Got a Fender Bender in Dubai? Report Minor Accidents the Easy Way
April 25, 2025
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Let's be honest, even a minor fender bender in Dubai can rattle your nerves 
[24]
[5]
[10]. Amidst the initial shock, figuring out the right steps to take for a simple bump, especially when no one's hurt, can be confusing [24]
[25]. The key thing to remember? For minor, non-injury incidents, reaching for the 999 emergency line isn't the correct procedure 
[8][5]. Thankfully, Dubai offers smarter, faster ways to handle these situations through the Dubai Police App and the innovative Smart Police Stations (SPS) 
[1][24][25]
[2]
[4]. Using these digital methods saves you precious time, helps prevent traffic snarls, keeps emergency lines free for genuine crises, and crucially, gets you the police report needed for insurance [4]
[15]
[26][5]. This guide will walk you through exactly how to define a minor accident and use these efficient digital tools.
What Exactly Qualifies as a "Minor Accident" for Digital Reporting?
Before you jump onto the app or head to an SPS, it's vital to know if your situation fits the "minor accident" criteria for digital reporting [24]. Generally, an incident qualifies if it meets these conditions: absolutely no one involved has suffered any injuries [1][25][4][5]
[21][24]. The damage to the vehicles should be minor or cosmetic, meaning the cars are likely still drivable enough to be moved safely off the main road [1][25]
[23]
[9][5]
[11]. Critically, the accident must not have been caused by driving under the influence (DUI) [24][21]. The app reporting service is typically designed for incidents involving between two and five vehicles [4]. Correctly identifying your accident type is crucial because it determines whether you use these digital methods or need to call 999 for police assistance [24][25].
Why You Should Use the App or SPS (and NOT Call 999)
Dubai authorities strongly encourage drivers to use digital channels like the app or SPS for minor incidents without injuries [24][25][8][5]. Why? The benefits are significant [4][15]. Firstly, it's simply a much faster and more efficient way to get the report filed [4]. Secondly, by quickly moving vehicles (if safe) and reporting digitally, you help prevent unnecessary traffic jams that block Dubai's busy roads [1][25]. Thirdly, it ensures that the 999 emergency line and police patrols remain available for serious emergencies where immediate response is critical [8]
[13]. Plus, the convenience factor is huge – you can report directly from the scene using the app or visit a nearby self-service SPS kiosk anytime, 24/7 [24]. Remember, even for the smallest scrape, obtaining a police report is mandatory in Dubai for any insurance claims or vehicle repairs [1][25][2][5][11][26]
[17]
[19].
Step-by-Step Guide: Reporting via the Dubai Police App
Using the Dubai Police app is often the quickest way to report a minor collision. First, ensure your situation meets the criteria: no injuries, minor damage, involves 2-5 cars, ideally agreement on fault, and definitely no DUI involved [1][25][4][5][21][17]
[27]. If there's a disagreement about who caused the accident, it's generally better to head to a police station [24][21].
Ready to start? First, download the official 'Dubai Police' app from your iOS or Android store [24][2][4]
[7]. Once installed, open the app, find the 'Services' section, and select the option like "Report Traffic Accident" or "Report Minor Accident" [1][24][25][4][8]. The app will likely ask to use your location or prompt you to confirm it – make sure location services are enabled [24][8].
Next, you'll input the number of vehicles involved [24][4][8]. You'll need to enter your vehicle's plate number and your driving license number; the app might even have a handy feature to scan these details [24][25][7][4][8]. You must then upload clear photos showing the damage to your vehicle – usually up to four photos are allowed [1][24][25][4][8][19]
[20]. Do the same for the other vehicle(s) involved, entering their plate and license details and uploading photos of their damage [24][8][20]. If fault is agreed upon, you might need to indicate this; otherwise, select 'unknown', but remember, disputes are best resolved at a station [4][19]. Finally, provide your mobile number and email address so you can receive the report [24][4]. Hit submit, and you're done with the initial filing [1][25][21].
After submitting, you should receive an SMS confirming receipt with a reference number [4][21]. The official digital police report usually follows via SMS or email, often within 24 hours, once reviewed [24][4][19][20]. Keep in mind there's typically a fee for the report (around AED 520), paid by the party deemed at fault [24][21]. It's also worth noting that the DubaiNow app offers similar accident reporting functionality [15].
