Anything intended to serve a sector of society must benefit all members of that sector rather than just a few. Serving everyone must be the goal of those who plan and implement the plans. To ensure the best service, the implementation must be well-planned and all aspects taken into consideration.
None of this, however, seems to have happened with the recently introduced compulsory vehicle insurance system. Since the law came into effect several months ago, it has failed to fulfill the objective for which it was introduced — which is to serve the very sector it targets. Because the law authorizing companies to offer insurance did not specify the company’s exact obligations, there are no clear rules to convince the insured that they will receive the quality of service they seek.
Instead, it has been left to the companies to dictate the terms and conditions on the insured, who is obliged by law to have a one-year renewable insurance policy. Having the policy is a condition for getting a driving license. No one objects to the condition, but the problem is that the insurance system itself is not clear when it comes to the extent of cover to either driver or vehicle. The plan is meant to protect the insured against losses resulting from road accidents. This is the case in other countries.
It is not enough to cover only the “diya” — blood money — since there are other losses which must be covered. Even the “diya” clause is only fulfilled under almost impossible conditions — with the result that the insured seldom benefit from it. As if this were not enough, the insured find themselves being pressured by the Traffic Department which seems to favor the companies.
The situation has reached the point where some people are now reluctant to get new driving licenses or renew their existing ones since they fear being implicated in the insurance system. Others say the fees are too much for them to afford while still others remain skeptical because of religious considerations and continue to view the system with suspicion. If these and other issues are not quickly addressed, the result will be more damage to the public. The shortcomings and loopholes call for an urgent review of the system in order to avoid further problems.
Arab News From the Local Press 7 July 2003
