What to do if your parked car is hit by an unknown person?

Found your parked car damaged, and the culprit vanished without a trace? That’s incredibly disheartening. It’s even more tragic if it’s your rental car. But don't despair just yet. Fortunately, there might be a way out of this if you act mindfully and swiftly. Here’s exactly what you should do if your parked car is hit by an unknown person in Dubai.

Check for the CCTV cameras

Every designated parking lot in Dubai has CCTV cameras. If you’ve parked in any of the designated parkings, it’s likely that you will catch the culprit. You can ask the management to review the CCTV footage and find out which vehicle damaged your parked car.

That’s it; you can breathe a sigh of relief. You need not go further as you already know who hit your vehicle. All you need to do is inform the authorities.

Inform Dubai Police: Call 999

Dial 999 and report the incident. Tell them that you have the CCTV footage of the car that hit and ran away. Dubai Police will soon arrive at the scene and pursue to catch the culprit. The offender will take responsibility to repair your car.

However, you might run out of luck sometimes. The CCTVs might fail to capture the incident, especially in darker zones or due to technical issues. Always park in well-lit areas. In such situations, you won’t be able to identify the wrongdoer. The worst part is you will need to pay for the damages out of your pocket.

Still there’s hope—but a different kind—an insurance (if you have one). A comprehensive insurance, to be exact! If you only have RTA regulatory Third-Party Liability Insurance, I feel truly sorry. It doesn’t cover parked car damages. If you have comprehensive insurance, here’s what you should do next. But first, inform your insurer of the incident and ask them about their requirements for your claim.

Then, reach out to Dubai Police. However, you don’t need to call them or file a police report in person. Dubai’s authorities have advanced digital platforms for that. Go to Dubai Police Website or use Dubai Police App (available in both iOS & Android). Pick one and file your Unknown Accident Report, which will be valid for three months.

Unknown Accident Report

Dubai Police’s Unknown Accident Report is tailored for parked vehicle damages by unknown agents. Obtaining this report is mandatory. Why? You will need this police report for insurance claims. No police report—no insurance claim.

The police will require some critical information to file your report. Providing clear, detailed information upfront is important. Enter the correct vehicle plate number, vehicle ownership details, license number, mobile number, and high-definition pictures of your car (all sides, including the damaged areas).

You will need to pay a total of AED 420 for the service (Service fee: 400; Knowledge fee: 10; Innovation fee: 10). An extra AED 100 if you make the application in person at a police station. You can make payments in cash (in service centers and SPS centers) or with cards and Apple Pay online. Reporting online—I recommend.

You will get your Unknown Accident Report in 3 working days. Once you get the report, you move on to the final step—the insurance claim!

Claiming Insurance (if applicable)

As you’ve already informed your insurer (within 24-48 hours of the incident), they cannot reject your claim for time limit. You will need to fill out forms and provide them with valid documents, such as:

1. Unknown Accident Report.
2. Your Emirates ID (or passport if applicable).
3. UAE driving license.
4. Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya).
5. High-quality photos of the damage (multiple angles, showing the car and surroundings).
6. Any CCTV footage or witness statements (if available; not mandatory but strengthens your case).

Note: If you’re a renter, you won’t have to go through this yourself. The vehicle rental company will handle everything. However, you'll be liable for damages that aren’t covered by your subscribed insurance (here: comprehensive insurance).

1. Claim Submission

Different insurance companies have different submission methods. However, you’ll need the above documents, either if you choose online or in person at a branch. The insurer will give you options to choose. Pick one that resonates with you.

2. Vehicle Inspection & Approval

Upon the acceptance of your submission, the insurer will arrange an inspection. They will come to your location or fix a location for inspection. If the damages match your claim, they approve and estimate repair costs.

3. Repair Authorization & Claim Closure

After approval, you can repair your car at the garage with authorization. The insurer will either pay the repair costs directly to the garage or reimburse you later. Deductible may imply. (Deductible: the amount you pay out of your own pocket before your insurance coverage begins to pay for a claim). This depends on your insurance policy. Either way, you get to repair your vehicle with insurance money.

Get a final claim statement or updated policy reflecting the claim before claim closure. Make sure to leave no loose ends. This is all you can do if your parked car is hit by an unknown person. However, avoiding such situations in the first place is what you should aim for.

Avoid Parked Vehicle Getting Hit

Is it not better to be safe than sorry? Be mindful while parking your vehicle, and you’ll avoid unnecessary troubles. Let's take a look at how you can avoid your parked vehicles getting hit by an unknown person.

1. Always park in designated, safe spots.
2. Park in well-lit, CCTV-monitored areas.
3. Avoid tight and high-risk parking spaces.
4. Park your car defensively without obstructing other vehicles.
5. Don’t park in quiet and unmonitored areas.
6. Choose your parking space mindfully. (Avoid flood-prone spots, cart return areas in malls, etc.)

Final Thoughts

Prevention is always better than cure, and that rings especially true when it comes to parking your vehicle. Always park in a properly lit, well-monitored, designated area. Should an unknown person hit your parked car, you avoid unnecessary trouble as the evidence presents itself. Also, you avoid Dubai parking fines. Otherwise, only comprehensive insurance can save your sinking ship. Dubai Police’s Unknown Accident Report is the cornerstone of your insurance claim, which you can obtain online via a mobile app or website. For uninsured renters and vehicle owners, a hit-and-run without evidence can be financially devastating. So, be mindful while parking your vehicle—it matters where you park. A little foresight can save you from a lot of unnecessary trouble and expense.