5 must-do’s before travelling by car (in Saudi or outside)
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Many people love travelling by car—whether within Saudi Arabia or across borders—because road trips offer unique freedom, flexibility, and the chance to explore at your own pace. But long drives test your car (and your patience) in ways daily drives don’t.
Before hitting the road, follow these 5 steps to prepare your vehicle and understand how your car insurance & roadside assistance coverage can guarantee a worry-free journey.
1. 🔧 Check the car’s condition
Your safety starts with your car.
Before any long trip, make sure your car is in top shape by checking:
- Engine and transmission
- Oil levels and possible leaks
- Suspension arms and control arms
- Brakes
- Tires and shock absorbers
- Wipers and lights
A quick inspection before travelling by car can save you from unexpected breakdowns — especially on long trips or remote areas.
2. 🧰 Pack an emergency kit
Anything can happen on the road — so it’s only smart to be ready.
Keep these essentials in your trunk:
- Car jack + lug wrench
- Portable air compressor
- Jumper cables
- Fire extinguisher
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit
💡 Ask about roadside assistance
Some insurance companies in Saudi Arabia include free roadside assistance with their auto insurance.
It makes dealing with car problems less stressful when you’re nowhere near a shop!Typically, roadside assitnace in Saudi Arabia includes:
Service Benefit 🚗 Towing Transporting your car to the nearest mechanic if it completely stops. 🔋 Jump-Start Giving power to a dead battery. 🛞 Tire Change Send someone to help you replace a flat tire. ⛽ Fuel Delivery Bring fuel if you accidentally run out. Roadside Assitance in Saudi Arabia💡 Don’t buy car insurance before checking all your options!
The next time you renew car insurance, compare insurance quotes online — sometimes a small price difference unlocks valuable benefits like roadside assistance or GCC coverage.
3. 🪪 Prepare travel documents
Before planning a road trip abroad, make sure all your requirements are not expired or soon-to-expire
| Requirement | |
| Travel ID | National ID / Residence Permit (Iqama) or Passport |
| Visa (for Saudi Expats) | Valid Exit and Re-Entry Visa |
| Istimara | Vehicle Registration (Istimara) |
| Driving | Driver’s License |
| Vehicle Authorization | External Vehicle Authorization (can be issued online via Absher) |
4. 🕐 Get your entry car insurance online
According to the Saudi Customs Authority, having expired car insurance won’t stop you at the border.
The key rule is that you must buy car insurance before crossing into another country. This is mandatory because it ensures that any driver entering the country can financially cover the cost of damage they cause to others (third party) during their visit.
To save time at the border, check if the country you are visiting allows you to buy car insurance online before you arrive.
🌍 Comprehensive insurance might cover GCC Countries
✅ If you have comprehensive car insurance, you might already have own-damage coverage for countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman.
✅ Own-damage means your car insurance company will pay for the repair or replacement of your own car if it’s damaged in an accident. So, you still need to pay for car insurance at the border to cover the damage you may cause to others.
✅ Quick Check: Look for Geographical Extension or GCC Coverage in your policy.
5. 🚦 Learn the traffic rules
Each country has its own traffic system — and knowing the rules can save you from fines or confusion:
- UAE: Passing through Salik toll gates requires paying toll fees.
- Bahrain: A flashing green light means “get ready to stop.”
- Qatar: Driving below the minimum speed on the far-left lane counts as a traffic violation.
Even car accident reporting procedures can be different from one place to another — check the rules before you go.
Final thoughts
Travelling by car is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel — full of freedom, discovery, and fun.
But a good road trip starts with preparation: a well-maintained car, and—definitely—a solid car insurance policy that has your back, both inside and outside Saudi Arabia.
