What to Do if Someone Hits Your Parked Car

• Note the Offender’s Details
• Check for Cameras and Witnesses
• File a Police Report
• Call Your Insurance Company
• FAQs

Whether in a parking lot or on the side of the street, a car should be parked properly. Always find a spot that doesn’t block the way of other vehicles moving around your car. Moreover, drivers need to adhere to the parking rules in the UAE to avoid getting ticketed. A properly parked vehicle is also less prone to car park accidents. That said, despite taking all these precautions, what to do if someone hits your parked car? Let’s walk through some of the important steps to tackle such a situation.

What to Do In Case of Car Park Accidents

In case someone hits your parked car, you should treat it as a car accident and follow the same steps. The driver who has caused the accident should wait to exchange information or leave their contact details. Exchanging information with the driver who caused the accident can help to avoid further disputes. However, in case the driver has fled the scene. Here’s what needs to be done.

Note Down the Offender’s Information

The first crucial thing to do in a hit-and-run parked car accident is to note down the offender’s information. If the driver is fleeing the scene, the time window would be very narrow. Instead of writing anything down, resort to your phone’s camera. Capture a photo or video of the number plate and details of the car in question. 

Look Around for Any CCTV Cameras and Witnesses

If you have missed spotting the vehicle that has damaged your car, ask around for witnesses and cameras. If there are any people around, talk to them or ask the locals about a CCTV camera. Camera recordings are very useful in such situations. 

Moreover, the advanced features of new traffic cameras in the UAE can help catch the offenders. Pieces of evidence that are recorded live make a case stronger. Likewise, in the case of a witness, ask them if they can willingly testify against the offender.

Call the Police and File a Report

According to UAE law, you need to alert the authorities in case of any type of car accident. Dial the police helpline number ‘999’ and explain the entire situation to the operator. Also, let the authorities know about your exact whereabouts. According to Article 41 of UAE Federal Law No. 21, to carry out repair work on an accidental vehicle, garage owners also need the approval of the concerned licensing authorities.

While reporting the incident to the police, you should have your driver’s licence, Emirates ID/passport car registration card and Emirates ID. To make your police report more effective, attach high-resolution pictures of the car damage caused by the accident. For more details on how to report an accident to Dubai police, read here.

Notify Your Car Insurance Company

Besides filing a police report, notify the car insurance company at your earliest convenience. Send them the evidence of the car accident and let their experts assess the situation. Carefully follow each step of the process of filing a car insurance claim in the UAE. 

According to UAE’s laws for motorists, every car must be covered with at least third-party insurance. With a long list of renowned car insurance companies in the UAE, choosing a suitable insurance policy has become easier for vehicle owners. For more detailed information in this regard, you can also read our guide to car insurance in Dubai.

FAQs

What to do if someone scratches your car while parked in UAE?

If someone scratches your parked car in the UAE, document the offender’s information using your phone’s camera. Look for witnesses or CCTV footage for additional evidence. Report the incident to the police ‘999‘ and notify your insurance company with the collected evidence of the car accident in the parking lot.

What happens if you damage a rental car in Dubai?

If you damage a rental car in Dubai, coverage for the accident depends on policy terms and the discretion of the insurance company. Comprehensive car insurance in Dubai often extends coverage to rental car accidents.

What is the punishment for a parked car accident in the UAE?

A hit-and-run case results in imprisonment and/or a minimum fine of AED 25,000. The punishment or penalty is decided according to the intensity of the accident. The said punishment is according to UAE Traffic Law’s Article 49(5). The law states that a person who flees the scene after causing an accident, property damage or injury to others is liable to bear the prescribed penalty. To avoid the hit-and-run charges, there must be a reasonable and valid excuse.

How to file a report for an unknown accident in the UAE?

You can file a report for an unknown accident in the UAE with a few taps. To initiate the process, you need to download the Dubai Police App, which is available for both Apple and Android devices. Select ‘Unknown Accident’ from the ‘Services’ menu and fill out the required details.

These were some of the key steps to take in case of car park accidents in the UAE. Moreover, you may also want to learn more about the SAEED report system. It is a private-run accident recovery service to manage minor road incidents across the Emirates.

Besides, if you are planning to upgrade your ride, browse these used cars for sale in the UAE. Conveniently pick a vehicle that is according to your requirements and budget.

For more tips on what to do if the car is damaged while parked, keep reading the dubizzle Cars blog.