SAMA bans Arabian Shield, Malath, Wafa Insurance from issuing auto policies

The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) has banned Arabian Shield Cooperative Insurance Company (Arabian Shield), Malath Cooperative Insurance Company, and Saudi Indian Company for Cooperative Insurance (Wafa Insurance) from issuing or renewing auto insurance policies, effective from Sunday.

SAMA, the Kingdom’s central bank and insurance market regulator, also banned four insurance agencies from selling any policies as of today, it said in a statement.

The ban comes after the insurers flouted regulations related to mandatory auto insurance policies.

SAMA has previously banned these companies for violations in claims settlement procedures and handling of customer complaints.

The ban will not be lifted until the companies abide by the insurance regulations, SAMA said, adding that the decision does not absolve the insurers from responsibility for their current policies and claims.