Accidents can be overwhelming, but understanding the car insurance accident claims inspection process is essential for UAE residents, where car insurance is legally required and traffic incidents are common. Being prepared not only saves you stress but also ensures your claim is handled quickly and efficiently, whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a more serious accident.
From filing the necessary police report to the final inspection of your vehicle, this guide will help you smoothly navigate every step of the car insurance accident claims inspection process.
What are accident claims?
An accident claim is a request made to your insurance company to cover damages from a car accident. It includes reporting the incident, providing a police report, and undergoing a car insurance claim process to assess the damage.
What are accident claims inspections?
An accident claims inspection is when your insurance company evaluates the damage to your vehicle after an accident. It helps determine if the vehicle should be repaired or declared a total loss and ensures the claim is valid based on the police report and vehicle assessment.
Car insurance accident claims inspection process
Collection of evidence and filing of police report
The first step in the car insurance claims process is to file a police report, which is mandatory in the UAE and has to be filed within 24 hours of the accident. Detailed photos of all vehicles involved must be taken, which will be crucial for the car accident claim inspection. The police report will indicate which party is at fault, and both parties must agree on this.
Fault plays a major role in how the car insurance accident claims inspection proceeds. If the accident wasn’t your fault, the third-party insurer must cover your repair costs.
Contacting the car insurance company
Once a police report is filed, it’s time to contact the car insurance in the UAE to file a car insurance claim. Most insurers require you to submit the claim within 7 days of the incident to ensure timely processing. The insurer will ask for:
- The police report that explains the details and fault assignment.
- Photos of the accident and damage.
- Vehicle registration card.
You will then be directed to take your vehicle to an assigned garage for further inspection. If you have car insurance online, your insurer will likely provide an online portal to track the status of your claim. Your vehicle may also be towed to the garage if your policy includes roadside assistance.
The insurance company typically acknowledges the claim within 5 to 10 working days and begins verifying details, assessing damage, and consulting loss adjusters if needed. Comprehensive claims are generally settled within 30 days, while third-party claims may take longer due to additional parties being involved.
Vehicle damage assessment and garage estimate
After the car is taken to the assigned garage in the UAE, the garage will perform a damage assessment after the accident and send the insurance company a detailed estimate of the repair costs.
This estimate is a crucial part of the car insurance accident claims inspection process, as it helps determine whether the vehicle will be repaired or if further investigation is needed.
- Garage estimate: The garage submits its repair estimate to the insurance company for approval.
- Approval or further inspection: Repairs will proceed if the insurance company agrees with the estimate. However, if the repair cost is high or there are concerns, the insurance company may appoint a loss adjuster for further investigation.
The role of the loss adjuster
If the garage’s estimate raises concerns or the insurer believes the vehicle may be a total loss, the insurance company appoints a loss adjuster.
- Loss adjuster’s role: The adjuster’s job is to verify the claim’s legitimacy. They assess the damage, review the police report, and interview both parties to ensure everything aligns with the inspection of the reported car insurance accident claims. The adjuster ensures the damage is consistent with the accident details and submits a report to the insurance company. If not, the false claim tends to get rejected.
- Detailed evaluation: The adjuster carefully examines whether the vehicle should be repaired or declared a total loss. Their evaluation is critical in ensuring a fair outcome in the car accident claim inspection.
If a claim is rejected: If your claim is denied, the insurer must provide a written explanation. If not satisfied, you can:
- Raise a formal complaint with the insurer to request a review.
- Escalate to the Central Bank of the UAE’s “Sanadak” platform after 30 days if unresolved. Sanadak handles disputes fairly and impartially.
- Seek legal action as a last resort through the Insurance Disputes Settlement Committee or the courts.
The role of the surveyor for high-cost claims
When the repair estimate exceeds a certain threshold (around 12,000 AED), the insurance company may send a surveyor to evaluate it further.
- Surveyor’s role: While the loss adjuster focuses on verifying the accident details, the surveyor’s role is to perform a manual vehicle damage assessment after the accident. They ensure that the garage’s repair estimate is accurate and that the vehicle isn’t being repaired unnecessarily. If the costs are too high relative to the car’s value, the surveyor may recommend that the car be declared a total loss.
How car insurance companies decide on repairs or total loss
Once the car insurance accident claims inspection process is complete and reports from the adjuster and surveyor are reviewed, the insurance company will decide whether to:
- Approve the repairs based on the garage’s estimate.
- Request further repairs if the initial work wasn’t sufficient.
- Declare the car as a total loss and issue a payout.
If the repairs are approved, they will be completed at the assigned garage. If the car is deemed a total loss, the insurance company will provide compensation depending on the vehicle’s market value. This decision is a vital part of the insurance company’s accident investigation.
What happens when the third party is at fault?
If the third party is responsible, their insurance company will cover your repair costs. The police report is crucial in these situations as it assigns fault. Be sure to have all the necessary evidence (photos, police report, etc.) before contacting your insurer for a smoother car insurance accident claims inspection.
Final takeaway
Dealing with a car accident can be troublesome, but understanding how to file a car insurance claim after an accident and what happens during a car insurance claims inspection can help you navigate the process. From filing a police report to getting your vehicle assessed, each step is crucial in ensuring a smooth claim procedure.
Whether the accident is minor or severe, being prepared with the right documents and evidence can help speed up the process and get you back on the road quickly.
Remember, your insurance provider is there to support you. Knowing how the system works ensures your claim is handled efficiently, giving you peace of mind when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do insurance companies check claims?
Insurance companies check claims by reviewing the police report, inspecting the vehicle, and conducting a car accident claim inspection. They verify the claim’s legitimacy before approving repairs or a total loss.
How can we check the accident history of a car in Dubai?
To check a car’s accident history in the UAE, you can use the RTA Dubai website, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website, or the Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG). By entering the vehicle’s VIN or chassis number, these platforms provide detailed accident reports, including the location and severity of damages.
What is self-inspection in car insurance?
Self-inspection in car insurance allows you to upload photos of the vehicle damage online for minor claims. The insurance company then evaluates the photos remotely, speeding up the car insurance claims process.
How do insurance companies deal with claims?
Insurance companies conduct a car insurance accident claims inspection by sending an adjuster to assess the damage, review the police report, and decide whether the car should be repaired or declared a total loss.
