Although Dubai is considered a relatively safe urban area for drivers, getting involved in a car accident can happen – and it is always an overwhelming experience! However, with the right insurance company by your side, you can minimize any financial damages and focus uniquely on making a full recovery quickly.
While comprehensive car insurance cover represents the ultimate safety net for drivers, accessing the compensation you deserve requires you to make a claim. In this guide, you’ll find all you need to know about filing a car insurance claim in the UAE. Let’s get started.
First Things First: Make Sure You Have the Right Car Insurance Cover
Car insurance claims should be filed as soon as possible after the accident takes place. And, for drivers to be able to do so, it is crucial to have a policy they can trust and know their agreement inside out. Here are the steps you need to take before any accident has the chance to happen:
- Choose the right type of cover – In the UAE, third-party insurance is a legal requirement for all drivers. However, depending on your experience as a driver and the type of car you are driving, you might look into the benefits of comprehensive car insurance.
- Compare companies and policies – Local car insurance comparison websites and platforms can help you find the right policy at the right price. Spend time comparing your options and making sure that your provider has been accredited by the UAE Insurance Authority.
- Customize your policy with add-ons – No two drivers will have the same needs or priorities. So, if you have found a reliable provider and a suitable policy, make sure it fits your needs by adding add-ons and riders such as Engine Protection Cover and Roadside Assistance Cover.
Lastly, spend time studying your policy. When you are involved in an accident, you might be dealing with confusion, trauma, or injuries. Knowing what your insurance covers and how it works can make it easier to deal with the aftermath of a car accident.
Learn What To Do After You Have Been Involved in an Accident
The moments after a car collision are crucial. That is why you should be ready with an action plan to deploy if you ever get involved in a collision or witness a crash. Here are some of the critical steps to take after a car accident:
- Call the police (if you are in Dubai, you might do so by dialing 999 or using the Dubai Police App)
- Call the medical emergency services or an ambulance by dialing 998
- Check for injuries and secure the area by moving vehicles and people to a safe area, ideally off the road
- Wait for help and exchange information with the other driver
- Inform your insurance provider
If you are not injured, you should consider documenting the accident and taking pictures of the scene. Photos can be used in a court of law to determine the party “at fault” and, for insurance purposes, determine where the liability for the accident stands.
Assess Whether You Should File an Insurance Claim
In the UAE, the number of insurance claims filed increased by 45% in 2021, in accordance with the rise in the number of vehicles on the road. But not all accidents will require you to file an insurance claim. And, in some cases, doing so might even be detrimental to your reputation as a driver.
So, when is it necessary to file an insurance claim? Although there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer to this question, there are two scenarios in which you might make a claim:
- When someone (i.e.: the drivers or third-party road users) has been hurt in the accident
- When properties, such as your car, have reported significant damages
Even if you have decided not to file a claim, consider informing your insurance company of the accident.
Follow the Steps To Make a Claim
To file a claim with your insurance company, you’ll need to follow the instructions provided in your policy. Generally, the earlier you are able to contact your insurer, the faster your claim will be processed.
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If your car is badly damaged, start by taking advantage of your roadside assistance cover – a service that is often available 24/7 – and then call your insurance broker or provider directly.
Gather the Documents You Need for Your Insurance Claim
Once you have informed your insurance company of the accident and have decided to file a claim, you’ll be required to produce several documents. Although these might vary depending on the specifics of your policy and the accident, you’ll likely need the following ones:
- Your driving license
- Your vehicle’s registration documents
- The police report filed by the officials at the site of the accident
- Car modifying certificate
- Any supporting evidence, such as videos, photos, and dashcam footage
Your insurance provider might ask you and the other drivers involved to fill in an insurance claim form.
Learn What Not to Do
As seen above, studying your insurance contract in advance and capturing evidence on the site of the accident can give you an advantage during the negotiation process. But while following these best practices is helpful, it is just as important to know what you should not be doing after an accident.
Here is what to avoid:
- admitting fault before the investigation is complete
- Accepting the proposed payout immediately
- Filing the claim several days after the accident
- Signing unverified documents
Work With an Experienced Local Insurance Company
Partnering with the right insurance company can save you from more than one headache – especially in such a tricky situation as a collision can be. Be sure to choose your insurer and insurance policy wisely and learn what to expect from the claim filing process.
