Introduction
Car insurance premiums vary dramatically between drivers. Understanding why helps you get better rates.
Multiple factors influence how much you pay. Some you can control, others you cannot.
Insurance companies assess risk when calculating premiums. Higher perceived risk means higher costs.
This guide explains exactly what affects your car insurance pricing in Saudi Arabia.
Quick Summary - Key Pricing Factors
Your car insurance premium depends on:
Vehicle Factors (40-50% of pricing):
Make, model, and engine size
Vehicle age and current value
Modification status
Safety features and anti-theft systems
Driver Factors (30-40% of pricing):
Age and driving experience
Claims history and violations
License type (Saudi vs. international)
Nationality and residency status
Coverage Factors (20-30% of pricing):
Third-party vs. comprehensive coverage
Chosen deductible amounts
Optional add-ons selected
Coverage period length
Geographic Factors (5-10% of pricing):
City of registration
Parking location security
Regional accident statistics
Typical Cost Range:
Third-party insurance: Lower baseline
Comprehensive insurance: 30-50% higher than third-party
Young drivers: 40-60% more than experienced drivers
Luxury vehicles: 2-3x more than economy cars
Vehicle-Related Pricing Factors
Your car's characteristics significantly impact insurance costs. These factors account for nearly half of premium calculations.
Make and Model
Insurance companies track claim statistics for every vehicle make and model. Some cars cost more to insure due to historical data.
Luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Lexus have higher premiums. Expensive parts and specialized repair requirements drive costs up.
Economy brands like Toyota, Hyundai, and Nissan typically cost less to insure. Parts are affordable and widely available.
Sports cars face premium increases regardless of value. High-performance vehicles correlate with riskier driving behavior statistically.
Popular theft targets cost more to insure. Models frequently stolen face higher premiums for theft coverage.
Engine Size
Larger engines typically mean higher premiums. Insurance companies view engine size as a risk indicator.
Small engines (1.6L or less): Lowest insurance rates. Economy and city cars fall into this category.
Mid-size engines (1.6-2.5L): Moderate insurance costs. Most sedans and family cars use these engines.
Large engines (2.5-4.0L): Higher premiums. SUVs and luxury sedans typically have these powertrains.
Performance engines (4.0L+): Highest rates. Sports cars and large SUVs with massive engines cost significantly more to insure.
Vehicle Age
Age affects pricing differently for third-party and comprehensive coverage.
New vehicles (0-3 years):
Third-party: Moderate rates
Comprehensive: Highest rates due to vehicle value
Full coverage recommended for investment protection
Mid-age vehicles (4-7 years):
Third-party: Moderate to low rates
Comprehensive: Declining as vehicle depreciates
Coverage choice depends on current value
Older vehicles (8-15 years):
Third-party: Low rates
Comprehensive: May be unavailable or cost-ineffective
Most drivers choose third-party only
Very old vehicles (15+ years):
Third-party: Very low rates
Comprehensive: Rarely offered by insurers
Third-party only makes financial sense
Vehicle Value
Current market value heavily influences comprehensive insurance pricing. The more your vehicle is worth, the more expensive comprehensive coverage becomes.
Insurance companies base comprehensive premiums on potential claim amounts. A car worth 150,000 SAR costs substantially more to insure than one worth 30,000 SAR.
Third-party insurance is less affected by vehicle value. However, expensive vehicles still face higher premiums due to parts costs in liability claims.
Modifications
Aftermarket modifications can increase insurance costs:
Performance modifications like turbochargers, engine tuning, or exhaust systems signal higher risk. Premiums increase accordingly.
Suspension modifications lowering or lifting vehicles may trigger rate increases. Insurance companies view these as risk factors.
Aesthetic modifications like body kits, custom paint, or aftermarket wheels sometimes require additional coverage. They increase vehicle value and replacement costs.
Safety modifications like dash cameras, advanced braking systems, or parking sensors may qualify you for discounts with some insurers.
Always disclose modifications when applying for insurance. Undisclosed modifications can void your coverage during claims.
Security Features
Anti-theft and safety features can reduce premiums:
Factory alarm systems provide basic theft deterrence. Most modern vehicles include these.
GPS tracking systems like "Tathmeen" help recover stolen vehicles. Some insurers offer discounts for tracking installation.
Immobilizers prevent engine starting without the correct key. Standard in most newer vehicles.
Steering wheel locks provide visible deterrence. Traditional but effective theft prevention.
Secure parking in garages or gated communities reduces risk. Some insurers ask about parking arrangements.
