How to Claim Car Insurance After an Accident in the UAE

If you have a car accident in the UAE, report it to the police to get an accident report, gather documents and contact your insurance company to start a claim.

Your insurer will assess the damage and guide you through vehicle inspection, repair approval or compensation.

You can use the tool below to find how to file an insurance claim in the UAE.

File a Car Insurance Claim in the UAE: Quick Steps

1. Report the accident through the relevant police authority or approved accident-reporting channel.
2. Obtain the police or accident report.
3. Inform your car insurance company and register the claim.
4. Submit the required documents.
5. Arrange a vehicle inspection at the insurer’s approved garage or dealership.
6. Wait for repair authorisation or the insurer’s settlement decision.

The process is broadly similar across the UAE, but filing a police report will be different in each Emirate.

Documents Required to File a Car Insurance Claim in the UAE

To file a car insurance claim in the UAE, you need:

• Police or accident report:
• Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya):
• Driving licence:
• Emirates ID:
• Insurance claim form:
• Photographs of the damage:

You may have to provide additional documents depending on the circumstances, the type of claim and your policy.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim in the UAE: Step-by-Step Process

Once you have obtained the accident report, follow these steps to register and complete your motor insurance claim.

1. Report the Accident and Obtain a Police Report

Report the accident to the relevant police authority, even if the damage appears minor.

For minor accidents, use online accident-reporting service or mobile app.

Depending on the emirate, available channels include:

• Dubai Police app in Dubai.
• Abu Dhabi Police and Saeed reporting channels in Abu Dhabi.
• Rafid app in Sharjah.
• MOI UAE app and other applicable police reporting channels.

The accident report is initial step to getting your claim approved, if you do not get report the accident your insurance will not help with any claim.

2. Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurer to report the damage as soon as possible after the accident.

Keep your policy number and accident report available when contacting the insurer.

Ask for your claim reference number and confirm:

• Which documents you need to submit.
• Where your vehicle should be inspected or repaired.
• Whether your policy includes agency or non-agency repairs.
• Whether an excess or deductible applies.

3. Submit the Required Documents

Send the documents requested by your insurer, including the accident report, driving licence and vehicle registration card.

4. Arrange a Vehicle Inspection

Your insurer will explain if you will need to go to an authorised repair garage or any other approved repair workshop for covering the damages.

Do not start repairs without obtaining the insurer’s approval.

5. Wait for Repair Approval or Claim Settlement

Once the insurer reviews the accident report, submitted documents and repair estimate, it will communicate its decision.

If the claim is approved for repairs, the insurer will authorise the relevant workshop to proceed. You can then collect your vehicle when the repairs are completed.

Can You Claim Car Insurance for Dents?

Yes. You may claim for dents and scratches if the damage resulted from an insured event.

If another driver caused the damage, you can claim against their third-party insurance.

If you damaged your own vehicle, you will need comprehensive insurance to cover dents and scratches.

However, consider the cost of repairs against your policy excess (deductible) before making a claim. For minor dents, paying for repairs yourself may sometimes be more practical.

Can You Claim Insurance for Damage to Your Own Car?

Yes, if you have comprehensive car insurance and the damage falls within the policy’s coverage.

For example, if you accidentally hit a wall or damage your vehicle while parking, your comprehensive policy may cover the repair costs, subject to the applicable excess, exclusions and conditions.

A third-party car insurance policy generally covers your legal liability for damage or injury to others, not accidental damage to your own vehicle.

What Happens If Your Car Is Declared a Total Loss?

If your vehicle is damaged beyond economical repair and is given a total loss, the insurer will assess it under the applicable policy provisions.

The compensation amount depends on the insured value, agreed valuation provisions and applicable regulatory requirements.

How Long Does a Car Insurance Claim Take in the UAE?

It depends upon when you have provided completed documents, when the inspection process completed and also on the severity of the damage.

Here is the official regulations for insurance companies to accept the claim.

Under Article 6 of the UAE’s Unified Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy regulations:

• The insurer must acknowledge receipt of the claim in writing.
• If documents are missing, the insurer must notify the claimant in writing within three days of receiving the claim.
• Once the required documents are complete, the insurer must settle accepted claims involving financial compensation within 15 days of receiving the completed claim documents.
• If a claim is rejected, the insurer must provide the reasons in writing, along with supporting documents.

For total-loss claims, Article 7 also provides for compensation within 15 days of completion of the claim documents.

Can Someone Else File a Car Insurance Claim on Your Behalf?

If you cannot personally manage the claim, another person may be able to assist or act on your behalf, subject to the insurer’s requirements.

Contact your insurance company to confirm what authorisation is needed. Depending on the circumstances, it may accept a signed authorisation letter or require a specific power of attorney.

A special power of attorney for a car insurance claim may be needed when someone is authorised to handle claim-related matters, submit documents or receive compensation on another person’s behalf.

Confirm the required wording, notarisation and scope with the insurer before preparing it.

Tips to Avoid Delays When Filing a Car Insurance Claim

A few practical steps can make the claims process easier:

• Notify your insurer promptly: Do not unnecessarily delay reporting the accident.
• Keep photographic evidence: Take clear pictures of the vehicle damage and accident scene when it is safe to do so.
• Keep the other driver’s details: Record their name, contact information, vehicle registration and insurance details where possible.
• Check your policy: Understand your coverage, exclusions, excess and repair conditions.
• Keep all claim records: Save the accident report, claim reference number, emails, repair estimates and receipts.
• Do not admit liability at the scene: Provide accurate information to the authorities and allow the official accident report to establish responsibility.
• Do not authorise repairs prematurely: Wait for your insurer’s instructions and repair approval.

What Happens If My Car Insurance Claim Is Rejected?

Ask your insurer for its written explanation and the supporting documents for the rejection.

Review the reasons against your policy terms. If you disagree with the decision, you can raise a formal complaint through the insurer’s complaints process and explore the applicable UAE insurance dispute-resolution channels.

Not sure which insurer to choose? Read our guide to the best car insurance companies in the UAE to compare coverage options, repair benefits and indicative premiums.

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