How to File a 3rd-Party Insurance Claim in UAE 2025?

You hate paperwork. I know the feeling. Yet, if you’re involved in an accident that damages another person, their car, or their property, you need to act quickly and clearly. This guide walks you through the whole process — step by step — so you can handle a third-party claim with confidence. I’ll keep it practical and local to the UAE in 2025.

Why This Matters to You?

Traffic is busy. Rules are strict. Third-party liability cover is a legal requirement for every driver in the UAE. It protects you if you cause harm to someone else or their vehicle. The UAE’s motor insurance market is huge — valued at about USD 1.78 billion in 2025 — which shows how many people rely on insurance every year. Knowing what to do after an accident helps you avoid delays, rejections, and unnecessary stress.

Quick Snapshot — The Essentials?

If another person or their property is harmed, that’s a third-party claim. For cars, this is usually covered under 3rd party car insurance, while other vehicles are handled under equivalent third-party policies.

• You must report the accident to the police and obtain a police report — it’s the foundation of your claim.

• Inform your insurer as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours.

• Keep all evidence: photos, witness details, receipts, and emails. These can decide how smoothly your claim moves forward.

Step 1 — At the Scene: Keep Calm, Check Safety

• First things first — check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services immediately. Then, if the cars are drivable, move them to a safe spot to avoid blocking traffic. Never argue or panic at the scene.

• Take plenty of photos: close-ups of the damage, wide shots of the road, skid marks, traffic signs, and number plates. These visuals often help insurers confirm liability. Collect the other driver’s licence number, plate number, insurance provider, and contact information.

• Ask witnesses for their names and numbers. And while everything is fresh in your mind, jot down a quick note on your phone describing what happened.

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• If the other driver flees, don’t chase them — report it to the police immediately and get a case number. This will be vital when you start the claim process.

Step 2 — Report to the Police

In the UAE, you must report every road accident to the police. This isn’t optional. Without a police report, no insurer will process your claim.

You can report accidents using the Dubai Police app or by calling the emergency hotline. Each emirate has its own system, but the procedure is similar — once reported, you’ll receive an official police report outlining fault.

Keep a digital copy or screenshot of that report. If you ever need to appeal or follow up, you’ll want that number handy.

Step 3 — Notify Your Insurer Immediately

Once you’ve contacted the police, call your insurance company. Most UAE insurers expect you to inform them within 24 hours of the incident. A delay could result in complications or claim rejection.

When you speak with your insurer, share the details of the accident clearly. Give them your policy number, police case reference, and all supporting documents. Send the photos and witness details if you have them.

Always note the name of the person you spoke to and the time of the call. This small habit helps avoid confusion if you ever need to follow up.

Step 4 — What the Insurer Does Next

After you’ve notified the insurer, they’ll start the process by reviewing your report. In most cases, an insurance surveyor will inspect the vehicle damage and may visit the approved garage where your car is kept.

The insurer will verify liability based on the police report. If you’re found at fault, the third party can make a claim against your insurance. Once verified, the insurer either approves repair work at an authorised garage or agrees on a financial settlement.

Sometimes, there can be disagreements — especially if one party contests fault. In such cases, claims might take longer or involve further investigation. The UAE’s unified motor insurance framework provides a clear structure for these disputes, ensuring fairness for both sides.

Expected Timelines

Not all claims move at the same pace. For straightforward third-party claims, approvals can come through within a few days to a couple of weeks. Disputed or complex cases may stretch to several weeks or even months.

If you act quickly, provide all the required documents, and stay in touch with your insurer, the process is far smoother. Always follow up if you don’t hear back within the promised time.

If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Flees

This situation can be stressful, but there’s still a path forward. If the other driver is uninsured or runs away, contact the police straight away and get a case number. The authorities will investigate, and you’ll need to submit this number to your insurer.

If the driver isn’t found, your insurer might explore compensation options depending on your policy terms. Keep every document, case update, and receipt safe — you may need them later.

The Bigger Picture — UAE’s Motor Insurance Landscape

Motor insurance in the UAE isn’t just a formality. It’s a large and evolving market that reflects how seriously the country treats road safety and accountability. In 2025, the market is valued at nearly USD 1.78 billion, supported by ongoing digitalisation, stricter traffic laws, and app-based reporting systems.

For you, that means faster response times, simpler claim tracking, and more transparency. But it also means the system expects you to do your part — accurate reporting, timely communication, and proper documentation.

Handy Checklist — What to Submit to Your Insurer

Here’s a list you can save or screenshot. It’ll help you stay organised when filing a claim:

• Police report or reference number.

• Photos of the scene, damage, and number plates.

• Your driving licence and vehicle registration card.

• Your insurance policy number and contact details.

• Details of witnesses and their phone numbers.

• Any repair estimates or emergency repair receipts.

FAQs

Q: What happens if my insurer rejects the claim?

Ask for the reason in writing. You have the option of requesting a review by adding additional documents and if needed, seeking legal action.

Q: Can I deal directly with the other driver?

You can exchange details, but always let your insurance company handle communication to protect your rights.

Q: What if I have a rental car?

Report it to the rental company first. They’ll handle all communication with their car insurance provider, but you’ll still need to obtain and submit a police report yourself.

Q: Do I always need a police report?

Yes. A police report is the legal record of what happened and in the UAE, insurers require this to process any third-party claim.

Conclusion

A claim doesn’t have to be a nightmare. If you stay calm, gather proper evidence, and act quickly, the process becomes manageable. Third-party insurance isn’t just about protecting others — it’s about safeguarding your peace of mind.