Discounts for security features vary by provider. Ask insurers if they offer reductions for safety equipment.
Driver-Related Pricing Factors
Your personal profile significantly influences premiums. These factors reflect your statistical risk level.
Age
Driver age is one of the strongest pricing factors. Age correlates with experience and accident statistics.
Under 21:
Highest insurance rates
Many insurers add youth surcharges
Limited provider options
Some companies set minimum age requirements (21 or 23)
21-25 years old:
High premiums but more affordable than under-21
Gradually decreasing rates as age increases
More insurer options available
Still considered higher risk
25-65 years old:
Best insurance rates
Viewed as experienced, responsible drivers
Maximum provider competition
Optimal pricing period
Over 65:
Slightly increasing premiums
Some insurers add senior surcharges
Fewer options with some providers
Rates remain reasonable compared to young drivers
Age factors you cannot change. However, maintaining a clean record helps offset age-related costs.
Driving Experience
Years of driving experience matter as much as age:
Less than 2 years: Considered novice regardless of age. Higher premiums reflect inexperience.
2-5 years: Improving rates as experience builds. Clean record becomes more valuable.
5-10 years: Good rates for drivers with clean history. Experience premium reductions apply.
10+ years: Best rates for experienced drivers. Maximum experience credits.
New drivers pay more even if they're older. A 35-year-old who just got their license pays more than a 25-year-old with 7 years of experience.
Claims History
Your accident and claims record heavily influences pricing:
No claims (0-3 years): Standard rates with no claims bonus potential. Building good history.
No claims (3-5 years): Significant discounts from many providers. Proven safe driver status.
No claims (5+ years): Maximum no-claims discounts. Best possible rates.
One at-fault claim: 15-25% premium increase for 3-5 years. First accident has lasting impact.
Multiple claims: 30-50% premium increases possible. Some insurers may decline coverage.
Not-at-fault claims: Minimal or no impact with most insurers. Najm system verifies fault determination.
Maintaining a claim-free record saves substantial money over time. One preventable accident can cost thousands in increased premiums over subsequent years.
Traffic Violations
Moving violations and traffic infractions affect insurance costs:
Clean driving record: Best rates. No violations in 3+ years.
Minor violations (parking, expired registration): Minimal impact on rates.
Major violations (speeding, reckless driving): 10-20% premium increases. Shows risk-taking behavior.
Multiple violations: Cumulative effect increases rates substantially. Demonstrates pattern of unsafe driving.
DUI/Drug-related offenses: Severe impact or coverage denial. May make you uninsurable with many providers.
License suspension history: Significant rate increases or denial. Major red flag for insurers.
The Najm system tracks violations linked to your license. Insurance companies access this data when calculating premiums.
License Type
The type of driving license you hold influences rates:
Saudi Arabian license: Best rates. Standard pricing for residents.
GCC national licenses: Generally treated the same as Saudi licenses. No premium increase typically.
International driving licenses (temporary): Often higher premiums. Viewed as temporary, higher-risk category.
International license (long-term expat): Premiums vary by insurer. Some charge more, others treat like Saudi licenses after 1-2 years.
Newly converted licenses: Treated as new drivers by some insurers. Previous driving history may not transfer.
Obtaining a Saudi license after transferring from an international license sometimes improves rates. Ask insurers about their license policies.
Nationality and Residency
Statistical risk data influences how insurers price policies for different nationalities:
Saudi nationals: Standard baseline rates. No nationality adjustments.
GCC nationals: Similar to Saudi rates. Regional integration in insurance practices.
Western expats: Varies by insurer. Generally standard rates.
Asian/African expats: Some insurers adjust rates based on statistical data. Practices vary widely between providers.
Iqama validity: Must have at least 30-90 days remaining. Expiring residency may affect eligibility.
This factor is controversial but reflects statistical actuarial data insurers use. Shop around as different insurers have different policies regarding nationality-based pricing.
Gender
Unlike some countries, Saudi insurance companies don't typically charge different rates based on gender. Both male and female drivers receive similar pricing for equivalent profiles.
Employment Status
Some insurers consider employment when pricing policies:
Employed full-time: Standard rates. Stable income viewed positively.
Self-employed: Standard rates typically. May require additional documentation.
Unemployed: Slightly higher rates with some insurers. Perceived as higher risk.
Students: Student-specific rates sometimes available. Can be higher due to young age correlation.
Retired: Standard rates. Experience often outweighs age factors.
Not all insurers factor employment into pricing. Those that do weigh it lightly compared to other factors.
