Buying a used car is always a sticky decision, especially in the UAE, where vehicles can sometimes encounter some pretty nasty road and weather conditions. When looking in particular at a vehicle that has been involved in an accident, making that decision can become even harder!
There can also be an additional moral dilemma when looking at a vehicle that has been involved in an accident, which devalues it significantly due to the lack of history/future safety, and reliability. However, ultimately buying a vehicle from an accident isn't too bad a deal — if you do it properly.
At WeBuyCars.ae, we have helped countless customers in the UAE automotive market, including customers looking for accident vehicles. In this guide, we tell you how to go about purchasing an accident vehicle, what to consider, and how to protect your investment while still getting a non-accident deal.
Why Would Someone Buy a Car That Was Damaged in an Accident?
First off, let's take a look at the obvious question: Why would you buy a car that has been in an accident? In the UAE's highly competitive used car marketplace, much of the time, the answer boils down to price. Since accident-damaged cars are often 20–40% below market value, depending on the extent of the damage and the quality of repairs, they represent an affordable option for those on a budget or those with mechanical skills.
These individuals can purchase a newer model of a vehicle for way less and still keep payments in line with their budget. Nevertheless, not all accident-damaged cars are equal. The challenge comes down to being able to decipher the type of damage that was done, how it was repaired, and how it has affected the condition of the car.
Recognizing the Types of Vehicle Crash Damage
Before you buy, it’s important to decipher what type of damage the vehicle has sustained. Not all damage is bad news, and not all accidents are deal breakers. Some damage might be cosmetic in nature and other damage may affect the integrity, safety, or future performance of the car.
- Minor cosmetic damage – scratches, dents, bumper replacement are not very serious. In most cases, the vehicle can be repaired to remedy the minor damage without affecting the overall value of the vehicle.
- Moderate body damage – replaced doors/hoods/panels count as moderate body damage. While you may want to look a little closer at these damages, these are not deal breakers as long as they were properly repaired by a certified professional.
- Structural/frame damage - It’s where the risk to you becomes the highest. Frame damage, or a structurally compromised chassis, may leave you in an unsafe vehicle. Just because it may look OK on the surface doesn’t make it safe for you to drive.
Understanding how to evaluate accident damage is important before sealing the transaction.
What To Ensure Before Purchasing An Accident-Damaged Vehicle in the UAE
If you are buying a car with an accident history, you must take the following actions:
Ask To See A Full Accident Report and Service History
You should always ask for the accident report from the Dubai police or Abu Dhabi police, or check online via the Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG) system. These sites provide official reports stating:
- When the accident happened
- Where the accident happened
- The extent of the car damage
- The damage report
You should also ask for the entire service history to confirm whether the repairs were completed at authorized service centers or certified workshops.
Have the Car Inspected
Prior to handing over any money, have a trusted mechanic or independent motor vehicle testing station approved by the RTA give the car a proper inspection. The whole car, including the body, frame, suspension, electrical systems, and airbag deployment, should be checked.
If the inspection shows evidence of inadequate repair or damage that is hidden, the right option could be to walk away altogether and not risk future safety or resale problems.
Check with Your Insurer
In the UAE, some insurance companies won't provide insurance for vehicles involved in major accidents, and others will charge a higher premium. Be sure to check with your insurer to confirm the car has coverage for either comprehensive or third-party insurance. Work out what that cost would be for you.
Assess the Resale Value
Generally, a car that has been involved in an accident will have a lower resale value, even when fully repaired. WeBuyCars.ae always advises its customers to take this into account, particularly if they intend to resell the car in two years or so.
If you are buying a car purely for short-term use or maybe for a daily commute and don’t care about resale value, then at a discounted price, it could be a decent option.
Whether You Are Buying an Accident-Damaged Vehicle From a Dealer or Private Seller
When it comes to buying accident-damaged vehicles, you will find dealers and private sellers in the UAE. There are different risks with each:
Authorized dealerships and recognized used car sites are likely to provide reports and warranties for accident-damaged vehicles, providing peace of mind.
Private sellers are not always likely to fully disclose everything, making it much more risky unless you are very experienced at performing inspections to verify everything.
If you choose to go with a reputable source where accident history is completely disclosed and verified, your chances of ending up with a problematic vehicle are very low.
In general, we would recommend only buying from a reputable source with full disclosures, including accident histories, if you want to be serious about purchasing a damaged car.
WeBuyCars.ae Can Help You Sell or Value Cars that have been Accident Damaged
If you are on the other side of the coin of this transaction, people who find themselves on the wrong side of the accident, and you own a vehicle that has been damaged in an accident, do not worry. At WeBuyCars.ae, we buy any cars in any condition, including accident-damaged cars, or cars that are broken down, or cars that do not run (i.e., junk cars). In any case, we have the following service:
- Free car inspection
- Instant online car valuation
- Fair cash offers
- Hassle-free transfer and paperwork
We know accidents happen. Our goal at WeBuyCars.ae is to offer UAE residents a fair and efficient solution to sell unwanted or damaged cars as quickly as possible and to receive the best value for the vehicle.
Conclusion
Purchasing a vehicle that has sustained accident damage doesn’t have to be a risk — provided you know the process, conduct proper research, and be careful. Assessing the damage, checking the car history, and arranging an expert inspection will potentially help you get a reliable car at a reduced price on the market.
If you are looking to buy an accident-damaged vehicle, seeking to sell your car post-accident damage, or are just looking for a free online car valuation, WeBuyCars.ae is your trusted partner throughout the United Arab Emirates. By working closely with our clients to employ transparent processes, expert guidance, and make buying and selling a car easier, safer, and more rewarding.
FAQs
Is it safe to buy a car with an accident history in Dubai?
Sure, but only if the car was repaired to a professional standard and passed an RTA inspection. For all vehicles, you should check the damage report and the service history.
Will an accident-damaged car be more expensive to insure in the UAE?
In most cases, yes. Some insurance companies will charge higher premiums for prior accidents, while others will limit how the car can be covered.
Can I sell my damaged car in the UAE?
Yes, 100%. WeBuyCars.ae buys all types of vehicles, with damaged vehicles and accident-repaired cars being included.
Shall I buy a car from a private seller or a dealership?
Buy from a dealership or a verified online website to make sure you get a more complete picture of the accident information available, as well as provide some warranty for your purchase.