Car accidents can be stressful, but if you are not at fault, a third-party car insurance policy ensures that you are compensated for injuries or damages. In Dubai, third-party liability (TPL) insurance is mandatory and is governed by the Unified Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy Against Third Party Liability, issued under Insurance Authority Decision No. (25) of 2016. This policy clearly defines the rights of injured parties, the obligations of insurers and the procedures to file a third-party insurance claim in Dubai.
What is Third-Party Liability Insurance
Third-party liability insurance covers damages caused by an insured vehicle to another person or their property. Under the UAE law, it compensates for:
- Bodily injury to a third party (death, permanent disability or temporary disability).
- Property damage to a third party’s vehicle or belongings.
The car insurance policy excludes coverage for the insured driver’s own injuries or vehicle damage, which means it protects the injured party rather than the at-fault driver.
Steps to File a Third-Party Car Insurance Claim in Dubai
Navigating the claim process can feel overwhelming, but this step-by-step guide will help you understand exactly how to file a third-party insurance claim in Dubai.
Step 1: Report the Accident
After an accident:
- Notify the police immediately: You can call the Dubai Police emergency number, 999 and report the incident. Dubai Police must issue an official accident report, which is the primary document required to claim car insurance in Dubai.
- The accident report will determine fault. If the other driver is at fault, you qualify as the injured third party.
As per the policy (Chapter Three, Article 1), the insured or driver must report the incident to the concerned authorities and the insurer within a reasonable period.
Step 2: Collect Key Evidence
Documenting everything properly at the scene of the accident is one of the important things to do after a car accident in Dubai. Be sure to note:
- The personal and insurance details of the other party involved
- Pictures of the vehicles, damages and licence numbers
- The official police accident report, stating responsibility for the accident
Step 3: Notify the Insurance Company
Once you have the police report:
- Inform the at-fault driver’s car insurance company in the UAE (the ‘Company’ in the policy) as soon as possible.
- Submit all relevant documents, such as:
- Police accident report
- Your vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
- Driving licence copies
- Claim form (if requested by insurer)
- Photos of the accident and vehicle damage
The insurer is obligated to accept the claim from the injured party, even if they may have disputes with their insured client.
Step 4: Damage Assessment and Repairs
As per the law, the insurer must then:
- Assess damages through a licensed surveyor if required.
- Repair the vehicle to pre-accident condition or compensate in cash.
- If the vehicle is in its first year of registration, repairs must be done at the authorised agency workshop.
- If the car is over a year old, repairs may be carried out at suitable workshops, but the insurer must ensure proper technical standards.
According to the Unified Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy Against Third Party, for total loss cases (damage exceeding 50% of market value), the insurer must pay the car’s market value or provide a replacement vehicle of the same make and model.
Step 5: Compensation for Injuries or Death
One of the benefits of third-party insurance is that this policy also ensures financial protection for bodily injuries:
- AED 200,000 per person in case of death or disability for family members of the insured or the driver.
- Judicially awarded amounts for third parties, including medical expenses, with no upper limit.
- AED 6,770 for ambulance and medical transport services per injured person.
Step 6: Settlement of Claim
Once the insurer verifies liability and collects all required documents:
- The insurer is required to compensate the third party as per the judicial award or policy limits.
- Compensation must cover repairs, replacement or market value in case of total loss.
- If disputes arise over the compensation amount, a licensed surveyor or the Insurance Authority may intervene (Chapter One, Clause 19).
Step 7: Follow Up on the Claim Investigation
Once your car insurance claim has been submitted, follow up with the insurance company to track the progress of their investigation. Staying updated keeps the process smooth and ensures you handle additional requirements without delay.
Things to Consider to File a Third-Party Insurance Claim in Dubai
The insurer may deny claims if the accident occurs in certain situations, such as:
- Driving without a valid licence.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Using the vehicle for racing, overloading or outside approved purposes.
- Accidents occurring outside the UAE borders.
It’s also important to remember that car warranties and car insurance are not the same. A warranty covers mechanical or manufacturing faults, but only insurance protects you in accidents and allows you to file a third-party claim in Dubai.
FAQs
What documents are required for a third-party insurance claim in Dubai?
You’ll need the Dubai Police accident report, your driving license, ID, vehicle registration and any claim forms requested by the insurer.
How long does it take to process a third-party car insurance claim in Dubai?
Processing usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the damage and the completion of documents.
What is covered under third-party car insurance in Dubai?
It covers injuries or death of third parties and damage to their property but does not cover the at-fault driver’s own car.
Do I need a Dubai Police accident report to file a third-party insurance claim?
Yes, the police report is mandatory as it confirms fault and is the basis of the claim.
Filing a third-party car insurance claim in Dubai is a structured process regulated under the Unified Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy Against Third Party Liability. By promptly reporting the accident, notifying the insurance company and submitting the required documents, injured parties can ensure they receive rightful compensation for damages and injuries. That said, many accidents stem from risky behaviours behind the wheel, here are some dangerous things to avoid while driving to reduce the chances of needing a claim in the first place.
With the rise of digital platforms, managing insurance has become much easier — from comparing policies to making secure payments and even buying car insurance online. This convenience is especially beneficial for those exploring new cars for sale in Dubai, as it allows them to insure their newly purchased vehicles instantly with complete transparency.
Stay tuned to the dubizzle’s cars blog to know more about car insurance policies in the UAE.
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