Purchasing a used car in the UAE offers a range of benefits, from lower prices to a vast selection of models. However, making an informed decision is crucial to ensure you’re making a safe purchase. One essential step is checking the accident history of the vehicle, which provides insights into its past and can reveal if it has been through any incidents that could impact performance or safety. This guide will take you through how to check a car's history using its chassis number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and highlight free resources available in the UAE to verify accident history.

What is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

If you’re purchasing a car, always ask for the VIN to check its background. 

A VIN, or a chassis number, is a unique 17-character identifier for every car manufactured. This alphanumeric code has every single information, including the car’s origin, year, model, and accident history. The VIN can typically be found on the car’s dashboard (visible through the windshield) or inside the driver’s door frame. 

How to Check Car Accident History in UAE for Free

Knowing a car’s accident history is essential for a smooth, worry-free car purchase. In the UAE, various agencies and online platforms provide accident history reports at no cost. Here’s a breakdown of how you can access this valuable information:

1. Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG)

• The EVG platform provides accident histories for cars registered in six of the seven emirates—Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. Dubai-registered vehicles or those that have moved from Dubai to these emirates may not have full accident records on EVG.

• To access EVG’s accident history:

1. Visit the EVG website and enter the VIN under the Quick Search option.

2. View the accident history list if any incidents have been reported. If there are no accidents, the screen will indicate that.

2. Ministry of Interior (MOI)

• The MOI website is another resource for checking accident history. Unlike EVG, MOI can sometimes pull records for vehicles transferred between emirates.

• To use MOI’s accident check:

1. Go to the MOI website and input the VIN.

2. Search results will display any accidents if recorded, including the number of incidents, report numbers, and locations.

• Keep in mind that the MOI platform doesn’t include data for vehicles registered solely in Dubai from the start.

3. Dubai-Specific Resources

• For Dubai-registered vehicles, the Dubai Police helpline offers a quick check on accident history.

• Additionally, the RTA’s Technical Vehicle Status Certificate provides a comprehensive vehicle report covering accident history, ownership records, and insurance details. This service costs AED 120 but can be valuable if you want an extensive report on a vehicle’s background.

Additional Checks to Perform When Buying a Used Car in UAE

While accident history is a primary concern, other checks can further ensure you’re buying a reliable used car. Here are a few recommendations:

• Service History: Ask for maintenance records, ideally from certified dealers or service centers, to confirm the car has been well-maintained.

• Mileage Verification: Ensure that the odometer reading is accurate and hasn’t been tampered with.

• Market Price Comparison: Research the average price of similar models. Comparing a brand new car price in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE with used models helps you gauge whether you’re getting a fair deal. 

You can visit https://www.hyp-mobility.com/ for a comprehensive research on new cars, best used cars and even SUV cars for sale in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE.

These steps are especially useful if you’re interested in specific premium models. Understanding a vehicle’s history makes a significant difference in assessing value and reliability. 

Importance of Accident History for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, accident history offers clarity and peace of mind, ensuring you’re not inheriting any hidden damages or costly repairs. If you’re selling a car, providing a clean accident history report can boost buyer confidence, increase your asking price, and reduce the time it takes to make a sale. Buyers are often more comfortable purchasing when they know the full history, so being transparent about any past damages and repairs benefits both parties.

Conclusion

In the UAE, performing a chassis number check and verifying a car’s accident history are crucial steps in the used car buying process. From government-backed services like EVG and MOI to Dubai-specific resources, these tools make it easy and affordable to understand the history of any vehicle you’re considering. Always insist on accessing this information—it’s a key step in making a confident, well-informed decision when buying a used car in the UAE.