Coverage-Related Pricing Factors
The insurance coverage you choose directly impacts premium costs.
Coverage Type
The single biggest coverage decision affecting price:
Third-party liability only:
Lowest premium option
Meets legal minimum
No protection for your vehicle
Suitable for older, low-value cars
Comprehensive coverage:
30-50% more expensive than third-party
Protects your vehicle and others
Includes theft and disaster protection
Recommended for newer, valuable vehicles
Premium comprehensive (with included benefits):
40-60% more than third-party
Includes features others charge as add-ons
Options like ACIG Plus bundle benefits
Best for maximum protection
Choosing appropriate coverage type for your situation optimizes value.
Deductible Amount
Deductibles significantly affect comprehensive insurance premiums:
Low deductible (500 SAR):
Higher premium cost
Less out-of-pocket during claims
Better for drivers who can't afford large sudden expenses
Medium deductible (1,000 SAR):
Balanced premium and out-of-pocket costs
Most popular choice
Good middle ground
High deductible (2,000 SAR):
Lower premium cost
More out-of-pocket when claiming
Best for drivers with emergency savings
Very high deductible (5,000+ SAR):
Significantly reduced premiums
Substantial self-insurance
Only suitable for wealthy drivers
Increasing your deductible from 500 SAR to 1,500 SAR can reduce premiums by 15-25%. Ensure you can afford the higher deductible amount if you need to file a claim.
Optional Add-Ons
Each additional coverage feature increases your premium:
Driver injury coverage: +5-15% premium increase typically. Covers your medical expenses after accidents.
Passenger injury protection: +3-10% increase. Protects passengers in your vehicle.
Roadside assistance: +2-5% increase. Emergency towing and minor repairs.
Temporary replacement vehicle: +8-15% increase. Rental car during repairs.
GCC coverage extension: +5-10% increase. Extends protection to neighboring countries.
Agency repair coverage: +10-20% increase. Guarantees dealership repairs with original parts.
No depreciation coverage: +10-15% increase. Full part value without depreciation deductions.
Windscreen coverage: +2-5% increase. Glass replacement without deductible.
Only add features you'll actually use. Every add-on increases costs.
Providers like ACIG Plus include many benefits as standard rather than add-ons. Compare total package costs versus selecting individual add-ons.
Policy Period
Standard policies last 12 months. Some variations exist:
12-month policies: Standard pricing. Most common option.
13-month policies: Slight premium increase (8-10%) but covers 13 months. Provides renewal buffer.
Monthly payment plans: Same annual coverage cost but spread over payments. Usually costs 5-10% more than annual payment due to administrative and financing fees.
Annual payment: Lowest total cost. Pay once upfront. Best value if you can afford it.
Coverage Limits
Most policies provide the standard 10,000,000 SAR third-party liability limit. Some options exist:
Standard limit (10,000,000 SAR): Required minimum. Included in all policies.
Higher limits (15,000,000+ SAR): Available from some insurers for additional premiums. Rarely necessary for personal vehicles.
Extended coverage territories: Adding GCC countries increases premiums by 5-10%.
The standard 10,000,000 SAR limit covers virtually all realistic accident scenarios. Higher limits typically aren't worth the additional cost for private vehicles.
Geographic and Usage Factors
Where and how you drive influences insurance costs.
City of Registration
Insurance costs vary by region:
Riyadh:
Moderate to high rates
Heavy traffic increases risk
Large insurer presence means competition
Jeddah:
Moderate to high rates
Flooding history affects comprehensive premiums
Coastal weather considerations
Dammam/Eastern Province:
Moderate rates
Industrial area considerations
Good provider availability
Smaller cities:
Potentially lower rates
Less traffic density
Fewer provider options
Rural areas:
Typically lowest rates
Lower accident frequency
Limited insurer presence
Regional pricing differences aren't dramatic but exist. Expect 5-15% variation between high and low-cost regions.
Parking Location
Where you park affects comprehensive insurance premiums:
Private garage (home and work): Best rates. Lowest theft and damage risk.
Compound parking: Good rates. Gated communities provide security.
Secured parking lots: Good rates. Monitored or gated lots reduce risk.
Street parking (residential): Moderate rates. Some theft and damage risk.
Street parking (busy areas): Higher rates. Elevated risk of theft and damage.
Industrial/commercial areas: Higher rates for overnight parking. Security concerns.
Insurers sometimes ask about parking arrangements when quoting comprehensive coverage. Honest disclosure helps avoid claim disputes later.
Annual Mileage
Some insurers factor driving frequency into pricing:
Under 5,000km annually: Lowest risk category. Minimal driving exposure.
