How to report an unknown traffic accident in the UAE (2025): A complete guide
How to file accident reports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and other emirates for claims
Dubai: Returning to your car to find a dent or scratches can be frustrating, especially if the responsible motorist is absent. Such incidents are classified as ‘unknown traffic accidents’, and it is essential to report them to the police or traffic accident authorities in the UAE. Without a police report, you will not be able to file a claim with your insurance provider.
Immediate steps to take - In case of severe accidents (cases of significant damage or injuries), dial 999 immediately.
Abu Dhabi - 'SAEED'
In Abu Dhabi, incidents should be reported using the SAEED app, which manages minor accidents and other traffic-related services. Here's how:
Download the SAEED app for Apple or Android.
Open the app and select 'Report'.
Enter your mobile number and the one-time password (OTP) sent to your phone.
Allow location access to identify the accident area.
Select 'Unknown' as the accident type.
Upload the following documents:
Front and back of your driving license
Front and back of your Emirates ID
Front and back of your vehicle license
Vehicle plate number
Add pictures of the damaged parts of your vehicle and click ‘Done’. You will receive an SMS confirmation once the report is filed.
Service fee: Dh400
Dubai – Dubai Police
If the accident occurred in Dubai, you need to raise the complaint with Dubai Police. Follow these steps to file a complaint through the Dubai Police’s smartphone application:
Download the ‘Dubai Police’ app, which is available for Apple and Android devices.
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’.
Enter the accident details, including vehicle plate number, licence number and picture of the damage, mobile number and email (optional).
Submit the details of the report.
You will receive a confirmation and an accident report to use for insurance claims.
At petrol stations:
In Dubai, you can also visit the nearest petrol station, where an employee will help you report the accident. Provide the vehicle plate number, driving license number, and mobile number. You will receive a confirmation SMS with a transaction number to track your case. Click here for more details.
Sharjah – ‘Rafid’
In Sharjah, you must report minor or unknown traffic accidents through ‘Rafid’ an automotive service that handles minor vehicle accident reporting, repairs, maintenance, inspection, and registration renewal. To file an unknown traffic report, you need to download the Rafid app, available for Apple and Android devices and follow the steps:
Open the app, enter your mobile number and enter the one-time password. Next tap on ‘Accident Reporting’ and select ‘Report unknown accident’.
Add your vehicle details – licence number plate and source.
Enter contact and personal details – date of birth, nationality, mobile number and email address.
Enter accident location and provide details on how the accident happened.
Next, upload the following documents:
Front and back of your driving license
Front and back of your Emirates ID
Front and back of your vehicle license
Vehicle plate number
Next, upload pictures of the damaged vehicle and click ‘Next’. Your report will be submitted and an official report will provided within 48 hours and your vehicle maybe required for inspection, if necessary.
Other emirates – Ministry of Interior (MOI)
The Ministry of Interior (MOI) has delegated the reporting of minor traffic accidents to private companies in certain emirates. This arrangement allows customers to obtain minor accident reports, as outlined in Cabinet Resolution No. 30 of 2017.
If the accident occurred in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, or Ras Al Khaimah, you can use the MOI or SAEED app, here’s how:
Open the MOI app and log in using your UAE Pass credentials.
Go to the ‘Services’ section and select ‘Report Accident Against an Unknown Person.’
You will be asked two initial questions – ‘Did anyone get injured?’ If so, immediately call 999 and ‘Can you move your vehicle off the road?’ If you cannot, a report will be automatically filed.
If you answer ‘no’ to both questions, you can proceed with filing the report.
Provide the following information:
Your location
Vehicle details
Whether you were at fault for the accident
Whether you were driving at the time
Upload required documents
Attach photos of your vehicle registration card, driving licence and damaged vehicle.
Click ‘Submit’ to finalise the process. You will receive a report number, and the accident report will be accessible via the app.
Service fee – Dh400.
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