Check for injuries first and call 999 if anyone is hurt. If nobody is injured and the cars can be driven, move them to a safe spot, take photos, and report the accident to Dubai Police through the Dubai Police app or 901. Then contact your rental company right away and give them a copy of the police report. Never repair the car yourself, and never leave the scene without a report.

Last updated: September 2026. Procedures and fees can change, so check the Dubai Police website or app for the latest steps.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Right After the Accident

  1. Stop and stay calm. Switch off the engine, turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
  2. Call 999 if anyone is hurt or the crash is serious. 999 is the emergency number for police and ambulance. Give your exact location and say clearly if there are injuries.
  3. Decide: minor or major. A minor accident means no injuries and cars that are still drivable. Anything else is treated as major (see the table below).
  4. Move the cars only if it is a minor accident. If there are injuries or serious damage, leave the vehicles where they are until the police tell you otherwise.
  5. Take photos and video. Photograph all vehicles, number plates, damage, the road, traffic signs and the surroundings from several angles.
  6. Exchange details. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, license, vehicle plate and insurance details. Note down any witnesses.
  7. Report the accident to Dubai Police. Use 999 for a major accident, or the Dubai Police app for a minor one (details below).
  8. Call your rental company. Tell them what happened and send a copy of the police report as soon as you have it.

Minor vs Major Accident: What to Do

Situation What to do
No injuries, cars drivable, damage is minor Move cars to the side of the road, take photos, report through the Dubai Police app, then inform the rental company.
Anyone injured Call 999 immediately. Do not move the vehicles. Wait for the ambulance and police.
Car cannot be driven or damage is serious Call 999, stay in a safe place, and wait for police. Contact the rental company for recovery.
Other driver leaves the scene Note the plate number and direction, take photos, and report it to the police straight away.
You and the other driver disagree about what happened Do not argue. Call the police so they can assess the scene and issue a report.

 

How to Report a Minor Accident in Dubai

Dubai Police encourages drivers to report minor accidents without waiting for a patrol. According to the Dubai Police service page, the minor accident report service is for accidents without injuries, is available only on smartphones, and requires photos of the damage to be taken directly through the service. It also states that the report is valid for three months from issue.

  • Dubai Police app: choose the accident report service, enter the vehicle and driver details, add the required photos and submit.
  • Service stations: some petrol stations offer help with filing a minor accident report. Ask at the station or check the Dubai Police website for participating locations.
  • Call 901: the Dubai Police non-emergency number, useful if the app does not work or the other driver will not cooperate.
  • If the drivers disagree: the Dubai Police page says to contact the relevant police station.

Tourists should have their passport, home license (and International Driving Permit if applicable) and the rental agreement ready. A fee may apply for the report, and amounts have been quoted differently by different sources, so confirm the current fee in the app before paying.

Tell Your Rental Company Immediately

Your rental agreement almost certainly requires you to report any accident, however small, as soon as it happens. Delaying can put your insurance cover and your deposit at risk. When you call, be ready to give:

  • Your name, the car model and the plate number
  • The time and exact location of the accident
  • Whether anyone was injured
  • The police report number or a copy of the report
  • Photos of the damage and the other vehicle

Follow the company’s instructions on where the car should go. Do not take the car to a garage of your own choice, and do not agree to repairs or payments with the other driver without the rental company’s approval.

Documents to Keep With You

  • Passport and visit visa
  • Home driving license and IDP, if required
  • Rental agreement and insurance details
  • Police report or report reference number
  • Photos, video and contact details of witnesses

If you are still planning your trip, read our guide on whether tourists can drive in Dubai with a foreign license so your documents are in order before you drive.

Who Pays for the Damage?

This depends on your rental agreement, the insurance cover you chose, and who the police report finds at fault. In general:

  • Insurance may cover repairs, but many agreements include an excess (the amount you pay first). Check this before you drive.
  • If the police report finds you at fault, you may be responsible for costs beyond what your cover pays.
  • If the other driver is at fault, their insurance should pay, but you still need the police report to make a claim.
  • Without a police report, insurers may refuse to pay and the rental company may charge you for the damage.
  • The rental company may hold part of your deposit until the claim is settled, so keep all paperwork.

Extra charges can also come from fines, tolls or recovery fees. See our guides to hidden fees in Dubai car rentals and how to check driving fines on a rental car.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Rental Car Accident

  • Leaving the scene without a police report. This can lead to serious legal trouble.
  • Not reporting a minor accident. Every accident should be reported, even if the damage looks small.
  • Repairing the car yourself or using an unapproved garage. Repairs without a report can void your claim.
  • Admitting fault at the scene. Describe facts only and let the police decide.
  • Stopping in the middle of the road after a minor accident. Abu Dhabi Police, for example, warn of a AED 1,000 fine and six traffic points for not moving vehicles off the road, so move to a safe place when it is allowed.
  • Waiting to call the rental company. Tell them as soon as everyone is safe.
  • Signing papers you do not understand. Ask for a copy of everything you sign.

For more ways to avoid trouble, read the common mistakes tourists make when renting a car in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to call the police after a minor accident in Dubai?

You must report the accident, but for minor accidents with no injuries you can usually do it through the Dubai Police app instead of calling a patrol. Call 999 if anyone is injured or the accident is serious.

Can I leave the scene if the damage is small?

No. Always get a police report first. Without it, you may not be able to claim insurance or repair the car, and you could face penalties.

Should I move the car after a minor accident?

Yes, if nobody is injured and the car can be driven safely, move it to the side of the road. If there are injuries or serious damage, do not move it until the police arrive.

What number do I call in Dubai after an accident?

999 for emergencies, injuries and serious accidents. 901 is the Dubai Police non-emergency line.

Do I need a police report for a rental car accident?

Yes. Rental companies and insurers normally require it. Send a copy to your rental company as soon as you receive it.

What if the accident was in a parking lot?

Report it anyway. Parking lot accidents are generally treated the same way, and the rental company will still need a police report for the damage.

Will I lose my deposit after an accident?

Not necessarily. It depends on who was at fault, your insurance cover and the rental agreement. The company may hold part of your deposit until the claim is settled.

What if I have an accident outside Dubai?

Call 999 and follow the same steps. Reporting procedures may differ by emirate, so tell your rental company right away and follow the local police instructions.

Renting a car in Dubai and want to know exactly what your booking covers before you drive? Contact Sky Book Car Rental and ask about insurance, excess and emergency support for your chosen car.