Had a minor car accident? How to report it in Dubai and the UAE

Even the most careful driver can be involved in a minor car accident. In such cases, you are not required to wait for a police officer to arrive and investigate the issue. All you need to do is file a minor traffic accident report. We show you how to do so, below. What qualifies as a minor accident? A minor car accident is a low-impact vehicle collision, where there is minimal, often cosmetic, damage to the car. Common examples include fender benders, parking lot scrapes or rear-endings at stop signs, at low speeds. UAE law requires that all accidents be reported, no matter how small. A few years ago, drivers would have had to call the police, wait for them to arrive, investigate the matter, and write up the accident report. But this is no longer the case. Today, the process to file a minor accident report is simple, digitised, and convenient. However, there are several steps and considerations to note, before you do so. What should I do after a minor accident? Knowing the correct procedure following an accident can help you save time, and ensure you have all your evidence in order for an insurance claim. Follow these steps: Step 1: Ensure safety Immediately after the accident, activate the vehicle’s hazard lights to warn others about your stopped vehicle. Check yourself, your passengers and others for injuries. According to the Ministry of Interior (MOI), if anyone is injured, you will need to call the emergency number 999. This can also be done if the vehicle is severely damaged or immobilised. When speaking with the officer, remember to state your name, the nature of the accident, address or location, and how serious the situation is. If it is a minor accident, you can move your vehicle to the nearest safe zone, such as an emergency lane or parking area, to avoid blocking traffic or getting involved in another collision. Step 2: Exchange information Talk to the other party in the accident and exchange personal information with them. It’s best to ensure you have the following: Personal details, like full name and contact number Emirates ID information Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) details Insurance company and policy number If there were any independent witnesses on scene, getting their contact information would help validate your report. Step 3: Document the scene Before you file the accident report, it’s important to gather evidence and provide scene context. Use your phone to click pictures. Ensure that you capture multiple angles of all vehicles involved in the accident, showing their licence plates clearly. It’s important to also show scene context, especially if it’s relevant. Covered signage, for instance, as well as road positions, weather and lighting conditions, all add context to your report. Step 5: Obtain the official accident report The accident report is the most important document you will need to file an insurance claim, following the car accident. The MOI has given the responsibility of minor accident reporting to private companies in certain emirates, under Cabinet Resolution No. 30 of 2017, allowing motorists to obtain official reports without visiting police stations. Every emirate has its own processes for handling minor accident reports: Dubai Dubai Police’s On-the-Go initiative: Available at over 130 locations across the city, you can visit the nearest ADNOC, ENOC or Emarat fuel station to file an accident report. Fully trained staff will even take photos of the vehicle damage and complete the official accident report. You will need to present your driving licence, vehicle registration and insurance certificate for them to complete the process. Average cost: Dh420 Dubai Police app: You can also report an accident directly, through the Dubai Police app. Select ‘Minor Traffic Accident Report’, enter vehicle details for all parties involved, and then upload photos documenting the damage that occurred. You can also do this through their website: dubaipolice.gov.ae. 901: Another way to report the accident is via the non-emergency hotline 901. Abu Dhabi SAEED app: All minor accidents must be reported through the SAEED app, in the capital. Select ‘Report traffic accident’, and follow the instructions. The app allows you to locate the accident site through a map – you will need to allow location access for it to do this automatically. The app will ask you to upload images of your driving licence, Emirates ID, vehicle licence plate number, and vehicle registration card. Next, upload images of vehicle damage and complete the process. You will receive an SMS confirmation once your report has been filed. Average cost: Dh300 Sharjah RAFID app: The Rafid app is the primary way to report minor accidents, along with issues related to vehicle repairs, maintenance, and inspection. Open the app, select the ‘Report accident’ option, and enter your car details and the location where the accident occurred. Submit clear snapshots of the damage and complete the submission to get a digital accident