Using Smart Police Stations (SPS) for Minor Accident Reports
What if you prefer not to use an app, or don't have easy access? Dubai's Smart Police Stations (SPS) offer another convenient solution [24]. Think of them as unmanned, 24/7 self-service police centers equipped with kiosks [24]. These SPS locations allow drivers to report minor accidents using automated terminals [24]. The criteria for using an SPS kiosk are generally the same as the app: no injuries, minor damage, and no alcohol involved [24][21]. It’s a great physical, yet automated, alternative [24].
An SPS might be your go-to if you don't have the app installed, feel more comfortable with a kiosk interface, or perhaps need to use the system to help resolve a minor disagreement [24][21]. The process involves interacting with the kiosk to input accident details and potentially upload information, similar to the data required by the app [24]. You can also often use SPS kiosks to check the status of a report or pay associated fees [24]
[6][21]. The key benefits? Round-the-clock accessibility, convenience, and privacy [24].
Other Digital & Quick Reporting Options (Briefly)
Besides the main app and SPS kiosks, there are a couple of other quick reporting avenues for minor incidents. The official Dubai Police website (dubaipolice.gov.ae) often provides a similar online reporting service, accessible via computer or mobile browser [1][24]. Additionally, selected ENOC petrol stations participate in the 'On-The-Go' initiative [1][24][25][7]. At these locations, such as stations on Al Khail Road and Al Rasheed Street, ENOC staff can assist you in reporting a minor accident [1][24]. This is particularly helpful for drivers who might not have smartphone access or prefer some in-person guidance [1].
What If We Disagree on Who Caused the Accident?
Okay, so what happens if you and the other driver(s) can't agree on who was at fault? In these situations, trying to report via the app might not be the best approach, as agreement is often preferred for that channel [24][21][27]. If there's a dispute about liability, the official recommendation is clear: both parties should proceed directly to a physical Dubai Police station [24][21]. Alternatively, a Smart Police Station (SPS) might also be equipped to handle such cases, allowing officers to investigate and make the final determination of fault [24][21].
Crucial Steps Before You Start Reporting Digitally
Before you even think about opening the app or finding an SPS, there are vital steps to take immediately after a minor bump. Safety is always paramount [5][11]. If the accident is minor and vehicles are drivable, carefully move them to a safe spot off the road, like the shoulder, to avoid blocking traffic [1][25][23][9][5][11]. Don't forget to switch on your hazard lights immediately to warn other drivers [2][5][11][17]. Critically, double-check that absolutely no one is injured before deciding to use digital reporting [1][2][11]. If anyone is hurt, even slightly, call 999 for police and 998 for an ambulance right away [24][25][2]. Once safety is confirmed, document everything: take plenty of clear photos of the damage on all vehicles involved and the general scene – these are essential for the app upload [26]
[3][5][11]
[12]
[14]
[22]
[18][20]. Calmly exchange details with the other driver(s): names, phone numbers, driving license numbers, vehicle registration (Mulkiya) details, and insurance information [5][11][14][25][26][2][3].
After Reporting: Getting the Report & Insurance Next Steps
Once you've successfully submitted your report via the app, SPS, or another channel, you'll typically receive the official police report digitally via SMS or email [24][4][19][20]. Hold onto this! This report isn't just a formality; it is absolutely MANDATORY for making any insurance claims and for getting your vehicle repaired at a garage in Dubai [2][26][3][7][5][12]
[16][19][24][25][17]. Workshops are legally not allowed to fix accident damage without it [24][25][17]. The very next step after receiving the report is to notify your car insurance company promptly [26][3][10][11][12][14][17]. Provide them with the police report details so they can start processing your claim [26][3][10][11][12][14][17].
So, there you have it. While nobody wants to be in an accident, knowing how to efficiently handle minor ones using the Dubai Police app or a Smart Police Station can make a stressful situation much smoother. It’s all about reporting smart – saving time, keeping traffic moving, and ensuring you comply with regulations. Why not download the Dubai Police app today and familiarize yourself with nearby SPS locations? Being prepared offers valuable peace of mind on Dubai's roads.
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