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Buying second hand cars Dubai is a popular way to get reliable transportation without breaking the bank. Yet, amid the attractive prices, hidden risks can lurk, especially if a vehicle has been in an accident. A car’s traffic accident history UAE can have a crucial role in its safety and performance, along with its long-term resale value. Fortunately, the UAE government provides free online tools to help you find any past collisions before you buy the vehicle. This detailed guide walks you through every step of the process, from finding the chassis number to reviewing accident reports and related traffic fines.

Why Inspect a Used Car’s Accident History?

• Safety Assurance: Structural damage from previous crashes can compromise a vehicle’s crashworthiness, even after repairs.

• Cost Transparency: Knowing about past accidents lets you anticipate future repair costs or negotiate a lower purchase price.

• Peace of Mind: A transparent vehicle history builds trust between buyer and seller, reducing post-sale surprises.

Skipping this check can leave you with a car that creaks, rattles, or worse—poses an unseen safety risk.

Step 1: Locate the Chassis Number (VIN)

The chassis number, also known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), is a unique 17-character code assigned to every car. It helps you know more about the vehicle’s history, You can find the number in any of the following ways:

• Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya): Flip to the back of the Mulkiya, and you will find the VIN listed under “Chassis Number.”

• Dashboard: Stand outside the driver’s side and peer at the lower corner of the windshield; the VIN is stamped on a metal plate.

• Driver’s Side Door Jam: Open the door and look for a sticker or plate on the door frame; the VIN should appear there as well.

Record the entire 17-digit code exactly, also remember that it’s case sensitive, and the portals require an exact match.

Step 2: Checking Traffic Accident History Online

There are multiple methods to check a vehicle's accident history, and below are a few of the common methods:

Ministry of Interior (MOI) Portal

•Go to the MOI’s Accidents Inquiry page.

• Paste the 17-digit code into the chassis number field.

• Complete the Captcha and click Submit.

• The system lists all registered accidents, including the date, time, location, and an accident report number. If no records appear, the car has no MOI-registered collisions.

Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG)

• Head to the EVG website and select Traffic Accidents Management on the homepage.

• Input your chassis number and click Search.

• Read through any accident entries, which may provide more granular details, such as fault determinations and damage assessments.

TAMM (Abu Dhabi Police)

• Go to tamm.abudhabi, Abu Dhabi’s e-services portal.

• Under Government Entities, choose Abu Dhabi Police, then search for View Vehicle Accident History.

• Log in via UAE Pass, and enter the chassis number.

Any past Abu Dhabi police-registered accidents will be displayed, helping you cross-reference MOI and EVG data.

Step 3: Verify Outstanding Traffic Fines

Even if a car has never been in an accident, unpaid traffic fines can transfer to you upon purchase. To avoid unwelcome surprises:

• Go to Traffic Fines Inquiry section of the Dubai Police website or through the app, enter the licence plate number, and view any pending fines.

• You could also use the RTA portal for this; input the plate number to check for toll or parking violations.

Settle any outstanding fines online, and this ensures the vehicle’s registration can be transferred while preventing any late-fee escalations.

Step 4: Conduct a Thorough Vehicle Inspection

Beyond online records, a hands-on inspection by a qualified mechanic can help to reveal the car’s true condition:

• Structural Check: Inspect for uneven panel gaps, repaint overspray, or welding marks that hint at past bodywork.

• Underbody Examination: Look for rust or fresh underseal, both can indicate prior collision damage.

• Suspension and Alignment: Test-drive to spot pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or unusual vibrations, which are common aftereffects of accidents.

• Electrical and Airbag Systems: Ask the mechanic to scan for airbag faults or warning lights, since tampered airbags are a safety hazard.

Pair this inspection with the official accident history, and you will get a better picture of the vehicle’s condition.

Step 5: Additional Pre-Purchase Checks

Service and Repair Records

Request invoices for oil changes, brake replacements, and major repairs. Consistent maintenance logs imply a well-cared-for car.

Bank Financing and NOC

If the previous owner financed the vehicle, a No Objection Certificate from the bank is mandatory to transfer ownership.

Insurance Claim History

Though not publicly available like accidents, ask the seller for any insurance claim details. A high number of minor claims could indicate persistent issues.

Odometer Verification

Compare odometer readings across service records. Discrepancies could be a sign of tampering.

Step 6: Negotiating Your Purchase

• Accident Discounts: If the car has a minor accident record, request a price reduction to cover future repairs.

• Fine Settlements: Offer to settle outstanding fines yourself in exchange for a lower purchase price.

• Repair Concessions: If minor damage wasn’t fully repaired, negotiate that the seller addresses it before you buy.

Step 7: Finalizing Registration and Ownership Transfer

• Complete Payment: Use secure channels like bank transfers or escrow services to pay the seller.

• Visit RTA Center: Transfer ownership via RTA, attaching all required documents (mulkiya, Emirates ID, if applicable, the NOC).

• Update Insurance: Shop for car insurance UAE quotes, now with verified accident data, insurers can provide accurate premiums.

Finalize your purchase by obtaining new registration plates and updating your insurance policy to reflect your ownership.

Conclusion

Purchasing second hand cars Dubai doesn’t have to be a leap of faith. By leveraging government portals to check traffic accident history UAE and verifying traffic fines, you gain insights into a car’s past. Pair these online searches with a detailed mechanical inspection, clear financial paperwork, and confident negotiation to drive away in a safe, reliable, and fairly priced vehicle. With the right due diligence, your next pre-owned car in the UAE will be a worry-free investment for miles to come.