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by Expatguru - 07/22/2011
"This article covers details about driving and vehicle insurance formalities in Qatar"
Qatar has a burgeoning vehicle population. With the advent of the 2022 World Cup, the country is witnessing an unprecedented boom and the number of vehicles on the road has increased exponentially in recent years.
Relatively, traffic discipline in Qatar is quite disciplined as compared to other neighbors in the region. The main reason for this seems to be heavy fines against traffic offenders. Almost every traffic intersection has a camera which would photograph your car when you break the law. For example, there is a fine of QR6000 if you cross the red light. You would get an sms in your mobile immediately and it gets registered in the system. Unless you pay this fine, your exit permit would not be issued, which means you cannot get out of the country!
Despite heavy fines, accidents still do happen. If you ever meet with an accident don’t move your car. In case the accident is minor and there is a traffic jam, use your mobile to take several photographs of both the vehicles and move to the emergency lane. Contact the police immediately. In case they ask you to come to the police station, do so. Never agree to any mutual understanding with the other party. It is totally up to the police to decide who is at fault. It is also necessary to have a repair permit from the police before you take the vehicle(s) to the garage. The person who is at fault will be charged QR100 and the other party will have to pay QR20 to the police towards their charges.
It is mandatory to have vehicles insured in Qatar. Each claim requires you to pay a minimum downpayment. Note, however, that this rule also varies depending on the age of the car. If it is a brand new car, the insurance company would agree to have the repairs done at the car company's own workshop. For older cars, they usually deduct 20% each year from the original value of the car and ask you to get the repairs done at any other local garage. Also, note that for older cars, insurance companies usually do not provide coverage for replacement with original parts.
Most expatriates do not take comprehensive insurance coverage for cars more than 5 years old, as it is not cost-effective. They rather go in for third party insurance. Apart from insurance, it is also mandatory in Qatar to do an annual registration. A pre-requisite for registration is that the vehicle must undergo a vehicle inspection with the authorized agency and pass the test. However, for cars less than three years old, vehicle inspection is not mandatory for registration. The cost of annual registration is QR100.
Insurance in Qatar is quite expensive and is usually 4.5 % of the value of the car. This is to be done every year. But this is definitely a small price to pay in return for peace of mind. Remember the golden rule: never ever travel without a valid insurance!
Expatguru
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Richard Martin