What to Do If You Have a Car Accident in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Car accidents happen despite careful driving. Knowing what to do immediately after protects you legally and financially.

Saudi Arabia has specific accident procedures through the Najm system. Following proper steps ensures insurance coverage and claim approval.

This guide explains exactly what to do after an accident. It covers immediate actions, documentation, reporting, and insurance claims.

Quick Summary - Immediate Accident Actions

First Priority: Ensure safety - check for injuries, move to safe location if possible, call emergency services if needed (997 for ambulance, 993 for police).

Required Steps:

1. Don't leave accident scene unless instructed

2. Take extensive photos of damage and scene

3. Exchange information with other driver(s)

4. Report to Najm within required timeframe

5. Contact your insurance company within 24 hours

6. Do NOT admit fault or sign anything you don't understand

Najm Reporting:

• Minor accidents (under 10,000 SAR): Report via Najm mobile app

• Major accidents: Call 920000560 for officer attendance

• Report within 24 hours maximum

Insurance Notification: Call your insurer within 24 hours even if you're not at fault or only filed Najm report.

What NOT to Do:

• Leave accident scene prematurely

• Move vehicles before documenting (major accidents)

• Admit fault or apologize excessively

• Accept cash settlements without proper documentation

• Fail to report to Najm and insurer

Immediate Actions at Accident Scene

The first minutes after an accident are critical. Stay calm and follow these steps.

Priority 1: Ensure Safety

Check for Injuries: Assess yourself, passengers, and others involved. Injuries always take precedence over property damage.

Call Emergency Services:

• 997: Red Crescent ambulance for injuries

• 993: Police for serious accidents, injuries, or if parties dispute fault

• 920000560: Najm for accident reporting

Move to Safety: If vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, move them to the roadside. However, for major accidents or if anyone is injured, leave vehicles in place until authorities arrive.

Turn on Hazard Lights: Make your vehicle visible to other traffic. Place warning triangles if you have them (required equipment in Saudi Arabia).

Prevent Further Damage: Secure the scene to prevent additional collisions. Don't stand in traffic lanes.

Priority 2: Document Everything

Take Photos Immediately: Use your phone to photograph:

Vehicle Positions:

• Overall scene showing all vehicles' positions

• Street signs, traffic signals, and road markings

• Skid marks or debris

• Multiple angles showing vehicle relationship

Damage to All Vehicles:

• Your vehicle damage (multiple angles)

• Other vehicle(s) damage (all angles)

• Close-ups of specific damage points

• License plates of all involved vehicles

Scene Context:

• Weather conditions

• Road surface conditions

• Lighting conditions

• Any relevant signage or signals

Injuries or Property Damage:

• Document any non-vehicle damage

• Photograph injuries if any (for medical records)

Take 20-50 photos minimum. More is always better than not enough.

Video Recording: A quick 360-degree video of the scene captures context photos might miss. Narrate what you're recording if possible.

Note Details: Write down or type in your phone:

• Exact time of accident

• Exact location (use GPS coordinates if possible)

• Weather conditions

• Your account of what happened

• Witness names and contact information

Priority 3: Exchange Information

Required Information from Other Driver(s):

• Full name

• National ID or Iqama number

• Phone number

• Insurance company name

• Insurance policy number

• License plate number

• Driver's license number

Provide Your Information: Give the other driver your details as well. This is standard procedure.

Witness Information: If bystanders witnessed the accident:

• Get their names and phone numbers

• Ask if they'd provide statements to Najm if needed

• Document their account of what happened

What NOT to Do:

• Don't argue about fault

• Don't accept cash on the spot

• Don't sign any documents except official Najm forms

• Don't make promises about payment

• Don't admit fault explicitly ("I'm sorry, it was my fault")

Stay Calm and Polite: Tensions run high after accidents. Remain calm, polite, and businesslike. Anger doesn't help your situation.

