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A UAE expat resident guide on how to check the accident history records of a secondhand vehicle
9 May 2022
| Last updated on 12 May 2022
Are you considering buying a secondhand car?
We recommend reading this first to save yourself from possible problems down the road.
Some expats buy a used car due to budget constraints, or to hone their UAE driving skills before investing in a brand new vehicle. Whatever the reason to buy one, a car is still a pricey investment. You would want to make sure that the secondhand car you're purchasing is a safe and secure vehicle for you and your passengers.
Before buying a pre-owned car in the UAE, there are several methods you can take to check if the vehicle has been in an accident before.
To help you make an informed decision on whether or not to buy the secondhand listing up for sale, here is an expat resident guide on how to check the accident history of a pre-owned car in the UAE.
Why is a secondhand car's accident history important?
A secondhand car's accident history is one of the most important decision-making factors when choosing a used vehicle to buy in the UAE.
Vehicles that have been in an accident in the past can have invisible or other other-lasting damages that can compromise the safety of the driver, passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.
It is highly recommend to do a background check on a pre-owned car before buying it. If a car has an accident in its history report, you should ask the owner what happened and make sure you get the car inspected further.
How to check a secondhand car's accident history in the UAE?
To check a used car's accident history in the UAE, you will require the car's chassis number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a unique 17 digit number containing details about the car. The details include the car manufacturer, where the vehicle came from, engine details, and the car's accident history.
Once you know this number, you can check the car's accident history in the UAE online.
Where to check a secondhand car's accident history online?
These are the four government sources where you can check the history online:
You can check a car's history in the UAE through four government sources:
- Abu Dhabi Police
- Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG)
- Ministry of Interior (MOI)
- Roads and Transport Authority (Car history and condition only, no data of car accident history)
Though we'd suggest checking with MOI or EVG as their service is straightforward and free-of-charge.
How to check a car's accident history online through Abu Dhabi police?
If you're in the UAE's capital, you can check the car accident history through the Abu Dhabi police's official online portal. Here's how:
- Visit the Abu Dhabi police's e-Service portal: https://es.adpolice.gov.ae/trafficservices/
- Select 'Public Services' from the menu and click on 'Vehicle's Accidents Inquiry'
- Provide the used car's chassis number
- Check the details of each accident, if any
How to check a car's accident history online through Emirates Vehicle Gate?
If you want to check a used car's accident history through the Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG) website, simply follow these steps:
- Visit the EVG website here: https://evg.ae/default.aspx
- Select the 'Traffic Accidents Management' tab
- In the 'Quick Search' bar, input the car's chassis number
- The vehicle's accident history will be displayed
How to check a car's accident history online through the UAE Ministry of Interior?
For the UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI) website, follow these steps to check a car's accident history.
- Visit the MOI website here: https://portal.moi.gov.ae/eservices/
- Go to the 'Traffic Accident' menu and select the 'Vehicle Accident' option
- Enter the chassis number of the vehicle
- The MOI portal will display the details of the vehicle's reported accidents
How to check a car's history online through the RTA?
If you want to check a car's history, you can do so through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai through a service called the 'Technical vehicle status certificate', available here. Note that the car's accident records isn't included in this data, but you will be given other useful information about the car's history and condition.
This certificate reveals the secondhand vehicle's information and history including its insurance history and validity, owner history, current condition of the car, and the vehicle's condition at the time of inspection.
You can check the car's details using the chassis number through 'Driver and Vehicle Owner Services'. Note that you will need the consent of the vehicle's current owner beforehand as an SMS code will be sent to them, and a total service fee of AED 120 must be paid by the prospective buyer to RTA.
For more information, please visit: https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/rta-services/service-details?s...
You may also check a vehicle's accident history through company websites such as CarReport and Carfax.