5,000-15,000km annually: Standard rates. Typical usage pattern.
15,000-25,000km annually: Slightly higher rates. Above-average exposure.
Over 25,000km annually: Higher rates. Significant exposure to risk.
Not all Saudi insurers ask about mileage. Those that do typically place you in broad categories rather than precise tracking.
Primary Use
Vehicle usage affects risk assessment:
Personal use only: Standard rates. Family and personal errands.
Commuting to work: Standard rates. Most common usage pattern.
Business use (occasional): May require disclosure but minimal premium impact. Occasional work-related driving.
Commercial use: Requires commercial insurance. Regular business use, deliveries, or paid passenger transport.
Ride-sharing (Uber/Careem): Requires commercial insurance. Personal policies explicitly exclude this.
Using your vehicle for ride-sharing or delivery services with only personal insurance violates policy terms. Your coverage will be void during claims if you misrepresent usage.
Insurance Company-Specific Factors
Different insurers have varying pricing strategies.
Company Risk Appetite
Insurers target different market segments:
Conservative insurers: Price higher but accept more applicants. Suitable if you have claims history or violations.
Selective insurers: Offer better rates but reject higher-risk applications. Best if you have excellent history.
Takaful providers: Islamic insurance follows different models. Pricing may differ from conventional insurers. Options like Al Rajhi Takaful serve Shariah-conscious consumers.
Market leaders: Large companies like Tawuniya often have competitive rates due to volume.
Niche providers: Specialized insurers may offer better rates for specific profiles.
Underwriting Criteria
Each insurer weighs factors differently:
Age-focused underwriters: Place heavy weight on driver age. Better for experienced drivers, worse for young ones.
Vehicle-focused underwriters: Emphasize car characteristics. Better for good drivers with expensive cars.
Claims history focused: Heavily reward clean records. Excellent for long-term safe drivers.
Balanced underwriters: Weigh all factors evenly. Good baseline comparison.
This explains why quotes vary dramatically between providers for identical coverage. One insurer's pricing model may favor your specific profile while another doesn't.
Discounts and Promotions
Insurers offer various discounts:
No-claims discount: 10-30% off premiums for claim-free years. Grows with consecutive safe years.
Multi-vehicle discount: 5-15% when insuring multiple vehicles. Some insurers offer family fleet discounts.
Multi-policy discount: 5-10% when bundling car insurance with other coverage types.
Online purchase discount: 2-5% for buying through websites versus in-person. Reflects lower administrative costs.
Early renewal discount: 3-7% for renewing before your current policy expires. Rewards planning ahead.
Safe driver discount: 5-10% for drivers meeting specific criteria. Varies by insurer definition.
Professional affiliation discount: 5-10% for certain professions or employer partnerships.
Always ask about available discounts when getting quotes. Providers don't always volunteer this information.
Claim Settlement Ratio
Companies with higher claim settlement ratios sometimes charge slightly more. However, their reliable service often justifies the cost.
High settlement ratio insurers: Pay more claims quickly. May charge moderate premiums but deliver better service.
Low settlement ratio insurers: Deny more claims or delay processing. May offer cheaper premiums but create frustration during claims.
Check SAMA statistics and online reviews for claim settlement reputation before choosing based solely on price.
Pricing Optimization Strategies
You can't control all factors, but these strategies help reduce premiums:
Before Buying Insurance
Compare extensively: Get quotes from 5-7 providers minimum. Prices vary dramatically.
Use comparison tools: Platforms like Giraffy show multiple quotes simultaneously. This saves time and ensures competitive rates.
Time your purchase: Buy 2-4 weeks before your current policy expires. This allows proper comparison without rush.
Ask about all discounts: Insurers don't always volunteer discount information. Explicitly ask what's available.
Consider bundling: If you need multiple insurance types, check multi-policy discounts.
Verify details carefully: Ensure all quote inputs are identical when comparing. Different deductibles or add-ons skew comparisons.
Vehicle-Related Strategies
Choose insurance-friendly vehicles: Before buying a car, check insurance costs for models you're considering. Toyota and Hyundai sedans typically cost less to insure than luxury brands.
Install security features: GPS tracking, alarms, and immobilizers can qualify for discounts while protecting your investment.
Avoid unnecessary modifications: Performance and aesthetic modifications increase premiums. Keep your vehicle stock when possible.
Consider age when purchasing: Cars 3-5 years old offer good value as they're past the highest depreciation but still reasonable to insure comprehensively.
