Rain-hit Vehicles in UAE: Step-by-step Guide to Securing a Damage Certificate Across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah

Unsettled weather conditions continue to impact the UAE, with rainfall, strong winds and dense cloud cover expected to persist until Friday, according to the National Centre of Meteorology.

Authorities across the country have issued safety advisories, warning that vehicles parked in low-lying and flood-prone areas could be vulnerable to damage. If your vehicle has been affected, securing an official damage certificate is a key step in processing insurance claims and completing related administrative requirements.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply for a vehicle damage certificate across different emirates.

Dubai: Apply online through Dubai Police


Dubai Police allows motorists to obtain a ‘To Whom It May Concern’ (TWIMC) certificate through its website and smart application. This certificate acts as official confirmation that a vehicle has been damaged due to adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain.

How to apply:

• Visit the Dubai Police website (dubaipolice.gov.ae) and navigate to ‘Certificate Services’
• Select the ‘TWIMC Certificate’ option and click on ‘Access Service’
• Fill in the required information, including:
• Emirates ID number
• Certification type: Natural Disasters
• Disaster type: Rain
• Exact location of the incident (pinpointed on the map)
• Date on which the damage occurred
• Vehicle details such as plate number, source, category and code
• Email address for communication
• “Required by” field: Select Motor insurance
• A brief description outlining the extent and nature of the damage
  
  
• Upload clear images of the damaged vehicle in supported formats such as PDF, JPG or PNG
• Pay the applicable service charges and submit the application
  
  

Once submitted, applicants will receive a transaction reference number via SMS and email, enabling them to track the status of the request.

Cost:

• Dh75 service fee
• Dh20 knowledge and innovation fee
• Total payable: Dh95
  
  

Processing time:

The certificate is typically issued within one to two working days and sent to the applicant’s registered email address.

Abu Dhabi: File an ‘unknown accident report’


In Abu Dhabi, motorists are required to obtain an ‘unknown accident report’ through Saaed. This report serves as the official document needed to support insurance claims arising from weather-related vehicle damage.

How to apply:

• Visit the official Saaed website (saaed.ae), or
• Download and use the Saaed mobile application, available on both iOS and Android platforms
  
  

Motorists must submit relevant vehicle details and, where required, supporting evidence to complete the process.

Sharjah: Apply through Sharjah Police


Sharjah Police also provides motorists with the option to apply for a TWIMC certificate online in cases where vehicles have been damaged due to natural disasters such as heavy rain.

Motorists can:

• Access the service through the Sharjah Police website (shjpolice.gov.ae) or smart application
• Upload photographs clearly showing the damage sustained by the vehicle
• Complete the application process without the need for physical visits
  
  

The certificate is generally issued within one working day, reflecting ongoing efforts to streamline procedures and improve service efficiency.

Why this certificate matters

Whether in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, these official documents play a crucial role in:

• Establishing that the damage was caused by weather-related factors
• Meeting the documentation requirements of motor insurance providers
• Reducing the risk of delays or disputes during compensation processing
  
  

With continued rainfall and the possibility of flooding in several parts of the UAE, applying for the certificate at the earliest opportunity can help ensure a smoother and more efficient insurance claims process.

 

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