In Dubai, immediately report any car accident. For minor incidents without injuries, move your vehicle to safety and use the Dubai Police app to file a report. For major accidents with injuries or significant damage, call 999, do not move your car, and wait for police arrival.
The First Critical Decision: Minor vs. Major Accident
Table of Contents
Your immediate actions depend entirely on the severity of the accident. Making the wrong choice can lead to fines or complications.
- Minor Accident: No one is injured. All vehicles involved are drivable. The damage is not severe.
- Major Accident: Someone is injured or requires medical attention. A vehicle is not drivable. There is significant public or private property damage.
How to Report a Minor Accident: The App Method
For minor collisions, the Dubai Police encourages drivers to use their smartphone app. This keeps traffic moving and frees up police resources for emergencies.
- Move to Safety: Before anything else, move all involved vehicles to the nearest safe location, like a hard shoulder or parking area. Blocking traffic after a minor accident can result in a fine.
- Open the Dubai Police App: Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Select the “Report Traffic Accident” Service: The homescreen features this option.
- Follow the Prompts:
- Enter the license plate numbers of all vehicles involved.
- Scan the driver’s license of each person.
- Take photos of the damage to each vehicle from multiple angles.
- Confirm the location. Your phone’s GPS should pinpoint the location automatically.
Within a few hours, you will receive a police report via SMS and email. The fee for this service is typically AED 520, paid by the party found at fault.
Insider Tip: If you have trouble with the app or the other driver is uncooperative, you can call the non-emergency number 901. However, using the app is the preferred and fastest method.
Actions for a Major Accident: Safety First
In a major collision, your priorities change completely. The primary concern is the well-being of everyone involved.
- Call 999 Immediately: This is the emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Civil Defence. Clearly state your location and report any injuries.
- Do Not Move Your Vehicle: In a major crash, the position of the cars is evidence. Do not move your vehicle unless a police officer instructs you to do so.
- Administer First Aid (If Trained): Provide immediate assistance to anyone injured, but do not move them unless they are in immediate danger (e.g., from fire).
- Secure the Scene: Turn on the car’s hazard lights. If you have a warning triangle, place it on the road to alert other drivers.
Police and paramedics will arrive, secure the scene, and create a formal report after their investigation.
What if You Hit a Parked Car or Your Car Was Hit?
If you find your vehicle damaged by an unknown person, you must report it to get a police report for insurance repairs. This is called an “accident against an unknown party.”
- Go to the nearest police station (do not use the app for this).
- Provide your vehicle registration and explain the situation.
- The police will issue a report, which will cost a fee. Without this report, you cannot legally repair your vehicle.
Expert Analysis: Understanding the Color of Your Report
The slip you receive from the police is color-coded. This color dictates who is at fault and what you do next.
| Report Color | Meaning | Action for You |
| Green | You are not at fault. | Give this slip to your insurance company to start repairs. |
| Red | You are at fault for the accident. | Give this slip to the other party for their insurance claim. Your insurance will handle the costs. A fee for the report is usually required. |
| White | No one is clearly at fault, or it was an external factor (e.g., a tire blowout). | Both parties present the report to their own insurance companies. |
Reporting an Accident in a Rental Car
If you have an accident in a rental car, the process is nearly the same. You must still file a police report using the app for a minor incident or by calling 999 for a major one. After obtaining the police report, you must immediately inform the rental car company and provide them with a copy. Failure to do so may violate your rental agreement and result in significant personal liability.
Also Read: Remove Black Points from License in Dubai
A Final Caution from Experience
After an accident, emotions can run high. It is common for the other party to suggest settling the matter privately without a police report to avoid affecting their insurance premium. Politely decline this. A police report is a legal requirement in Dubai for any repair. Without it, you are leaving yourself open to future disputes or being held liable for pre-existing damage. The official process protects all parties involved and provides the clear documentation your insurer needs.
References:
- Dubai Police Website
- UAE Government Portal (Accident Information)