Dubai Parked Car Hit and Run : How to Report Damage, Insurance Claims and Costs
By Chris
Imagine returning to your parked car after shopping, work or a quick coffee run, only to discover a damaged bumper, a deep scratch or a dent that was not there before.
There is no note on the windscreen, no driver waiting nearby and no explanation of what happened.
For motorists in Dubai, discovering that someone has damaged a parked vehicle and left the scene can be frustrating.
But what should you do next?
**If your parked car is damaged by an unidentified driver in Dubai, you can report the incident through Dubai Police’s Unknown Accident Report service. The published reporting fee is AED 420.**
Depending on your motor insurance coverage, you may also need to pay an insurance excess or cover some or all of the repair costs.
Here is a complete guide to reporting the damage, submitting an insurance claim and understanding the potential expenses.
## **What Should You Do If Someone Hits Your Parked Car in Dubai?**
The first step is to document the damage before moving the vehicle, provided it is safe to do so.
Take clear photographs of the affected area, including scratches, dents, broken lights or damaged bumpers.
It is also useful to photograph the surrounding parking area and any visible debris.
If the incident happened in a shopping mall, residential building or public car park, check whether nearby security cameras may have captured what happened.
You can also ask security staff whether anyone reported the incident or witnessed another vehicle hitting your car.
If you find evidence that could help identify the responsible driver, provide it to Dubai Police.
Avoid repairing the damage before obtaining the necessary accident documentation and checking your insurer’s requirements.
## **How to Report an Unknown Accident Through Dubai Police**
Dubai Police offers a digital service for reporting accidents involving an unidentified party.
The service is suitable for incidents where a parked vehicle has been damaged and the responsible driver cannot be identified.
### **Step 1: Open the Dubai Police App**
Download or open the official Dubai Police smartphone application.
Log in using UAE Pass if prompted.
### **Step 2: Select the Accident Reporting Service**
Navigate to the traffic accident reporting services.
Select the option for an accident involving an unknown party.
The service may appear as **Unknown Accident Report** or **Accident Report for Unknown Party**, depending on the application interface.
### **Step 3: Enter Your Vehicle Details**
Provide the required information, which may include:
- Vehicle registration number - Driving licence details - Mobile number - Location of the incident - Description of the damage
### **Step 4: Upload Photographs**
Attach clear photographs showing the damage to your vehicle.
The application may request photographs from multiple angles, including the front, rear and sides of the car.
### **Step 5: Submit the Report**
Review the information before submitting the application.
Pay the applicable reporting fee and follow the instructions provided by Dubai Police.
### **Step 6: Receive Your Accident Report**
Once the application has been processed, you will receive an official accident report.
This document can be used when submitting an insurance claim or arranging authorised repairs.
## **How Much Does an Unknown Accident Report Cost in Dubai?**
The published Dubai Police fee for reporting an accident involving an unknown party is **AED 420**.
This is the reporting charge and does not necessarily include vehicle repairs or insurance-related expenses.
The amount you ultimately pay depends on several factors, including your insurance policy, the damage and whether additional services are required.
**Expense**
**Potential Cost**
Dubai Police Unknown Accident Report
AED 420
Insurance excess
Depends on policy
Vehicle repairs
Depends on damage
Towing or recovery
Depends on service and coverage
Replacement transport
Depends on insurance benefits
For example, a driver with comprehensive insurance may need to pay the police reporting fee and an applicable insurance excess.
A driver with third-party-only insurance may have to cover the entire repair bill if the responsible motorist cannot be identified.
## **Can You Report the Accident at a Petrol Station?**
Yes. Dubai Police has introduced an accident reporting service through participating petrol stations.
Known as the **On-the-Go** service, it allows motorists to receive assistance with reporting minor traffic accidents and incidents involving unknown parties.
Participating ENOC stations are among the locations where this service has been offered.
Staff can help collect vehicle details, document the damage and submit the report through the relevant system.
Motorists may need to provide their vehicle registration details, driving licence information and mobile number.
Availability should be confirmed before visiting a particular station.
## **Will Car Insurance Cover a Parked-Car Hit-and-Run?**
Whether insurance covers the damage depends primarily on the type of policy you hold.
The two main categories are comprehensive insurance and third-party liability insurance.
### **Comprehensive Car Insurance**
Comprehensive motor insurance generally covers accidental damage to the insured vehicle, including eligible damage caused while the car is parked.
This can include incidents involving unidentified drivers.
However, coverage remains subject to the policy’s terms, exclusions and applicable deductible.
A police report is normally required when submitting the claim.
The insurer may also inspect the damage before authorising repairs.
### **Third-Party Car Insurance**
Third-party liability insurance primarily covers eligible damage or injury caused to other people.
It does not generally cover accidental damage to the policyholder’s own vehicle.
If your parked car is damaged by an unidentified driver and you only have third-party insurance, you may have to pay for the repairs yourself.
However, if the responsible driver is identified, a claim may be possible against that driver’s insurer, subject to the circumstances and liability determination.
## **What Is an Insurance Excess?**
An insurance excess, also called a deductible, is the amount a policyholder must contribute towards an eligible insurance claim.
For example, suppose the repair cost is AED 2,500 and the applicable insurance excess is AED 500.
