Only 45 percent of vehicles on the Kingdom’s roads are insured, said an official of Najm Company that deals with road accident cases in the country on behalf of the Traffic Department.

The official emphasized the need to have all vehicles insured in order to protect the rights of all parties. The reason behind a lot of uninsured vehicles is the four-fold rise in premiums, said participants at a workshop held by the transport committee of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry. They said that the increase could not be justified, and that the lack of insurance has resulted in legal problems at accident scenes in the country.

Investors said they want the authorities to consider approving the use of photographs taken at accident scenes by drivers involved in collisions.

They said this allow cars to be moved out of the road and reduce traffic congestion, and for the speedy resolution of cases.

Insurance company representatives said they were studying this proposal and would make suggestions that would avoid complications over compensation. A SAMA representative said the matter was under study by a committee of the Riyadh governorate.

Investors also objected to the practice of insurance companies negotiating over compensation. Al-Aqala said insurance companies are not legally allowed to do this.
According to the regulations insurance companies should pay if the amount is less than SR5,000. However, if the amount is above this, they would have to check with Al-Najm and complete the formalities in 14 days.