A road accident is confusing enough without wondering who to call and what comes next. In the UAE, knowing how to report a road accident is not just useful — it is usually required. Insurance claims here are built on the police report, workshops often ask for it before repairing accident damage, and driving away from a crash can land you in serious trouble.
This guide explains when you must report an accident, how to report it in each emirate, what information you will need, and what happens after the report is filed — so you can handle the whole process calmly and correctly.
Quick Answer
If someone is hurt, call 999 immediately. For accidents without injuries, call the police on the non-emergency line — 901 in Dubai — or use the police app to report a minor accident online. In Abu Dhabi, minor accidents are reported through the Saaed service or the Abu Dhabi Police app. Report as soon as possible, do not leave the scene until you are cleared to go, and get a copy of the police report number — your insurer will need it. Before or during the process, it also helps to know how to document a car accident with photos and notes, since the police report is stronger when it matches your own evidence.
When You Must Report a Road Accident
As a general rule, report every road accident in the UAE. The cases where reporting is clearly mandatory include:
- Any accident with injuries or fatalities — call 999 right away.
- Accidents involving government vehicles, diplomatic cars, or heavy vehicles.
- Hit-and-run cases, where the other driver leaves the scene.
- Damage to public property such as barriers, lamp posts, or traffic signs.
- Accidents where the other driver is uncooperative, unlicensed, or uninsured.
- Any accident you intend to claim for on your car insurance — insurers generally require the police report.
Even for a tiny parking scrape where both drivers agree to settle privately, getting an official report is the safer option: private settlements have a habit of falling apart when the real repair bill arrives.
How to Report a Road Accident in the UAE: Step by Step
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 999 if Needed
Your first priority is people, not paperwork. Check yourself, your passengers, and the other party. If anyone is injured, call 999 immediately and follow the operator’s instructions. Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger. This applies everywhere in the UAE — 999 is the national emergency number.
Step 2: Secure the Scene
Turn on your hazard lights and, if safe, move drivable vehicles to the side of the road — in Dubai this is actually expected for minor accidents so traffic keeps moving. If the cars cannot be moved, stay in a safe spot and set up a warning triangle if you have one. Do not stand between the cars and traffic.
Step 3: Gather Your Details Before You Call
Have the following ready — it makes the report faster whether you call or use an app:
- Your full name, phone number, and Emirates ID or driving licence number.
- The other driver’s name, phone number, and plate number.
- Both vehicle plate numbers, makes, models, and colours.
- The exact location: road name, direction of travel, and nearest landmark.
- A short description of what happened.
Step 4: Contact the Police
Call the police or file the report through the official app (see the emirate-by-emirate breakdown below). Answer the operator’s or app’s questions honestly and stick to the facts. The police will issue a report number — write it down or screenshot it. This number is what your insurer and the workshop will ask for.
Step 5: Follow the Officer’s Instructions
If an officer or traffic patrol attends, follow their instructions. In many minor cases, especially where app reporting is used, no officer attends at all — the report is issued based on your submission. Do not leave the scene until you are told you can.
How to Report by Emirate
Dubai
In Dubai, minor accidents with no injuries can be reported through the Dubai Police app (“Report Traffic Accident”) or the Dubai government portal. A small service fee may apply — check the current fee in the app before submitting. For emergencies or serious accidents, call 999; for non-emergency police matters, call 901. Once submitted, you receive a police report that states the circumstances and which party was at fault.
Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, minor accidents are handled through the Saaed traffic accident service or the Abu Dhabi Police app/website. Saaed patrols attend minor accident scenes, document the damage, and issue the report. As in Dubai, a service fee may apply, so check the official app for the current amount. For emergencies, call 999.
Sharjah and the Northern Emirates
In Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, report accidents by calling 999 for emergencies or the local police non-emergency line for minor incidents. Sharjah Police also offer app and website reporting for minor accidents. When in doubt, call 999 — the operator will route you correctly.
