Update your car insurance details (When & How)

If you have car insurance in Saudi Arabia, there’s one rule you absolutely must know: your details have to be 100% true and up-to-date, all the time.

This isn’t just a friendly suggestion; it’s a legal requirement in all car insurance policies in Saudi Arabia. It requires drivers to update their details immediately if they find a mistake or when there are changes—especially changes that involve a “Material Fact.”

Let’s explain what changes do you need to let car insurance companies know about & how to update your policy details online.

⏳ You have 20 working days to update changes

The rules from the Saudi Insurance Authority are clear. For any “Material Fact” (the important details used to set your price) that changes after you buy your policy, you are legally required to notify your insurance company within 20 working days.

Why? Because if you hide, submit, or fail to update incorrect information, the Saudi Insurance Authority says:

“Insurers shall not be liable for paying any indemnities…”

Unified Mandatory Motor Insurance Policy

This rule comes straight from the Saudi Insurance Authority; the Unified Compulsory Motor Insurance Policy mentions:

📌 So, what counts as a Material Fact?

1. 📍 Your real home address

Car insurance prices in Saudi Arabia vary by location. A driver in Riyadh faces higher accident risks than one in a smaller city.

2. 🚨 your full accident history

Your driving history helps insurance companies predict future risk. It’s nearly impossible to hide this information because Insurance companies can verify your record through Najm. But some people change their answers when they compare car insurance prices (hoping for cheaper insurance) — which is a serious mistake.

3. 🚕 how you use your car

Using your personal car to make money (like offering delivery services or joining ridesharing apps), counts as a commercial use.

Commercial use basically means you’re going to drive more hours and more kilometers. More time on the roads means more chances of being in an accident. So, if you start thinking about starting a side hustle with your car, make sure to inform your car insurance company about the change in your car use to avoid a lot of hassle down the line

4. 🔧 any car modifications

Added any car accessories like rims, a roof rack, or a cargo basket? Adding, changing, or modifying cars can lessen its safety and it can be a major cause of accidents (like a car fire) and also your car’s value.

That’s why car modifications are another thing you have to inform your car insurance about

5. 👤 who’s using the car, other than you

For leased or financed cars, you have to inform your insurance company If someone else is going to drive your car on a regular basis. Rules for Comprehensive Insurance of Motor Vehicles Financially Leased says every regular driver should be added as a named driver on your policy.

📝 How to update your car insurance details

If you got your car insurance through an insurance platform (like wakeel), remember:
✅ Any updates after purchase must be done directly through your insurance company.

1. Find Your Insurer’s Portal: Log into your policy account using the official website or mobile app of the insurance company that issued your coverage.
2. Submit the Request: Look for the “Policy Amendment,” “Data Correction,” or “Update Details” section. You will need to upload proof of the change (e.g., a photo of your updated Istimara for a plate change).
3. Finalize the Cost: You will either be asked to pay the price difference (if your risk went up) or receive a refund (if your risk went down).

Once this is complete, you’ll receive an updated policy document—your proof that everything is legal and valid!

What other changes do you need to let car insurance companies know about

• Getting new car plates – like If you used a customs card number to buy your car insurance or if you changed your car plates.
• Updating your IBAN (very important for claim payments)
• Changing your legal name

Be honest, be safe

In short, when you buy car insurance you’ll need to be honest with your car insurance company. If any changes happen after your insurance starts, like moving to a new address, or a new driver starts using the car it’s important to let your insurer know. We understand nobody wants to pay more for insurance, but trying to save a few riyals by keeping quiet about a new driver or a new address can have catastrophic results.

If you fail to update your information, your insurer has the power to:

• Refuse to Pay Your Claim: You pay for all repairs and damages yourself.
• Demand Money Back: They can even force you to repay any money they already paid out (Right of Recourse).

You don’t need to lie about your address or accident history to find a great deal. You just need to see all options available to you.