DOHA: The country's lone Islamic risk-underwriter, Qatar Islamic Insurance Company (QIIC) , said yesterday it is launching online motor insurance services from October 17.

The proposed service is part of a bunch of key innovative services and products the company has lined up for launch.

Once the electronic motor insurance service is introduced, vehicle owners will be able to pay premiums online and take printouts confirming the transaction.

The printouts could subsequently be produced at the traffic department to complete the annual road permit renewal formalities.

QIIC 's deputy general manager, Jassim Ali Al Saadi, said the online service will help ease crowding at its offices and save customers time and a lot of headache as they wouldn't need to queue up any more for car insurance renewal.

Al Saadi said QIIC is the first insurance provider not only in the GCC but the entire Middle East to offer electronic insurance services to its customers.

Both comprehensive and thirdp-arty insurance-seekers will be able to benefit from the electronic service.

As for QIIC -insured vehicles meeting accidents, he said as soon as the owner has acquired post-mishap documents from the traffic department pinpointing the repairs to be carried out, he can call the company on 4658855.

The operator will transfer the line to the concerned department and after details like vehicle and policy numbers, place, date and time of an accident are given, the owner will be informed where to take the vehicle for repair.

Workshop's details like its location will be immediately passed on and the workshop will in turn be instantly informed of the vehicle and repairs to be carried out through SMS, said the deputy GM.

The new services are being launched at the directives of the company's chairman, Sheikh Abdullah bin Thani Al Thani, he pointed out. The company's website address is www.qiic.com.qa.

© Times of Oman 2009