Understanding the Najm System

Najm (Najm for Insurance Services) is Saudi Arabia's centralized accident reporting system.

What Najm Does

Unified Reporting: All insurance companies use Najm reports. This standardizes accident documentation across Saudi Arabia.

Fault Determination: Najm officers investigate and determine fault based on evidence, damage patterns, and traffic laws.

Insurance Integration: Najm reports upload directly to insurance company systems. Your insurer receives the report automatically.

Claim Foundation: Insurance companies base claim decisions on Najm fault determinations. The Najm report is critical documentation.

When to Use Najm

All Vehicle Accidents: Any collision involving vehicles requires Najm reporting regardless of damage severity.

Property Damage: Accidents involving property (buildings, fences, signs) should be reported.

Single-Vehicle Accidents: If you hit a barrier, pole, or other object, report to Najm even though no other driver is involved.

Exception: Very minor parking lot scratches where both parties agree on fault and amounts might be handled privately. However, reporting is always safer.

How Najm Determines Fault

Evidence Analysis:

• Damage patterns and locations

• Vehicle positions and orientations

• Skid marks and debris fields

• Traffic law violations

• Driver statements

• Witness testimonies

• Photos and videos

Traffic Law Application: Najm applies Saudi traffic regulations to determine which driver violated rules causing the accident.

Fault Categories:

• 100% at fault: One driver entirely responsible

• Shared fault: Both drivers share responsibility (50/50 common)

• No fault: Unavoidable circumstances (rare)

Insurance Impact: Fault determination directly affects whose insurance pays what amounts.

Minor Accident Reporting (Under 10,000 SAR)

Small accidents can be reported through the Najm mobile app without officer attendance.

Using the Najm App

Before Accident: Download Najm app from iOS App Store or Google Play. Familiarize yourself with interface before you need it.

At Accident Scene:

1. Open Najm app on your phone

2. Select "Report Accident" option

3. Accept terms and conditions

4. Choose accident type (two vehicles, single vehicle, etc.)

Location Entry:

1. App automatically detects GPS location

2. Verify location is correct

3. Adjust if necessary

Photo Upload:

1. Upload photos following app prompts:

2. Overall scene

3. Your vehicle damage

4. Other vehicle damage

5. License plates

6. Minimum 4 photos required, more recommended

Driver Information:

1. Enter other driver's information:

2. National ID or Iqama number

3. Phone number

4. Vehicle license plate

5. App verifies driver has valid insurance

Accident Description:

1. Select accident type from predefined categories:

2. Rear-end collision

3. Side-impact

4. Backing accident

5. Etc.

6. Add any additional comments

Digital Signature:

1. Both drivers review information

2. Both drivers digitally sign on phone screens

3. Both agree to Najm's fault determination

Report Generation:

1. App generates official Najm report

2. Reference number provided

3. Both drivers receive copies via SMS/email

4. Report uploads to insurance companies automatically

Timeline: Complete app reporting takes 10-20 minutes typically. Fault determination happens within hours.

When App Reporting Doesn't Work

Injuries: Any injury requires police and/or Red Crescent attendance. Don't use app for injury accidents.

Damage Over 10,000 SAR: Major damage requires officer attendance for proper assessment.

Disputed Fault: If drivers cannot agree on what happened, officer attendance needed.

Technical Issues: If app won't work (no signal, phone problems), call Najm hotline for alternative reporting.

Hit and Run: If other driver fled, file police report first, then report to Najm with police report number.

Major Accident Reporting (Over 10,000 SAR or Injuries)

Serious accidents require Najm officer attendance at scene.

Calling for Najm Officer

Dial 920000560: Call Najm hotline from accident scene.

