Car theft cases have significantly reduced in the UAE, thanks to stringent laws and advanced security measures. However, the risk still exists and dealing with a stolen car can be a stressful experience. If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy, you may be eligible for compensation. But to successfully claim car insurance for stolen cars, you must follow the proper process. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to file an insurance claim for a stolen car and highlight specific procedures in different emirates such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah etc.
Car Insurance for Stolen Cars
Car theft cover is typically included in comprehensive car insurance policies. If your car is stolen and remains unrecovered, your insurance provider will compensate you based on the insured declared value (IDV) of the car, minus applicable deductibles and depreciation. However, before your claim is approved, the authorities must officially declare your vehicle untraceable.
Steps to File a Car Insurance Claim for Stolen Cars in UAE
1. Report the Theft to the Police
As soon as you discover your car has been stolen, contact the police immediately and file a theft report. If your car was parked in a paid parking facility, inform the security personnel and check for any CCTV footage. If you have an anti-theft tracking device installed, try to locate your car.
2. Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance provider about the theft without delay. Although you don’t need to file a claim immediately, timely notification ensures a smoother claims process later. If you got your car insured from Shory, you can get in touch with our claims department.
3. Begin the Claim Process
Once you have the police report, obtain the claim form (digital or offline) from your insurance provider. Fill out the form with all required details and attach the necessary documents.
4. Submit Required Documents
To file a claim, you must provide the following:
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Copy of your driving license
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Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) copy
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Insurance policy copy
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Original police report
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Completed claim form
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Details of the car keys and their location at the time of theft
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Names of individuals who had access to the car
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List of stolen personal items (if applicable)
5. Claim Processing and Settlement
Once the police officially declare your car untraceable, your insurance company will process the claim. The payout amount will be based on the market value of the car minus depreciation and deductibles.
Car Insurance Theft Claim Process in Different Emirates
While the general process remains the same, minor differences exist in the procedures across Emirates:
Dubai
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File a police report through the Dubai Police app, website, or nearest police station.
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Obtain a clearance report from the police before submitting your claim.
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The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) may need to be informed if the car was leased.
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The claim is usually processed within 30 days.
Abu Dhabi
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Report the theft to Abu Dhabi Police and obtain a police report.
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Insurance providers may require a report from the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DoT).
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Some insurance companies may request additional documentation, such as a security clearance.
Sharjah
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File a report at the nearest Sharjah Police station or online.
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A clearance certificate is mandatory before claim submission.
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The insurance claim may take slightly longer due to additional verification processes.
Other Emirates (Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain)
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The process is similar, with police reports being the primary requirement.
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Insurance companies in these Emirates may have additional verification steps.
What Happens If Your Car is Found?
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After claim settlement: You can either return the claim amount and get your car back or allow the insurance company to take ownership.
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Before claim settlement: The insurance provider will inspect the car for damages and either cover repair costs or declare it a total loss.
Final Thoughts
While car theft in the UAE is rare, having a proper insurance claim process in place ensures financial security in case of an unfortunate event. Make sure to report the theft promptly, follow the correct steps, and submit all necessary documents for a smooth claims process. Each Emirate may have slight variations in procedures, so always check with local authorities and your insurance provider for specific guidelines.
By understanding the claim process, you can ensure that you are well-prepared to handle any situation and secure compensation for your stolen vehicle.
