TPL insurance vs comprehensive in Saudi Arabia

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!

How is TPL different from comprehensive insurance

What’s included	Comprehensive Car Insurance	Third Party Insurance
Other driver(s)	✅car owner, their immediate family, and driver under their sponsorship.	✅ Any driver aged 18 or older with a valid Saudi license.
Does it cover damages you cause to others?	✅ Yes, up to SAR 10,000,000	✅ Yes, up to SAR 10,000,000
Does it cover your own car damage?	✅ Yes, covered regardless of who was at fault.	❌ No.
Can you choose to repair your car at a dealership?	✅ Optional	❌ No
Do you have to pay a portion of the repair cost when you file a claim (deductible)?	✅ Yes	❌ No (as your own car is not covered)
Is rain damage covered?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Is damage to your windshield covered?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Fire and theft?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Can you get a discount if you don’t have accidents?	✅ Up to 60% discount from Najm.	✅ Up to 50% discount from Najm.
Can you get a discount for being a loyal customer?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Are medical expenses or injuries for the driver of your car covered?	✅ Optional	❌ No
Are medical expenses or injuries for passengers in your car covered?	✅ Optional	❌ No
Is your car covered if you drive in Bahrain?	✅ Optional	❌ No
Is your car covered if you drive in other GCC countries?	✅ Optional	❌ No
Will you get a replacement car while your car is in repair?	✅ Optional	❌ No
Is roadside assistance included (e.g., towing, flat tire help)?	✅ Optional, sometimes free	❌ No

Does car insurance cover all accidents?

Despite the name, even comprehensive car insurance won’t cover every single accident. 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.