Provide Information:

• Your location (be specific - nearest landmark, GPS coordinates)

• Number of vehicles involved

• Whether injuries occurred

• Brief description of accident

Estimated Wait Time:

• Urban areas: 15-45 minutes typically

• Remote areas: May take 1-2 hours

• High traffic periods: Delays possible

While Waiting:

• Take photos and videos

• Exchange information with other driver

• Get witness statements

• Do NOT move vehicles

• Keep hazard lights on

• Stay at scene

Officer Arrival and Investigation

Najm Officer Actions:

• Inspects accident scene thoroughly

• Photographs all damage and positions

• Interviews both drivers separately

• Takes witness statements

• Measures skid marks if relevant

• Documents road and weather conditions

Your Responsibilities:

• Provide honest account of what happened

• Answer questions directly and clearly

• Don't embellish or speculate

• Stick to facts you know

• Show officer your photos if helpful

What Officer Documents:

• Vehicle damage extent and locations

• Point of impact

• Final vehicle positions

• Traffic control devices (signs, signals)

• Road surface conditions

• Weather factors

Fault Determination: Officer makes preliminary fault determination on scene. This may be adjusted later after full review, but initial determination usually stands.

Receiving Najm Report

On-Scene Report: Officer provides preliminary report at scene or shortly after investigation.

Official Report: Complete official report available within 24-48 hours through:

• Najm mobile app

• Najm website (najm.sa)

• SMS notification with reference number

• Your insurance company

Report Contents:

• Accident details and location

• Vehicle information

• Driver information

• Damage assessment

• Fault determination

• Photos and diagrams

• Reference number

Keep This Report: Save all copies. You need the reference number for insurance claims.

Notifying Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurer promptly after any accident.

When to Call

Within 24 Hours: Most policies require notification within 24-48 hours. Don't delay.

Even If Not Your Fault: Notify your insurer regardless of fault determination. They need to know about any incidents.

Even for Minor Damage: Report all accidents even if you don't plan to claim. Your insurer needs complete history.

What to Tell Your Insurer

Provide These Details:

• Najm report reference number

• Date, time, and location of accident

• Brief description of what happened

• Other driver's information

• Whether injuries occurred

• Extent of damage to your vehicle

• Whether your vehicle is drivable

What Insurance Company Does:

• Records incident in your file

• Retrieves Najm report from database

• Opens claim file if you're claiming

• Provides next steps for repairs

• Explains claim process

How to Contact:

• Insurer hotline (usually 24/7)

• Mobile app notification feature

• Email or online portal

• Visit branch office (less immediate)

Starting Claim Process

If You're Claiming:

1. Insurer assigns claim number

2. You receive claim documentation requirements

3. Arrange vehicle inspection (if comprehensive claim)

4. Choose approved repair shop

5. Submit required documents

6. Await claim approval

7. Proceed with repairs

If Other Driver at Fault:

1. Their insurer pays your damages

2. Your insurer may handle coordination

3. You still notify your company

4. Process similar but other party's insurance pays

Special Situations

Certain accidents require additional procedures.

Hit and Run Accidents

If You're the Victim:

1. Note any information about fleeing vehicle (license plate, make/model, color, direction)

2. Get witness information if anyone saw incident

3. Take photos of damage and scene

4. Call police immediately (993)

5. File police report for hit and run

6. Report to Najm with police report number

7. Contact your insurance with police and Najm reports

Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive policies usually cover hit and run damage. You pay your deductible. Third-party policies don't cover your damage in hit and runs.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Hitting Barriers, Poles, or Objects:

1. Take photos of damage

2. Report to Najm using app or officer

3. Note what you hit

4. Contact your insurance

Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive policies cover single-vehicle accidents. Third-party doesn't cover your vehicle damage.

Accidents with Pedestrians or Animals

With Pedestrians:

1. Call ambulance immediately (997)

2. Call police (993)

3. Do NOT move injured person unless safety requires it

4. Report to Najm once police arrive

5. Expect extended investigation

6. Contact insurance immediately

With Animals:

1. Take photos of animal and damage

2. If animal is injured, contact local authorities

3. Report to Najm

4. Contact insurance

Insurance Coverage: Third-party covers pedestrian injuries. Comprehensive covers your vehicle damage.

