UAE: Had a car accident but don’t know who hit your vehicle? Here’s how to file a report

Dubai: If your vehicle was parked at a location in the UAE, and you returned to find it being damaged due to an accident, the country’s police authorities provide motorists with an option to file a police complaint through a service called ‘Unknown Accident Service’. Here is all you need to know about how to use the service.

Firstly, it is important to note that fleeing from an accident site is against the UAE’s traffic laws, and may result in a minimum penalty of Dh500 and five black points on the driver’s licence, along with confiscation of the car for at least a week. The penalties may be more severe in case of a major accident.

If you are on the receiving end of a hit-and-run case, try to note the licence plate or the make and model of the car at the least. In case of severe accidents, it is important to immediately call 999, which is the country-wide emergency hotline.

However, even if your car was parked and a motorist apparently damaged the vehicle, you would need to file a police report.

Without a police report, you will not be able to raise a claim with your insurance provider. Also, according to Article 41 of UAE Federal Law No, 21 of 1995, no garage owner may take up repair work of a vehicle bearing any signs of an accident, without the approval of the licensing authorities.

Once you notify the police, they will issue an ‘unknown accident’, according to the Dubai Police call centre. You can then submit the report to your insurance provider.

Dubai

If the accident occurred in the emirate of Dubai, you need to raise the complaint with Dubai Police. Follow these steps to file a complaint through the Dubai Police’s smartphone application:

1. Download the ‘Dubai Police’ app, which is available for Apple and Android devices.

2. Under the ‘Services’ menu, select the ‘Unknown accident’ option. You will be directed to the service page, which provides details of when to use the service and the service fee (Dh420). Click on ‘Proceed’.

3. Enter the accident details, including:

• Vehicle Plate number

• Licence number

• Picture of the damage

• Mobile number

• Email (optional)

4. Submit the details of the report. You will then receive a confirmation from Dubai Police on the accident report being submitted and an accident report, which you can file for insurance claim requirements.

Other emirates

If the accident occurred in any other emirate, like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, you can raise the complaint through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) app. The app directs you to the Saaed service portal, where you can file the report.

1. Download the ‘MOI UAE’ app, which is available for Apple and Android devices.

2. On the menu, select ‘Service catalog’, select ‘Issue an accident report against an unknown person’.

3. The app will then direct you to the Saaed portal, where you can enter the accident details, including:

• Vehicle Plate number

• Licence number

• Picture of the damage

• Mobile number

• Accident location details

4. Pay the service fees of Dh400

Once you have submitted the report and paid the service fees, you will receive a confirmation on the accident report being submitted and an accident report, which you can file for insurance claim requirements.

You can also file the report through the MOI website – www.moi.gov.ae – or at a Ministry of Interior customer happiness centre.