A minor car accident in Dubai, even a low-speed bump with no injuries, can be stressful in traffic and heat. Knowing the general steps helps you stay calm, keep everyone safe and avoid problems with insurance later. A common mistake is leaving without the proper report, which can make a claim difficult or impossible. This is general information, not legal advice, and Dubai Police and insurer guidance takes priority.
Safety First at the Scene
Your first priority is people, not vehicles. Check whether you, your passengers and anyone in the other vehicle are injured. If anyone is hurt, there is a fire or serious danger, or the situation is unsafe, call the emergency number 999 straight away and follow the instructions given.
If safe, switch on hazard lights and warn other traffic. Whether to move your vehicle depends on circumstances, damage and police guidance. Moving cars out of a live lane can reduce the risk of a second collision in minor cases, but do not endanger anyone or conflict with police instructions. Keep people away from moving traffic, and move to shade if safe. Stay calm with the other driver; record facts and obtain the correct report, rather than settling blame in the street.
Do Not Simply Drive Away
Leaving the scene without following the required reporting process can create legal and insurance problems. In general, a police report is needed before insurers will process a repair claim, and accident repairs are generally not supposed to proceed without one. Even if the other driver suggests paying cash, without a report you may have no straightforward route to an insurance-funded repair if hidden damage appears later.
Exchange names, contact numbers, vehicle registration, driving licence and insurance information with the other driver. Take clear photographs of both vehicles, damage, number plates, the wider scene and road markings, if safe. Note the time, exact location, direction of travel and weather. Do not admit liability or sign documents you do not understand; describe what happened factually.
Getting a Police Report
Minor accidents in Dubai are commonly reported through official Dubai Police channels, including the Dubai Police app and its accident reporting service, sometimes referred to in connection with the Sahl process, or by following police instructions where attendance is required. Channels, steps and eligibility for self-reporting can change, and serious accidents, injuries, disputes or hit-and-run cases are handled differently. Check Dubai Police for the current process.
Typically you will need vehicle and driver details, photographs and a description of what happened. Be accurate and consistent. If the other driver leaves or refuses to cooperate, contact the police rather than resolving it yourself. Keep the issued report safe, check its details, and raise any error through official channels promptly.
Green and White Reports in General
Dubai accident reports are commonly described as green or white. In general terms, the green form is generally linked to the driver not considered at fault, while the white form is generally linked to the driver considered responsible. These outcomes shape how claims and any excess are handled. Terminology can change, and the report you receive is what counts. Pass it to your insurer exactly as received.
Notifying Your Insurer and Repairs
Notify your insurer as soon as reasonably possible, using the method in your policy: app, portal, broker or claims line. Provide the police report, photographs, the other driver’s details and a factual account. Policy terms, excess amounts, deadlines and approved workshop rules vary and can change, so rely on your own policy documents. Do not authorise repairs before the insurer’s process allows it.
Ask whether your policy includes agency repair, meaning repairs through the vehicle’s authorised dealer or agent, or whether you must use an approved workshop network. Agency repair is commonly linked to newer cars and specific policy options, and may end after a certain vehicle age. Confirm where the car should go and what excess you must pay.
- Send the police report and photos promptly and keep copies of everything.
- Confirm the approved workshop and repair authorisation before work begins.
- Ask about excess and any charges the policy may not cover.
- Keep receipts and job cards, and inspect the repair before signing off.
Afterwards: Learn and Prepare
Save Dubai Police and insurer contact routes in your phone, keep insurance documents accessible, and make sure anyone else who drives the car knows these steps. With safety first, a proper report and prompt insurer notification, most cases follow a clear path to repair.