Here’s what you can do for problems with car insurance claim

If you run into a problem with your car insurance claim — third party or comprehensive — you can file complaint with the company, or file a complaint with the Insurance Authority, if that doesn’t work.

when you’ve tried everything else: filed a claim, sent a complaint to the insurance authority, and still didn’t get your rights — you still can get help from the General Secretariat of Insurance Dispute and Violation Committees (IDC). Here’s everything you need to know

About the Insurance Committees in Saudi

Insurance Dispute and Violation Committees in Saudi is the place you go after you file a complaint with the insurance authority and you’re still unhappy.

They’ll first try to settle the issue through their Ombudsman Center. If that doesn’t work, you can move your case to court.

Ombudsman Center: what they do & how they help

This is a fast, online service where the committee tries to solve the problem between you and the insurance company — no lawyers, no courtroom.

Here’s why that’s a good first step:

• Everything’s online 100%
• You’ll hear back from them in just 5 business days
• If you reach an agreement, the insurance company must comply
• If it doesn’t work out, you can still file a case

Still not getting anywhere? File a lawsuit

If reconciliation didn’t work, you can file a legal case through the Committee. And if the company delayed your claim unnecessarily, you can also request 100 riyals in compensation for every day they were late.

How to sue a car insurance company in Saudi

Step 1: File your case through idc.gov.sa website

When you fill out the form, try to clearly explain your situation to the court. Mention:

• When the accident happened
• When you filed your claim and when the company replied
• What the issue is: Did they accuse you of fraud? Refuse to pay because of a traffic violation? Low compensation? Delays?
• What you want: Payment of your claim, delay compensation, etc.

Also, make sure all the documents you upload are correct and complete within 10 business days.

Step 2: Wait for your session

You’ll have to wait for some time while the team reviews your case. Once they accept your case, you’ll get a message with a link to join an online court session.

Step 3: Attend your court session

Don’t worry if Arabic isn’t your first language — the court can arrange a translator during the sessions to make sure you understand everything and can explain your side clearly. All you have to do is show up, and explain your case.

If everything checks out, the committee will be on your side and the insurance company will be legally required to pay.

Before you start — check your policy

Before you go through the whole trouble and the long wait, double-check your car insurance policy for:

Some common issues to watch out for:

• exclusions
• any mention of deductible or depreciation — these affect how much insurance money you get after a car accident.

Not happy with your car insurance?

If this whole experience was upsetting, you don’t have to stick with the same company. You can cancel your car insurance at any time and switch to another compay.

Use a car insurance price comparison website to find better offers — one with better service and possibly cheaper prices.