Dubai Car Accident? Navigate Your Insurance Claim Stress-Free
April 25, 2025
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Dealing with a car accident in Dubai is stressful enough without adding confusion about the insurance claim process 
[36]
[5]
[12]. Knowing the right steps isn't just helpful; it's crucial for your financial protection and legal compliance in the UAE 
[3]
[8][5]
[11]
[30]
[35]. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough, based on Dubai regulations, covering everything from the moment an incident occurs to getting your claim settled 
[16]
[29]. Let's break down how to handle a car insurance claim in Dubai effectively.
Immediate Steps After an Accident (Before the Claim)
Your first priority after any accident is safety [5]
[14]. Stop your vehicle immediately, assess the situation, and if the accident is minor and it's safe, move the vehicles to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic 
[1]
[37]
[33]
[9][5][14]. Don't forget to switch on your hazard lights to warn other drivers 
[2][5][14]
[22]. Next, check yourself, your passengers, and anyone in the other involved vehicles for injuries [1][2][14]. If anyone is hurt, call for an ambulance straight away using the number 998 [36][37][2][33]
[13]
[40]
[17]. It's vital not to move anyone who appears seriously injured unless there's immediate danger like a fire; wait for the paramedics [33][9][14]. For major accidents involving injuries or significant damage where vehicles can't be moved, you must call the Dubai Police on 999 [1][36][2][3][33][8][9][5][14][16][22]. Importantly, do not leave the scene until the police arrive or the incident is properly reported [33][9]
[15]. While waiting, exchange essential details with the other driver(s): names, phone numbers, driving license details, vehicle plate numbers, and insurance information [5][14]
[19][36][15]. Taking photos of the scene, vehicle positions, and damage from various angles is also highly recommended 
[38][3][5][14][15][19]
[28]
[23].
The Police Report: Your Claim's Foundation
Let's be clear: a police report isn't optional in Dubai; it's mandatory for every single accident, no matter how minor, even a scratch or a hit-and-run while parked 
[10][13][16][29][1][37][2][5][14]
[7]. Insurance companies absolutely require this report to process any claim, and repair shops cannot legally fix accident damage without one [13][16][29][36][37][22]. So, how do you get it? For major incidents with injuries or significant damage, the police will come to the scene after you call 999 [10][13][40]
[20]. For minor bumps with no injuries, you have several convenient options [10][13][40][16]. The most common method is using the Dubai Police mobile app; you'll input the location, vehicle details, upload photos of the damage, indicate fault if agreed upon, and provide contact info [10][13][40][16][36][37]
[4][8]
[24]. Alternatively, you can use the Dubai Police website, the DubaiNow app, visit a self-service Smart Police Station (SPS) kiosk, or report at select ENOC "On-The-Go" petrol stations[1][36][37][7][20]. The police report will determine who was at fault, which is crucial for the insurance claim [13][40][16][29][38][5][15]. Be aware there's usually a fee for the report, typically paid by the driver found to be at fault[36]
[27].
Initiating Your Insurance Claim: Contacting Your Provider
Once you have that crucial police report in hand, the next step is to notify your car insurance company without delay[10][16]. Most insurance policies have a specific timeframe for reporting an accident, often within 24 hours or at least within a few days, so acting quickly is essential[12][14]
[21][15]. Check your policy documents to be sure about the deadline [3]. You can usually notify your insurer through their dedicated claims hotline, online portal, or mobile app[5][11][12][19]. To get the ball rolling, you'll need to submit a standard set of documents [4][9][10][16][17][23][29]
[34][38][3][11][15]
[18][19]. Prepare the following:
The Claim Processing Journey: What Happens Next
After you've submitted your documents, the insurance company registers your claim, gives you a reference number (often via SMS), and starts assessing the situation[9][34]. The next key stage is the vehicle inspection, often called a survey[34]. Your insurer will arrange for a surveyor to examine the damage to your car and estimate the repair costs[34][3][21]. This inspection might happen at an approved garage, or sometimes the surveyor can come to your location [21]. Based on the survey and the garage's cost estimate, the insurer decides whether to approve the claim [34][21]. If approved, they issue a repair authorization, commonly known as a Local Purchase Order (LPO), to a specific workshop[3][21]. Here's a critical point: do not start any repairs before you receive this official LPO from your insurer[38]. Where your car gets repaired depends on your policy and the car's age. Newer cars, typically those under one year old, often have mandatory agency repair, meaning they must be fixed at the manufacturer's official dealership[1]. For older cars or depending on your policy terms, repairs are usually done at garages within the insurer's approved network[8]
[25]. Before the workshop hands back your keys, you'll likely need to pay the policy deductible, also known as excess, directly to the garage[4][8]. The insurance company then settles the remaining balance of the repair bill with the workshop. In unfortunate cases where the car is declared a total loss, the insurer provides compensation based on the value stated in your policy
[39]
[31]
[32].
Understanding Claim Scenarios: Comprehensive vs. TPL & Fault
How your claim unfolds heavily depends on two things: the type of insurance you have (Comprehensive or Third-Party Liability - TPL) and who the police report deems responsible for the accident[38][5][15]. Let's break down the common scenarios. If you have Comprehensive Insurance: If the police report indicates you are at fault (often a red or pink paper/digital report), you'll claim from your own insurance policy to cover the repairs for your car[13][16]. You will need to pay the policy excess/deductible. Your comprehensive policy also covers the damage or injury caused to the third party[2][11]
[26]. If you are not at fault (indicated by a green report), you still claim from your own comprehensive insurance for your vehicle's repairs[13][16]. The good news is you usually won't have to pay the excess in this case, as your insurer will recover the costs from the at-fault driver's insurance company. Now, if you only have Third-Party Liability (TPL) Insurance: If you are found at fault (red/pink report), your TPL insurance will only cover the costs related to the third party's vehicle damage or bodily injury[39][7][5][11][18]. Crucially, TPL does not cover damage to your own car; you'll have to pay for your own repairs out-of-pocket[39][7][8][5][18][27]. You still need to report the accident to the police and notify your insurer. If you are not at fault (green report) and have TPL insurance, you need to file a claim directly with the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident to get your vehicle repaired[11][13].
Key Tips for a Smoother Claim Process & Timelines
Navigating the claims process can feel daunting, but a few key actions can make it significantly smoother [16][29]. Firstly, act promptly – report the accident to the police and notify your insurer as soon as possible[10][16]. Accuracy is vital; provide correct and honest details throughout the process[14][28]. Always keep copies of every document submitted and all correspondence with the police and your insurer [3]. Honestly, knowing your insurance policy before an accident happens is a lifesaver – understand your coverage type, the excess amount you'd need to pay, and which garages are in your insurer's approved network[38][12][19][24]. Don't hesitate to follow up with your insurer to check on the status of your claim if you haven't heard back[17]. While timelines can vary, insurers generally aim to settle claims reasonably quickly, potentially within 15-30 days once all documents are in order, though this can differ based on complexity[1][21]. Being prepared and proactive can make a world of difference.
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