Complete guide to Car Insurance in Qatar: Get Insured
Qatar has a compulsory insurance scheme for all cars, third-party or otherwise. Whether you are moving to Qatar and planning to drive in Qatar, you will need to know how to get car insurance in Qatar. But if you are worried about selecting the best one, here’s a quick guide just for you:
How to Get Car Insurance in Qatar: A General Outline
Car insurance is a precondition before driving in Qatar. It is compulsory for any motorist; however, the minimum liability coverage is third-party liability insurance that covers damages to other’s properties or their injuries. For most motorists though, comprehensive car insurance serves much better as it provides a wider extent of protection because it covers damage to the car itself.
Insurance in Qatar is closely associated with the vehicle rather than the driver. This means that any license holder can drive a covered vehicle.
Most insurance firms offer reduced prices for insuring more than one vehicle, although each policy is registered specifically for a certain car. The minimum insurance period one needs to be registered with for a vehicle in Qatar is 12 months. While purchasing insurance, one needs a valid driving license and an address in Qatar. Driving without cover is illegal and can attract one of the steepest fines for running a vehicle uninsured.
Check the complete list of MOI Traffic violations with demerit points.
The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) with QUBI and the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) operate as insurance industry regulators in Qatar. These authorities regulate and ensure due process that protects the interest of consumers.
Getting car Insurance in Qatar Online
The application procedures are different with different Qatar-based companies. In today’s world, most organizations also offer the option of an online application, which means you can upload attachments online. Generally, you would be asked to follow these easy steps:
Here is a guide to get a Qatar International Driving License.
Types of car insurance
Qatar provides two basic types of car insurance.
Third-Party Liability Insurance
This is the least legal requirement in Qatar. It will pay for the damages or injuries caused to any third party or their properties by your vehicle. This insurance does not apply to your vehicle or personal injuries.
Comprehensive Insurance
For instance, comprehensive insurance gives you further protection beyond third-party liability. Such insurance covers damages or injuries not just to others but to your vehicle as well. Some of the extra coverage you will find with such an insurance policy includes personal accident coverage, and roadside assistance, among many others. Generally, third-party liability costs less than comprehensive, so this usually adds up to a lot of more money.
Additional Coverage
If you’re looking for more options to customize your insurance, then these are add-ons:
Personal Accident Cover
This will cover the hospital bills and disabilities paid in case of an accident involving your vehicle
Off-Road Cover
If you have a 4×4 that you primarily drive along a dirt road, this type of coverage will cater to the costs you may incur in that condition
Roadside Assistance
This will see you out in case your vehicle breaks down or tire goes flat among other emergencies off the road.
Rental Car Cover
It can also compensate for a rental car should your vehicle meet an accident, requiring you to have it repaired.
Disaster Protection
This protection covers damages caused by your car during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, or storms.
Few of the Best Car Insurance Companies in Qatar:
1. Arabia Insurance Company (AIC):
4. Commercial Bank of Qatar (CBQ)
8. lAl Khaleej Takaful Insurance
9. Qatar Insurance Company QIC Online
10. Qatar Islamic Insurance Company (QIIC)
Car Insurance Price in Qatar
Determinants of Car Insurance Premiums
Car- Model, type, value, and security features.
Driver- Age and driving record.
Coverage- Type and excess
Usage- Private or business.
Premiums tend to be between 4% to 7% of the value of the vehicle per annum. Some insurance operators charge a minimum annual premium of about QR 1,000.
An excess or deductible is the amount that an individual has to pay himself/herself for a claim. The increase in the excess sometimes lowers premiums. However, this must be balanced against the burden of paying for a claim.
Steps to Choose the Best Car Insurance in Qatar
When selecting car insurance in Qatar, conducting thorough research and comparing quotes from multiple providers is essential. Key factors such as no-claims discounts, deductible policies, coverage options, and roadside assistance should also significantly influence your decision. Additionally, take time to review the insurer’s reputation and the claims process to ensure a hassle-free experience. Before selecting your vehicle insurance company follow these steps:
Applying for car Insurance in Qatar
Application procedures differ across insurance providers in Qatar. Nowadays, most companies offer the convenience of online applications, enabling you to upload supporting documents digitally. In most cases, you will be required to follow these steps:
- Select Coverage- Choose the desired insurance type.
