Driving a car around the beautiful Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is a fun and interesting experience. However, it can quickly turn into a gruesome scenario if the wrong move is made. Even when you are as careful as you can be, there are unavoidable accidents which could lead to severe casualties. If you happen to book a car rental Ras Al Khaimah and find yourself in such situation, here’s what you should do:
1. Ensure safety first:
Your first concern must be the safety of all parties involved. Move the vehicles involved to the side of the road, if the accident is minor and the vehicles are obstructing traffic flow. Otherwise, if the accident has involved injuries or great damage, just leave the vehicles in their positions and ensure all passengers get out into a safe place away from traffic. Put on your hazard lights to warn other drivers and, if available, use warning triangles to alert approaching vehicles.
2. Call the police immediately:
It is a requirement by law in UAE that all road accidents, even minor, be reported to police. Call 999 for immediate assistance. The police will document the incident, evaluate the situation, and issue a report, which is a very important document in the insurance and rental company claims. Without this report, it will be difficult to resolve any disputes with the rental company or insurance provider.
When the police arrive, be cooperative and tell them as much detail as possible concerning the accident. Don’t guess at any facts of which you are not certain. The police will fill out a report, usually green—meaning it’s not your fault—red, meaning it is your fault—or white, which means no fault will be determined. Be sure to get a copy of the report before you leave the scene.
3. Document the scene:
While waiting for the police or representatives from the rental company, take pictures of the accident scene. Include the position of the vehicles, visible damages, license plates, and any road signs or signals in the photos. These photos can be used as evidence in case of any disputes or insurance claims.
Get the contact information of any witnesses, if possible. Their statements may prove valuable if the conditions of the accident are disputed later.
4. Know your insurance coverage:
If you opt for car rental Dubai, you should be aware that most rental contracts include basic insurance coverages, usually limited to third-party liability. Check your contract to be more informed of the coverage and how much excess fee you have to pay if incurred.
If you’ve opted for additional coverage, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) or comprehensive insurance, your liability may be significantly reduced. However, remember that even with enhanced coverage, failing to follow the proper accident reporting procedures can invalidate your claim.
5. Avoid unnecessary repairs:
Do not try to fix the car yourself or take it to an unauthorized garage. The renting company will get an estimation of the damage caused and necessary repairs carried out through their authorized channels. Unauthorized repair might lead to extra costs and further complicate the claims procedure.
6. Keep copies of all documents:
It is very important to keep all the documents associated with the accident, including police reports, the rental agreement, and photographs, among others. Copies of these will be very instrumental in case there is a disputing or claiming of refunds from the insuring company.
Final Thoughts
Being involved in an accident can be quite stressful, but then again, if you know the right steps to take, you could lessen the stress and even save your life and that of others. First, you should get out of the scene of the accident; if you are in a car, try to get out instantly to avoid further casualties. File a police report, document the scene, and get treatment immediately. Using services like OneClickDrive will come in handy as they mostly offer roadside assistance in case issues like this arise.
