Are you curious about how to find accident history of car in UAE before you invest in your next vehicle? This guide offers clear, actionable steps that allow you to check accident records easily and confidently. Dive in to learn the most reliable methods for verifying a vehicle’s past.
How to Check a Car's Accident Record in 3 Steps (2025)
Step 1: Get the VIN Make sure you locate the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as it is key to accessing a full vehicle history report. You can find the VIN on the dashboard near the driver’s side, on the door jamb, or in your car’s registration documents. Remember, a proper VIN number check is essential before using any further inspection services.
Step 2: Use Official UAE Platforms Access verified accident history through trusted government resources:
RTA Dubai Vehicle Report: For AED/SAR 120, this report covers accident records, odometer readings, and detailed ownership history. The integration with UAE traffic department data ensures you receive comprehensive information.
MOI UAE Vehicle Check: By sending an SMS (service code 404 to 88891), you can get an instant summary of major collisions. This quick RTA vehicle check helps you inspect any red flags promptly.
Step 3: Verify with a Physical Inspection Book a pre-purchase inspection with a certified car inspection service to cross-verify online reports with a physical check. Trusted setups like Al Tayer Motors Pre-Purchase Check and DubiCars Pro Inspection (ranging around AED/SAR 450 and AED/SAR 299 respectively) enhance trustworthiness by examining the car in person.
2025 Updates for Vehicle History Reports
New Digital Verification System
The latest digital system now integrates repair shop data with the Federal Automotive Database (FAD), ensuring every incident is logged under the vehicle’s VIN. This improvement allows a seamless vehicle history report that includes recent accident and repair records.
Mandatory Disclosure Rules
Car sellers in the UAE are now required to disclose any significant events involving the vehicle. Look out for details like airbag deployments, structural repairs since 2023, and flood damages. These rules ensure you receive an honest account of the vehicle’s accident history.
Where to Find Reliable Accident Data
Reliable data sources are grouped into official and third-party services:
Government Services
Platform | Coverage | Response Time |
|---|---|---|
RTA Dubai | Emirates-wide | 24 hours |
Abu Dhabi Police App | Abu Dhabi | Instant |
Sharjah Vehicle Portal | Northern Emirates | 48 hours |
Third-Party Providers (2025 Certified)
CarFax Middle East:Provides detailed insurance claim history and police report references for AED/SAR 99. It validates the accident history using advanced VIN checks.
Emirates Vehicle Gate:Offers a free basic accident check showing records of total loss and major components replacement. These verified tools supplement the official RTA checks effectively.
Red Flags in Accident Reports
When reviewing reports, keep an eye out for:
Mismatched Timelines:If a report shows minor bumper repairs during a period where no ownership changes were recorded, it deserves further attention.
Repeated Airbag Resets:Multiple records of airbag resets (over two replacements following GCC certification standards) might indicate severe previous accidents.
Salvage Title Codes:Watch for classification codes such as Code 3 for structural damage or Code 4 for flood-related incidents. These labels signal significant repairs that could impact the vehicle's long-term reliability.
FAQ
Q1:How reliable are free accident checks provided by government services?
Free checks, such as the MOI SMS report, give you a quick snapshot of major accidents. However, these tools mainly cover significant events and might not capture minor repairs or details. It is wise to use them as a starting point and then follow up with paid reports or physical inspections for a thorough analysis. Using multiple sources including vehicle history reports from the RTA and third-party services ensures the most accurate and comprehensive data.
Q2:What additional details should I expect in a thorough accident history report?
A complete vehicle history report should list any insurance claims, police report details, and information on repair work done post-accident. Many services now include digital verification with data pulled from updated government databases. This ensures that the record includes all relevant details such as airbag deployments, structural repairs, and instances of flood damage. You should always cross-check these records before finalizing your purchase.
Q3:Can a car with previous accidents pass UAE’s vehicle inspection standards?
Yes, a car can pass the inspection if all repairs comply with the RTA-approved standards and quality parts are used. The inspection process will verify that the accident repairs meet GCC certification requirements. Always ensure the vehicle carries a valid FAD Certified sticker, which indicates that the repair work has been verified. Engaging in a pre-purchase physical inspection can help guarantee that the car meets all necessary safety standards.
Q4:How often should one check a used vehicle’s accident history?It is prudent to check the accident history of a vehicle before every purchase and periodically during ownership. Regular examinations help ensure that any new incidents or overlooked repairs are identified quickly. This ongoing diligence protects you from potential future issues and supports maintenance planning. Additionally, when selling a car, updated accident records can add to buyer confidence.
This article is for reference only, please follow the latest local laws and regulations.
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Mustafa Karim, having been deeply involved in automotive research and development for over ten years. He is fond of Japanese cars, and their precise and energy-efficient features have influenced him. In his spare time, he loves Japanese anime and kendo, drawing inspiration from them for control system research and development. He also often shares cutting-edge automotive knowledge on platforms, contributing to industry innovation and adding strength to automotive development with his expertise.
