Whether you’re an experienced driver or just starting, understanding full vehicle insurance can help you drive with confidence — knowing you're protected no matter what happens on the road.

Comprehensive insurance — also known as full insurance — protects your car against a wide range of risks beyond just accidents, such as accidental damage or theft. It allows you to manage the costs of unexpected, expensive losses. It's especially useful if you have a new or financed car, park on the street, or commute every day — situations where both the risk and potential cost of damage are high. Typically, lenders require comprehensive insurance if your car is financed. 

Choosing a reasonable deductible allows you to control your insurance premium, while most comprehensive plans include cashless repairs at approved garages — saving you time and money after an accident.

TPL (Third-Party Liability) is the minimum legal requirement in Qatar. It covers injuries to other people and damage to their vehicles or property if you are at fault. 

However, it does not cover repairs to your own car, nor does it protect against theft, fire, or vandalism. If you want coverage for your own vehicle, you’ll need a comprehensive policy or specific add-ons (where available). 

TPL may be suitable if you drive an older or low-value car that you could afford to repair or replace yourself, or if you rarely drive.

Here’s how the two types of insurance compare:

When deciding on the right full-coverage car insurance plan and considering additional features, it's essential to weigh several factors. These considerations will help you tailor your insurance to your specific needs:

1. Your vehicle's age and condition

Is your car a new or older vehicle? The state of your car can influence your insurance choices.

2. Your driving experience and habits

Do you drive daily through traffic-heavy areas or only occasionally? If you’re often on the road, especially in busy zones, higher protection might be worth it. 

3. Emergency preparedness

It's crucial to have a plan in place for unexpected events. Consider how you'll handle emergencies such as a sudden breakdown in the middle of nowhere.

4. Replacement vehicle needs

If your car is being repaired, consider how you’ll get around during that period. Some insurance plans include temporary replacement vehicles.

5. Off-road or unpaved roads

If your driving often takes you off-road or onto unpaved roads, consider whether your insurance covers accidents that may occur in those conditions.

6. Total loss protection

If your car is financed, make sure your policy includes total loss protection — to cover the difference between the claim amount and your remaining loan balance.

7. Additional policy features: 

Explore available policy add-ons to enhance your full car insurance. These can include:

• Agency repairs — coverage for repairs, typically conducted at insurer-approved shops, often at no extra cost

• Replacement car — access to a temporary replacement vehicle while your car is undergoing repairs

• Off-road cover — protection against accidents on rough terrain or unpaved paths

• Personal accident benefit — provides additional coverage to the driver and passengers in the event of injury, disability, or death

• Roadside assistance — help with flat tires, fuel delivery, battery jumps, or towing 

• Gap insurance — covers the financial difference between the original purchase price and the total claim payment in the event of total loss of your car

8. Claims assistance 

Evaluate whether the insurer offers support with paperwork and the claims process to make the process more convenient for you.

9. Personal driver

Consider whether you need a service that includes tasks such as driving your car to the repair shop and managing paperwork with traffic authorities.

After any incident, make sure everyone is safe and call the police (and an ambulance if needed). Notify your insurer straight away. Take clear photos and note the time, location, and other drivers' details — these make your claim easier to assess.

Your insurer will then decide whether the car can be repaired or should be declared a total loss. For repairs, you pay the policy excess, and work usually goes ahead, cash-free, at network garages. In the event of a total loss, the payout is based on the insured value and policy terms — gap cover (if included) will cover the difference between your purchase price and the remaining loan balance. Many standard policies also exclude damage on an unpaved road and similar circumstances, so always read the schedule and wording of your policy.

Purchasing comprehensive car insurance from QIC is quick and easy. Simply follow these steps:

1. Go to qic.online and select Car insurance

2. Enter your Qatari mobile number and enter your vehicle's details 

3. Select your plan

4. Enter the vehicle's plate number, fill in personal information and your car's chassis number, and select policy start date

5. Review your quote, select add-ons, and make the payment

You are now insured.

When you need to make a claim, follow these straightforward steps on our website:

1. Access the claims section on qic.online website
2. Enter your policy details
3. Provide information about your claim
4. Upload any required documents
5. Your claim is submitted and will be processed once we verify all the details