also a waste of money.

A smart choice starts with understanding your needs:

• The value of your car: Is it new or old?
• Your financial capacity: Can you afford to pay for a major repair out of pocket?
• Your file as a driver: Is your record clean and do you deserve a big discount?

Use the tools available to you, especially price comparison platforms. Read the details, understand the meaning of "tolerance ratio", and don't hesitate to cancel unnecessary benefits. Most importantly, remember that your rights are protected by SAMA regulations, and don't hesitate to use the SAMA Cares platform when needed.

By following this guide, you can navigate the insurance market with confidence, choosing the policy that gives you the best protection at the best possible price.

Your comprehensive guide to car insurance

We've come a long way in this guide, and here's a summary of the most important points to remember:

• Choose between "third-party" and "comprehensive": Your choice should be based on the value of your vehicle (new or old) and your ability to bear the financial risk. "Comprehensive" provides greater peace of mind for valuable vehicles.
• The price is not fixed: The insurance price is influenced by your driver profile (age, accident history) and vehicle type. Never accept the first offer; use comparison platforms and take advantage of the No Claims Discount (NCD) to maximize savings.
• Post-incident procedures: Staying calm and following the right steps immediately after the accident (especially calling Najm or Traffic immediately) is the first guarantee of a smooth claim process.
• Your rights first: Your rights as a customer are strongly protected by the Saudi Arabian Central Bank (SAMA). If you experience any unexplained delays or refusals, use the official SAMA Cares channel to resolve the dispute.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this detailed guide to the end. We sincerely hope that we have provided you with the necessary knowledge and tools that will enable you to navigate the Saudi vehicle insurance market with confidence and clarity.

Always remember that choosing an insurance policy is not a decision based on the cheapest price, but a smart balance between affordability and real protection that gives you peace of mind on the road. We wish you safe driving.