Car ready for a road trip in Saudi

Driving long distances is a way of life for many for most Saudis — whether it’s for school, work, or to visit family during the long holidays. And while these road trips in Saudi Arabia can be exciting, they also come with their fair share of surprises. That’s when you realize how important it is to have comprehensive car insurance with free roadside assistance service!

For first-timers, here’s a quick guide on what to check and prepare before hitting the road.

Check your car, every time

Even if the drive doesn’t seem long, don’t skip a basic inspection. Those small issues can turn into big problems when you’re far from home.

• Tires: Check the pressure and look for signs of wear or damage. Bald tires are a big safety risk.
• Lights: Make sure your headlights, brake lights, indicators, and hazard lights are all working.
• Windshield & Wipers: Look for cracks and make sure the wipers are working well, especially if you might hit rain.
• Fluids: This includes engine oil, brake fluid, steering fluid, and radiator coolant. Top off or change anything low or dirty.
• AC: Crucial in Saudi summer heat — make sure your air conditioning is cooling properly.

Be ready for whatever the road brings

Drinking water and some snacks — in case you’re stuck somewhere for a while.

A basic emergency kit with tools, jumper cables, a spare tire, and a jack.

Your car insurance app (or contact number) in case you need help on the road.

This is one of those things you don’t think about… until you really need it.

🛣️ Roadside Assistance

This is a service offered for free by some insurance companies in Saudi Arabia when you have comprehensive coverage. It typically includes:

• Towing services
• Fuel delivery
• Flat tire replacement
• Battery jumpstart

If you have third-party insurance, no worries — you can still add roadside assistance for a small fee.

Some more tips for safer road trip

• Don’t drive tired. The best time to travel is when you’re well-rested and alert. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
• Watch your speed; speeding is one of the top causes of accidents.
• Refuel early. If your gas tank hits halfway, fill up at the next station. You never know how long it’ll be before the next one.
• Bring cash. Not every gas station or shop accepts cards or mobile payments, especially outside major cities or if you’re traveling outside Saudi Arabia.
• Download maps and podcasts offline. Internet service can be spotty in remote areas.

Always prepare for the unexpected!

It’s smart to prepare for emergencies, especially if you’re driving through long stretches of highway or travelling by car from Saudi Arabia to another country. Breakdowns are never convenient, and they rarely happen near help. So, having roadside assistance is totally worth it!

And if you planning to travel by car to a GCC country like the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar. Then it’s better to add GCC coverage to your comprehensive insurance. This extra coverage protects you in case of an accident outside Saudi. Without it, you’ll have to pay out of pocket to tow your car back and pay for car repairs. It’s a small add-on, but it can save you a lot of money and stress if something goes wrong.