Do you need to add family member to car insurance?
If you are reading this blog, chances are you aren’t the only person using the same car! Most of us are willing to share our car with someone we trust; but before handing your car keys to anyone else (a spouse, child, sibling, relative, or friend), you need to know the answer to one important question: Is car authorization enough, or do they need to have car insurance too?
In Saudi Arabia, car insurance rules for covering family members depend entirely on whether you hold Third Party or Comprehensive insurance, and whether the car is owned or leased.
Quick Answers: Who is covered by default in car insurance?
| Who’s driving? | Third Party | Comprehensive (Owned Car) | Bank-leased cars |
| Spouse / Parents / Children | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered automatically | ❌ Requires Bank Authorization first |
| Siblings | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered automatically | ❌ Requires Bank Authorization first |
| Sponsored / Private Driver | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered automatically | ❌ Requires Bank Authorization first |
| Friends / Extended Relatives | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Requires Bank Authorization first |
| Any Driver Under 18 | ❌ Never Covered | ❌ Never Covered | ❌ Never Covered |
| Driver without a License | ❌ Never Covered | ❌ Never Covered | ❌ Never Covered |
If someone else drives my car, do I need to add them my third party insurance?
Yes. Third-party liability (TPL) insurance covers drivers other than the owner, provided they are at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving license.
If someone else drives my car, do I need to add them my comprehensive insurance?
Following the 2022 updates to comprehensive insurance regulations in Saudi Arabia, comprehensive insurance covers drivers other than the owner under these conditions:
- The driver must be a first-degree relative (e.g., father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife).
- Or, the driver must be under the owner’s sponsorship or employment contract (e.g., a private driver).
⚠️ Can I give my bank-leased cars to someone else?
Bank leased cars can ONLY be driven by the owner. In case of an accident, if somebody else is found to be driving it, your insurance payout is zero
If your car is financed through a bank in Saudi Arabia, the insurance only covers the main user registered with the bank. If an unauthorized driver is involved in an accident, the insurance company will reject the claim. Even worse, insurance can legally ask you to repay the full amount it paid to others.
🪪 Can someone else drive my car without a license?
No. Neither third-party nor comprehensive insurance will cover anyone who drives without a valid driving license.
🤝 Can someone else use my car without authorization?
For third party insurance, yes (as long as they have a driving license). For leased/financed bank cars, no. Every driver must be officially authorized and added to the insurance policy.
For young drivers, you’ll want to buy insurance in someone older name to get cheap car insurance
Insurance companies in KSA give lower prices to drivers over 25 with clean driving records. If you transfer your car’s ownership to a family member who fits this profile, your car insurance price will likely drop
Learn the Steps to Transfer Car Ownership Between Family Members + How to Insure a Transferred Vehicle in KSA
Am I covered if I transfer ownership?
Yes. As long as you hold a valid license, the policy covers you. For comprehensive insurance, you must be a first-degree relative of the vehicle owner or under their sponsorship.
Find affordable car insurance that covers every driver in your household
wakeel is a licensed and trusted car insurance platform in Saudi Arabia that brings you the best prices and offers.
Using wakeel, you can easily add additional drivers to your policy before buying. You can even set what percentage each person drives the car to see exactly how it changes the price.
When do you need to add an “Additional Driver”?
You must add an additional driver if the car is financed through a bank or leasing company, or if your specific insurance provider mandates registering any secondary driver who operates the vehicle.
How Do I Add an “Additional Driver” to My Insurance?
- When buying a new car insurance: Look for the option that says “Add Another Driver” or “Additional Driver” and type in their details.
- If you already have car insurance: Call your insurance company directly. Ask them to add the driver, give them the details, and pay the price difference (if any.)
Can you authorise
You cannot authorise a visitor. A visitor can only drive a rental car assigned to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to add my wife to my car insurance?
Usually not if your car has comprehensive insurance and she has a valid driving licence. However, some insurers may require regular drivers to be listed.
Do I need to add my husband to my car insurance?
Usually no for privately owned comprehensive policies, but always check your insurer’s requirements.
Do I need to add my son or daughter to my car insurance?
If they hold a valid driving licence and your policy covers family members, usually no. If they’re the primary user or your insurer requires additional drivers to be declared, they should be added.
Can my brother or sister drive my insured car?
Yes, provided they have a valid licence and your policy allows family members to drive the vehicle.
What happens if someone not listed on my insurance has an accident?
If your policy allows unnamed drivers, your claim may still be covered. However, if your insurer requires additional drivers to be declared—or if the vehicle is financed—the insurer may reject the claim.
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