Most Iraqis Unaware Of Insurance Rights
While the Iraqi government provides insurance for a variety of claims to all its citizens, many are ill-informed or simply unaware of their rights, reports Omar al-Shaher.
Few Iraqis are confident that their lives on the roadways are insured. In the event that they are in a traffic accident, they will receive appropriate compensation with no need to sign insurance contracts or pay monthly or annual premiums. The National Insurance Company of Iraq deducts a part of automotive fuel revenues from all Iraqi gas stations to insure drivers and pedestrians.
Nevertheless, Iraqis who are in road accidents usually settle the matter with the other driver involved in the accident, without referring it to the insurance company or even discussing the matter at any other level.
According to official Iraqi statistics, about six times as many people die from road accidents than bombings. The insurance company, however, does not provide any statistics about the insurance beneficiaries among these victims.
According to Iraqi economist Shaker Mahmoud, “Iraqi people lack knowledge about insurance; therefore, victims of road accidents do not submit insurance claims.” He added, “The Iraqi National Insurance Company is obligated to compensate people who are the victims of traffic accidents even if they have not signed any insurance contracts with them. The company receives a share of automotive fuel revenues as insurance on the lives of all Iraqis."
