What If Someone Scratches Your Parked Rental Car in Dubai?

If someone scratches your parked rental car in Dubai, you must report the incident to Dubai Police as an unknown accident and inform the rental company immediately, because repairing or moving the car without an official report can make you fully liable for the damage. 

Even minor scratches are treated seriously in Dubai when rental vehicles are involved, as insurance claims and responsibility depend entirely on a valid police report. Acting correctly from the first minute protects you from penalties, deposit deductions, and contract disputes.

Do Not Move the Car

The moment you notice the scratch, do not move the car from its original position. In Dubai, moving a vehicle involved in any form of accident, even a minor scratch, before police documentation can invalidate the report.

The police need to see the car exactly where the incident occurred to register it as an unknown accident. Moving it may raise questions about fault or timing, which can complicate insurance processing.

Check the Damage Carefully

Inspect the vehicle closely and identify all visible damage. Look for scratches, dents, paint transfer, or cracked trim. Take note of the affected panels, such as doors, bumpers, or fenders.

This step helps you document the full extent of the damage and ensures nothing is missed when reporting. Even small scratches matter in rental agreements.

Look Around for CCTV Cameras

Before filing the report, check nearby buildings, parking lots, shops, or street poles for CCTV cameras. Many areas in Dubai are heavily monitored.

If you notice cameras, make a mental note or take photos of their locations. While police may not always retrieve footage for minor cases, this information can support the report if needed.

Call Dubai Police

You can contact Dubai Police using the non-emergency number or, more commonly, by using the Dubai Police mobile app. For parked car scratches with no known offender, the app is the fastest and preferred option.

Avoid calling emergency services unless there is danger or injury. Unknown scratches fall under non-emergency reporting.

Select “Unknown Accident” Option

In the Dubai Police app, select the option for “Unknown Accident.” This category is specifically designed for cases where your parked car was damaged and the responsible party is not present.

Choosing the correct option is critical. Selecting the wrong accident type can delay the report or cause rejection, which affects insurance validity.

Upload Photos in the App

You will be required to upload clear photos of the damage through the app. Take multiple photos from different angles, including close-ups and wider shots showing the car’s position.

Ensure photos are well-lit and clearly show the scratch. Poor-quality images may result in the report being rejected or delayed.

Wait for the Police Report

After submission, wait for the digital police report to be issued. This usually takes a few hours but can sometimes take longer depending on workload.

The police report is the single most important document in this situation. Without it, the rental company will treat the damage as unreported and may charge you fully.

Do Not Repair the Car Yourself

Never attempt to repair the scratch yourself or take the car to a workshop without rental company approval. Unauthorized repairs violate rental agreements.

Even minor touch-ups can void insurance coverage and result in additional penalties. Always wait for instructions from the rental company after the police report is issued.

Inform the Rental Company Immediately

Once you have submitted the police report or received it, inform the rental company immediately. Send them the report reference number and photos if requested.

Rental companies in Dubai rely on police reports to process insurance claims. Delayed reporting can lead to deposit deductions or disputes when returning the car.

Conclusion

If someone scratches your parked rental car in Dubai, the situation is manageable only if you follow the correct legal steps. Do not move the car, report the damage through Dubai Police as an unknown accident, wait for the official report, and inform the rental company without delay. 

Skipping any of these steps can result in financial liability, loss of deposit, or insurance rejection. Acting promptly and correctly ensures the issue is resolved with minimal stress and cost.

Also Read: What to do if police stop you in a rental car in Dubai?