The policyholder may need to pay AED 500, while the insurer covers the remaining eligible amount.
However, the exact calculation depends on the policy.
Under the UAE’s unified motor insurance framework, insurers may apply deductibles to certain accidents involving unknown parties.
This means having comprehensive insurance does not automatically guarantee free repairs.
Motorists should check their policy documents before submitting a claim.
## **How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Scratched or Dented Car?**
Repair costs vary considerably depending on the vehicle and the extent of the damage.
A minor scratch may require polishing or paint correction.
More serious damage could involve repainting panels, repairing bodywork or replacing damaged components.
The cost can also depend on whether the vehicle is repaired at an authorised dealership or an independent workshop.
Published consumer guidance indicates that scratch and dent repairs can range from approximately AED 250 to AED 3,500 or more.
These are indicative figures rather than fixed repair prices.
Drivers should obtain a written estimate before authorising work.
## **How to File an Insurance Claim After a Hit-and-Run**
Once you receive the official Dubai Police accident report, contact your motor insurance provider.
Explain that your parked vehicle was damaged by an unidentified party.
Your insurer will advise you about the required documents and claims procedure.
You may be asked to provide the police accident report, vehicle registration card, driving licence and photographs of the damage.
The insurance company may arrange a vehicle inspection or direct you to an approved repair workshop.
Before proceeding, confirm the applicable deductible and whether the repair will be covered.
It is also worth checking whether your policy includes agency repairs, roadside assistance or a replacement vehicle.
Do not assume these benefits are included in every comprehensive policy.
## **What If the Responsible Driver Is Identified?**
The situation may change if the driver responsible for the damage is identified.
For example, CCTV footage or witness information may help Dubai Police establish which vehicle caused the accident.
If liability is established, the affected motorist may be able to pursue a claim through the responsible driver’s third-party insurance.
The claims process will depend on the official accident report and the insurer’s assessment.
Motorists should provide any relevant evidence to Dubai Police rather than attempting to determine liability themselves.
## **Can You Repair Your Car Without a Police Report?**
Motorists should obtain the appropriate accident documentation before arranging repairs for collision damage.
Insurance companies generally require an official police accident report before processing a motor accident claim.
Repair workshops may also require the relevant authorisation before carrying out accident-related repairs.
If the damage appears minor, contact your insurer and confirm the documentation required before booking a workshop.
## **What If Your Car Is Too Damaged to Drive?**
If the accident has caused serious damage, avoid driving the vehicle until it has been assessed.
Broken lights, damaged tyres, leaking fluids or other mechanical problems may make the car unsafe.
Contact Dubai Police for guidance if necessary.
For emergencies involving injuries or immediate danger, call 999.
For non-emergency police enquiries, Dubai Police can be contacted on 901.
Motorists with roadside assistance coverage should also check whether towing is included in their insurance policy.
## **Frequently Asked Questions**
### **How do I report someone hitting my parked car in Dubai?**
You can submit an Unknown Accident Report through the Dubai Police application or seek assistance at a participating petrol station.
### **How much is the Dubai Police unknown accident report?**
The published reporting fee is AED 420.
### **Will comprehensive insurance cover a hit-and-run?**
Comprehensive insurance generally covers eligible accidental damage caused by an unknown driver, subject to the policy’s conditions and deductible.
### **Will third-party insurance pay for my damaged parked car?**
Third-party-only insurance generally does not cover damage to your own vehicle when the responsible driver is unidentified.
### **Do I need a police report for a car insurance claim?**
Yes. An official accident report is normally required when claiming insurance for collision-related vehicle damage.
### **Can CCTV footage help identify the driver?**
Yes. Relevant footage may help police investigate the incident and identify the responsible vehicle.
### **What if I discover the damage several hours later?**
Document the damage and report the incident as soon as possible. Provide the best available information about where and when the vehicle was parked.
## **Why This Matters**
A parked-car hit-and-run can leave Dubai motorists facing unexpected expenses even when they were not responsible for the damage.
The AED 420 reporting fee may be only one part of the total cost.
Insurance excess payments, repair charges and additional transport expenses can also affect how much a driver ultimately pays.
Understanding the difference between comprehensive and third-party insurance is particularly important when the responsible driver cannot be identified.
For motorists discovering unexplained damage, documenting the incident, reporting it through Dubai Police and contacting their insurer are the most important steps.
Taking action promptly can help protect your insurance claim and make the repair process easier to manage.
## **Source Credits**
Information and resource owners: Dubai Police, Dubai Government, Central Bank of the UAE, UAE Government Official Portal, Gulf News and Emirates 24|7.
## Related Reads - [Why Everyone in the UAE Waits for Rain: It’s More Than Just the Weather](/post/everyone-uae-waits-rain-more-than-just-weather) - [Is the UAE Still Tax-Free? What Corporate Tax Changes Actually Mean for Individuals](/post/uae-still-tax-free-corporate-tax-changes-actually) - [UAE Approves Dh292.5 Billion Federal Budget for 2027–2029, Prioritising Education, Healthcare and Housing](/post/uae-approves-dh2925-billion-federal-budget-20272029) - [Dubai’s New Street Signs Explained: What the Colours Mean and Which Areas Will Change First](/post/dubais-new-street-signs-explained-colours-mean-which) - [More stories like this](/category/news)