Accidents with Government or Military Vehicles

Special Procedures:

1. Follow standard Najm reporting

2. Get specific unit information if possible

3. Note any special circumstances

4. Contact insurance immediately

5. May require additional documentation

Insurance Handling: Standard process applies but may take longer. Follow your insurer's guidance.

Accidents in Parking Lots

Minor Parking Damage:

1. Leave your contact information if other party absent

2. Take photos showing context

3. Report to Najm via app

4. Contact your insurance

Disputed Parking Accidents: If other driver disputes your account, Najm officer attendance may be required.

What NOT to Do After Accidents

Avoid these common mistakes:

Leaving the Scene

Never Leave: Fleeing accident scene is serious offense. Stay until:

• Najm report is complete

• Police release you (if they attended)

• Other party agrees you can leave

Exceptions:

• Immediate medical emergency requiring hospital

• Safety threat at scene

• Authority instructs you to leave

Even then, provide contact information and report to Najm as soon as possible.

Admitting Fault

Avoid These Phrases:

• "It was my fault"

• "I wasn't paying attention"

• "I'm so sorry, I caused this"

Be Factual Instead:

• Describe what happened without assigning blame

• Let Najm determine fault based on evidence

• Don't apologize in ways that admit liability

Why This Matters: Statements at scene can affect insurance coverage and legal proceedings.

Accepting Cash Settlements

Risks:

• No official record of accident

• Other party may claim more later

• Your insurance has no documentation

• Potential fraud situations

Proper Process: Always report to Najm. If you and other party want to settle privately, do so AFTER official reporting, with written documentation.

Moving Vehicles Prematurely

Major Accidents: Don't move vehicles until Najm officer photographs scene. Positions help determine fault.

Minor Accidents: If blocking traffic and damage is minor, move to roadside. Take extensive photos of positions first.

Signing Unknown Documents

Only Sign:

• Official Najm forms

• Documents you fully understand

• Insurance claim forms from your insurer

Never Sign:

• Blank forms

• Documents in languages you don't understand

• Papers promising not to claim

• Release forms without legal review (major accidents)

Failing to Document

Document Everything: Take too many photos rather than too few. Video the entire scene. Write down everything you remember.

Why Documentation Matters: Memories fade quickly. Photos provide objective evidence. Good documentation helps prove your case if disputes arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion - Handling Accidents Properly

Car accidents are stressful, but following proper procedures protects you legally and financially. Stay calm and methodical in your response.

First priority is safety - check for injuries and secure the scene. Call emergency services if anyone is hurt. Move vehicles only if safe and appropriate.

Document everything through photos and videos. Take 20-50 images minimum showing damage, positions, and scene context. Write down details while memory is fresh.

Exchange information with other driver(s) politely and professionally. Get their full details and provide yours. Don't argue about fault or make admissions.

Report to Najm promptly - use mobile app for minor accidents, call 920000560 for major ones. The Najm report is essential for insurance claims. Don't skip this step.

Contact your insurance company within 24 hours regardless of fault or damage severity. They need to know about all incidents. This protects your coverage.

Follow your insurer's claim process carefully. Provide all requested documentation. Use approved repair facilities. Maintain communication throughout.

Never leave accident scenes prematurely, accept cash settlements without documentation, or sign documents you don't understand. These actions can void your coverage and create legal problems.

For Shariah-compliant insurance that handles claims fairly, Al Rajhi Takaful provides comprehensive Islamic coverage. Tawuniya offers strong claim settlement reputation.

Keep this guide saved on your phone. Accidents happen when least expected. Having a clear action plan reduces stress and ensures proper handling.

Drive safely, but if accidents occur, follow these procedures. Proper reporting and documentation protect your rights and ensure your insurance provides the coverage you paid for.