Every compensation case begins in the same place: the accident itself. What you do in the first hours — and the weeks after — largely determines what you recover months later.
First: the police report is the foundation
No UAE insurer processes a claim without a police report, and the fault allocation recorded in it shapes everything downstream. Report immediately, and if you disagree with the fault assessment, say so at the scene and in the report — appealing a fault finding later is possible but much harder. Photograph everything; obtain the report number before leaving.
What you can claim
Vehicle damage. Repair at approved garages or, for total loss, the vehicle's actual market value at the date of the accident under the unified motor policy — a figure insurers routinely open low. Independent valuation evidence pays for itself.
Medical expenses. Treatment, medication, physiotherapy and follow-ups attributable to the accident, to the extent not covered by health insurance.
Loss of earnings. Documented income lost during recovery — salary certificates and employer letters are the currency here.
Serious injury and death. Diya (customarily AED 200,000 for wrongful death) and arsh for scheduled injuries — and, for cases running under the new Civil Code effective 1 June 2026, courts may award additional material and moral damages beyond diya/arsh at the victim's request. This is a substantial change for families whose real losses always exceeded the fixed figures.
The two claims people confuse
The insurance claim (against your insurer or the at-fault driver's insurer) and the civil compensation case (against the at-fault party, often following a criminal traffic case) are different tracks with different rules. Serious-injury cases usually involve both, sequenced correctly: the criminal case's findings on fault feed the civil claim.
Mistakes that cost real money
- Accepting the insurer's first total-loss valuation without independent evidence;
- Settling before the medical position stabilises — you cannot reopen for complications discovered later;
- Missing the limitation clock (generally three years for insurance claims);
- Signing discharge paperwork drafted by the insurer without advice.
For a first estimate of what your case may be worth, use our compensation calculator — then let our accident team review the police report and the policy before any figure is accepted.
This article is general information, not legal advice.