Does third-party insurance cover my car?

Only when the other driver is at fault (green report): then their insurer pays for your car. If you are at fault or the other party is unknown, a third-party-only policy pays nothing for your own car.

When is a car a total loss in the UAE?

Usually when the repair cost exceeds about 50% of the car's value, or the structure is badly damaged. The insurer pays the insured value minus depreciation, and the registration is cancelled.

Is flood damage covered?

Only under comprehensive policies that include natural perils, and usually only if the car was parked or driven lawfully. Third-party-only policies do not cover your own car. Check your policy wording.

Car Insurance Claim in the UAE: Step-by-Step (2026)

Findgarag.es Editorial·UAE Accidents & Insurance Guide

How It Works in the UAE

Motor insurance in the UAE follows a unified policy wording set by the regulator, with each insurer adding its own extras. Which policy pays depends on the colour of the accident report. With a green report (not at fault) you claim from the other driver's insurer: no excess applies and your no-claims record is not affected. With a red or pink report (at fault) only your own comprehensive policy pays for your car, after the excess; a third-party-only policy pays for the other car but not yours. With a white report (other party unknown) comprehensive cover pays with the excess, third-party cover pays nothing for your car. Insurers normally send the car to their own approved garages; agency (dealer) repair applies only if your policy includes it or in specific cases set by the unified policy.

Key Facts at a Glance

What you need to know before you start:

Green report: claim from the other driver's insurer, no excess, no-claims record unaffected.
Red / pink report: your comprehensive policy pays your repair minus the excess; third-party-only pays nothing for your car.
White report (unknown party): comprehensive pays minus excess; third-party-only pays nothing for your car.
Excess for private cars is commonly AED 350–1,400 depending on the car value; extra deductibles can apply to young drivers, sports, modified and rental cars.
Not-at-fault drivers can usually get a replacement car or a daily loss-of-use allowance for a limited number of days.
Insurers are expected to settle within a set number of days once all documents are in; ask for the timeline in writing.
A car is usually declared a total loss when repair costs exceed about 50% of its value; payout is the insured value minus depreciation.
Flood and storm damage is covered only by comprehensive policies that include natural perils; never restart a flooded engine.

Step-by-Step Plan

Tick off each step as you complete it:

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Step 1: Get the accident report

No report, no claim. Download the PDF from the police app or collect it from the police station and check the colour and details.

Step 2: Find the right insurer

Green report: open the claim with the other driver's insurer (their details are on the report). Red, pink or white report: open the claim with your own insurer.

Step 3: Submit the documents

Accident report, driving licence, registration card (Mulkiya), Emirates ID, photos of the damage and the claim form. Some insurers also ask for a bank account letter for cash settlements.

Step 4: Survey and repair approval

The insurer inspects the car (at a survey centre or garage) and approves the repair. Ask which garage will do it, whether genuine or equivalent parts are used and how long it will take.

Good to know: If you disagree with the assessment, ask for it in writing and request a review or an independent expert.

Step 5: Replacement car or allowance

If you were not at fault, ask the at-fault driver's insurer for a replacement car or the daily loss-of-use allowance from the day the car goes in for repair.

Step 6: Check the repair before you sign

Inspect paint colour, panel gaps, lights, sensors and warning lights before signing the delivery note. Ask for the repair invoice and warranty.

Good to know: If something is wrong, note it on the delivery document and report it to the insurer before driving away.

Cost Breakdown (AED)

Indicative ranges from public fee schedules and published school price lists. Schools set their own package prices.

Excess (private car)Depends on car value and policy.: 350 – 1,400+
Extra deductible: young drivers, sports, modified or rental carsAs reported under the unified policy; check your schedule.: 10 – 20% of claim
Not-at-fault claim (green report): No excess
Loss-of-use allowance (not at fault)Or a replacement car; limits set by the policy.: Daily allowance, capped

Costly Mistakes to Avoid

The mistakes that cost learners the most money and time:

Taking cash instead of a repair without checking the numbers

Under-paid repair

Cash settlements are often based on the insurer's garage rates. Get your own repair quote first so you know whether the offer actually covers the work.

Claiming small damage on your own policy

Excess + higher renewal

With a red report you pay the excess and usually lose your no-claims discount. For minor scratches it can be cheaper to pay a workshop directly (with the accident report).

Restarting a flooded car

Engine replacement

Starting an engine that has taken in water can destroy it (hydrolock), and the insurer may treat it as additional damage. Have the car towed.

Practical Tips

Small things that make the process faster and cheaper:

Read your policy schedule now, not after the crashCheck the excess, agency repair cover, replacement car, roadside assistance and Oman cover. These are on the schedule page, not in the general wording.
Keep all messages in writingAsk the insurer to confirm approvals, timelines and settlement amounts by email or in the app.

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Paying for the Repair Yourself?

If the damage is below your excess, you were at fault on a third-party-only policy, or you prefer not to claim, compare bodywork quotes from trade-licensed workshops across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah with zero customer platform fees. Keep your accident report: workshops need it before repairing accident damage.

Request Bodywork Quotes Browse Garage Services

Frequently Asked Questions

The at-fault driver's insurer. With a green report you open the claim with their insurer; you do not pay an excess and your no-claims record stays intact.

Official Sources

Always confirm current fees and rules with the authority before you pay:

Dubai PoliceTraffic fines, black points and accident reporting in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi PoliceAccident reporting (Saaed), traffic fines and road safety in Abu Dhabi.
Ministry of Interior (MOI)Federal traffic services, fines and vehicle services for the northern emirates.
UAE Government portal: Road safetyFederal road safety guidance, including what to do after an accident.

Sources & accuracy. Compiled by the Findgarag.es editorial team from public information (Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, Ministry of Interior, UAE Government portal, UAE newspapers and insurer guides) as of November 2026. Report fees, fines and insurance terms are indicative and can change; your insurance policy wording always decides what is covered. This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Findgarag.es is not an insurer or insurance broker and is not affiliated with any police force or insurance company.