Marine Cargo Insurance in Saudi Arabian and Algerian Laws: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Over the ages, human laws seeking marine insurance have evolved. In our study of marine insurance for cargo transportation within the Saudi commercial maritime system, and in comparison with Algerian insurance law, we identified areas of strength and weakness. Our goal in doing so is to improve the Saudi commercial maritime system and keep it up to date with the best developments to foster the growth and prosperity of the country through increased exports and imports. 

In the first chapter, we studied the concept of marine insurance and its characteristics. Then, in the second chapter, we examined the obligations of the parties involved in marine insurance to determine the extent of compensation in the event of cargo damage. To complete this research, we relied on the comparative method as the main approach and the critical method for certain topics subject to critique. We arrived at one of the key conclusions: that the percentage of compensation for cargo damage in both the Saudi maritime system and Algerian insurance law should be determined by comparing the sound value of the goods with their damaged value, considering the difference between the two values as the insurance amount, without deducting expenses imposed on the goods. Based on this, I appeal to the Saudi system to adopt the method of proportional settlement in determining the percentage of compensation for cargo damage.