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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.
An Iraqi couple ride a motorbike during a biker show on Abu Nawas Street in Baghdad October 19, 2012.  Drag-racing in California, you say? No, this is Baghdad, where youthful rebellion and American biker style clash with  conservative mores in Iraq, a country where just a few years ago militias imposed their own radical Islamic views at gunpoint. Picture taken October 19, 2012. To match Feature IRAQ-CULTURE/BIKERS   REUTERS/Saad Shalash (IRAQ - Tags: SOCIETY SPORT MOTORSPORT) - RTR39IOY
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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.

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