If you live in Bahrain, the last few months have probably felt unsettling. Since February 2026, the US and Israel have been in an active war with Iran, and Bahrain has felt it directly — from sirens to intercepted missiles near US military facilities. We’re writing this advisory because we’d rather you know exactly where you stand with your car insurance now, while things are calm enough to act, than find out during an actual emergency.
This isn’t about causing alarm. It’s about making sure you’re not caught off guard by a gap in your cover that most people don’t know exists.
Since the conflict began on 28 February 2026, Bahrain has repeatedly come under direct threat. In July, Bahrain's Ministry of Interior activated sirens and asked residents to seek shelter after missile and drone threats, and Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed strikes on a US military base in Bahrain during the same period of escalation.
A ceasefire held, unevenly, from 8 April 2026 — but it has since collapsed. By mid-July 2026, strikes had resumed, and sirens sounded again across Bahrain as recently as this week. The situation remains active.
What's Happening Right Now
Since February 2026, Bahrain has faced real, direct impact from the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran — including sirens, missile threats, and reported strikes near US military facilities. The ceasefire reached in April 2026 is no longer holding as of this month, with strikes resuming on both sides.
We know this is unsettling. This advisory isn't here to alarm you — it's here to make sure you know exactly where your car insurance stands, while things are calm enough to act.
Is War Damage Covered by Standard Car Insurance?
No. Every comprehensive Motor policy in Bahrain — from GIG Gulf or any other insurer — excludes damage from war, invasion, or civil unrest. This is industry-wide, not a gap specific to one company.
In practical terms: if a war-related event damaged your car and you only held standard cover, that claim would ordinarily be declined.
War Cover for Motor Insurance (GIG Gulf)
War Cover is an add-on to your comprehensive Motor policy that reinstates protection for exactly what standard policies exclude. Includes:
- Direct physical damage from war, invasion, or warlike operations
- Cover for civil war, rebellion, revolution, or uprisings
- Cover for civil disturbances, strikes, riots, or labour unrest
- Opt-in add-on — simple to select at quote or through our team
- Sum insured up to BHD 5,000*.
*Terms and conditions apply - Available on Motor Prestige, Motor Perfect, and Motor Select
Why Add War Cover with GIG Gulf?
Because your protection shouldn't have gaps you find out about too late:
- Regulated in the Kingdom of Bahrain
- Cover activates roughly 48 hours after purchase
- Simple to add to a new or existing policy
- Standard Motor policy excess applies — no surprise terms
- Over 70 years of regional expertise
How to Add War Cover
Adding War Cover is quick and straightforward:
- Select War Cover while obtaining a new motor insurance quote online
- If you already have a GIG Gulf policy, contact the Bahrain customer service team with your policy number
- Choose your preferred sum insured option
- Cover is added to your policy during the conversation
- Coverage becomes active 48 hours after purchase
Documents and Information Required
- GIG Gulf policy number (for existing customers)
- Vehicle details (for new customers)
- Private Saloon, Sedan, SUV, or 4WD vehicle information
Final note: act while things are calm
Cover takes about 48 hours to activate — so the right time to add War Cover is before you need it, not during an active event. Whether you're getting a new quote or already hold a GIG Gulf Motor policy, adding this protection takes minutes.
Explore War cover Now
Frequently asked questions
Does car insurance cover war damage in the Bahrain?
No, not by default. Standard comprehensive Motor policies exclude damage from war, invasion, and civil unrest. GIG Gulf's War Cover add-on reinstates this protection, up to a BHD 5,000 sum insured.
For a new quote with War cover - Click Here
To add war cover to your existing GIG car insurance policy - Click Here , Call Us
or WhatsApp Us
Why doesn't regular car insurance cover war damage?
War risk is priced differently from everyday driving risk. It's excluded across the entire insurance industry so that standard premiums stay affordable for the risks most drivers actually face.
GIG offers 2 different cover add-on options with our comprehensive plans:
- Essential cover
- Full cover
For a new quote with War cover - Click Here
To add war cover to your existing GIG car insurance policy - Click Here , Call Us
or WhatsApp Us
Can I add War Cover if I already have a policy with GIG Gulf?
Yes. Message our Bahrain team on WhatsApp with your policy number, and we'll confirm the price and activate it during the same conversation — no need to wait for renewal.
GIG offers 2 different cover add-on options with our comprehensive plans:
- Essential cover
- Full cover
To add war cover to your existing GIG car insurance policy - Click Here , Call Us or WhatsApp Us
How soon does War Cover protect my car after I buy it?
48 hours after purchase. This waiting period is standard for war-risk cover across the insurance industry.
For a new quote with War cover - Click Here
To add war cover to your existing GIG car insurance policy - Click Here , Call Us
or WhatsApp Us
Which cars can get war cover in the Bahrain?
War cover is available for private Saloon, Sedan, SUV, and 4WD vehicles insured under a comprehensive Motor policy — specifically Motor Prestige, Motor Perfect, and Motor Select plans.
It's not available for taxis, commercial or public transport vehicles, rental cars, or government/embassy-owned vehicles.
*T&C apply.
For a new quote with War cover - Click Here
To add war cover to your existing GIG car insurance policy - Click Here , Call Us
or WhatsApp Us