What happens after a rental car accident in Saudi Arabia
There are a lot of things to think about when you’re renting a car. You have to decide what car you need and which company has the best deal. But there are also some important things to keep in mind about what happens if you’re involved in an accident while driving the rental. Because let’s be real, no one wants to get stuck footing an enormous repair bill or being held liable for damages to another car. Yikes!
This guide outlines the steps you should take after a rental car accident in Saudi Arabia, including whom to contact, documentation needed, and understanding rental car insurance coverage.
The big question: Who pays when you crash a rental car?
All rental cars in Saudi Arabia must have third-party insurance as a minimum requirement, based on regulations from the Ministry of Transport.
Make sure you get comprehensive car insurance coverage
To avoid paying for repairs to the rental car, you’d need comprehensive insurance, which is an optional add-on. When you rent a car, the contract will clearly state what insurance is included and the deductible amount (what you could pay after getting into a car accident).
What should you do if you get into an accident in a rental car in Saudi Arabia?
1. Document the accident
Before moving the cars, take clear photos and videos of the accident and all cars involved from every angle. These images act as proof and help protect your rights and responsibilities in case of any dispute.
2. Report the accident to Najm
Always report the accident through Najm — even if the damage looks minor, or even if there are no other cars involved.
Why? Because no car insurance company will move forward with the repairs without an official Najm or traffic report.
3. Inform your car rental company about the accident
As soon as safe after contacting Najm, you must inform your car rental company about the accident.
They will advise on their specific procedures, and explain what to do with the damaged car.
4. Check the deductible in your rental contract
What you have to pay after getting into a car accident depends on who is at fault, the percentage of fault, and the type of insurance on the car.
| Insurance Type | What the renter pays |
|---|---|
| Third-party insurance | If you’re at fault (or partially at fault), you pay the repair costs out of pocket |
| Comprehensive insurance | You pay the deductible stated in the contract (usually SAR 2,000–3,000), and insurance covers the rest |
| Additional insurance, CWD. | The “safest” option—if an accident happens, you pay nothing (zero deductible) |
What sort of car insurance is best for a rental car?
The best car insurance for a rental car in Saudi Arabia won’t be the cheapest option for sure! The best car insurance option would be the one that doesn’t require you to pay anything after a car accidents (0 deductilbe), no matter who was at fault (covers additional drivers), no matter who was driving the car.
⚠️ Situations not covered by rental car insurance
The last thing you want—after paying extra for rental car insurance—is to discover you still have to pay for damages. Be aware that rental car insurance does not cover the following cases:
- Returning the car without an official accident report
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- An accident caused by someone other than the renter
- Using the car for purposes other than what it was rented for
- Any accident that occurs after the agreed return time
- Deliberate accidents or accidents caused by the renter’s negligence
- Accidents resulting from traffic violations, such as running a red light, driving against traffic, or drifting
In all these cases, you’ll be fully responsible for compensating the rental company for all damages.
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