A car accident can be an unsettling experience, leaving you unsure of what to do next. Knowing the steps to take after a car accident is crucial for ensuring safety and filing a car insurance claim without complications.
In the UAE, traffic laws require accidents to be reported to the police, and having the right documents is essential for processing a claim. If you do not follow the correct procedure, your car insurance in the UAE may not cover the damages.
This guide clearly outlines what to do immediately after an accident, how to deal with the authorities, and how to ensure that your car insurance claim is processed smoothly.
Immediate steps to take after a car accident in the UAE
1. Check for injuries and ensure safety
The priority is safety. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 998 for an ambulance immediately. For non-emergency accident situations, you can also contact 901. If it is safe, move your vehicle to avoid blocking traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
What to do:
- If injuries are minor, wait for medical help before moving.
- If there are no injuries, proceed to assess vehicle damage.
2. Collect evidence and apply for a police report
While waiting for the police to come, document the accident to support your claim. This will help your car insurance provider process your claim faster.
Essential information to gather:
- Photos of the accident scene, all damages, and license plates.
- Contact details of all involved parties.
- Vehicle registration, driver’s license, and car insurance details of the other driver.
A police report is mandatory for filing an insurance claim in the UAE. Without it, your car insurance claim will not be processed. Police reports are issued by the relevant traffic services authorities of the emirate where your accident occurred.
You can apply for your report by either calling 901 or by applying for your police report online. To do this, download the Dubai Police App [App Store / Play Store]. Proceed to Services at the bottom left, scroll down to the Traffic Services section, and click on Simple Accident Report.
Similarly, in Sharjah, you may either call 800-RAFID (800 723 43) or use the Rafid App [Apps Store/ Play Store].
For Abu Dhabi and other northern emirates, call 800SAAED (800-722-33) or use the SAAED Smart App [Apps store/Play store].
Once the report is issued:
- If you are not at fault, you will receive a green report.
- If you are at fault, you will receive a red report.
Making a car insurance claim in the UAE
After collecting the necessary details, notify your car insurance company immediately. If you purchased car insurance online, check your email for policy details and the claim process. Providers like InsuranceMarket.ae enable you to submit claims online through their website or via email, making the process more convenient.
Once you have the police report, you can start the claim process. Each insurance provider has slightly different procedures, but the general steps remain the same.
3. Report the claim to your insurer
Most insurance providers allow claims through:
- Their official website or mobile app.
- Phone calls to their customer service.
Provide:
- Police report
- Emirates ID and driving license
- Vehicle registration card
If you’re insured through InsuranceMarket.ae, you are assigned a dedicated claims manager, ensuring your case is handled from start to end efficiently without needing to call multiple times.
5. Submit required documents
Most insurance providers require the following list of documents for a car insurance claim:
- Emirates ID and the Driver’s License
- Vehicle Registration Certificate/License (Mulkiya)
- Police Report
If your insurance company requires additional documents, they will inform you.
6. Get your car repaired
After submitting the required documents, you can focus on having your car repaired according to your insurer’s policies.
- Agency garages – If your policy covers dealership or agency repair, you need to hand over your vehicle to your car’s agency body shop along with the documents mentioned above. They take care of obtaining an estimate and sending it to your insurer. Once approval is received, repairs will commence.
- Approved garages – If your vehicle is over 2 or 3 years old, you will mostly be offered a non-agency repair policy. This covers repairs only at network-approved workshops that have a tie-up with your insurance company. Your insurance company will assign one of these workshops to you at the time of claim registration.
- Cash loss – If your insurer allows, you may pay for the repairs upfront and request reimbursement after submitting the necessary documents.
- Total loss – If the vehicle is severely damaged and beyond economic repair, the insurer may pay the fair market value in exchange for the damaged vehicle, rather than attempting to repair it.
After completing the repair process, you may wonder how long it takes to receive reimbursement or claim settlement. To learn about claim payout timelines and influencing factors, read this guide on claim returns.
Mistakes to avoid when filing a car insurance claim
Many claims get delayed or rejected due to common mistakes. Here’s what to avoid:
| Mistake | Why it’s a problem |
| Not applying for a police report | No police report means no claim approval |
| Providing incorrect information | Can lead to claim rejection |
| Delaying the claim | Insurance providers have time limits for claims |
| Ignoring minor damages | Small issues can escalate over time |
Providers like InsuranceMarket.ae help customers navigate the process and avoid mistakes by providing personalised support through dedicated claims managers.
Final takeaway
Being involved in an accident is never easy, but knowing the steps to take after a car accident will make the process smoother. From contacting the police to ensuring your car insurance claim is processed correctly, following the right steps can prevent unnecessary delays.
By staying informed and acting quickly, you can handle any accident efficiently and get back on the road with minimal hassle. Insurance providers in the UAE, like InsuranceMarket.ae, offer a hassle-free claims process, ensuring that your claim is processed quickly with minimal stress.
FAQs: Steps to take after a car accident
How long do I have to file a claim after an accident?
Most insurers in the UAE require claims to be filed within 24 hours after the accident. Delaying could result in claim rejection.
Can I file a car insurance claim without a police report?
No, a police report is required by all car insurance providers in the UAE.
What happens if I am found at fault for the accident?
If you are at fault, your car insurer will cover the damages caused to the other party’s vehicle. If you only have third-party insurance, you will be responsible for paying for your own repairs.
Will my insurance premium increase after making a claim?
Yes, your next premium may be higher, especially if you were found to be at fault for the accident.
What if I purchased my car insurance online?
You should still follow the same steps. Most car insurance online providers have digital claim submission options.
