Oman is full of natural wonders and historic treasures, and to get the most out of your vacation, renting a car is one of the best options for getting around. With a car, you can visit wadis, mountain villages, beaches, and historic sites that aren’t accessible by public transportation, or are too far from where you’re staying to get to during a day trip. But before you hit the road, there’s one question that all travelers ask: Do you need insurance when renting a car in Oman?
If you’re familiar with Dubai car rentals, you might already know about the different kinds of insurance available, and the general requirements for the UAE. But Oman is its own country, with its own laws and logistics when it comes to driving and car coverage. Read this detailed guide about car rental insurance in Oman and learn about the legal requirements and optional coverages, so you can make the right choices for your road trip.
Why You Need Car Rental Insurance in Oman
Driving in Oman is a lot of fun, and it’s easy to get around. Roads are generally in great condition, especially around the cities and along major highways. Driving is also safe compared to other countries in the region, with fewer cars and far less congestion than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Renting a car in Oman is one of the easiest ways to see as much of the country as possible on your trip.
However, as soon as you leave the paved road and head for the mountains in Jebel Akhdar, the sand dunes in Wahiba Sands, or the coastal winding roads around Salalah, the variables pile up. Road conditions change quickly. Wildlife crossings, one-lane tunnels, and single-track bridges present challenges. Mobile coverage is hit or miss in more remote areas.
Oman is a unique country with a landscape that demands more vigilance and care from drivers than your average trip to Dubai. This means that in addition to following driving laws and Omani customs, having the right insurance is a very important line of defense for your safety, and your budget. Whether you’re involved in a collision or get stolen or trapped in a wadi after a rainstorm, the right insurance policy can save you thousands of dollars and a huge headache.
Do You Need Insurance When Renting a Car in Oman? Is It Mandatory?
Yes. You must have at least third-party liability insurance in Oman when renting a car. All rental vehicles are required to have third-party liability insurance that will cover the cost of any damage to other vehicles, property, or injuries to third parties if you are at fault in an accident.
Third-party liability insurance is typically included in the price of the car rental by default. You cannot rent a vehicle without it. However, third-party liability insurance does not cover any damage to the rental vehicle or protect you from vehicle theft or your own personal injury. Rental companies offer additional insurance products that you can purchase.
Car Rental Insurance Types in Oman
Here’s a list of the most common car rental insurances you will see and what they cover.
Third-Party Liability Insurance
Oman law requires this insurance by default. It only covers costs related to property damage, third-party injury, and vehicle damage if you are at fault in an accident.
Required: Yes, by Omani law.
Included in base price: Yes.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
This insurance protects you from paying for repairs to damage to the rental vehicle itself.
Required: Optional, but very important.
Important: CDW typically comes with an excess, which means the policy will still cover most of the repair cost except a fixed percentage that will be the renter’s responsibility unless an excess waiver is purchased as well.
Theft Protection (TP)
TP covers the cost of repairs, or theft, or attempted theft of the rental car.
Required: Optional.
Important: Some policies will exclude coverage for incidents where the car was left unlocked or with the keys inside.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
PAI insurance will cover medical expenses for the driver and other passengers in the rental car if they’re injured in an accident.
Required: Optional.
Important: This policy may not be necessary if you already have travel insurance that provides accident protection.
Super CDW or Full Coverage
Opting for a super CDW or full coverage from your rental company minimizes or removes your liability for rental vehicle damage or theft.
Required: Optional.
Important: Super CDW and Full Coverage policies typically also cover things like roadside assistance, windshield and tire protection, and a lower (or zero) deductible.
Buying Insurance from a Rental Company vs. Using Your Own
The question of whether to buy insurance from a rental company, or use your own (if you have it) is a common one for drivers who have used Dubai car rentals before, or for frequent renters in general.
Here are your options:
Buy insurance from the rental agency
Pros: Convenient, made to fit Omani requirements, easy to claim.
Cons: Expensive, can come with add-ons you don’t need or want.
