What to Do After a Minor Accident in Dubai

A minor bump is stressful, but in Dubai you usually don't need to wait for a patrol. Most minor, no-injury accidents can be reported on your phone. This guide is based on reporting by The National and the official process used by Dubai Police and the Ministry of Interior.

First: is anyone hurt?

If anyone is injured, or the accident is serious, call 999. The steps below are for minor accidents with no injuries.

Step 1: make the scene safe

• Turn on your hazard lights.

• If it's safe to do so, move the vehicles to the side of the road so they don't block traffic. The National reports this as the advice for minor incidents with no injuries.

• Stay away from moving traffic.

Step 2: have your documents ready

The National advises carrying your driving licence, vehicle registration and insurance details. If you don't have them, you may have to go to a police station.

Step 3: report it on the app

According to The National, minor accidents in Dubai can be reported through the Dubai Police app or the government's DubaiNow app:

1. Choose the "report traffic accident" service on the app's home page.

2. Select how many vehicles were involved.

3. Scan the plate numbers and add details such as licence information.

4. Photograph the damaged areas through the app.

5. Select which driver is responsible and add their contact details.

You'll receive the Dubai Police report by email or SMS, ready to use for your insurance claim.

If you can't agree on who's at fault

The National reports that if drivers can't agree on who is to blame, they must call Dubai Police on 999 so the police can decide. Alternatively, all parties can go to the nearest police station.

The fine

According to The National, the party found liable has to pay a Dh520 fine.

If the other driver leaves

Note the make, model and plate number of the vehicle and alert Dubai Police.

If you hit an object, not a car

The National notes that motorists must report an accident even when they hit an object rather than another car. You can do this through the same apps or by calling Dubai Police to get a damage report for your insurer.

Outside Dubai

The National reports that motorists in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah can report accidents through the Ministry of Interior (MOI UAE) app, registering with UAE Pass or their Emirates ID. In Sharjah, the Rafid app is another option.

Step 4: claim and repair

Your insurer will usually need the police report before approving repairs. Depending on your policy, repairs may be done at the dealer, at an insurer-approved garage or at a garage you choose. Read your policy wording and ask:

• Does my policy cover agency repair, or garage repair only?

• Is there an excess (deductible)?

• Who chooses the parts, and are they genuine?

Step 5: check the car properly

Even minor impacts can hide damage to bumper brackets, parking sensors, headlight mounts and suspension or alignment. Ask the body shop to check:

• panel gaps and fixings

• sensors and cameras

• wheel alignment after a kerb or wheel impact

• headlights and their alignment

Unrepaired damage can also cause problems at your next RTA technical inspection. See car inspection in Dubai.

Find a repair shop

Compare car body repair workshops in Dubai or across the UAE. If the car can't be driven, call car recovery in Dubai. For alignment and tyre damage, see tyre shops in Dubai. You can also browse verified garages in Dubai.

Sources: The National (reporting procedures for Dubai Police, DubaiNow, MOI UAE and Rafid apps); Dubai Police.