Comprehensive Vs. TPL Car Insurance in Saudi

Ah, “comprehensive vs. TPL”. Sounds familiar? You’re not alone! Googling those terms probably means you’re trying to answer two big questions: “Which is better?” and “Which is cheaper?” We know how hard is it to decode car insurance jargon, especially for first-time buyers. Its seems like car insurance companies only want to throw around confusing terms and fancy names, but fear not! It all boils down to two main types: third-party and comprehensive car insurance.

Ready to understand the difference between comprehensive vs tpl car insurance in Saudi? Let’s break down the key differences!

What is the difference between comprehensive vs. TPL car insurance?

Feature	Comprehensive car insurance	Third-Party Insurance
Drivers covered	The policyholder, their immediate family members, and any driver under their sponsorship provided that: – they have a valid driver’s license. & – added as an additional driver.	Any driver with a valid driver’s license in Saudi Arabia.
Third-party liability coverage	Up to SAR 10,000,000	Up to SAR 10,000,000
Loss or damage to the car	✅ Covered, regardless of fault.	❌ Not covered, unless you are at fault.
Repair at the dealership	Optional.	❌
Deductible	✅	❌
Natural hazards ie. floods and hail.	✅	❌
Windshield protection	✅	❌
Fire and theft	✅	❌
Depreciation	✅	✅
No claims discount	Up to 60%	Up to 50%
Loyalty discount	✅	✅
Personal accident coverage (driver)	✅	❌
Personal accident coverage (passengers)	✅	❌
Coverage in the Kingdom of Bahrain	✅	❌
Coverage in the GCC countries	✅	❌
Replacement car	✅	❌
Roadside assistance	✅	❌

Does comprehensive insurance really cover everything?

Despite its name, comprehensive car insurance only covers damages caused by accidents. It won’t pay for mechanical breakdowns or wear and tear. Besides, there are several situations where your comprehensive insurance may reject your claim. These include:

• Driving with an expired driver’s license
• Giving false or misleading information when applying or renewing your car insurance
• Overloading your car with passengers or cargo
• Using your car for purposes not listed in the policy ie. using your private car to give paid driving lessons.
• Accidents that happen outside the policy’s geographic area, such as off-road accidents.
• Violating traffic laws — like running a red light — can leave you on the hook for any damages you cause.
• Delaying reporting an accident a little too long.

It’s important to carefully read the policy’s “exclusions” section to understand what’s not covered. For extra protection, you might need to purchase add-ons.

Which is better: comprehensive or third-party liability Insurance?

The best car insurance for you depends on several factors, including:

• Your budget
• Your car’s value and age
• Your driving history

Comprehensive insurance

It’s best to choose comprehensive insurance if:

• You want coverage for theft, fire, or damage from natural disasters.
• You want to be reimbursed for the full value of your car if it’s totaled.
• You prefer to repair your car after an accident at a dealership.
• You need roadside assistance.
• You live in a city with heavy traffic.

Third-Party Liability Insurance

It’s best to choose third-party liability insurance if:

• You’re on a tight budget.
• You’re willing to pay for your own car repairs after an accident.
• You mainly want protection against claims from others if you cause an accident.
• You’re confident in your driving skills.

Don’t forget to compare and shop around

No matter what kind of car insurance you’re looking for, take your time. Figure out exactly what you need before making a decision. And don’t forget to shop around! Comparison websites can help you find the best deal. It’s not just about the name of the insurance company; it’s about finding the right coverage at the right price. If you need to transfer car ownership or get an Istimarah quickly, make sure to compare car insurance prices using wakeel.