Use credit card coverage
Many premium credit cards come with rental insurance as a free benefit. Check your cardholder terms and conditions to confirm.
Pros: Saves money, covers the basics.
Cons: Some cards don’t work in Oman, must decline rental company insurance.
Use travel insurance
Some travel insurance plans offer rental car coverage as a benefit.
Pros: Multi-use, very affordable.
Cons: Strict limits and exclusions.
Buy standalone insurance from a third party
Many global companies offer rental car insurance that you can purchase online.
Pros: Cheaper than most rental companies, customizable.
Cons: Claim process can be more complicated, goes through an external company.
Things to Check on the Rental Car Before You Leave
Before you start driving, whether you go with the basic coverage or full coverage, be sure to check these points:
Existing damage: Check the car and take pictures of any scratches, dents, and windshield chips.
Tires and spare: Inspect tires and make sure the spare is in good condition.
Fuel: Check that the amount of fuel in the tank is the one agreed on your rental agreement.
Breakdown kit: Make sure the car has a jack, warning triangle, and reflective vest.
Off-road restrictions: Ask the company about restrictions before you drive off the lot. Some policies will not cover damages from driving on unpaved surfaces. This is a crucial point to know if you plan to visit mountain villages, go camping, or head to the desert.
What to Do in Case of an Accident in Oman
If you do get into an accident in Oman, here’s what to do:
Remain at the scene. Don’t move the car unless the police tell you to do so.
Call the police (9999) and report the accident.
Contact the rental company and report the accident as soon as possible.
Get a police report. You will need this for any claim to your insurance provider.
Document everything. Take pictures of the damage, scene, and any other relevant information like license plates, vehicle registration, and insurance.
You cannot file an insurance claim or get compensation without a police report—even if you have purchased full coverage.
Special Considerations for Oman’s Roads
There are special considerations you should be aware of when driving in Oman:
Mountain Roads: Routes to Jebel Shams, Jebel Akhdar, and other villages in the mountains require a 4WD and are steep, winding uphill climbs. Not all insurance companies will cover damage caused on these routes.
Desert Areas: If you plan to drive into Wahiba Sands or anywhere in the desert, be sure your insurance covers off-road driving.
Flash Floods: Wadis fill up fast after heavy rains. Floods damage is typically excluded from coverage unless you get a policy that specifically adds it on.
Understanding where you want to go and how you’ll get there can help you figure out which insurance plan is right for you.
Tips for Saving Money on Car Rental Insurance
If you want to save money on car rental insurance, here are some tips:
Compare prices: Check several websites and compare quotes from different providers.
Book early: Booking your rental car and insurance in advance usually comes with less expensive add-ons.
Decline duplicates: Some travel insurance policies and credit cards already have collision and theft insurance, so you don’t need to purchase additional coverage.
Bundle intelligently: Some rental companies offer discounts for buying multiple insurance add-ons like CDW, TP, and PAI.
If you’re used to getting Dubai car rentals for some of the cheapest prices in the world with built-in insurance, you might be tempted to apply those same standards to Oman. It doesn’t work that way, because Oman has different insurance companies and different driving conditions. Do your research and make smart choices.
Final Verdict: Do You Need Insurance When Renting a Car in Oman?
Do you need insurance when renting a car in Oman? The answer is an emphatic yes. You must have third-party liability insurance by law. From there, it’s about planning your itinerary, your driving abilities, and your risk tolerance.
If you don’t plan on venturing off the paved road, just stick to the cities and major highways, then basic coverage is probably enough. If, however, you plan to drive long distances, take off-road excursions, or make your way to remote mountain villages, it’s worth it to invest in additional insurance, especially Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection.
Familiar drivers who have used Dubai car rentals should find the Oman car rental scene looks a lot like Dubai in many ways, but vastly different in others. For example, insurance products are available from both local and international companies. Local knowledge and comparisons will help you navigate the differences, and find the right protection for you.
You’re now ready for the next question every Oman traveler wonders: Where can you rent a car in Oman?