How to file an insurance claim for a road accident in the UAE? - Pdf Slider

How to file an insurance claim for a road accident in the UAE?

How to file an insurance claim for a road accident in the UAE?

Driving is certainly a risky business. According to data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in June 2021, close to 1.3 million people die annually due to road traffic accidents and crashes. It is appalling to know that road traffic accidents, and injuries that occur as a result of these mishaps are the leading cause of death for children and youngsters in the age of 5-29 years. And, apart from loss in lives, road accidents also are a drain on the economy - data released by the WHO shows that these crashes cost most countries 3% of their gross domestic product.

While all road accidents are not fatal, they certainly cause a loss of resources and finances to some extent. Unfortunately, you can be involved in a road accident and might get seriously injured for no fault of yours - drunk driving and speeding by a third party can also result in an accident.

Hence, it is imperative that you have a comprehensive motor insurance policy to mitigate the losses that might occur as a result of road accidents. If involved in a road accident, you can apply for a claim with your insurer and get a substantial sum of your expenses reimbursed.

But, what is the process to apply for a Motor Insurance claim if you are a resident of the UAE? In this blog, we help you with the steps you must follow if you are involved in a road accident and are looking to apply for a claim.

#1. Stop your vehicle

Irrespective of whether an accident has occured due to you or someone else, you are expected to stop your vehicle at a safe place. In doing so, however, you must ensure that you are not obstructing the traffic on the road. You might also want to check whether all the parties involved in the mishap are safe. 

The UAE law mandates that you stop your vehicle when involved in an accident. So, you must not flee the accident site under any circumstance.

In the unfortunate event that the mishap is a serious one, alert the officials and call the ambulance. 

#2. Call the police

The first step that you must follow when you have met with an accident is to call the police. The police will inspect the vehicles and evaluate the damage done to the vehicles involved in the accident. You must also remember to not argue with the other parties involved in the accident. Rather, you must let the police decide on the appropriate course of action.

Once the police inspect the cars, the drivers are provided with an official police report that would contain the details of the accident and the credentials of the drivers. This police report is mandatory to file a claim for car insurance.

#3. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle

It would help if you take photos of the damage to your vehicle. However, you must bear in mind to not take click pictures of the people involved in the accident as it is a privacy concern.

#4. Inform your insurance provider about the accident

As soon as you meet with an accident, it is imperative that you get in touch with your insurer to notify them about the same. Depending on how much damage has been caused to your vehicle, your insurer might either send a recovery vehicle or make alternate arrangements to take possession of the car. For instance, Watania motor insurance provides you with accidental towing service, whereby your vehicle will be towed to the dealer’s garage or the nearest garage within UAE borders under Watania vehicle insurance policy.

If the damage to the car is not serious, you could also drive it to one of the partner garage service centres.

#5. Follow the instructions given by the insurance provider

Your insurance provider will give you more advice and instructions on how to proceed with filing the claim. It might ask you for a few mandatory documents: 

There are three documents that you must have ready with you before submitting a claim:

  • Police Report or Reference Number
  • Copy of the car registration card
  • Copy of your driver’s license

In case the accident is not a serious one, you can also file the claim yourself online, provided that you have the necessary documents. Claims filing, especially in current times, is a fairly simple process that can be completed in a matter of a few minutes and with the click of a few buttons online.

#6. Study your insurance policy

It would be a good idea for you to read your insurance policy thoroughly to be sure of the items that will be reimbursed. For instance, if you own only a third-party liability insurance, then the damage done to your car will not be covered for. On the other hand, a comprehensive car insurance policy will cover you for a wide variety of issues such as third party liabilities, damage from natural calamities, man made calamities, and theft, among others.

While we hope that you are never involved in an accident, we also hope that this article has helped you understand the do’s and don'ts of what to do if you are involved in one.

Happy driving!

 

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