What to do in case of an road accident in Dubai: how to act correctly, where to call and how to negotiate

27.10.2025

Driving in Dubai is an unforgettable experience: modern roads, stunning scenery, and freedom of movement. But sometimes even an experienced driver is not immune to unexpected situations on the road. Knowing the precise procedure to follow in the event of an accident is not a formality but a necessity. Mistakes in reporting an accident can lead to serious consequences: denial of insurance coverage, fines, or even criminal liability.

This guide is relevant for both UAE residents and tourists, including those who decide to rent a car in Dubai.

The first seconds after an road accident: priority actions

In the first seconds after an accident, it is important not to panic and to consistently perform key actions.

Ensure safety

The first thing to do after a collision is to prevent further incidents at the scene. To do this:

Turn on your hazard warning lights;
Put up a warning triangle (if available);
Do not obstruct other road users.

Check for casualties

People's safety is a priority. Even if everything appears normal, perform a quick check:

Immediately call 998 for an ambulance;
Administer first aid if you know how and it is safe to do so;
Do not move the injured unless their life is in danger.

Record the situation

Before moving anywhere near the accident scene, it's crucial to gather evidence. This is crucial for the police and the insurance company.

What to shoot and how:

Photos of vehicle damage. Take photos of each vehicle from all four sides, then zoom in on any dents, scratches, broken headlights, and other damage.
Position of vehicles on the road. Capture the relative positions of the vehicles, their orientation relative to road markings and signs.
Road marks. Photograph skid marks, debris, spilled liquids, and debris. These details help reconstruct the trajectory of the vehicle.хёё
Traffic conditions. Take a general view of the accident scene, including landmarks (street names, house numbers, road signs, traffic lights, and surveillance cameras).
Time and date. Make sure the date and time stamp are enabled in your camera settings (or record them separately).

Notifying Authorities: How and When to Call the Police

After recording the situation at the scene of an accident, it is necessary to immediately notify law enforcement agencies – in the UAE, this is a mandatory requirement regardless of the scale of the incident.

Important: Don't try to resolve the situation yourself! Only official police clearance will guarantee legal protection of your rights and ensure proper processing of your insurance claim.

There are several ways to notify the police about a road incident.

Emergency call (number 999)

Regardless of the scale of the accident, call the police at 999. Tell the dispatcher:

exact location;
number of participants and vehicles involved;
if there are any injuries.
Wait for confirmation that the call has been received.

Registration via the app

In Dubai, you can digitally report traffic accidents using the official police app. You'll need to:

provide the details of the parties involved;
upload photos of the damage;
fill out a short incident report form.

After your application is processed, you'll receive an electronic report in PDF format.

What is better not to do?

Don't leave the scene of an accident—it's a criminal offense.
Don't admit guilt on the spot ("I'm sorry," "It's my fault").
Don't move your vehicle until you've documented the situation and received instructions from the police.

Interaction with other participants in the accident

When an road accident occurs, it's crucial to speak calmly and effectively with the other driver—this will make it easier to complete all the paperwork correctly and avoid unnecessary problems with the police and insurance company.

What is better not to do?

Before the police arrive, be sure to exchange key information with the other driver. Do this calmly and consistently, recording the information in writing or on your phone.

What to request and record:

Full name and contact information. Full name, phone number, and residential address (if possible). For tourists, it's helpful to specify the country and city of permanent residence.
Driver's license number. Write down all the digits and series. Check that the license is not expired.
Vehicle registration number. Write down the license plate in full, including the letters. If the license plate is damaged or illegible, note this in your notes.
Insurance policy details. Insurance company name, policy number, and expiration date. If the policy is electronic, ask for a screenshot or the number for verification.
Vehicle owner information. If the driver is not the owner, obtain the owner's contact information (especially important for rental cars).

Important: Do not sign any "mutual non-claims" agreements on the spot - this may void your right to insurance compensation.

How to arrange differences of opinion

Often, parties involved in a traffic accident have different perspectives on the circumstances of the accident. In such cases, it's important to strictly follow the procedure to protect your interests.

Record your versions

In the official police app (if filing online), provide your interpretation of events.
If using a paper form, describe the situation in detail in your own words in the appropriate section.
Attach photo and video evidence to support your version.

Wait for the police for an official investigation

Only police officers have the right to identify the culprit and file a report.
Provide the police with all collected materials (photos, videos, witness contact information).
Answer questions clearly and without emotion—your words may be used later.

Avoid conflicts

Avoid raising your voice, making threats, or making accusations against the other party—this could be interpreted against you.
If the other party is aggressive, politely offer to wait for the police to resolve the dispute.
If there are obvious threats or pressure, report it to the 999 dispatcher or the responding officers.

Call witnesses (if any)

Ask eyewitnesses to briefly outline their version of the incident on paper or in an attachment.
Write down their contact information—the police may call them to testify.
In the UAE, witnesses carry legal weight, so their testimony can be decisive.

Save all evidence

Copies of your and the other party's statements.
Photos and video footage.
Witness contact information.
Any written agreements (if signed).

Important: If you were driving a car rented through BKF-auto, call the operator, tell them about the road accident, and ask how to properly document any disputed issues in the documents to avoid violating your insurance policy.

Documentation: what and where to submit

Proper paperwork is a key step after a road accident in Dubai. The outcome of your interactions with the insurance company and any potential legal consequences depend on how complete and accurate the paperwork is. The UAE has a strict accident reporting system, and ignoring the proper procedures can result in fines or denial of compensation.

Electronic protocol

In Dubai, it's convenient to file a traffic accident report using the official police app—the digital system saves time and avoids errors when filling out paperwork.