What the Police Report Contains and Why It Matters
The police report records the date, time, and location of the accident, the vehicles and drivers involved, a description of the damage, and — importantly — which party was at fault. This fault finding is what your insurer uses to decide the claim: if the other driver is at fault, their third-party insurance covers your repairs; if you are at fault, your comprehensive policy covers your car (if you have one).
The report also matters beyond insurance. Workshops typically require it before repairing accident damage, it goes on the vehicle’s accident record, and it protects you if the other driver later changes their story. Our guide on how to check accident-related vehicle information explains how these records affect a car’s history — worth knowing whether you are buying or selling.
What Happens After You File the Report
- You receive the report number. Save it — screenshots, email confirmation, or a printed copy.
- Notify your insurer. Call your insurance company promptly and give them the report number. Most insurers want to be told within a short window after the accident, so do not wait days.
- Get a repair estimate. The insurer will usually direct you to an approved workshop or agency repairer for an inspection.
- The workshop repairs the car. Many workshops ask to see the police report before starting work on accident damage.
- Keep every receipt. Towing, repairs, medical bills — all of it goes in your accident folder.
If you disagree with the fault finding in the report, you can ask for it to be reviewed — the police have a process for objections, and your own photos and notes from the scene (see how to document a car accident) are your best supporting evidence. For broader context on what follows a crash, read what to do after a minor car accident.
Special Cases: Hit-and-Run, Parked Cars, and Unknown Drivers
- Hit-and-run: Call 999 and report it immediately. Note the fleeing car’s plate number, colour, make, and direction — even partial details help. CCTV from nearby buildings can sometimes identify the driver.
- Your parked car was damaged: Report it to the police as well; do not just shrug and pay for it yourself. If a note was left, photograph it and pass the details to the police.
- Unknown driver: File the report with whatever you have — plate number, description, photos, dashcam footage. Your comprehensive policy may cover the damage once the report exists.
What Not to Do After a Road Accident
- Do not leave the scene before you are cleared — leaving the scene of an accident can lead to fines and serious legal consequences under the UAE traffic fines system.
- Do not move seriously damaged vehicles until the police say so, unless they are a danger to traffic.
- Do not admit fault to the other driver or bystanders — state facts only.
- Do not agree to a private cash settlement at the scene without understanding the full repair cost; hidden damage is common.
- Do not delay reporting. Report as soon as possible — late reports complicate insurance claims.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I report a minor accident online instead of waiting for the police?
Yes — in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, minor accidents with no injuries can be reported through the official police apps and portals, and a report is issued based on your submission. This is usually much faster than waiting at the roadside. The UAE’s official portal u.ae points to the relevant traffic and vehicle services for each emirate.
Is there a fee for reporting a road accident?
Emergency reporting is free, but a small service fee may apply for minor-accident reports filed through the apps in some emirates. Fees can change, so check the official police app or portal for the current amount before submitting.
How soon must I report an accident to my insurer?
As soon as you reasonably can — most insurers expect to be notified within a day or two of the accident. Delays can give the insurer grounds to question or complicate the claim, so call them the same day if possible.
What if I disagree with the police report’s fault finding?
You can file an objection with the police department that issued the report. Bring supporting evidence: your photos, video, witness details, and any dashcam footage. A clear record from the scene makes objections far more credible.
Do I need a police report to renew my vehicle registration?
Renewal itself does not always require one, but unresolved accident-related issues — like flagged damage or an unrepaired write-off — can complicate the process. Our UAE vehicle registration renewal guide covers what to expect at renewal time.
The Bottom Line
Reporting a road accident in the UAE is straightforward once you know the drill: call 999 for emergencies, use the police app or non-emergency line for minor incidents, report in the emirate where it happened, and always get the report number. That one number unlocks your insurance claim, your repairs, and your peace of mind. Combine it with solid documentation from the scene, and an accident becomes an inconvenience rather than a saga.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Paxi, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Paxi is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.