Coming back to your parked car only to find a dent or scratch is frustrating enough. But realising the driver responsible has disappeared? Now that’s even worse and painful. Thankfully, if an unknown driver has hit your vehicle, there’s a straightforward way to report the incident. So keep reading to know everything from filing an online report to what evidence to collect.
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First Things First – Report The Hit ASAP
Discover damage on your parked car and can’t find the driver? Don’t leave the scene or arrange repairs straight away. Instead, call 999 immediately and report the incident to the police. UAE law requires motorists to report every road accident, no matter how minor. Tell the operator that an unknown driver damaged your vehicle, then share your location and any relevant details.
Be ready to share your location and details of what happened. Take clear photos of the damage from different angles. You’ll also need to have your Emirates ID or passport, driving licence and vehicle registration card ready if requested.
Check For CCTV Cameras
If the accident took place in a shopping mall, residential building or any area with security cameras, there’s a chance the incident was recorded. Look for nearby CCTV cameras and speak to the property’s security team. They can review the footage to help identify the vehicle or driver responsible. If footage is available, let the police know. If there is no video evidence or witnesses, identifying the driver may be impossible. This could mean you end up covering the repair costs yourself.
Reporting An Unknown Driver Online
Motorists can also report accidents involving unknown drivers through the Ministry of Interior’s digital platform. The online service is specifically for situations where your vehicle has been damaged by an unidentified driver. These situations include a hit-and-run or a driver leaving the scene without providing any details. The process is simple and includes:
- Answering a few questions, including whether anyone was injured and if the vehicle can be safely moved.
- Pinning the exact accident location on an interactive map.
- Entering your vehicle information.
- Uploading the required documents and photos.
- Submitting the request electronically.
Once the application is processed, you’ll receive an official accident report that can be used with your insurance company and any other relevant authorities.
Why The Police Report Is Essential
A police accident report isn’t just paperwork; it’s a requirement. Without an official report, repair centres generally won’t carry out insurance-related work, and insurance providers are unlikely to process or approve your claim. For incidents involving an unknown driver, the authorities can issue a damage report for a fee, allowing you to move forward with your insurance claim and vehicle repairs.
Whether it’s a tiny scratch or a more serious dent, reporting the incident properly can save you plenty of hassle. Just a few quick steps today could make the insurance process much smoother. Stay tuned to Gulf Buzz for more smart tips and everything you need to know to make life in the city a little easier.
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