RIYADH, 27 April 2004 — Owners of more than 100 cars that were damaged in the blast in Riyadh last Wednesday have refused to move their cars from the location. They are awaiting insurance companies to come and examine them, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. The owners are demanding compensation for the damage that was done to their vehicles.
The engineering and maintenance management in the traffic department began removing some of the wrecks while many other car owners simply refused to move them from the location, waiting for a decision on compensation.
Abdullah Al-Subaie came to the area to collect some of his brother’s belongings from his car. He did not remove the car after he learned that the insurance company would pay the damages.
Audah Al-Subaie, a police officer on the blast site, said he moved his damaged car and is not asking for compensation because he is thankful to God that he did not die in the blast. He said that he does not have insurance on his car and he was wondering if insurance companies would pay for damages that are caused by terrorist operation.
Abdul Aziz Saud, from a local insurance company, said most insurance companies do not cover damage due to terrorist activities and riots. There are exceptions, he said, adding insurance companies charge high premiums to insure against terrorist activities.
“In my opinion, most cars and buildings that were damaged by this blast are not covered from terrorist activities. The comprehensive insurance companies provide does not cover terrorist activities, riots and natural disaster”.
