How your rent a car company in Dubai Handles Accident Claims

Getting into a fender bender is stressful anywhere, but in the UAE, the legal steps are very specific. If you are using a rent a car company in Dubai, you aren't just responsible for the repair; you are responsible for the paperwork that allows the repair to happen. Dubai law is strict: no garage can touch a vehicle without a government-issued police report. Whether it’s a tiny scratch in a parking lot or a highway collision, your rental agency’s insurance claim depends entirely on how you handle the first thirty minutes after the impact. This guide explains the flow from the moment of impact to the final settlement.

What This Guide Covers

We look at the mandatory Dubai Police reporting app, the color-coded report system, and the financial "excess" fees you might face.

Key Insights into Accident Procedures

In Dubai, the police—not the insurance company—are the primary authority that determines fault and starts the claim process.

Quick Facts for 2026 Drivers:

• Mandatory Reporting: You must report every accident, even minor ones, to the police via the Dubai Police App or by calling 999.
• Color-Coded Fault: A "Green" report means you are not at fault; a "Red" report means you are at fault and liable for the excess fee.
• No Police Report = No Insurance: If you return a damaged car without a police report, any rent a car company in Dubai will charge you the full repair cost plus daily rental loss.

Step-by-Step Guide to Managing an Accident Claim

Handling a claim with your rent a car company in Dubai requires a clear sequence of actions to ensure you don't lose your security deposit.

1. Document the Scene via the Dubai Police App

Reporting the accident through the app is the fastest way to get a legal report. For minor accidents where no one is injured and vehicles are movable, you shouldn't wait for a patrol car. Open the Dubai Police App and follow the "Minor Accident" reporting flow. You will need to take photos of the damage, the license plates, and the surrounding area. Once submitted, you will receive an SMS with your report link within minutes. This digital report is the only document your rental agency can use to start an insurance claim.

2. Notify the Rental Agency Immediately

Prompt notification prevents "loss of use" disputes later on. As soon as you have your police report number, call your rent a car company in Dubai. They need to know if the car is drivable or if they need to send a recovery truck. If the car needs to go to the workshop, the agency will start calculating "Loss of Use" charges—which is the daily rental rate for every day the car is off the road. Most agencies charge an administrative fee of AED 150 to AED 500 just for processing the accident paperwork, regardless of who was at fault.

3. Settle the Insurance Excess Fee

The insurance excess is the maximum amount you pay if you are at fault. If the police give you a "Red" report, you are responsible for the insurance deductible or "excess" stated in your contract. For an economy sedan, this is usually between AED 1,500 and AED 3,000. If you have a "Green" report, you generally pay nothing except perhaps a small admin fee. Note that in 2026, many agencies also charge a "Super Excess" for drivers under 25, which can add 10-20% to the standard deductible amount.

Common Reporting Mistakes That Void Your Insurance

• Moving the Car Prematurely: In a major accident with injuries, do not move the car until the police arrive and give you permission.
• Accepting Cash Settlements: Never pay the other driver directly or accept cash to "forget" the accident. This voids your rental insurance immediately.
• Ignoring the Interior: Insurance rarely covers interior damage (like cigarette burns or spills); these are often deducted separately from your deposit.
• Forgetting the Tires: Standard insurance in Dubai often excludes tires and rims unless you have a specific "Super CDW" add-on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What happens if I hit a stationary object like a wall?

You still need to report it to the Dubai Police. It is classified as an "Accident against Unknown" or a single-vehicle accident, and you will likely get a "Red" report.

Q2: Can I get a replacement car right away?

Most top agencies will provide a replacement vehicle, but you may have to pay a new deposit for the second car.

Q3: How long does the claim take?

The physical repairs can take 3–7 days, but the insurance settlement can take up to 30 days to fully close.

Conclusion

An accident doesn't have to be a financial disaster if you follow the rules. By securing a police report and informing your rent a car company in Dubai right away, you protect yourself from unlimited liability.