Accident Repair Dubai | Collision Center & Insurance Claims

Been in a car accident in Dubai? Knowing what to do next is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers immediate steps after a collision, the insurance claim process, how to choose a repair shop, typical repair costs, and your legal obligations. Learn how to navigate Dubai's accident procedures and get your car repaired properly while maximizing your insurance coverage.

Quick Answer: First Steps After Accident

1) Call police (999) immediately. 2) Take photos of all damage and vehicle positions. 3) Exchange insurance details. 4) Get police report number. 5) Contact your insurance within 24 hours. 6) Don't sign anything or admit fault. 7) Choose approved repair shop from your insurer's list.

Critical: Police Report is MANDATORY

In Dubai, you must obtain a police report for any accident, no matter how minor. Without it, your insurance company will not process any claim. Even a small scratch requires a police report if you want insurance coverage.

Emergency Number: 999 (Dubai Police)
Report within: 24 hours for full coverage

Step-by-Step: What to Do After an Accident

Complete Accident Response Checklist

1
Stop immediately and turn on hazard lights - never leave accident scene
2
Call Dubai Police (999) - they'll dispatch officers to your location
3
Check for injuries - call ambulance (998) if anyone hurt
4
Don't move vehicles unless police or traffic officer instructs you to
5
Take multiple photos: all vehicle damage, license plates, accident scene, road conditions
6
Exchange details with other party: name, phone, insurance company, policy number
7
Get witness contact information if anyone saw the accident
8
Wait for police to arrive and file official accident report
9
Get police report number or case reference for insurance claim
10
Note the police officer's name and badge number
11
Do NOT sign any documents from other party or admit fault
12
Call your insurance company within 24 hours to report claim
13
Take your car to insurance-approved repair facility only

The Insurance Claim Process in Dubai

Report

Contact insurance within 24hrs with police report

Assessment

Insurance surveys damage at approved garage

Approval

Insurer approves repair estimate (1-3 days)

Repair

Shop repairs vehicle, you pay only deductible

Accident Repair Cost Estimates

Typical Collision Repair Costs in Dubai (2025)

Service	Price (AED)
Minor Accident (Bumper/Panel) Bumper replacement or repair Panel work Paint matching Sensor calibration	AED 2,000-5,000
Moderate Front/Rear Collision Multiple panel replacement Structural alignment Paint work Light assemblies Mechanical inspection	AED 8,000-15,000
Side Impact Damage Door replacement Frame straightening Glass replacement Paint matching Interior repair	AED 10,000-20,000
Major Collision (Front/Total) Frame repair Engine damage Multiple panels Airbag replacement Complete restoration	AED 20,000-50,000+

Insurance covers repair minus your deductible (typically AED 500-1,500). Actual costs vary by vehicle make, damage extent, and parts availability. Get written estimate before authorizing work.

Choosing an Accident Repair Shop

Your insurance company provides a list of approved garages. These facilities have agreements with insurers and can handle claims directly. While you can choose any approved shop, some offer better service than others.

✓ What to Look For

✅ Insurance company approval and direct settlement
✅ Specialized in your vehicle brand
✅ Modern frame straightening equipment
✅ Professional paint booth facilities
✅ Warranty on repairs (minimum 6 months)
✅ Good communication and progress updates
✅ Clean, organized workshop
✅ Positive reviews from other customers

✗ Red Flags to Avoid

❌ Not on insurance approved list
❌ Pressure to accept cash settlement
❌ Vague timeline estimates
❌ Can't provide references or portfolio
❌ No written repair agreement
❌ Unusually low estimates (hidden costs later)
❌ Poor communication or unprofessional staff
❌ Messy, disorganized facility

Understanding Your Insurance Deductible

Deductible: The amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest. Common amounts in Dubai are AED 500, AED 750, or AED 1,000.

Example: If repair costs AED 8,000 and your deductible is AED 750, you pay AED 750 and insurance pays AED 7,250.

At-Fault vs Not-At-Fault: If other party is at fault and agrees, their insurance covers everything with no deductible for you. If you're at fault, you pay your deductible.

Agency Repair: Some policies offer zero deductible for brand dealership repairs but higher deductibles for independent shops.

I was rear-ended on Sheikh Zayed Road. Police came in 15 minutes, gave me the report, and my insurance approved repairs same day. The garage kept me updated daily and car was perfect after 10 days. The process was much smoother than I expected.

★★★★★

Michael T.

BMW X5 Owner

Common Mistakes After Accidents

❌ Leaving the Accident Scene

Never leave before police arrive, even if the other party agrees. This can result in fines, criminal charges, and complete loss of insurance coverage. Always wait for official report.

❌ Admitting Fault or Signing Documents

Never admit fault or sign anything from the other party. Let police and insurance determine fault. Admissions can be used against you and may void your coverage.

❌ Delaying Insurance Notification

Contact your insurance within 24 hours. Late reporting can result in claim denial. Most insurers have 24/7 hotlines for accident reporting.

❌ Taking Car to Non-Approved Garage

Only use insurance-approved facilities. Non-approved shops mean you pay everything upfront and fight for reimbursement later—which often gets denied.

Required Documents for Claim

Insurance Claim Documentation Checklist

Original police accident report (or certified copy)
Your Emirates ID and driving license copies
Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) copy
Insurance policy document or card
Photos of all damage from multiple angles
Photos showing accident scene and vehicle positions
Repair estimate from approved garage
Other party's insurance details and contact information
Witness statements if available
Any medical reports if there were injuries

Rental Car During Repairs

Many comprehensive insurance policies in Dubai include rental car coverage while your vehicle is being repaired. This typically covers AED 100-200 per day for up to 30 days.

Rental Car Coverage Details

Duration: Usually 15-30 days depending on policy
Daily Limit: AED 100-200 per day (economy car level)
Process: Garage coordinates with insurance for approved rental
Upgrade: You can pay difference for better car
Not Covered: Fuel, Salik tolls, traffic fines

Professional Accident Repair in Dubai

BRITFIX is an insurance-approved collision repair center. We handle all insurance paperwork and restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition with OEM parts and warranties.

Start Insurance Claim Get Repair Estimate

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Dubai?

Call Dubai Police (999), don't move vehicles unless blocking traffic, take photos of all damage and positions, exchange insurance details with other party, and get police report number. Never admit fault at the scene.

Do I need a police report for insurance claim in Dubai?

Yes, a police report is mandatory for all insurance claims in Dubai, even for minor accidents. Without it, insurance won't process your claim. Get the report at the accident scene or nearest police station within 24 hours.

How long does accident repair take in Dubai?

Minor repairs take 3-5 days, moderate damage 1-2 weeks, and major collision repairs 3-4 weeks. Timeline depends on damage extent, parts availability, and insurance approval process.

Can I choose my own repair shop for insurance claims?

Most comprehensive policies allow you to choose from approved garages list. Some policies require specific garages. Check your policy or call your insurer for approved facilities.

Will my insurance premium increase after an accident claim?

If you're at fault, expect a 10-20% premium increase at renewal. Not-at-fault claims typically don't affect premiums, but you may lose no-claims bonus. Each case varies by insurer and policy terms.

Accident Repair Dubai: Complete Guide to Collision Damage & Insurance Claims