What to Do After a Minor Car Accident in Dubai

Even a small bump is unsettling. This guide covers the usual steps after a minor accident in Dubai — one where nobody is hurt. Procedures can change, so always follow instructions from Dubai Police and your insurer.

1. Check everyone is OK

If anyone is injured, call 999 for police or 998 for an ambulance immediately. Don't move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger.

2. Make the scene safe

Switch on your hazard lights. If the accident is minor and the vehicles can be driven, UAE traffic rules generally expect drivers not to block the road — move to a safe place nearby if it is safe to do so. If you're not sure, or a vehicle can't be moved, wait for the police.

3. Take photos

Before or as soon as vehicles are moved (when safe), photograph:

• Damage to every vehicle involved
• Number plates
• The position of the vehicles and the wider scene, including road markings and signs

4. Report the accident

All accidents in the UAE must be reported, however small. In Dubai, minor accidents with no injuries can be reported through the Dubai Police app or DubaiNow, using your UAE Pass or Emirates ID. You'll usually be asked for details of the drivers and vehicles and photos of the damage. For more serious accidents, or if the other driver disagrees about what happened, the police will attend.

Keep the report reference. Garages normally won't start accident repairs without it, and your insurer will ask for it.

5. Exchange details

Note the other driver's name, phone number, plate number and insurance company. Stay calm and polite, and avoid arguing about who was at fault — that is for the police report to establish.

6. Contact your insurer

Tell your insurer as soon as possible and send them the police report and photos. Ask whether your policy includes recovery and which garages or workshops you should use.

7. Get the car moved if it isn't safe to drive

If your car has damage to a wheel, steering or suspension, is leaking fluids, or its airbags have deployed, don't drive it. Arrange recovery to your garage, the dealer or your insurer's workshop. We can recover accident-damaged cars across Dubai — call or WhatsApp us with your location and destination.