Get cash if something in/on the road damaged your car in Saudi

After human error, the second most common cause of car accidents in Arab countries is poor road conditions. So what happens if your car gets damaged by the road itself? Where can you complain? And who pays for the damage?

In Saudi Arabia, if your car is damaged by something on the road, the road contractor is fully responsible. The municipality can help you get money for your car repairs. Besides, if you have comprehensive car insurance, you can get your money in 15 days!

When can you claim road damage?

If your car gets damaged by something on the road in Saudi Arabia, you can ask for money to fix it! The Saudi Ministry of Transport says you can claim if the damage came from:

• A pothole, or uneven road surface
• Manhole covers sticking up
• Poor street maintenance or design
• Construction waste or a speed bump with no warning sign

In these situations, it’s 100% the responsibility of the contractor or company in charge of that road. They were careless, and that caused damage. So, yes, you have every right to get paid for the damage!

Here’s how to get paid for road damaged car in Saudi

1. Don’t move your car from the scene! Just pull over to a safe spot.
2. Open the Balady app → file a report to document the damage.
3. Call Najm (or Moroor) to get an official accident report stating the damage and its cause.
   
   Najm should label the accident as a “collision with a fixed object,” putting 100% fault on the road (or contractor).
   
   If the contractor’s name is visible at the site — great! It makes the process faster because the report will directly mention them as the second party at fault.
   
4. Go to a certified Taqdeer Center to assess the cost of repairs.
5. After Taqdeer, go to the Municipality office for the area where the accident happened.
   
   If you know the contractor, they’ll immediately notify them to pay for the damage.
   
   If not, the municipality will investigate and figure out who was responsible, then send them a payment request.

Got comprehensive insurance? it’s even easier

If you have comprehensive car insurance, you won’t have to wait much and go through the long steps!

Comprehensive insurance in Saudi Arabia covers collisions with fixed objects, including poor road design or maintenance — as long as you have an official report confirming it’s 100% the contractor’s fault.

So, all you have to do after taking your car to Taqdeer is:

• File a claim through Najm or directly with your insurance company
• Wait for your insurance money — you should get it in about 15 business days, minus your deductible.

😉 Don’t be afraid to file a claim!

Since the fault is 100% on the other party (the road contractor), car insurance prices won’t go up, and you won’t lose your Najm no-claim discount. Just know that the company will cut the “deductible” from the amount you’ll get.

Here’s how to protect yourself and your car when driving on roads

• Keep a safe distance from the car ahead so you can spot any risk.
• Stay focused and be careful, especially during rainy weather when potholes might be hidden.
• Don’t brake over potholes — it puts extra stress on your car!
• Avoid sudden swerves — check your surroundings before changing lanes.
• Slow down— driving over a pothole at high speed causes more damage to the car.
• Hold the steering wheel properly, experts say 9-3 is the correct hand position that offers the most control of the car at all times.

Don’t want the headache? get comprehensive

Comprehensive insurance saves you time, money, and lots of frustration. It covers many kinds of situations — including road-related damage and accidents without a second car involved.

To get the best car insurance prices for comprehensive, compare prices online. Insurance comparison platforms allow you to get instant quotes from different car insurance companies in Saudi Arabia. Don’t just settle for the first offer; compare a few to ensure you’re getting the best deal!