- Gather Documents- Provide Qatar ID, driver’s license, and vehicle registration.
- Submit Application- Apply to your chosen insurer.
- Provide Information- Supply additional details as needed.
- Pay Premium- Make the insurance payment.
- Receive Policy- Obtain your insurance policy document.
Check your Qatar ID Status as it should be up to date and if it is expired learn to renew Qatar ID.
Car insurance in Qatar for Expat
MOI Qatar has made life easy for its expats. It allows them to purchase Car insurance online via Qatar Unified Bureau Insurance or on the Abu Samra border in person.
QUBI comes under the Qatar Central Bank. It represents a group of insurance companies that issue Third-party coverage according to Islamic Sharia. This is another service by MOI for its travelers that enables them to buy insurance before entering Qatar. This is especially for Non-Qatari vehicles.
Do you need to use Foreign Car Insurance in Qatar?
Yes, foreign car insurance is acceptable in Qatar in the following scenarios:
GCC Insurance Validity– Usually, insurance policies purchased in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, etc, provide coverage throughout the region.
Mandatory Qatari Insurance– Some countries that have its dual license, especially those in the EU and US can use it for a week in Qatar. In the short time you spend in Qatar, you will likely be able to rely on the insurance coverage you have back home. You should thus contact your insurer.
Domestic Requirement- If your foreign insurance does not cover Qatar, then you must buy a domestic policy from a Qatari insurance company. Qatar has several local and international insurance providers.
Consult your insurance company and comply with local regulations in the above cases.
Car insurance Claim in Qatar
There are also various means through which one can submit their car insurance claim in Qatar. Some companies have made it possible to file claims by just sending an email with all the required documents attached to it.
Normally, this includes the following;
Car Insurance Incentives and Penalties in Qatar
Car insurance companies in Qatar give a no-claims bonus annually for drivers who will not raise an insurance claim. Every insurer has a no-claims policy, which usually starts with a 10% discount for the first year of the claims-free period. The discount is sure to add 1% every year to reach up to 50% after several years.
Although some insurers do consider no-claims histories, they also proceed to hike premiums for the high-risk driver. You might, thus end up spending much more on insurance if you:
Renewing Car Insurance in Qatar:
To avoid lapse, renew early, at least a week before your policy lapses. Now’s also the best time to review your coverages. If you want some changes, now’s the time to do it. When seeking lower prices, make sure you don’t screech on reliability.
Also do not forget to renew istimara of your vehicle.
Changing Insurance Companies
On your policy, you might anticipate that you’ll be expected to have at least 12 months of car insurance in Qatar. You may cancel or change providers in a given policy normally within the last month of coverage for such. Based on what is likely, you should not be able to get any refund in case you cancel beforehand.
Some insurers let you cancel, even after renewal, as long as you give them one month’s written or emailed notice. So, it really does pay to review your cancellation options with your provider.
Filing a Complaint against an Insurance Company in Qatar
Feeling rather ashamed of your car insurance company? Here’s what you can do about it.
Car recovery in Qatar
Several firms offer roadside assistance in case of a car breakdown in Qatar. The most known service providers include the Arabian Automobile Association (AAA), Qatar Car Towing, and MG Car Towing.
Many insurance companies also offer breakdown cover as an optional add-on to your policy and many customers will pay a little extra for such coverage. Besides these two, some car makers, such as Volkswagen and Chevrolet, offer direct breakdown coverage in Qatar.
Different service providers and kinds of services charge differently. For instance, the AAA has three membership plans priced at between QR 250 to QR 750 per year.
Other Useful Information
Conclusion
Car insurance in Qatar is a must for driving. While technically, third-party liability only is required, comprehensive coverage will give significantly better protection than a typical third-party policy. Keep your policy updated and compare various ones to save a good amount by opting for the best available. If you have any more problems comment down.