When filing a report through the app, you'll receive a PDF document containing:

an accident diagram (visualizing the location of the vehicles and key elements of the scene);
information about the participants (full names, contact information, driver's license numbers);
vehicle registration information;
incident ID (a unique number for tracking the case's status);
a brief summary of the circumstances of the accident, according to each participant.

Important recommendations:

Save the electronic protocol in several places: on your phone, in cloud storage, and email it to yourself.
Check that all information is entered correctly—typos can complicate the insurance process.

Make sure the file is open and readable before exiting the app.
If necessary, print a copy—some insurance companies prefer paper copies.

Visit to the police station

In some cases, digital reporting is insufficient, and an in-person visit to the police station is required.

This is mandatory in the following cases:

There are injured parties (even with minor injuries);
Severe damage to vehicles;
Disagreements between the parties involved in the accident;
One of the drivers refuses to cooperate;
Accidents involving state-owned or leased vehicles.

What you need to do:
Select the nearest police station - you can get the coordinates through the app or by calling 999.

Bring with you:
Passport and visa (for tourists);
Driver's license;
Vehicle registration documents;
Electronic report (if filed through the app);
Photos and videos from the accident scene;
Contact information of witnesses (if any).

At the station:

Contact the officer on duty and state the purpose of your visit;
Fill out the official accident report form;
Attach any evidence you have collected;
Obtain an official Traffic Incident Report.

Contacting the insurance company

It's important to remember: as soon as your Dubai accident report is processed, you need to immediately address the insurance issue. The faster you gather and submit all the necessary paperwork, the better your chances of receiving fair compensation. Even a small oversight can lead to a denial or delays.

What documents are required?

To ensure a successful claim, prepare a complete set of documents. A basic set includes:

Electronic or paper police report;
Photos/videos from the accident scene;
Personal information of the other party;
Lease agreement (if the car is rented).

Timing and nuances

Meeting deadlines is critical when filing a claim with an insurance company:

Submit your claim within 24-72 hours after the accident. In the UAE, many insurance companies set strict deadlines (1 to 5 days), and delays may result in a claim being denied.

Check the submission format. Some insurers accept documents online via app or email, while others require an in-person office visit.

Request a checklist from your insurance company. It should list all required documents and their requirements (e.g., photo resolution, file format).

Keep copies of all submitted documents and correspondence with the insurer. Record the dates of sending and receiving responses.

Monitor your application status. Find out how you can track the application's progress (via the app, by phone, or by email).

Be prepared for questions. The insurer may request additional materials or invite you to a personal inspection of the vehicle.

Important details: If the documents are in Arabic, check whether a notarized translation is required.

Features for car renters

If you rented a car in Dubai through BKF-auto, follow these steps:

Immediately notify the rental company of the accident:

call BKF-auto customer support;
state the location, time, and circumstances of the accident;
inquire whether the car needs to be taken to a specific service center for inspection.

Follow the company's instructions – BKF-auto employees will:

prompt you on which documents to collect first;
help you contact the insurance company (if insurance is included in the rental);
provide an interpreter or representative if necessary.

Check the insurance terms:

does the policy cover the excess (the amount you pay yourself);
are the costs of towing, temporary storage, and inspection included;
are there any territorial restrictions (for example, is the insurance valid outside Dubai).

Obtain the following supporting documents from BKF-auto:

a certificate of vehicle delivery in damaged condition;
a certificate of rental cost and contract terms;
contact information for the responsible manager for liaising with the insurer.

Follow the rental rules:

Do not attempt to repair the vehicle yourself without prior approval from the insurer and the lessor;
Do not sign agreements with another party without notifying BKF-auto;
Keep all receipts and invoices related to the accident (e.g., for a taxi or hotel if the car is unavailable).

Common mistakes drivers make in Dubai

Stress after an road accident can overwhelm even an experienced driver, and one careless mistake can lead to serious consequences, such as insurance denial or legal complications. Below are the most common mistakes and recommendations on how to avoid them.

Lack of photographic evidence

One of the most common mistakes is failing to document the scene of an accident. Without visual evidence, it's extremely difficult to:

confirm your version of the incident;
prove the other party's fault;
receive insurance compensation.

An attempt to leave quietly

Many drivers, especially tourists, try to flee after a minor collision, believing it was "no big deal." This is a serious violation of the law, with the following consequences:

A fine—the amount depends on the severity of the accident and the court's decision;
Arrest—in the case of serious damage or injuries;
Visa revocation—for foreign citizens, which means immediate deportation;
Criminal liability—if people were injured as a result of the escape.

Failure to call an ambulance for minor injuries

Drivers and passengers often refuse medical attention, believing that "everything is fine." However:

Some injuries (e.g., concussions, internal bruises) do not manifest immediately;
The lack of a medical report may disqualify you from compensation;
If your condition worsens later, proving a connection to the accident will be difficult.

Ignoring minor road accidents

Scratches, chips, and minor impacts are all considered accidents. Why you shouldn't ignore such incidents:

The other party may later report damage and accuse you of hit-and-run;
The insurance company will refuse compensation without an official report;
In the case of repeated minor accidents, the accumulated damage may be interpreted as a single major incident, complicating the claim process.

Loss of protocol

A police report is a key document for an insurance company. Its loss:

will delay the compensation process;
may result in a denial of payment;
may complicate proving your innocence in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final tips

Stay calm. Panic hinders good decision-making.
Document everything. Photos, videos, and contact information are your primary evidence.
Follow the law. Even minor violations can have serious consequences.
Notify the rental company. If you rented a car in Dubai through BKF-auto, contact our company immediately – we will help you navigate the process without stress.
Don't sign any unclear documents. If in doubt, wait for a lawyer or insurance representative.

Safe roads and enjoyable travels in Dubai!