The Oman Financial Services Authority issued a clarification on the unified motor insurance policy, stating that both comprehensive and third party cover provide protection for damage caused by natural disasters, including hail, wadis and storms, but only where policyholders take necessary precautions and follow Royal Oman Police instructions. It cautioned that intentionally crossing wadis, failing to comply with official instructions, or leaving a vehicle in a wadi path without taking necessary precautions may result in the forfeiture of compensation rights if an incident occurs. The statement also referenced Article 49/8 of the Omani Traffic Law, under which a driver who intentionally crosses wadis in a manner that endangers lives may face imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of up to OMR 500, or both.
Oman Financial Services Authority 2026-03-23
Oman Financial Services Authority warns intentional wadi crossings and ignoring police instructions may void motor insurance compensation
The Oman Financial Services Authority clarified that under the unified motor insurance policy, both comprehensive and third-party cover include protection for damage from natural disasters such as hail, wadis and storms, provided policyholders take necessary precautions and comply with Royal Oman Police instructions. It warned that intentional wadi crossing, non-compliance with official instructions or leaving vehicles in wadi paths without precautions may forfeit compensation rights, and highlighted that under Article 49/8 of the Omani Traffic Law such conduct may also attract imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of up to OMR 500.