Coverage-Related Strategies
Right-size your coverage: Don't over-insure older vehicles. Switch from comprehensive to third-party when the math favors it (typically around 8-10 years old).
Increase deductibles: Raise your deductible from 500 to 1,500 SAR if you have emergency savings. This can reduce premiums 15-20%.
Skip unnecessary add-ons: Only add optional coverage you'll actually use. Roadside assistance makes sense if you drive remote routes regularly, but not for city-only drivers.
Pay annually: Avoid monthly payment plans that add 5-10% in fees. One upfront payment costs less.
Re-evaluate annually: As your car depreciates, reassess whether comprehensive coverage still makes financial sense.
Driver-Related Strategies
Maintain a clean record: Every claim costs you more than just the immediate damage. Avoid at-fault accidents to keep premiums low.
Take defensive driving courses: Some insurers offer discounts for certified safe driving courses. Check if yours does.
Build claims-free history: Even if you could file a small claim, consider paying out of pocket if it's under 2,000-3,000 SAR. Preserving your no-claims bonus saves more long-term.
Add experienced drivers: If possible, adding older, experienced drivers with clean records to your policy can sometimes reduce rates.
Get a Saudi license: If you're an expat with an international license, converting to a Saudi license may improve rates with some insurers after 1-2 years.
Company-Related Strategies
Check SAMA's insurer list: Only consider licensed, reputable providers. Verify their financial stability ratings.
Read reviews carefully: Focus on claim settlement experiences more than price complaints. Fast, fair claim processing matters more than saving 100-200 SAR annually.
Ask about loyalty programs: Some insurers reduce rates for long-term customers. Switching constantly may cost you loyalty benefits.
Leverage relationships: Bank customers sometimes get better insurance rates through partnerships. Arabian Shield offers streamlined service for SNB customers.
Negotiate: Especially if you have a great profile, ask if the insurer can improve their quoted rate. Some have flexibility for excellent-risk customers.
Sample Premium Calculations
While exact prices require quotes, these examples illustrate how factors combine:
Scenario 1: Young Driver, New Car
Driver: 22 years old, 1 year experience
Vehicle: 2023 Hyundai Elantra (60,000 SAR value)
Coverage: Comprehensive, 1,000 SAR deductible
Location: Riyadh
Price Impact:
Base rate: Start point
Young age: +40% (highest impact)
New vehicle: +30% (high value)
Comprehensive: +40% over third-party
Clean record: 0% (neutral, no history)
Result: Higher end of premium spectrum
Scenario 2: Experienced Driver, Mid-Age Car
Driver: 35 years old, 12 years experience, clean record
Vehicle: 2019 Toyota Camry (45,000 SAR value)
Coverage: Comprehensive, 1,500 SAR deductible
Location: Dammam
Price Impact:
Base rate: Start point
Optimal age: 0% (best rate category)
Mid-value vehicle: -10% (moderate value)
Clean history: -20% (no-claims bonus)
Higher deductible: -15%
Result: Mid-range premiums with good value
Scenario 3: Senior Driver, Older Car
Driver: 68 years old, 40 years experience, clean record
Vehicle: 2014 Nissan Sentra (20,000 SAR value)
Coverage: Third-party only
Location: Small city
Price Impact:
Base rate: Start point
Senior age: +10% (slight increase)
Old, low-value vehicle: -25%
Third-party only: -40% (minimum coverage)
Excellent history: -15%
Low-risk location: -5%
Result: Lower end of premium spectrum
These scenarios demonstrate how factors combine. Your individual quote depends on your unique profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion - Understanding Your Premium
Car insurance pricing reflects complex risk assessment. Multiple factors combine to create your specific premium.
You control some factors directly. Maintaining a clean driving record, choosing appropriate coverage, and comparing providers actively reduce costs.
Other factors like age and vehicle depreciation change naturally over time. Your insurance costs will evolve throughout your driving life.
The most impactful decisions you make are coverage type selection, deductible amount, and insurer choice. These factors offer the most optimization opportunity.
Never choose insurance based solely on price. A slightly cheaper policy from an insurer with poor claim settlement reputation costs more when you actually need coverage.
Compare quotes from reputable providers like Al Rajhi Takaful, Tawuniya, and Arabian Shield to find the best combination of price and service.
Review your coverage annually. As your vehicle ages and your situation changes, your optimal insurance choice evolves. Don't stay with the same coverage type out of habit.
Understanding pricing factors empowers you to make informed decisions. Use this knowledge to optimize your insurance costs while maintaining appropriate protection for your needs.